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- GUARDIAN- Sean Ingle " Price of watching football will continue to rise despite City fans' protest
Manchester City fans are rightly aggrieved at paying £62 for an away ticket but there is little evidence a change is coming
- QPR's Remaining 16 GAMES (With 14 Points after 22 game...Needed about 25 more Points)
Manchester City fans are rightly aggrieved at paying £62 for an away ticket but there is little evidence a change is coming
- QPR's Remaining 16 GAMES (With 14 Points after 22 game...Needed about 25 more Points)
- Earlier QPR-Tottenham Match Reports & Post-Match Comments
MAIL - SAMI MOKBEL - QPR signings face wages slash: Hoops to introduce pay-cut clauses to save them from financial turmoil
Queens Park Rangers want to insert pay-cut clauses into any new player contracts to help stop the club falling into financial ruin if they are relegated.
Sportsmail understands the clauses could result in players having their wages halved should QPR fail to stay in the Barclays Premier League.
Manager Harry Redknapp has so far had a frustrating transfer window, with Tal Ben Haim his only signing.
As revealed by Sportsmail on Thursday, Redknapp has had to rethink his transfer plans after snubs from top targets Loic Remy, Demba Ba, Joe Cole and Mohamed Diame.
Slow business: Ben Haim is QPR's only signing of the transfer window so far
The proposal that potential January buys will have to agree to a possible wage slash complicates QPR’s attempts to bolster their squad.
Tottenham midfielder Jake Livermore is expected to sign on loan this week, while the club have made a £2.5million offer for West Bromwich Albion forward Peter Odemwingie.
Redknapp, who is also trying to sign Yann M’Vila from Rennes, says his whole life is consumed by saving QPR.
The 65-year-old, who flew to France after Saturday’s goalless draw against Tottenhan to look at M’Vila, also hopes to keep defender Ryan Nelsen for ‘another six or seven weeks’ before the Kiwi becomes Toronto FC’s coach.
Reunion: Livermore is expected to sign on loan from Redknapp's former club Tottenham
Redknapp said: ‘I could sit back and say, “It’s not my problem, unlucky”, but my whole life is consumed by saving QPR. I don’t sleep every night and my mind’s non-stop. But it’s a buzz.’
Redknapp admitted an interest in Odemwingie after not using any of the three strikers - Djibril Cisse, Jay Bothroyd and DJ Campbell - he named as substitutes on Saturday.
But, by playing with just one striker, QPR have taken four points in their last two Premier League games against Chelsea and Spurs, and Redknapp insists this is the way QPR have to continue if they want to stay up.
Target: Redknapp is interested in Rennes midfielder M'Vila
He said: ‘I’ve had teams in the last few years who had great attacking flair, but I have to make the best out of what we have and be hard to beat.
‘Against Liverpool, I played Djibril Cisse up front with Adel Taarabt with two wingers and got destroyed. We are not good enough to play that way, unfortunately.
‘Some of my players get written off. People say, “They are only Championship players”. But they are giving it everything and I can’t ask for more.’
MAIL - Laura Williamson - Whole life consumed by saving QPR: Redknapp says new job is keeping him up at night
Harry Redknapp said his 'whole life is consumed by saving QPR' after his side earned a credible draw against former club Tottenham.
The Rangers boss, 65, flew to France after Saturday's game to check on Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila and is close to securing a loan move for Spurs' Jake Livermore, who was not involved at Loftus Road.
Redknapp also hopes to keep defender Ryan Nelsen for 'another six or seven weeks' before he becomes head coach of Toronto FC.
Consumed: QPR manager Harry Redknapp has said his 'whole life is consumed by saving QPR'
Consumed: QPR manager Harry Redknapp has said his 'whole life is consumed by saving QPR'
The QPR manager said: 'I could sit back and say: "It's not my problem, unlucky", but my whole life is consumed by saving QPR. I don't sleep every night and my mind's non-stop. But it's a buzz.'
Redknapp also admitted an interest in West Brom forward Peter Odemwingie after deciding not to use any of the three strikers - Djibril Cisse, Jay Bothroyd and DJ Campbell - he named among his substitutes on Saturday.
But playing more conservatively, with just one striker, has helped QPR take four points in their last two Premier League games against Chelsea and Spurs, and Redknapp insisted this is the way QPR have to continue if they want to stay up.
On the move: Redknapp hopes that defender Ryan Nelsen (right) will stay at the club for six or seven weeks more before he leaves to become a coach in the USA
On the move: Redknapp hopes that defender Ryan Nelsen (right) will stay at the club for six or seven weeks more before he leaves to become a coach in the USA
He said: 'I have had teams in the last few years who have great attacking flair, but I have to make the best out of what we have got and be hard to beat.
'Against Liverpool, I played Cisse up front with (Adel) Taarabt with two wingers and got destroyed. We are not good enough to play that way, unfortunately.
