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Tuesday, September 24, 2013

#Middlesbrough Ref is Deadman...On This Day: #QPR Official Site Launched (16 Years Ago)...3 QPR Birthdays...5 Years Since Iain Dowie''s Reached 4th Round (Soon Sacked!)

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Next Middlesbrough: Some Old Programmes from the Bushman Archives (+ Couple of Videos, including a brilliant Rodney Marsh)
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QPR Report Messageboard
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QPR History in Photos: From the 1880s to the 21st Century - The Bushman QPR Photo Archives_
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- QPR Fan Forum, October 3 - Harry Redknapp and couple of Players (As scheduled: No One from the Board or Senior Administration - No Tony Fernandes or Philip Beard, etc)

Next Middlesbrough: Some Old Programmes from the Bushman Archives (+ Couple of Videos, including a brilliant Rodney Marsh)

  Saturday's Ref in the QPR vs Middlesbrough is Darren Deadman



 - Three QPR Birthdays Today Rufus Breveitt (44), Matthew Rose, (39) and Matt Connolly (26):
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- Five Years ago Today: QPR Win at Aston Villa in the Carling Cup - In the Fourth Round (where they played Manchester United - by which time, Manager Iain Dowie has already been sacked!
QPR: Cerny, Delaney, Stewart, Mahon, Hall, Parejo, Buzsaky, Agyemang, Rowlands, Connolly, Ledesma. Subs: Camp, Leigertwood, Blackstock, Gorkss, Balanta, Di Carmine, Ephraim.

VILLA: Guzan; Gardner, Knight, Cuellar, Shorey; Osbourne, Petrov, Barry, Young; Carew, Harewood. Subs: Friedel, Agbonlahor, Delfouneso, Davies, Salfou, Routledge, Reo-Coker.


SIXTEEEN YEARS AGO TODAY: QPR HAVE AN OFFICIAL SITE!

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Sep 24, 2009 at 3:32am
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Post by QPR Report on Sep 24, 2009 at 3:32am

Edit: Sixteen Years Ago Today, QPR Launched its Website...


QPR Official Site - September 24, 1997

- Welcome to the new Official Queens Park Rangers Web Site.
- We're delighted to have an official presence on the Internet and this site will give you the chance to keep up to date with everything that is happening at Loftus Road.
- Now wherever you are in the world - and I receive correspondence from our supporters from as far afield as Australia and Japan - you can know what's happening at the press of a button. Here at Queens Park Rangers we try to keep you informed as much as is practically possible and this site is a great step forward for the club and our supporters.
- It means you'll be able to read match reports of games just seconds after the final whistle has sounded, and very soon you will even be able to listen to live commentaries!
- News stories about the players, events and all aspects of the club will be updated on a daily basis by staff working inside the club.
- You can also order Club Merchandise without leaving your own home and chat with fellow fans in the Official Chat Forum.
- We'd also like you to play your part in further developing our site. You can help us by signing into the online Visitors Book.
- Happy Browsing,
-Chris Wright
Chairman
Queens Park Rangers Football and Athletic Club Limited


On the day of this inaugural post, QPR beat Terry Fenwick's Portsmouth 1-0 at Loftus Road

September 25, 1997 - QPR Official Site - R'S BATTLERS PLEASE BOSS - R's boss Stewart Houston was delighted to pick up all three points, after seeing Rangers battle out a 1-0 win against Pompey, at Loftus Road on Wednesday night.
- Stewart stressed the importance of being able to pick up wins when Rangers are perhaps not playing at their best.
- " I thought that was a really battling performance and although we can play better, I was pleased to pick up the three points. Although we were only one up, their keeper made three outstanding saves, and perhaps we could have had a penalty, the players thought so."
- The boss had to switch things round when an injury to Steve Morrow forced him into bringing on Matthew Rose.
- " Steve's overstretched and straight away he had a problem and we had to take him off. I felt I had to change things a little bit, so I did, and it seemed to tighten things up a little."
- Stewart afterwards cleared up any confusion over who got the Rangers goal and was quick to applaude Sheron's contribution.
- " Mike Sheron received the ball and squared it across the six yard box and Spenny's come in and got the touch. Mike comes alive in the last 25 yards - he was just a bit unlucky - but the goals will come."
- The win lifts Rangers to equal top, but the boss refuses to get too carried away.
- " It's early days yet, eight games into the season, but six wins out of seven gives us a lot of confidence."

Speaking the next Day...

QPR Official Site - ALL SMILES FOR SPENNY - JOHN SPENCER fired the bullet that took the R's joint top of the league, and then paid tribute to his striking partner Mike Sheron.
- Spencer's 44th minute strike was enough to beat Portsmouth and to hoist Rangers level with Nottingham Forest at the top. The wee Scotsman was delighted with the outcome of the night.
- ""It was a really tough game. Portsmouth played well for long periods, pinning us back. But justifiably the three points went to us in the end."
- " I can't really remember too much of the build up on the goal. Mike Sheron floated into the box on the left hand side and he cut the ball across. I was actually going to leave it, as I thought the shot was going in, but a defender was coming in on my right hand side, and he might have cleared it off the line. So I slid in, managed to get my studs on it and put it in the net. You can't really take any chances!!"
- Spenny is enjoying the winning run with Rangers, and he feels his new frontline partnership with Mike Sheron, is starting to blossom.
- " I was struggling in the first few games with an ankle injury that I had last year, but I've played through that now and managed to get myself a bit fitter. The ankle seems to have cleared up. and I feel a lot sharper and a lot more confident."
- "Myself and Mike are doing all right together at the moment. We seem to be creating lots of chances and everything seems to be going well. Let's keep our fingers crossed that we'll be talking like this at the end of the season."


Also on the Site opening day...

QPR Official Site - September 24, 1997 - QUASHIE - THE NEW HODDLE ? - R's Scottish international striker John Spencer is predicting a big future for QPR's outstanding 19 year old prospect Nigel Quashie.
- Nigel's recent return to the first team picture after 18 months on the sidelines with glandular fever, has been a big boost to manager Stewart Houston and Spencer is sure Nigel can go all the way to the top.
-" For a 19 year old, Nigel is awesome. If he stays fit he will be a full England cap within 12 months. He could go on to beat Alan Shearer's transfer price if he continue's to progress.
-The youngster has already been selected for England at U-19 and U-21 level, and Spencer believes he is the next best thing to hit English football, since current England manager Glenn Hoddle.
- " The lad is as good a player as England have had since Glenn Hoddle. I've seen Hoddle in training when I was with Chelsea. He was the other side of 30 and Nigel is under 20, but they can do the same things."
- " They can both hit long passes and can run games. In training Nigel can hit free-kicks any spot he likes. You have to stand there in amazement."
- Quashie was given his QPR debut at the age of 17, by then manager Ray Wilkins, but glandular fever severely hampered his progress last season and left him often too weak to train. Now back in the first team, Nigel is happy to put those dark days behind him.
- " It was awful. One morning I would feel fine, the next so weak all I wanted to do was go to bed for a week. The illness has made me much more professional. I get plenty of rest before matches and fill up with pasta at the right times.
-All R's fans will be delighted to see Nigel back in the limelight and like the player will be hoping he can help clinch a return to the Premiership.
-" I am taking it a game at a time. The main thing is promotion."


