QPR Report Twitter Feed

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

A Forgotten Headline "QPR Advance in the FA Cup!" - QPR's First FA Cup Win in Over a Decade! Compilation of Match Reports and Comments (and Video)

-

-
- For comprehensive and latest QPR news-related pieces and discussion, visit the football-only, somewhat-different QPR Report Messageboard. All QPR Perspectives genuinely welcomed! Or comment on any of the articles posted below - QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
_________________________________________________________________________________

- Six Days From Now: The Asian Football Awards: Nominees Include Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal

- A Look at How Norwich and Swansea have Progressed by Buying Lower League "Rising" Players

- The Current Bottom Six Premiership Clubs: Their Remaining Fixtures

- Latest QPR Player Signing Reports/Gossip

- Recent QPR Transfer Gossip: Player-by-Player

- Year Flashback: Benni McCarthy Trialing for QPR in Reserve Game. QPR lose 2-9!


QPR Progress in the FA Cup

- Video of QPR's Goal

[Flashback to QPR's last FA Cup Win: Jan 17, 2001 FA Cup Replay QPR 2 (0) - 1 (1) (AET) Luton Kiwomya 90 Kiwomya 112 Mansell 1 At Loftus Road on 17-01-2001
QPR: Miklosko, Darlington, Baraclough, Plummer (Kiwomya, 35 ) , Carlisle, Perry, Rose, Connolly (Ngonge, 68 ) , Langley, Koejoe (Wardley, 90 ) , Crouch Subs not used: Harper,Morrow,
Luton: Ovendale, Fraser ( Stirling, 10 ) , Karlsen, Spring, McGowan, Whitbread, Nogan, Mansell, Holmes, Fotiadis ( Scarlett, 80 ) , Douglas ( Stein, 66 ) Subs not used: Abbey, George, Attendance: 14395 Match Report

QPR 1 MK Dons 0

EVENING STANDARD

Mark Hughes expects more from Queens Park Rangers after FA Cup progress


QPR manager Mark Hughes expects a much-improved performance from his side against Wigan this weekend.

Last night a strong-looking Rs side scraped through their FA Cup third-round replay 1-0 against MK Dons thanks to Danny Gabbidon's second-half header.

However, QPR's victory could not disguise a desperate performance in which they were fortunate to overcome their npower League One opponents.
While pleased the Hoops managed a first victory in 11 attempts, Hughes expects better against relegation rivals Wigan this weekend.

"It was very important," he said. "I think in terms of our performance we did not get anywhere near what we produced against Newcastle.

"It is a little bit unfair considering we playing on Sunday then Tuesday and that showed in our sharpness, or rather lack of sharpness.

"Credit to MK Dons, they were full of running and passed the ball really crisply and moved us around the pitch.

"It was a hard night but we stuck at it and if I have taken anything from the two games I have taken charge of, is the attitude.

"They dig in, try to work hard and try and get something from the game and that is what they did tonight.

"It is the first time we have progressed in the competition for many years and that was the prize on offer.

"That is what we were after, but we understand performance-wise we can do better.

"At the weekend we will be better prepared with
more preparation time and I am sure our performance levels will be better than what we were able to produce tonight."

Victory sets up mouth-watering FA Cup fourth-round tie against west London rivals Chelsea.

The Hoops won the league clash between the sides at Loftus Road, but the match is remembered for allegations that Chelsea's John Terry aimed racial abuse at Rs defender Anton Ferdinand. Terry has always denied the allegations.

Asked whether he had any concerns about playing Ferdinand against Chelsea, Hughes said: "No. Obviously I will speak with all the players leading into the game and get an understanding of where they are in their mind in terms of the mentality that you need to go into that game.

"It is a challenging game and a big test for us, but knowing Anton and having seen him over the years I am quite sure he will want to be involved in that game."

Ferdinand will likely feature for Hughes' side against Wigan this weekend, where he will be joined by skipper Joey Barton after suspension.

The midfielder watched from the stands at Loftus Road last night and spoke to MK Dons manager Karl Robinson after the match.