'Some of my players get written off. People say: "They are only Championship players." But they are giving it everything and I can't ask for any more.'
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footbal....l#ixzz2HtgiHgni
Harry Redknapp said his 'whole life is consumed by saving QPR' after his side earned a credible draw against former club Tottenham.
The Rangers boss, 65, flew to France after Saturday's game to check on Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila and is close to securing a loan move for Spurs' Jake Livermore, who was not involved at Loftus Road.
Redknapp also hopes to keep defender Ryan Nelsen for 'another six or seven weeks' before he becomes head coach of Toronto FC.
Consumed: QPR manager Harry Redknapp has said his 'whole life is consumed by saving QPR'
Consumed: QPR manager Harry Redknapp has said his 'whole life is consumed by saving QPR'
The QPR manager said: 'I could sit back and say: "It's not my problem, unlucky", but my whole life is consumed by saving QPR. I don't sleep every night and my mind's non-stop. But it's a buzz.'
Redknapp also admitted an interest in West Brom forward Peter Odemwingie after deciding not to use any of the three strikers - Djibril Cisse, Jay Bothroyd and DJ Campbell - he named among his substitutes on Saturday.
But playing more conservatively, with just one striker, has helped QPR take four points in their last two Premier League games against Chelsea and Spurs, and Redknapp insisted this is the way QPR have to continue if they want to stay up.
On the move: Redknapp hopes that defender Ryan Nelsen (right) will stay at the club for six or seven weeks more before he leaves to become a coach in the USA
On the move: Redknapp hopes that defender Ryan Nelsen (right) will stay at the club for six or seven weeks more before he leaves to become a coach in the USA
He said: 'I have had teams in the last few years who have great attacking flair, but I have to make the best out of what we have got and be hard to beat.
'Against Liverpool, I played Cisse up front with (Adel) Taarabt with two wingers and got destroyed. We are not good enough to play that way, unfortunately.
'Some of my players get written off. People say: "They are only Championship players." But they are giving it everything and I can't ask for any more.'
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footbal....l#ixzz2HtgiHgni
TELEGRAPH - HENRY WINTER
Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp courts Yann M'Vila in bid to avoid relegation battle
Harry Redknapp admits that his “whole life is consumed by saving QPR”.
Redknapp immediately flew to France after Saturday’s draw with Tottenham, assessing Yann M’Vila for Rennes in their defeat by Bordeaux. Redknapp will be at training at Harlington on Monday before hurtling up to West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday morning for their FA Cup replay.
Redknapp’s pre-match chat with Steve Clarke should be interesting after the West Brom manager rebuffed his inquiry about Peter Odemwingie. Redknapp is working overtime to find the right recruits while also building from the current squad. Bobby Zamora is “not too far away” returning from injury, according to the manager.
“I haven’t been home too much lately,’’ Redknapp said. “It’s difficult but you have to try. I could sit back and say, ‘It’s not my problem, unlucky’. My whole life is consumed by saving QPR. I don’t sleep every night, my mind’s non-stop. It’s a buzz.’’
He has had to temper old attacking traits, focusing on grinding out results such as Saturday’s against his old side with mass defending.
“I’ve had teams in the last few years who have great attacking flair. I haven’t got Lennon, Adebayor or Defoe, so I have to make the best out of what we have got and be hard to beat. Against Liverpool, I played [Djibril] Cissé up front with [Adel] Taarabt with two wingers and got destroyed. We are not good enough to play that way, unfortunately.’’ Old heads such as Shaun Derry and Clint Hill have been vital. “They get written off,’’ Redknapp continued. “People say, ‘They are only Championship players’ but they are giving it everything and I can’t ask for any more. And they are good around the place. [Jamie] Mackie’s effort: he isn’t Gareth Bale, but does he try? He gives everything.
“They are good lads, not earning big money, but you can rely on them. There’s no big-headedness, or big-time Charlie with them. They care for the club.”
Another is Ryan Nelsen. “What a competitor. I took him to Spurs last year and people said, ‘Are you mad?’. I said, ‘He’s one of the best centre-halves we have had in the Premier League and one of the best characters.’ He has come here and been fantastic. You can see why someone wants to want to take him to Toronto and make him [manager]. Hopefully we will keep him for another month or six to seven weeks.”
As well as Nelsen and Hill defensively, QPR were indebted to Julio Cesar for some fine reflex saves, first to deny Jermain Defoe and then Emmanuel Adebayor. Like Redknapp, Andre Villas-Boas was considering a move for a forward and he has been linked with Internacional’s Leandro Damiao, with Adebayor heading to the Africa Cup of Nations.
“Ade doesn’t miss lots of fixtures so we should be OK, but it’s something to be cautious of,’’ the Spurs manager said. “We still have time if we want to move in the market, although it’s very unlikely we’ll do anything. We are aware of the situation. It’s not impossible. But we had great success with Defoe and Clint [Dempsey] up front.’’