A couple days later:

QPR Official Site -September 26, 1997 IMPEY DEAL GOES THROUGH

- ANDY IMPEY has finally completed his £1.2M move to West Ham United.
The Hammers wanted to sign Impey in the summer, but then put the deal on ice, whilst the R's wideman recovered from a foot injury.
- West Ham boss Harry Redknapp watched Impey play a full 90 minutes for QPR reserves last night, before completing the deal this morning.
- The 26 year old revealed when he first found out about West Ham's interest.
- " I first found out West Ham wanted me in June. the transfer was sorted out when I was on holiday in Jamaica, but things started to drag on because of the problem with my foot."
- " The injury happened a long time ago. I broke my toe two or three years back and it started to give me pain last season. The toe had bent after healing, so I had an operation to get it straightened. It took four months to fully recover after the operation at the end of last season."
- " I've been training with Rangers this campaign, and playing practice matches and 5-a sides for nearly six weeks. West Ham couldn't take a chance on my fitness, but now I'm perfectly all right."
- " I was worried a little bit about the delay. I didn't know how long West Ham would wait, but the specialist told me my toe would recover, and there is no problem at all now."
- " I had seven years at Rangers, which I enjoyed. But I didn't play very well last season, so I thought it was time for a change and a new challenge."
- Andrew joined Rangers from Yeading FC in August 1990. He made his debut the following year and became a regular under the Gerry Francis regime.
- He won the Player of the Year in 1995 and forced his way into the England squad for a training week. But with his contract set to expire at the end of the current season, the transfer to West Ham ends Impey's days at Loftus Road.
- Andy had his final game in a QPR shirt for the reserves at home to Ipswich, but the side lost 2-1. Paul Bruce grabbed the R's only goal.
- QPR: Sommer, Woolsey, Brazier, Perry, Plummer, Yates,(Whittle 45) Graham, Impey, Charles, Norman, Bruce


QPR Official Site -September 30- BOSMAN SPARKED IMPEY MOVE

- THE BOSMAN RULING and Daniel Dichio's departure on a free transfer contibuted to Rangers selling Andy Impey to West Ham for £1.2M
- Chairman Chris Wright said: " To some extent, we're disappointed that Andrew has left. He is an extremely good player and had done well here at Rangers over the years."
- " But Andrew was in the last year of his contract and we couldn't get him to discuss new terms. His feeling was that he wanted to move on and didn't want to think about a new contract with Rangers."
- " After what happened with Danny Dichio leaving, the club didn't want that happening again and I don't want players who are not commited to the club. A player who is in the last year of his contract and who has no intention of signing a new one, is not going to be as commited to the club as you would like."
- West Ham came in with an offer for Andrew and it was the right move for everyone. It was the prudent thing for Rangers to do. No one is happy when a talented player leaves the club, but we cannot be in a situation where we have players who are not prepared to commit themselves to us." =- " We tried as hard as we could, but Andrew was not prepared to do that. We were all sad to see him go, but as players go out, others will come in. You cannot keep buying players and not selling."


QPR Official Site - HOUSTON WINS TOP AWARD

- RANGERS manager Stewart Houston has been awarded the Nationwide Division 1 Manager of the Month award for September
- Stewart guided the R's to a four match winning run, which saw them move into second place in the League. Rangers beat Reading, West Brom, Crewe and Portsmouth before coming unstuck at Port Vale on Saturday.
- Stewart said today: " I'm very pleased to accept this award. The players have made it happen for me. I was a bit surprised to get this accolade, but it's all credit to the players."
- The Division 2 award went to Ian Atkins of Northampton and the Division 3 Award to Sam Allardyce of Notts County.


QPR Official Site - October 2, 1997 - CHAIRMAN WOOS STAYAWAY FANS
RANGERS chairman Chris Wright is confident that the club can build on its fan base, as we look to return to the Premiership.
- Chris say: " From the standpoint of financial reality, we have quite a job to do to compete with bigger clubs. So we need to build up our support levels. We want to bring all those disenfranchised Rangers fans back into Loftus Road."
- " We had some 14,000 supporters cheering us on at Wimbledon in the FA Cup at Wimbledon last season, so we know the fans are out there. It's up to the booard, the club and the team on the pitch, to get those people out of the woodwork and back in the stands at Loftus Road."


QPR Official Site - October 8, 1997 - MOVE STILL ON CARDS

- RANGERS are continuing to peruse plans for a possible move away from Loftus Road
- The project is being masterminded by Stephen Oakley, 45, the new chief executive of Loftus Road plc. He feels the options are to expand the existing facilities or to build a new stadium further along the A40 corridor.
- Mr Oakley says: " If the things we want do come to fruition, with Rangers back in the Premiership, we will need a bigger capacity. Building a new stadium is sometimes cheaper than adding to the existing one."
- The Loftus Road group have looked at several possible sites and a decision will be taken at the end of the season. Mr Oakley did say that the group's skills in managing sporting events could lead into a move into basketball and ice-hockey.
- Loftus Road also plans to expand its merchandising operation and develop banqueting and conference facilities to reduce its dependence on success on the field.


And finally on a sad note...

QPR Official Site - September 30, 1997 - R'S MOURN CUP FINAL KEEPER - FORMER RANGERS keeper Peter Springett has died at the age of 51, after a four year battle against a crippling illness
- Peter, who was one of Rangers heroes in the 1967 League Cup winning team, was born in Fulham on May 8th 1946 and came through the apprentice ranks.
- He signed as a pro in 1963, making his debut that month against Peterborough. He was capped at England Youth and U-23 level.
- By 1965/6, Peter had made the first team spot his own and the following season he was an ever present in the Rangers side that won the League Cup and Third Division double. He made a total of 160 appearances for QPR.
- In May 1967, Peter joined Sheffield Wednesday in a unique deal that saw his brother Ron move to Rangers. Peter played 180 League games for the Owls and another 191 for Barnsley, before retiring to become a policeman.
- The Rangers players will wear black armbands against Charlton as a mark of respect.

Read more: http://qprreport.proboards.com/thread/7001/years-today-official-site-launched?page=1&scrollTo=33907#ixzz2fnGX6BdL
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Monday, September 23, 2013

#QPR: On This Day - 7 Years Ago: John Gregory's First Game in Charge....8 Years: QPR Official Statement - No FA Investigation of QPR...

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- Article saying Joey Barton should "Practice What he Preaches' re Homophobia

- Current Championship Table! Two Year Flashback: Amit Bhatia - "Club Debt Free"

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een Years Ago: John Gregory's First game in charge

Newly-appointed manager John Gregory's QPR beat Hull 2-0 (Jones and Blackstock scoring) and climbed out of the bottom three. And swooning over John Gregory

BBC - QPR 2-0 Hull

John Gregory's reign as QPR boss got off to a winning start as goals from Ray Jones and Dexter Blackstock earned a deserved win over struggling Hull.
Hull were under pressure, but could have led but for QPR keeper Paul Jones' fine save from Michael Turner's header.
Rangers broke through on the hour as Jones tapped in his first league goal after being set up by Damion Stewart.
And Blackstock sealed the victory as he headed home after Lee Cook supplied a superb curling cross.