"I spoke with Joey downstairs and he was full of praise for the group of players we have got and so was their staff," Robinson said.

"They showed great respect for us and an awful lot of class in the way they got the victory in the end and the way they conducted themselves." Evening Standard


QPR Official Site - HUGHES: 'AN IMPORTANT WIN'
Posted on: Wed 18 Jan 2012

Mark Hughes believes tonight's FA Cup victory against MK Dons can be the stepping stone for an upturn in fortunes over the coming weeks.

Whilst Rangers weren't at their best in defeating the League One side, Hughes was pleased with the commitment and work-rate of his players and is confident the application and quality will begin to improve as a result.

"It was important to get that first win," he told www.qpr.co.uk, after Danny Gabbidon bagged the only goal of the game against Karl Robinson's men

"I'm told the FA Cup hasn't been kind to QPR in recent years, but it's a competition I've enjoyed throughout my career and I've always treated it with the respect it deserves.

"I was mindful of that tonight, but first and foremost it was important we got back to winning ways and we did that. I'm sure we'll build on that performance going forward."

Hughes added: "Given the fact that we hadn't been able to get a win on the board for a number of weeks it was important we got a result tonight.

"In fairness to the players it was always going to be a big ask given the schedule of playing two games in three days.

"We couldn't prepare as well as we normally would do, because of the Sunday / Tuesday factor.

"I think you could see that in some of our play. We huffed and puffed at times, but fair play to the lads, they got the result and we're in the next round, which we haven't been in for a number of years.

"The commitment and the work-rate was excellent, as it has been since we've been here."

Chelsea now lie in wait in round four, but Hughes is refusing to dwell on that tie, with the small matter of a visit form Wigan Athletic in the Barclays Premier League this weekend.

"The prize is a big one now, coming up against Chelsea, but the league is the priority this weekend," he acknowledged.

"We'll only start thinking about Chelsea once we've got the Wigan game out the way on Saturday."

Despite the victory, Hughes is fully aware of the need to improve when the Latics visit Loftus Road on Saturday.

"I've learnt a lot over the last two games, as well as in training," he said.

"There have been a lot of positives in both games, but we're also mindful that there's a lot we can build on and improve upon.

"Every single day I'm learning about the squad and they're learning about how I work and what I expect of them.

"It's a steep learning curve for everyone, but a curve that needs to be navigated as soon as possible.

"Once we get that understanding, our performances will improve and improve.

"It's important we make more positive strides ahead of what is a very big game against Wigan on Saturday
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/TheGaffer/0,,10373~2580552,00.html


BBC - Hughes looks for QPR improvement

Queens Park Rangers boss Mark Hughes is looking for an improvement from his side after they secured the first win of his reign against MK Dons.

Tuesday's 1-0 FA Cup third round replay win was Rangers' first in 11 games and first in the competition since 2001.

It sets up a fourth-round tie against Chelsea after Danny Gabbidon scored with a second-half header.

"The desire is there for everyone to see... but we can improve," said Hughes, who took over a week ago.

"Given the run the team has been on, perhaps there is a lack of confidence in each other."

QPR, who are in the Premier League's relegation zone, struggled at times against the League One side, who passed the ball well but failed to take their chances.

Both Charlie MacDonald and Jobo Ibehre had good opportunities to open the scoring, while Shaun Wright-Phillips also had a shot saved after being put clean through.

Then, just as it looked like the game might go to extra time, with Hughes' side having been beaten by Newcastle on Sunday, Gabiddon nodded in his first goal for nearly seven years.

DID YOU KNOW?

The last time QPR won in the FA Cup was when they beat Luton 2-1 in a third-round replay on 17 January 2001

Hughes told BBC Radio 5 live: "Obviously, they had a real desire and it was a big night for them. They came here with the right attitude and gave us a real game.

"But credit to our players. They stuck at it. Everybody here understands the importance of getting a win and we are able to look forward to a good tie against Chelsea.

"The main thing was to get a win back on the board and that has been a long time coming.