Villas-Boas, who is hopeful that Sandro’s knee injury is not serious, was delighted to see Scott Parker’s strong performance as the Brazilian’s replacement. “Last season I thought about him,’’ the former Chelsea manager said. “In the end I opted for Oriol [Romeu] but I spoke with Scotty to come back to Chelsea.
“He’s an important player, an English international and a great professional and somebody of great ability. He can always give you an extra edge on the pitch with his leadership. He’s still at the peak of his game. He’s one of the players Roy [Hodgson] counts a lot on. He’ll definitely be involved in the February internationals.”
Parker was focused on ensuring that Spurs avoid repeating the slide they suffered in the second half of last season. “That is in everyone’s minds because it’s happened before. Maybe what happened will stand us in good stead.’’
He believes Redknapp will revive QPR. “I think the world of Harry,’’ Parker said. “He can have as big an impact as anyone.’’ Telegraph
GUARDIAN - PAUL DOYLE
QPR roadblock may steer Tottenham towards a familiar downhill route
• Scott Parker says Spurs must avoid another slump
• Testing match against Manchester United looms
A creeping sense of déjà vu spooks Tottenham Hotspur after this match and it has little to do with Harry Redknapp. The sight of their former manager in the opposing dugout surely triggered memories good and bad but what really chills Spurs is the knowledge that this limp performance at a critical juncture of the season was similar to the ones that heralded collapses in each of the past two campaigns. André Villas-Boas's task now is to do what Redknapp was unable to do and prevent a slip-up turning into a prolonged slide.
A 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers at a similar stage last season was the start of a sustained dip that saw Spurs win only six of their last 18 matches and allowed Arsenal to come from 10 points behind to leapfrog them into third place. That ultimately cost Spurs a spot in this season's Champions League. The previous campaign unravelled in similar fashion, as Spurs fell out of the top four after winning only one of 10 matches between March and early May.
Those collapses have left scars. "It is in everyone's minds because it has happened before," said Tottenham's midfielder Scott Parker, who hopes those disappointments will drive the squad on to avoid a relapse. "As a team and as a squad we need to maintain our performances. Maybe what happened in the past will stand us in good stead. I just think we can learn from two years ago and last year and stay strong."
It may or may not help that Tottenham's next match is against Manchester United. The prospect of beating the league leaders for the second time this season could inspire Villas-Boas's team and, although their defence will surely be stretched, Tottenham's attacking players will relish the space that may be given to them by adventurous opponents.
It could be a pleasant change from facing Queens Park Rangers, who frustrated Tottenham with zealous ultra-defending. Other than in the fifth minute, when Jermain Defoe orchestrated a flowing move that led to Júlio César making two wonderful saves – first from Defoe and then from Emmanuel Adebayor on the rebound – Tottenham toiled without ingenuity.
Villas-Boas looked on the bright side afterwards, claiming an away point was satisfactory, but he had declared beforehand that nothing less than victory would suffice on a weekend when the meeting of Manchester City and Arsenal promised Tottenham an opportunity to gain ground on two of their chief rivals for a top-four finish.
With Chelsea, Everton and possibly others also in contention, this season's scramble for Europe is of unprecedented intensity. This is no time to wilt.
After a match when they looked short of attacking ideas, it is scarcely a positive thing that Tottenham must also now make do without one of their main strikers. Adebayor has left for the Africa Cup of Nations and will miss between two and five matches, depending on Togo's progress in the tournament.
However, Villas-Boas says Tottenham can cope without Adebayor for a few weeks, hoping Clint Dempsey will replace him as effectively as he did when Adebayor was suspended following his red card against Arsenal in November.
The manager says it is "very unlikely" that Tottenham will enter the January transfer market to bolster their attack. However Spurs are known to be looking at other strikers so it would be no surprise if Adebayor, who has seldom sparkled this season, returns from South Africa to discover he has a new competitor for his place.
"It's not impossible," says Villas-Boas. "We still have time if we want to move in the market, although I think it's very unlikely we'll do anything. But if nothing serious happens in terms of injuries or suspension, we are, I think, in a good situation. We will keep analysing it."
Redknapp, meanwhile, makes no bones about it: he needs several new players. That, too, feels familiar.
Man of the match Stéphane Mbia (QPR)
Guardian
Club
|
Pld
|
Pts
|
|---|---|---|
21
|
52
| |
21
|
45
| |
21
|
41
| |
22
|
40
| |
22
|
37
| |
20
|
34
| |
22
|
33
| |
21
|
31
| |
22
|
30
| |
22
|
29
| |
21
|
26
| |
22
|
26
| |
22
|
25
| |
22
|
25
| |
21
|
21
| |
22
|
21
| |
22
|
19
| |
22
|
19
| |
22
|
16
| |
22
|
14
|