QPR: P Jones,Bignot, Rehman, Stewart, Rose (Kanyuka 46), Rowlands, Bailey (Lomas 64), Bircham (Ward 64), Cook, R Jones, Blackstock. Subs: Royce, Baidoo.

Scorers: R Jones 60, Blackstock 80

Bookings: R Jones 30, Rehman 72, P Jones 85

Hull City: Myhill, Dawson, Ashbee, Turner, Parkin, Bridges (Forster 66), Collins, Livermore (Marney 74), Mills, Fagan, France (Yeates 66). Subs: Duke, Thelwell.
Bookings: Collins 53, Mills 62, Livermore 68
Referee: D Deadman
Attendance: 11,381

Match Reports qprreport.blogspot.com/2006/09/qpr-winclimb-out-of-bottom-three.html

COMMENTS

Comments - Gregory AND Paladini Commenting on QPR's Victory
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John Gregory on QPR's Victory - Official Site

John Gregory was on top of the world after the R's clinched a 2-0 win against Hull at Loftus Road.
Just four days after being appointed QPR manager, the former Aston Villa manager inspired his side to maximum points, and in doing so, saw them climb off the foot of the table.
"Hopefully we've put a few smiles back on the faces of our fans today,'' he told qpr.co.uk.
Goals from Ray Jones and Dexter Blackstock sealed the points, but it was Gregory's touchline celebration for goal number two that was the main talking point.
"The second goal won us the game which is why I probably went so overboard with my celebration and darted down the touchline.
"It was a mixture of happiness and delight, and frustration and anger, for things that have happened in the last few years.''
Gregory continued: "Getting the clean sheet was the best part of the day for me.
"They got the ball forward very quickly and were difficult to play against, so credit has to go to the back four and Jonah who were absolutely magnificent.
"I thought Lee Cook was terrific. His cross for the second goal was different class and him, Martin Rowlands and Marc Bircham led from the front.
Gregory clearly isn't one to rest on his laurels though, commenting: "We'll be back on the training ground tomorrow to iron out those things that went wrong, but in general I was satisifed with the performance and delighted with the result.
QPR Official

QPR OFFICIAL

Chairman Gianni Paladini was left speechless after the R's got off to a winning start under John Gregory.

"I'm speechless,'' he told qpr.co.uk.
"I'm just so, so happy. It's a great result for the Club and it's a fantastic start to John Gregory's reign as QPR boss.
"The fans and everyone connected to the Club deserved that result.''
Paladini continued: "Considering the week we've had, that's the most important victory in my time here.
"It's been an amazing day.''
QPR

Sporting Life - GREGORY GRATEFUL FOR QPR CHANCE
By Andy Sims, PA Sport
John Gregory breezed back into management and lifted QPR off the foot of the Coca-Cola Championship before vowing to try to bring the glory days back to Loftus Road.

Gregory landed his first job in three-and-a-half years when his good friend QPR chairman Gianni Paladini offered him a return to the dug-out this week with the club he graced as a midfielder in the early 1980s.

And following his side's 2-0 win over Hull, courtesy of goals from Ray Jones and Dexter Blackstock, Gregory admitted he is looking to take Rangers back to those heady days under Terry Venables.

"When Terry signed me, he kept telling me what a great club this is and he was right," said Gregory.

"There is a great set-up, it's in a great area in west London and always had great players. I want to repeat that with the opportunity I've got."

Gregory admitted when he took the reins at QPR that he felt he had been tarnished by unsubstantiated 'bung' rumours which stopped him getting another job, and he admitted his return to management had been emotional.

"It felt strange starting again," he added. "At half past two I was sitting there thinking, 'What are you doing'?

"But as soon as we kicked off it was all okay. I'm pleased to be back at work, I've enjoyed the last couple of days but it's all about Saturday afternoons.

"And then when our second goal went in lots of frustration came out. That had been building up for quite a while, but it's gone now."

Gregory was full of praise for his new side, whom he only met for the first time on Thursday, and admitted he was also in the dark about opponents Hull.

"I knew nothing about Hull, other than they are a strong, powerful team, and I was pleased we stood up to them," he said.

"Lots of the lads have given everything for the cause today and if they keep doing that, then I won't be able to complain.

"The players will be feeling fantastic but I'm feeling 10 times better than any of them."

[PARKINSON]
City boss Phil Parkinson refused to hide behind the 'Gregory effect' as an excuse for a strangely subdued performance from his side, who have now replaced Rangers at the foot of the table.

The Tigers held out for an hour before Jones got on the end of Martin Rowlands' free-kick, via Damion Stewart's header, to nod Rangers in front for his first league goal.

Blackstock grabbed the killer second 10 minutes from time with another header from a superb Lee Cook cross to leave Parkinson with plenty to ponder.

"Obviously that (Gregory) didn't help but I won't use it as an excuse," said Parkinson.

"We looked off the pace and when that happens you have to stick together and try to grind out a draw.

"And until the first goal, which came from a set-play, I didn't think either team looked like scoring. If we'd defended that we could have come in with a draw.

"But that's the first game for a while we haven't looked a goal threat. We didn't threaten the opposition goal enough to say we deserved anything."
Sporting Life

qprreport.blogspot.com/2006/09/comments-gregory-and-paladini.html


 Eight Years Ago taking, QPR's Official Site on "Taking Issue" with the Evening Standard

- "The issue" concluded a few months later with an apology from The Standard - See below


QPR OFFICIAL SITE - September 23, 2005 -NO FA PROBE

Rangers Director Gianni Paladini has told qpr.co.uk that the FA are NOT investigating Queens Park Rangers.

Friday's Evening Standard contains an article claiming that the Football Association are considering a probe following a complaint from an agent regarding the signing of Ian Evatt.
But Paladini has dismissed the whole story as 'ridiculous' and says that he has spoken to the FA himself about the matter.

"This is simply ridiculous and I am getting very tired with the agenda of other parties who have leaked information and who are clearly seeking to discredit me and the Club for their own ends," he said.
"I have spoken to a well-known senior executive at the FA and he has assured me that, as he understands it, there will be no probe and no investgation.
"For whatever reason, this newspaper is trying to make a big story out of a puff of nothing."

Paladini then went on to discuss further details of Ian Evatt's transfer, and refuted suggestions printed in Friday's paper.
"First and foremost, Ian Holloway wanted the player. So when we spoke to the lad we asked him to meet us with his representative.
"Ian came along with his agent Jonathan Wall and Mel Eves and because Mr Wall is not licensed, Mel formally brokered the deal.

"Then out of the blue this company, First Artist, complained that he was their player. Well if that was the case, why did Ian Evatt come along with someone else?
"This is an issue between First Artist and Ian Evatt and yet the Standard are suggesting impropriety on our part. It's pathetic.

"First we had this nonsense on Thursday which appeared to imply wrongdoing and now this. And yet the governing bodies are perfectly happy and there are other clubs spending vastly bigger sums than us.

"Leeds spent £1.89million on agents fees last season and Leicester spent £611,000. So why this nasty piece? Why the accusations and the negativity towards OUR football club?

"For whatever reason, this newspaper has chosen to make a big issue out of this and I have nothing but contempt for them."