"Every game we play in now is a big game because of the circumstances we find ourselves in. We have a huge game at the weekend against Wigan, which thankfully we have little bit of time to prepare for now."

Hughes, who has been out of the game for seven months since leaving Fulham, added: "The challenge is huge, but we are ready for it."

MK Dons boss Karl Robinson took heart from his side's performance as they made light work of the 31 league places between the two sides.

"I'm proud, but disappointed we didn't win," he said. "We had enough chances, but just never took them.

"Our players can come away from here feeling very proud and I thought we outplayed them for long periods of the game.

"We try to play football the right way and think that we've proven that over these two games. We've shown tonight that we can compete with a very good QPR team." http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/16605312.stm


Dave McIntyre/West London Sport
Gabbidon heads QPR into fourth round

qpr

17/01/2012
by David McIntyre

QPR 1 MK Dons 0

Danny Gabbidon’s goal gave QPR their first FA Cup win for 11 years and set up a fourth-round clash with Chelsea.

Gabbidon headed home Shaun Wright-Phillips’ 73rd-minute corner, but Rangers’ victory did not mask a poor display that again underlined the need for new manager Mark Hughes to overhaul his squad – and quickly.

Hughes’ first win as R’s boss was marred by a shoddy performance despite the home team fielding almost their current first-choice line-up.

MK Dons, who didn’t exist when Rangers last won an FA Cup match, were two minutes away from knocking out their top-flight opponents 10 days ago and again came close to embarrassing them in this turgid replay.

The League One side were on top for much of the first half, with ex-Brentford striker Charlie MacDonald heading narrowly wide and then horribly missing the target after being put through by Stephen Gleeson.

At the other end, Wright-Phillips’ finish wasn’t quite as dismal after he was released by Akos Buzsaky.

But the winger, who is still awaiting his first Rangers goal, should have done better than shoot tamely at goalkeeper David Martin.

Despite injury and inactivity having a major effect on Buzsaky’s match sharpness, he was at the centre of Rangers’ best moments.

It was from the Hungarian’s left-wing corner that Shaun Williams headed into his own net, but the goal was disallowed for a foul by Shaun Derry.

Rangers continued to struggle after the break and another great chance for MK Dons was squandered when Adam Smith’s excellent right-wing cross was steered wide from close range by Jabo Ibehre.

And Rangers continued to look to Buzsaky, whose 35-yard free-kick – a blistering effort that was tipped over by Martin – was his final contribution before being substituted.

From the resulting corner, Gabbidon netted his first goal for QPR and paved the way for a west London grudge match which, given the events of October’s derby, is bound to be a fiery encounter.

It could also be extremely one-sided unless Hughes has some success in the transfer market in the coming days. West London Sport


GUARDIAN/Paul Doyle - Danny Gabbidon goal ends MK Dons' resistance and QPR's Cup drought

Danny Gabbidon's first goal in seven years means Anton Ferdinand and John Terry could meet on the pitch days before they meet in court. Queens Park Rangers, who registered their first FA Cup win since 2001, will host Chelsea in the fourth round on 28 January, four days before the England captain stands trial for allegedly racially abusing Ferdinand.

Mark Hughes, whose first home match as QPR's manager ended in a laboured win over the impressive MK Dons, said he will consult Ferdinand before picking the team to play Chelsea but expects the centre-back to take part. "Obviously I'll speak to him and get an understanding where we are but, knowing Anton, I'm quite sure he'd like to be involved."

Before then Hughes and his players must start extricating themselves from the relegation trouble into which they slipped by going 10 matches without a win prior to this unconvincing triumph over the team fifth in League One. MK Dons, who had come within one minute of eliminating QPR in the first match, began the replay with a swagger that contrasted starkly with the sloppiness of their supposed superiors, who were made to chase the ball for long periods. Karl Robinson's team should have taken the lead from one of several chances that they created in the first half. The best came in the 36th minute, when Charlie MacDonald sprung the malfunctioning QPR offside trap but fired wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Shaun Wright-Phillips then found himself in a similar position as QPR finally showed some incisiveness; the winger steered his shot on target but David Martin saved.