And a few days later on the QPR Official Site

QPR Official Site - September 30, 2005 THE REAL STORY

Contrary to reports in Friday's Evening Standard Queens Park Rangers Football Club once again confirms that it has NOT been the subject of a 'full-scale' FA probe in to 'the management and ownership of the club'.

A representative of the FA's Financial Advisory Unit visited Loftus Road on Thursday afternoon as part of an ongoing review of all Football League clubs. This constituted a 'follow-up' to an original visit to the Club which took place in June 2004.

The actual details of the process leading up to the FA's visit are as follows. In November 2003 the Club received a letter from the Football League referring to the establishment of a Panel in 2001 to: "co-ordinate and review the workings of the Football Association's Financial Advisory Unit in relation to its dealings with League Clubs."
The letter continues: "The Panel's objectives are to ensure that each League Club is normally subjected to one visit in each five year cycle... to understand the financial position and processes of the member club and to provide advice and recommendations where appropriate to clubs on a confidential basis, in the form of a report.

"The Panel has selected Queens Park Rangers to be the subject of a visit during 2003/04."

On May 5th 2004 the FA then wrote to confirm a date for the visit from the Financial Advisory Unit and the visit itself took place in June 2004 with a report finalised in September of that year.
12 months later, earlier this month, the FA wrote to the Club once again, stating: "As you are aware we performed a financial review of QPR FC in September 2004. As stated at the time of issuing the final report, we intended to perform a follow up visit to assess the progress the club had made implementing our recommendations."

A date was then arranged for the 'follow-up' which took place yesterday on Thursday September 29th 2005.
The visit was undertaken by one representative of the Financial Advisory Unit who spoke to the Club's Chief Financial Officer about Club matters since the initial review. The initial review was then studied to establish whether any changes to company procedures had taken place in the intervening 12 months.
The Evening Standard blusters that this is all a "dramatic new development". But the truth - confirming an ongoing process of review across the whole Football League, first established in 2001 - would suggest otherwise.


QPR Official Site - Septmber 30, 2005 - ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

GIANNI Paladini today began legal action against the London Evening Standard after the paper published yet another libellous and factually inaccurate article about QPR.

The QPR Chairman has instructed one of the country's top libel firms, Carter-Ruck, to commence legal proceedings immediately by formally requesting an immediate apology and retraction of d***ing statements made by the paper.

Paladini will also be writing to the Press Complaints Commission, urging them to conduct an immediate inquiry into the unprofessional way the Standard has conducted its so-called investigation.

"I held detailed talks with Carter-Ruck yesterday," Paladini confirmed. "It is their belief I have been libelled by the paper and on that basis I have instructed them to commence legal action. This will be on a strictly no-win, no fee basis so it will have no financial impact on the club.

"I am demanding an immediate apology - not just for me, but for everyone who works for, and who loves, QPR.

"I am deeply saddened that this is happening but enough is enough. The Standard has chosen to mount a witch-hunt against QPR and are clearly being fed a string of deceitful lies, inaccuracies and misleading information by individuals who have their own axe to grind against the club and me.
"These individuals cannot possibly be true fans - how could they harm us by pedalling such rubbish?"
Once again, the Standard is falsely claiming the FA are investigating how much QPR has paid agents to bring players into the club.

Paladini added: "Let me state this clearly and categorically. I have spoken to the FA and there is no probe or investigation into our finances - or how much we have paid agents. Yes, they ask to be kept informed of how the club is being run - as they do with all clubs.

"That is right and proper and we have always co-operated. But we have nothing to hide and there is nothing that has caused them any concern. I have their assurance that we are not under suspicion.

"Anyone reading the Standard right now would think QPR is being run by the mafia. Let me tell you the only crime being committed at the moment is by the Standard. Every club, no matter how big or small, has to deal with agents - there's nothing I can do about that.

"If I tried to by-pass them, players would simply refuse to come to QPR. Is that what the Standard wants? A club with no players? What would our fans think of that?

"The Standard has made me look like someone out of the Godfather and that's why I will also be writing to the Press Complaints Commission, urging them to launch their own investigation into the journalistic standards of this paper.

"Not only have they printed lies about the club, their columnist David Mellor has launched a particularly nasty and deeply personal attack on me - even though we have never met.

"It is my belief the Commission will want to seriously reprimand this paper for the way they are conducting themselves."
Standard


In December, 2005 came this Official QPR Statement re an apology from the Standard

QPR Official Site - DECEMBER 7, 2005 - STANDARD RESPONSE

Today the Evening Standard issued an apology to QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini.

The statement comes two months after the London newspaper printed articles relating to business dealings conducted by Paladini.

London's evening paper also falsely claimed that the FA were investigating how much QPR had paid agents to bring players into the club.

The apology reads:

On September 30 we published two articles which referred to Gianni Paladini, the chairman of Queens Park Rangers.

If these articles were interpreted by readers as suggesting that Mr Paladini was guilty of fraud, corruption and malpractice, we apologise.

We did not intend to give this impression and have no reason to believe such allegations are true.

We are happy to set the record straight.

Paladini was delighted with the retraction.

"Justice has been done for myself and most importantly, for the club. That was always the most important point for me to get across as I do not want the club's name blackened.

"I hope that now this matter can be put behind us and everyone connected with Queens Park Rangers can now focus on getting behind the team in what I hope will be successful season."
Standard

qprreport.blogspot.com/2006/09/year-ago-taking-issue-with-standard.html
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Sunday, September 22, 2013

#QPR vs #Yeovil Reports....The #Newcastle Comeback: 29 Years Ago Today...Mark Hughes Explains/Defends His Failure at QPR




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- 30+ Photos from Yeovil vs QPR
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- Article saying Joey Barton should "Practice What he Preaches' re Homophobia

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 QPR 8 6 20

Burnley 8 8 17

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- Two Year Flashback: Amit Bhatia - "Club Debt Free"



DAILY MAIL/JOE BERNSTEIN

Hughes: I was tainted by QPR so I know I'm lucky to get another chance at the Britannia

Mark Hughes is in something of a confessional mood as he reflects on his madhouse days at Manchester City and QPR compared with the relative sanity of Stoke City.

‘I don’t cultivate or enhance relationships by just talking on the phone,’ he says. ‘I’d rather sit and have a conversation person-to-person. That’s the way you should be able to speak to people. And that’s obviously when I think I am at my best.’

The message is clear. After struggling to cope with absentee owners at Manchester City and chairmen with international business commitments at Fulham (Mohamed Al Fayed) and QPR (Tony Fernandes), Hughes is happier in his new surroundings. Stoke owner Peter Coates is a genuine lifelong fan and still lives and works locally.

NEW BRIEF

Mark Hughes was given a clear brief when he arrived at Stoke: change the playing style!

Just a month into the season it looks as though he’s pulled it off. These are the statistics which prove Stoke under Hughes are becoming far more pleasing on the eye than they were under Tony Pulis.

The job is a shot at redemption for Hughes, who turns 50 in November. A bright start to his managerial career with Wales, Blackburn and Fulham was overshadowed by the sack at City and then at QPR just 12 games into last season.

‘I’m grateful for the opportunity,’ admits Hughes, whose side play Arsenal. ‘My stock was low because of QPR. I did actually keep them up the previous season, but that seemed to have been airbrushed out. I seemed to get blamed for everything that went wrong at QPR last season, even the games they lost after I’d left!

‘When I spoke to the Coates family and [chief executive] Tony Scholes, they wanted to understand what went on at Rangers, and rightly so. But they had also done their homework, speaking to people who had worked with me before.
Redemption: The Stoke job is a second chance for Hughes after his struggles at QPR

Redemption: The Stoke job is a second chance for Hughes after his struggles at QPR

‘Thankfully, they must have heard good things because I got the job. If they’d been swayed by public opinion, it would have been difficult for me.

‘A Premier League manager’s relationship with his owners and executives has to be strong. To have an absent owner you’d never see — and a chairman who’d fly in occasionally [at Man City] — meant I would have to cultivate a relationship on the phone. It was never going to really happen to the right level.

‘Maybe I didn’t give enough daily information which allowed them to be comfortable with me.

‘My managing upwards at City wasn’t great. I should have recognised earlier than I did that there was this prerequisite to phone [Khaldoon Al Mubarak] every day. But I was always of the view that if there’s nothing wrong, why should I phone?’

When he arrived at Loftus Road, Hughes was horrified by the lack of spirit. Fernandes backed him with money, but it happened too quickly. Despite signing 25 players in two seasons, QPR were relegated last summer after Hughes was axed following the first dozen winless games.

'The perception is that I brought in a lot of players at one time that disrupted the dressing room, and that was the reason they had a bad season. But the dressing room was damaged when I got there,’ says Hughes. ‘We’d got through the first season and stayed up, but I knew that group couldn’t keep us in the Premier League. I tried to add qualities I thought were lacking, brought in good characters. But, in the end, if the mix is tainted you can’t do anything.’
Huge turnover: Hughes brought in a large number of new players to QPR but many of the signings didn't work out

Huge turnover: Hughes brought in a large number of new players to QPR but many of the signings didn't work out

Joey Barton was allowed to head to Marseille on loan after going berserk and kicking players on the final day of the season at Manchester City.

‘I think there was a conscious decision, after that, that it was going to be difficult for Joey to stay at the club while I was the manager,’ said Hughes. ‘It was a decision made not just by me. We all agreed, rightly or wrongly. I’ve always made decisions I feel benefit a club long term. Given my recent experiences, people will probably say that’s laughable, but I’ve always done that.’

So far, Hughes has won over any sceptics at Stoke. Defeat at Liverpool on the opening day was followed by wins against Crystal Palace and West Ham. They dominated a 0-0 draw against Manchester City last weekend without a long throw in sight.

‘I realised they are capable of playing more football than possibly they’ve been allowed to in the past,’ explains Hughes. ‘I think that’s showing up in the way we play. I may have come here guilty of underestimating the talent. Having worked with them, I know there’s more to come.’
High maintenance: Hughes has a good record with players who come with baggage

High maintenance: Hughes has a good record with players who come with baggage

After getting the best out of Craig Bellamy and Robbie Savage at other clubs, Hughes has embraced the chance to work with other supposedly high-maintenance characters at Stoke.

Jermaine Pennant, who served a prison term for drink-driving, was given a new contract after being frozen out by Tony Pulis.

New signings include Austrian forward Marko Arnautovic, said by Jose Mourinho to have the mentality of a baby; Dutch defender Erik Pieters, who sliced his arm punching a window, and Stephen Ireland, who invented the deaths of two grandmothers to get out of playing for the Republic of Ireland.

‘Earlier in his career, Craig Bellamy could be a pain for everybody,’ recalls Hughes. ‘But I knew he was a passionate football guy. He wanted to work to try to become one of the best players in Europe. If he was given sessions that had no thought or purpose to them, you’d get a reaction. A lot of players are like that, they just want to work and improve.’
Next stop: Hughes faces Arsenal and Mesut Ozil who will play his first match at the Emirates

Next stop: Hughes faces Arsenal and Mesut Ozil who will play his first match at the Emirates

The next challenge is Arsene Wenger, with whom Hughes crossed swords after a 2005 FA Cup semi-final when Blackburn were criticised for trying to kick Arsenal off the park.

‘We weren’t good enough on the day and did things to try to get back in the game. But it wasn’t the game-plan or at my instigation,’ insists Hughes. ‘There was a challenge by Andy Todd on Robin van Persie — he elbowed him — but it wasn’t intentional and he wasn’t given any sanction.’

Hughes graced Manchester United, Barcelona Bayern Munich and Chelsea as a player. His career in management has not followed the smooth trajectory of Wenger, but he said: ‘I’m in a small group to have worked at top level as player and manager. I might not look it, but I still feel a young man. Daily Mail



September 22, 1984: Alan Mullery's Blue and White Army and the comeback against Newcastle

- VIDEO

September 22, 1984, a crowd of 14,234 turned up at Loftus Road to see Alan Mullery/Frank Sibley's QPR take on Jack Charlton's Newcastle. QPR had begin by winning two and drawing two (including at Liverpool)...Then the previous week had lost to Clive Allen's Spurs 5-0...And then came the Newcastle game and QPR's incredible comeback from 0-4 at half-time. A hattrick for Newcastle's Chris Waddle. Among QPR scorers, subsequent manager, John Gregory! (And on the Newcastle team, ex-QPR and later Newcastle manager, Glen Roeder)

The scoring sequence: 0-1...0-2...0-3...0-4...1-4...2-4...3-4...3-5...4-5...5-5

QPR's Team:

Hucker
Neil Wicks Fenwick Dawes
Micklewhite Fillery Gregory Fereday
Stainrod Bannister -
Stewart sub for Fillery

- QPR Scorers: Bannister, Stainrod, Gregory, Wicks, Micklewhite

Newcastle's team:

Kevin Carr Malcolm Brown,Wesley Saunders,Glen Roeder, Anderson, Haddock, Neil Macdonald, David Mcreery, Kenny Wharton,Peter Beardsley Chrissy Waddle. -

NOBOK SPORTS - Top Five comebacks
5. QPR 5 Newcastle United 5, First Division, 1984
With a 4-0 half-time lead and Chris Waddle in inspirational form, you could have forgiven Newcastle for thinking they had QPR beaten at Loftus Road in 1984.
But this titanic Division One match took a huge twist when Rangers responded to manager Alan Mullery's furious half-time team-talk with a stirring comeback.
Gary Bannister, John Gregory and an own goal dragged the home side back into it only for Kenny Wharton to restore Newcastle's two-goal lead with six minutes left.
But Rangers were still not done as Steve Wicks and Gary Micklewhite grabbed a share of the points with two last-gasp strikes. Nobok Sports


[Aside: From a Peter Doherty Interview in Time Out
"...What’s the best sporting event you’ve ever been to?
When I was five or six I went to a QPR game and the score was QPR 5, Newcastle 5. [Chants] ‘Say we are QPR, say we are QPR!’
 - http://homepage.ntlworld.com/mickzoe/matches/qpr55.html