Hughes had named a strong side for the match but did not muster true quality until Akos Buzsaky sent a superb 25-yard free-kick towards the top corner in the 72nd minute. Martin produced an equally fine save but from the ensuing corner Gabbidon headed into the net. It was enough to secure victory but hardly to allay Hughes's concerns.

The manager confirmed his intention to recruit several players this month, preferably before this weekend's showdown with fellow relegation candidates Wigan Athletic. One of his chief targets is the Brazilian centre-back Alex, for whom QPR have agreed a fee with Chelsea.

"I spoke to the boy and explained what we're trying to do here and my feelings towards him as player but it's a big decision for him and some things still have to fall into place for it to be done." Hughes also said he hopes to complete the signing of another Brazilian, the striker Henrique, whose club, São Paolo, have also agreed a deal with QPR. "Talks seem to be progressing," said Hughes, who needs his team to do the same quickly.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/jan/17/qpr-mk-dons-fa-cup


MK Dons Official Site

A brave MK Dons bowed out of the FA Cup with Budweiser Third Round to a 1-0 defeat by Queens Park Rangers and were denied the chance to face Chelsea at stadiummk in the next round.

An 83rd minute header from Danny Gabbidon was all that separated the sides in the Replay at Loftus Road, after a 1-1 result at the Dons had forced a rematch, and it was a cruel way to exit the magical competition because Karl Robinson's men had out-classed their Premier League opponents on two occasions only to fall short in front of goal.

The defeat may cost them the chance to play host to Chelsea in the next round, a stage in the competition that they have never seen before, but the Dons should take bags of confidence from their performances which can only strengthen their form in League 1.

An added bonus for the Dons is the admirers they will have gained for their pass-and-move football and approach of playing with no fear. It might have been a different story had Jabo Ibehre and Charlie MacDonald converted key chances in the game, instead they are left not to ponder on what could have been, but to concentrate on their chase for the Championship.

The Dons had to get the memories of the cruel 89th minute equaliser at stadiummk out of their minds if they were to get the most out of the rematch. The visitors started brightly by imposing their shape and style on the hosts, although there were moments that would have caused a few nerves for the Dons bench especially when Shaun Williams was dispossessed near the box by Jay Bothroyd and Jamie Mackie quickly found himself on the ball but Luke Chadwick did will to recover and saw the ball out for a corner.



Bothroyd has struggled to endear himself to the Hoops fans and him the 11th minute he did little to win them over when he ghosted through the Dons defence to set up a great chance at goal, yet wildly shot over.

With quarter of an hour on the clock the possession had been with the Dons and QPR were looking to feed on the scraps of mistakes made by the Dons. Robinson's men were more than holding their own against the Hoops and Shaun Williams, despite his size and unfamiliarity with the centreback position, was proving invaluable at the back as he picked up on Wright-Phillips' poor touch on Federico Macheda's cross from the left to cut out any chance of an opening.

Although the goalmouth action was short-coming the play on the pitch was absorbing. When Jabo Ibehre intercepted a pass across midfield it offered a chance for Darren Potter to bring Adam Smith into action and the fullback, who has scored two stunners this season, unleashed a right-footed effort which fell wide of Paddy Kenny's goal.

Moments later Adam Smith was again key to the Dons' best attacks when a superb cross from the flank found poacher Charlie MacDonald but he could not turn his header on target.

At the other end Chadwick was called on for some last-ditch defending to prevent Wright-Phillips from turning in Macheda's through ball. From the resulting corner QPR thought they had score the first goal under the reign of Hughes as Shaun Derry headed home Akos Buzsaky's corner, but referee Phil Dowd was quick to rule the goal out after spotting Derry's wrestling antics of 'keeper Martin.

As the chances finally began to come in the game the Dons were able to cause a panic on the Hoops' box when Gleeson had the vision to see MacDonald in a good position and directed a fine cross for him to run onto, MacDonald had Kenny to beat and with the outside of his boot he watched in agony as the ball skimmed wide of the post.