A Newcastle Site, Toonarama, Match Report of that Day
Absolutely Diabolical - a 10 goal extravaganza Tighten Up Mister
On the 22nd of September 1984 United travelled to Loftus Road to take on QPR in their 7th game of the season on their return to Division 1. After winning the first 3 games United had lost three on the trot, conceding 10 goals in the process.
Manager Charlton decided that changes were necessary. He adopted for a more defensive line-up but the match ended up as one of the highest scoring games in the club's history.
Crowded Out
Newcastle lined up with Kevin Carr in goal, Malcolm Brown and Wesley Saunders at full-back and three centre-backs; Roeder, Anderson and Haddock In midfield he played Neil Macdonald, David Mcreery, Kenny Wharton and Peter Beardsley who dropped in behind the sole attacker Chrissy Waddle.
The QPR side was: Hucker in goal, full backs Neill and Dawes, centre-backs Fenwick and Wicks, midfield of Wayne Fereday (a player who would later "play" for the Toon), Micklewhite, Fillery and John Gregory and an attack of Bannister and Stainrod.
- The tactics were very simple and classic Charlton; crowd the midfield and defence to cut down the space for the opposition and boot diagonal balls out to the wings in the general direction of Waddle. Even if Waddle didn't get it the ball was deep into QPR territory.
All We Want For Xmas is a Plastic Pitch
Three minutes gone and the first real chance of the match. Waddle attacks down the left, reaches the byeline and crosses deep to the far post where the ball is headed in by Macdonald at point blank range (0-1)
- QPR try and hit back immediately and Newcastle are forced to defend desperately. Carr pulls off a magnificent save, QPR have a decent penalty appeal turned down and Roeder clears another shot off the line. But on seventeen minutes Waddle gets away on the right side of the area, cooly rounds Hucker and slots it in from an acute angle (0-2)
- Five minutes later and United win a free-kick on the edge of the centre-circle . Roeder floats it in and a poor headed clearance drops perfectly for Wharton who volleys goalwards. His shot deflects off a defender and hits the post. Waddle gleefully slots in the rebound with Hucker grounded.(0-3)
- Almost immediately QPR pull a "goal" back, but to the Hoops fans displeasure, the referee disallows the goal having already whistled for a free-kick to the home side. The free kick is easily fielded by Carr.
- With 4 minutes of the first half remaining Waddle picks up a loose ball just outside the area and curls in a superb shot into the top left-hand corner to register a 24 minute hat-trick( 0-4)
- So, four goals up at half time and surely the match is over. The Toon Army are (for the one and only time I imagine) singing the praises of the artificial turf. Charlton's tactics seem to be coming up trumps. However United's football has been scrappy and QPR did have chances while Newcastle had scored from all four of theirs....
In Your Face
QPR bring on left-winger Ian Stewart (another player who would later have a deeply unimpressive spell at Gallowgate) for Fillery.
The second half begins and almost immediately Carr has to make a superb save to deny QPR from a free kick. At the other end Waddle makes space for a shot but his effort is blocked. He tries to win a penalty with a ludicrous dive. The referee is not fooled, but there is no booking as players got away with that sort of thing then.
Four minutes into the second half and the ball is punted upfield by the QPR keeper, it is flicked on and suddenly Gary Bannister is in on goal. Carr (not for the first time in his career) rushes from his line and manages to parry the shot. Unfortunately it goes straight back to the QPR player who heads into the empty net (1-4)
- Play is now switching from end to end, Carr is forced into another brilliant save and a shot from Wharton is saved at the other end. A free-kick from QPR goes narrowly past the post. What then followed had to be seen to be believed. All through the game United's defensive strategy had appeared to be to get a foot in and kick the ball as hard as possible, in whatever direction you happened to be facing.
- Well in this case Haddock was on the edge of the area facing the corner post. He blasts the ball towards the corner but only succeeds in hitting Wharton full in the face. He hits it at such pace that the ball ricochets off Wharton's head right across the goal and passed a startled Kevin Carr into the far corner of the net (2-4)
- Almost immediately QPR try and score an even better own-goal. The ball is passed back so hard and high from the half-way line in the QPR goal is forced to back-pedal furiously to get a hand to it and tip it over the crossbar just before it crossed the line.
- QPR are now full of confidence and are attacking at will. Just past the hour mark and Roeder makes a hash of a clearance - completely missing his kick- and the ball is in the Toon net again; but once again the referee disallows Stainrod's effort. However after 74 minutes Carr again rushes out of his goal and is left in no-mans land as the ball is steered home by John Gregory for QPR's third (3-4)
You're Not Singing Any more
- During the next ten minutes the game becomes even more scrappy and is littered with fouls. Another QPR header flies narrowly wide of the post before Waddle heads just over and then has another shot deflected for a corner.
- Then with six minutes to go, Beardsley picks up the ball ten yards within his own half and hits a great cross-field pass to Waddle out on the right-wing. Waddle lollops into the area and crosses for Kenny Wharton to slot the ball home from three yards out. This brings the stunned Toon Army back to life.
- However, just as they were starting a chorus of "You're not singing any more" the words stuck in their throats as a free kick was headed in by Steve Wicks at the far post (4-5)
- Then with 90 minutes on the clock more slack defending allowed Gary Micklewhite to burst into the area and cooly lift the ball over Carr who had already gone to ground (5-5)
A Total Embarrassment
After the game Charlton was livid. "Saturdays game was a total embarrassment, absolutely diabolical. I have never seen anything like it in my 32 years in the game. I went mad at the players because there were times when they were going to give me a heart attack. They just stopped playing"
Big Jack obviously thought the problems went deeper than just the one game. "There are so many things wrong at Newcastle it is incredible. People are asking me where I intend to start with the problems, but I just don't know. It will take years to put right. Some of the players couldn't even breathe in the second half. I don't know where they got their education from before, but, believe me they'll get it from me in the months to come."
QPR manager Alan Mullery added "These kind of games are great for the fans but they give managers heart attacks. We needed a miracle in the second half and we got it" Toonarama
 http://qprreport.proboards.com/thread/6935/years-ago-today-qpr-newcastle#ixzz2fb0lnyxI
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - YEOVIL 0 QPR 1

CHARLIE Austin’s second-half penalty preserved QPR's place at the top of the table with victory at Yeovil Town on Saturday.

 Harry Redknapp’s side found clear-cut chances hard to come by at Huish Park as Austin’s 75th-minute spot-kick proved all-important.

 Rangers had Robert Green to thank at the other end as a sixth successive clean sheet secured maximum points, stretching the R’s unbeaten start to eight games in the process.

 Rangers made four changes for the trip to Somerset as Armand Traore, Tom Carroll and Jermaine Jenas were preferred to midfield trio Shaun Wright-Phillips, Joey Barton and Karl Henry. Meanwhile, Benoit Assou-Ekotto made his full R’s debut at the expense of defender Nedum Onouha, missing courtesy of the hamstring injury sustained in Wednesday night’s stalemate with Brighton & Hove Albion.

 After a nervous opening by both sides, Rangers fashioned their first attack following Traore’s crossfield ball for Danny Simpson overlapping on the right flank. The full-back’s cross was eventually scrambled behind as the visitors began to get a foothold in the game.

 Despite clearing the resulting corner, the danger soon returned as Matty Phillips spurned a gilt-edged chance to fire the R’s ahead on nine minutes. Carroll’s through ball fell perfectly into the winger’s path, who skewed his effort wide after bursting through the Glovers’ backline.

 The hosts’ response was quick as Yeovil twice threatened a breakthrough from distance in quick succession, stemming from Joseph Halls left-footed shot which flashed harmlessly over the angle of the R’s crossbar. Moments later Joel Grant’s curling effort forced Rob Green to save low down to his left, who smothered the ball at the second attempt.

 Town threatened again on 16 minutes as Andrew Williams and Joseph Edwards combined down the R’s left, before the latter slashed Edwards’ pull-back over under pressure from Richard Dunne.

It was Rangers who carved out the next clear sight of goal, counter-attacking at pace through Traore shortly after the half-hour mark. Traore released Charlie Austin, whose blistering effort looked goal-bound but nestled the wrong side of the netting, firing inches wide of Wayne Hennessey’s near post.

 At the other end, Redknapp’s men survived something of a lucky escape three minutes before the break. After failing to clear their lines, the R’s defence had Green to thank for making amends as the R’s goalkeeper was at full-stretch to tip Liam Davis’ close-range shot around the post.

 Green came to Rangers’ rescue again four minutes after the interval, twice on hand to deny the Glovers the breakthrough. The R’s goalkeeper clawed behind Ralls’ glancing drive before beating away Davis’ thunderous effort as the hosts made a bright start to the second period.

 Green and co weathered the storm, at least momentarily, as Austin came within a whisker of firing the R’s ahead on 54 minutes. The striker latched onto a loose ball 25 yards before seeing his low drive fly agonisingly wide of the far post.

 Green took centre stage again five minutes after the hour mark, palming away Williams from 12 yards as Yeovil regained the momentum.

The momentum soon swung back decisively in the R’s favour, though, with 15 minutes remaining. After determined work from Austin on the edge of the area, the striker was unfairly tugged to the ground as the referee pointed to the penalty spot.

Austin dusted himself down before calmly slotting away the spot-kick into the bottom right-hand corner to the delight of the travelling R’s faithful behind the goal.

 Rangers – who handed Niko Kranjcar his debut in the second half – came under pressure as Yeovil fought for a late leveller, spurred on by five minutes injury time.

 Substitute Michael Ngoo wasted their best opportunity, skewing a 20-yard shot harmlessly wide as the visitors clung on for all three points.

 QPR: Green, Simpson, Traore (Wright-Phillips 60), Dunne, Hill, Phillips (Kranjcar 68), Austin, Carroll, Jenas, O’Neil (Barton 77), Assou-Ekotto.  QPR Official Site

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Saturday, September 21, 2013

#QPR Birthdays Today: Richard Dunn and Kevin Gallen...Year Ago: "What's Happening at QPR?"...Joint QPR Fan Group Over Ticket Pricing: Five Year Flashback...

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Next: Yeovil (From Bushman Archives)l



- QPR Report Messageboard
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QPR BIRTHDAYS TODAY: Kevin Gallen, Richard Dunn...and Rowan Vine
- FIVE YEAR FLASHBACK - 

ONE-QPR STATEMENT
- ONE-QPR, a coalition of supporters groups, websites and fanzines, would like to make it very clear that the call for action at the game V Derby on the 27th , is one we have all decided on and endorsed for the good name, reputation and future of QPR FC and all that it represents.
- Whilst it has been noted on web sites ect that some statements from various supporters groups to their members have been published, ONE-QPR would like all QPR supporters and the board at QPR FC to understand we are united and stand as one on this issue.
- QPR FC is much more than a football club, it is an institution, a community, it is a family and each and every one of us holds a stake in that. We believe we should also have a voice in our future too."

  - SEE: INDIVIDUAL FAN SITE STATEMENTS
Year Ago

 From The Times Online/Gary Jacob

What is happening at QPR?
Successful businessmen lose their brains when they walk through the gates of a football ground.

They’ve made their fortune in all sorts of walks of life and perhaps they now think football could be their next fast buck. Or they step forward with a tale about trying to save their beloved boyhood club from financial ruin. Or maybe, it’s about the cheap and easy publicity, the razzmatazz, or koshering themselves up.

The very smart ones look and think, "Nah, too much aggravation and too many things out of my control."

Others think they know better. but the sensible, detailed and methodical principles they have applied to their businesses soon fly out of the window. They are wet behind the ears, gullible, get carried away by winning the adulation of the fans and visiting rival boardrooms and are taken for an easy ride by some players, agents and clubs. And they never learn.

From Mark Goldberg at Crystal Palace, to Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson at West Ham United, to Tom Hicks and George Gillett at Liverpool and to a lesser extent Balram Chainrai at Portsmouth. To who knows next? The Malaysian owners of Queen Park Rangers?


Clearly only QPR know the exact value of their player contracts, but at a guess, the average wage for each of their 16-man matchday squad might be in the region of £50,000 a week. The present wage bill might surpass £60 million with signing-on fees and bonuses. True, it is balanced a little by the club signing many players on free transfers this summer but the maths and logic do not seem to add up.

Average attendance was 17,295 in their first season back in the top flight, turnover was just £16.2 million and they made a £22 million loss in their last set of accounts to May 2011. Even if you take into account the hefty Premier League television income, it is reasonable to ask questions about their judgment, business model and reasoning.

Why would you need to offer Bobby Zamora about £70,000 a week when it was clear he and Fulham wanted to go their separate ways in January? Or reportedly offer Nedum Onuoha wages of up to £80,000 a week? Why would you sign so many players around the age of 30 without a sell-on value? What is the club’s financial model based on?


- Flashback: Chelsea's Lack of Fan Growth
- 3 Year Flashback: QPR Top with 6 Wins and a Draw: "Can Anyone Stop QPR?"
at

Friday, September 20, 2013

#QPR Flashback: 7 Years Ago Today - Chairman Paladini Axes Gary Waddock and Alan McDonald and Appoints John Gregory Manager

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Next: Yeovil (From Bushman Archives)l



- QPR Report Messageboard
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- 3 Year Flashback: QPR Top with 6 Wins and a Draw: "Can Anyone Stop QPR?"
-  Year Flashback: Mark Hughes Confident!


Seven Years Ago Today:

...John Gregory in...Garry Waddock axed and Alan McDonald gone. Except of course Waddock wasn't exactly axed. He was demoted. With a lot of talk of staying on and learning from John Gregory. A month later he was gone. Gone immediately was Alan McDonald - in terminology that showed little grace for a QPR hero. (Just over a year later, Gregory himself was axed, as the QPR Managerial turnover continued.)




 
September 20, 2006
OFFICIAL SITE - GREGORY APPOINTED
- John Gregory has been appointed as QPR First Team Manager with immediate effect.
- Gary Waddock will now work under the former Aston Villa boss in an Assistant Manager's role.
- In an exclusive interview with www.qpr.co.uk, Chairman Gianni Paladini revealed his delight at the appointment: "It's a fantastic scoop for the Club.
"John is a proven manager at the highest level and is very eager to get back in to the managerial game.
"He's sat down with Gary and talked everything through and the situation is perfect as we look to climb the Championship table.
"I'd like to wish the pair of them the very best in their new roles.''
- Gregory - who has been out of the game since leaving Derby County in 2003 - commented: "I'm back in the hot-seat and it's a huge challenge.
"QPR are very close to my heart and it's a fantastic opportunity for me.
"This is a job I can very much get my teeth into and I'm relishing the challenge that lies ahead.
"Winning matches is what matters most in the business and we aim to do that, starting Saturday.''
Waddock said: "It's the right decision for the club, I'm just thankful that Gianni thinks enough of me to keep me here as Assistant Manager.
"I look forward to working with John, we both played together under Terry Venables and have the same work ethic.
"I'll learn a lot from him and I'm sure that this appointment will benefit the club I love."