Appeals from the Dons for a penalty came five minutes before the break when Chadwick tried to latch onto Gleeson's chipped ball into the box and went down under the challenge of Anton Ferdinand.

In a breathless spell, Buzsaky then cut the Dons open with a neat ball through for Wright-Phillips who had beaten the offside trap and had to get the better of Martin. However, Martin was alert to make himself big and managed to get a palm to Wright-Phillips' low shot away from a corner.

Buzsaky's initial corner forced another, from which Dean Bowditch raced on the counterattack but by the time he reached the 18-yard box the forward opted for the wrong next move as he flashed his shot over.

After the break both keepers were involved in year, but simple saves as Bothroyd twice called on Martin to make comfortable collections while Gleeson's shot from the edge of the box found target but Kenny never looked troubled.

The Dons, now shooting towards the 1,916-strong MK Army, were in disbelief that they had not taken the lead in the 58th minute when Smith played a superb cross into the six-yard box but Ibehre, looking to flick the ball in with a back heel somehow turned it wide of the post.

The pressure was coming all from the Dons, this time it was MacDonald who couldn't quite get his connection right as he curled Gleeson's ball past the same post that had prompted Ibehre to put his head in his hands.

Dons' dominance did not impress the home support who were extremely vocal in their encouragement of their players and of their opinions on who should and shouldn't leave the pitch.



Suddenly QPR found a surge of confidence when a free-kick deep from the left from the boot of Buzsaky brought a magnificent save from Martin, the Dons goalie had to backtrack and spring off his feet to lift the fiercely struck shot over the bar.

However, from the resulting corner Martin could do little other than watch as Wright-Phillips' corner caused disarray in the box and Lewington was left in the dust of Gabbidon as the Hoops' defender shook off the Dons captain to send a bullet header into the back of the net.

It was a shattering moment for the Dons and so undeserved too for all their positive play in the second half they had every right to fell hard done by to be trailing their hosts.

As time ticked away the Dons' hopes were fading, the R's had found their rhythm and former Don Mackie was denied a chance to double their lead as a low strike from the right of the area was blocked by Martin.

Ultimately, it was harsh on the Dons to taste defeat at Loftus Road but their Cup campaign will no doubt have won plaudits from any true football fans.

QPR (4-4-2): Kenny, Young, Gabbidon, Ferdinand, Hill, Mackie, Derry, Buzsaky (Helguson 72), Wright-Phillips, Macheda (T Smith 62), Bothroyd (Orr 86).

Subs not used: Cerny, Hall, Campbell, Ephraim.

Goal: Gabbidon 73

MK Dons (4-2-3-1: Martin, A Smith, Kouo-Doumbe, S. Williams, Lewington (c), Potter, Gleeson, Bowditch (O'Shea 83), Ibehre, Chadwick (Powell 73), MacDonald.

Subs not used: McLoughlin, Flanagan, Baldock, McNamee, G Williams.

Attendance: 10,255 (1,916 away)

http://www.mkdons.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10420~61454,00.html



QPR Official Site

Danny Gabbidon's 73rd-minute header earned QPR their first FA Cup victory in eleven years, thanks to a 1-0 defeat of a brave MK Dons side in this third round replay.


The reward for breaking their Cup hoodoo? A fourth round tie with West London rivals Chelsea, set to be contested at Loftus Road a week on Saturday.

Credit must be given to Karl Robinson's League One outfit, who - like in the original fixture - more than matched the R's.

But it Rangers who eventually put themselves into the next round of the competition, in Mark Hughes' first home game in charge as Rangers boss.


Shaun Wright-Phillips played architect for the winning strike, with his corner diverted home by the head of Welshman Gabbidon.

There was just a solitary change to Rangers' starting eleven for the visit of the Dons, with loanee Federico Macheda coming into the side at the expense of Heidar Helguson.

Hughes stuck with the 4-4-2 formation deployed in QPR's slender weekend defeat at Newcastle, with Paddy Kenny in goal.

Luke Young, Gabbidon, skipper for the night Anton Ferdinand and Clint Hill lined up in defence.

In midfield, Jamie Mackie and Wright-Phillips started from the flanks, with Shaun Derry and Akos Buzsaky in the centre.

Macheda was joined by Jay Bothroyd in attack.

On a bitingly cold evening in W12, it was the visitors - backed by a healthy visiting contingent from North Buckinghamshire - who enjoyed the brighter start.

Robinson's men ran Rangers close in the original tie held at stadiummk ten days ago and, much like on that afternoon, his team were passing the ball around with a great sense of purpose early on.

It was the Dons who duly fashioned the first attempt on target on 11 minutes, with Luke Chadwick shooting straight at Kenny with an effort from 20 yards-out.

The R's produced an opportunity of their own just a minute later. Macheda slipped a pass into Bothroyd down the right-hand channel, before the former Cardiff City man cut back past two opponents and blasted a shot handsomely wide of the post from the edge of the box.

But it was the Dons who continued to make the greater inroads towards goal. Spurs loanee Adam Smith went on a marauding run down the right on 24 minutes, before unleashing a bullet 30-yard effort that went just wide of the target.

Two minutes later, the visitors went their closest yet. Smith was again involved, sending over a pinpoint centre from the right that found Charlie MacDonald, whose header from ten yards went just inches wide of the upright - and a static Kenny.

Rangers produced their best opportunity to date in the 28th minute.

Bothroyd and Macheda combined before the latter played a clever through pass to Wright-Phillips, who looked certain to trouble Martin from 12 yards but for Chadwick's superb sliding intervention, which saw the ball go out for a corner.

QPR thought they had the lead from the resultant corner, after Derry turned home Buzsaky's set-piece from the left. Referee Mr Dowd, however, deemed the midfielder to have infringed upon visiting keeper David Martin.

The Dons should have led on 34 minutes. Shaun Williams' terrific slide pass from deep saw MacDonald break clear of last man Gabbidon, before the former Charlton hot-shot dragged an effort agonisingly wide of the bottom right-hand post from just inside the box.

Just three minutes before the break, Rangers missed their own gilt-edged chance to lead.

Buzsaky's through ball was to a tee, putting Wright-Phillips through on goal before the diminutive winger's subsequent shot from 12 yards forced an outstanding fingertip stop from Martin.

And Buzsaky was in the thick of the action again on the stroke of half-time, seeing his blast from the edge of the box go just inches over the bar.

The R's enjoyed the first opportunity of note in the second period on 48 minutes after Hill's cross was met by the head of Bothroyd from 12 yards, whose header was comfortably held by Martin.

Two minutes later the Dons yielded their opening chance of the half, with Gleeson shooting straight into the hands of Kenny from 25-yards out.

Bothroyd soon headed another effort into the hands of Martin - but it was the Dons who could, and probably should, have taken the lead in the 59th minute.

The impressive Smith's cross from the right was of perfection, finding Jabo Ibehre from all of six-yards out, who somehow dragged an effort past the post.

If that was close - the Dons went even nearer on 61 minutes, after Gleeson's low drive from range clipped off the foot of MacDonald before going just inches wide of the target.

Smith was at the heart of most of the Dons' positive play. The Tottenham youngster almost had the goal that his excellent display deserved on 62 minutes, skipping from the halfway line up to the edge of the box before seeing his shot whistle just past the right-hand post.

Buzsaky then almost struck with an outrageous free-kick from distance, brushing himself down after originally being felled before his 35-yard thunderbolt forced a spectacular save from Martin.

There was nothing the Dons keeper could do from the following corner, however, after QPR struck what proved to be the winner.

Gabbidon was the man of the moment, leaping to meet Wright-Phillips' centre from the right before his header nestled into the back of the net via the leg of a helpless Chadwick.

While this wasn't the prettiest of victories, Rangers are through and, with it, can look forward what promises to be another cracker against Chelsea.

QPR: Kenny, Hill, Derry, Gabbidon, Bothroyd (Orr 86), Mackie, Buzsaky (Helguson 72), Young, Wright-Phillips, Macheda (Smith 62), Ferdinand.

Subs: Cerny, Hall, Campbell, Ephraim.

Goals: Gabbidon (73)

Bookings: Young (90)

MK Dons: Martin, Smith, Lewington, Kouo-Doumbe, Gleeson, Potter, Bowditch (O'Shea 83), MacDonald, Williams, Ibehre, Chadwick (Powell 74).

Subs: McLoughlin, Flanagan, Baldock, McNamee, Williams.

Bookings: Ibehre (74)

Referee: Mr P Dowd

Attendance: 10,855 (1916 away)
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10373~61454,00.html



WEST LONDON SPORT

West London Sport/David McIntyre

QPR boss Hughes to continue Alex talks

17/01/2012
by David McIntyre
Mark Hughes will resume talks with Chelsea defender Alex on Wednesday and believes QPR are on course to clinch the signing of Brazilian striker Henrique.

Speaking after Rangers’ FA Cup victory against MK Dons – his first win since taking over at Loftus Road – Hughes confirmed an agreement has been reached with Chelsea and he is now trying to persuade Alex to sign.

He also said the bid to bring Sao Paulo prospect Henrique to west London “seems to be progressing”.

Hughes added: “Talks [with Alex] are ongoing. I’ve spoken to him and told him my feelings towards him as a player.

“It’s a big decision for him. We’re trying to get things finalised and get over the line with it.

“The hope is that we’ll get deals done sooner rather than later, but I can’t say for sure whether it’ll be sooner at the moment.”

QPR’s 1-0 win was their first FA Cup success for 11 years but did not hide the fact that Hughes needs to make an instant impact in the transfer market.

It also set up a fourth-round clash with the Welshman’s former club Chelsea, who were beaten 1-0 by the R’s in a highly controversial derby in October.

But Hughes insisted: “My focus is on the Wigan game at the weekend, which is a huge game for us.

“We’ll have to be better than we were tonight and [against Newcastle] on Sunday. That’s the challenge for us and we’re really up for it.

“We’ll watch this game and digest what happened, but it’s early days in my tenure here.”

http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/qpr-boss-to-continue-alex-talks/


- Two Year Flashback: Chairman Briatore on all he's done for QPR; Saved the Club; Axed only One Manager; Views of 20 Pound Fans

- Four Year Flashback: QPR Chairman Paladini Assures QPR Are Not Becoming a "Feeder Club" of Chelsea!

- Forty-Five Years Ago, QPR Win the First Leg of the League Cup Semi-Final at Birmingham!

- The End of Darlington Football Club?


When Saturday Comes (WSC) Anthony Hobbys - The more things change the more QPR remain strange

- Anthony Hobbs/When Saturday Comes



- On This Day: Mick Leach (RIP): Would Have Been Sixty-Five Today. RIP

- Two Years Ago: Mick Harford's First Game in Charge (After Paul Hart's Five games in charge!) QPR Plummet Downwards...41 Years ago: Gordon Jago's first Win as QPR (Caretaker) Manager



- Year Flashback: Warnock on Ledesma Trialing at QPR

- Two Years Ago: Paul Hart replaced by Mick Harford - after one month and five games in charge!

- Thirty-Eight Years ago! QPR Knock Chelsea out of the FA Cup in a Midweek Lunchtime Replay with Stan Bowles Winner. (Lunchtime, because no power during the "Three Day Week" of strikes/power cuts)

- "Where Are They Now...?" - News re Ex-QPRs Mike Flanagan...Joe Oaster...Simon Walton..David Kerslake

- A 2007 Interview with Mark Hughes: Why "Sparky"

- Antonio German Trialing at Scunthorpe

- Ex-QPR Youth Player Takes over as Preston Manager

- 11 Year Old QPR Trainee Gets Award/Funding Help

- Curle Applying for Bristol Rovers Job

- QPR Youth's Next Round Opponents will be known next week when Newcastle play Watford (January 19 at Newcastle)

Blog Archive