QPR Official Site - MACCA DEPARTS
- Alan McDonald has been given notice to terminate his employment at Queens Park Rangers Football Club.
- After making 483 appearances for the Hoops in a successful 16-year spell as a player, McDonald joined the R's as Caretaker Assistant Manager in February 2006, prior to taking up the position of Assistant Manager towards the end of June.
- Chairman Gianni Paladini told qpr.co.uk: "I'd like to thank Alan McDonald for all the hard work he's done here since February.
- "He's been a great servant for this Club, both as a player and in his role as Assistant Manager, and I wish him all the best for the future.''


BBC - Gregory appointed as new QPR boss
Gregory makes his return after three-and-a-half years
Queens Park Rangers have unveiled John Gregory as their new manager, with former boss Gary Waddock handed the job of first-team coach.
Former Aston Villa boss Gregory, 51, returns to management three-and-a-half years after leaving Derby.
Waddock replaced the sacked Ian Holloway in February and was handed the position full-time in the summer.
But the former QPR midfielder has struggled and Gregory takes over with the club bottom of the Championship.
QPR have won just one league game this season and were knocked out of the Carling Cup by Port Vale on Tuesday evening.
Gregory, a close friend of Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini, began his managerial career at Portsmouth and he also had a spell at Plymouth.
He took over at Wycombe Wanderers in October 1996, where he helped the team avoid relegation and remained in charge for two years.
The former England midfielder took over at Villa in the 1997/98 season and during the four years under Gregory's management Villa never finished outside the top eight in the Premiership.
He has also managed Derby and has been out of management since leaving the Rams in March 2003.


SKY SPORTS - Rangers turn to Gregory
By Peter ORourke - Created on 20 Sep 2006
Queens Park Rangers have appointed John Gregory as their new manager with Gary Waddock becoming his assistant.
The Rangers board have lost patience with Waddock and have turned to Gregory to try and transform their fortunes.
Rangers have endured a terrible run of form lately, culminating in their 3-2 defeat to Port vale in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.
The Loftus Road outfit are currently languishing at the bottom of The Championship and have won only one league game all term.
Waddock only took charge of Rangers in February after Ian Holloway left the club and was handed the job on a permanent basis in the summer.
Waddock has struggled since taking over and won just four of his 24 games in charge.
Gregory has been out of work since March 2003 after leaving Derby County.
Gregory, who is a former QPR player, will be given the task of helping the side climb out of trouble and he knows he faces a huge challenge.
"I'm back in the hot-seat and it's a huge challenge," Gregory told the club's official website.
"QPR are very close to my heart and it's a fantastic opportunity for me.
"This is a job I can very much get my teeth into and I'm relishing the challenge that lies ahead.
"Winning matches is what matters most in the business and we aim to do that, starting Saturday.''


GUARDIAN -Gregory resurfaces at QPR
New appointment sees Waddock moves to first-team coach
Gregory resurfaces at QPR - Bottom-of-the-Championship QPR think John Gregory is the man to halt their downward slide. Anyone else?

Staff and agencies Wednesday September 20, 2006
Guardian Unlimited

QPR today unveiled John Gregory as their new manager, with former boss Gary Waddock handed the job of first-team coach.
Former Aston Villa and Derby manager Gregory is a close friend of Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini, and takes over with the club bottom of the Championship. The 51-year-old returns to management three-and-a-half years after leaving Derby.
"John is a proven manager at the highest level and is very eager to back into the managerial game," said Paladini. "It's a fantastic scoop for the club."
Waddock replaced Ian Holloway in February and was handed the position full-time in the summer. But the former QPR midfielder has struggled, winning just three league games during his Loftus Park reign, and saw his team knocked out of the Carling Cup by Port Vale last night

TEAMTALK Gregory warns of tough times ahead

John Gregory has warned QPR they face "a serious relegation threat" after succeeding Gary Waddock as manager at Loftus Road.

The former Aston Villa and Derby boss has signed a contract until the end of the season with Rangers, with the option of a one-year rolling contract to follow if he does well.

Gregory takes over with Rangers bottom of the Championship and out of the Carling Cup - and he urged the players to show more heart in the battles that lie ahead.

"There is a serious threat of relegation at this club," Gregory said. "I saw them knocked out of the Carling Cup at Port Vale last night.

"Some of the players turned up - but quite a few of them did not bother going.

"Every player will have a fresh chance to impress me, and that is what they are here to do.

"I still have lots of points to prove to myself - although not to anyone else. I hope I can improve the fortunes of the team."

Waddock was relieved of his duties after meeting Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini - a close friend of Gregory - after the 3-2 defeat at Vale Park.

During the reigns of Ian Holloway and Waddock, there was considerable speculation regarding how much influence Paladini exerted over team selection and transfer policy - but Gregory made it clear he would tolerate no such interference.

The 51-year-old continued: "The training ground is the one place where I do not want anyone to interfere with my work.
"That is my domain. Having success is about keeping good habits, working hard and getting things right.

"In terms of transfers, we will work with what we have, although there is the opportunity to make loan signings, which has been a blessing for Championship clubs."

Gregory's friendship with Paladini is likely to raise some eyebrows among Rangers fans, with whom the Italian former agent has never been wholly popular.

Backed by a consortium of Monte Carlo-based businessmen, Paladini took control from former chairman Bill Power in a boardroom coup in September 2005.

Rangers have suffered considerable financial problems in recent seasons and spent the 2001-02 season - before Paladini had become involved with the club - in administration, but Gregory was quick to defend Paladini and fellow director Antonio Caliendo.

He added: "I have known Gianni for some time, and, were it not for he and Antonio, the club might not be here today.

"Our results can dictate the direction of the financial side of things.

"If we can improve on the pitch, more supporters will start coming to watch us, and it will help everything."
... A MONTH LATER

October 19, 2006 - QPR OFFICIAL STATEMENT - WADDOCK DEPARTS
Queens Park Rangers Football Club have parted company with Gary Waddock.
Waddock was named as manager on June 28 after a spell as caretaker manager following the departure of Ian Holloway.
The former Rangers midfielder moved into a coaching role when John Gregory was then appointed at the end of last month.
QPR would like to thank Gary and wish him every success in the future.




 A year Later "Gregory Sacked by QPR"
at

Thursday, September 19, 2013

On This Day: Birthday for Tony Hazell (66)...Barry Bridges Final #QPR Game...Gary Waddock's FInal Game in Charge


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TONY HAZELL TURNS 66

ony Hazell Turns 66. Born September 19, 1947,

Defender: Full back and Centerback, Tony Hazell played 350+ League games for QPR from the mid-1960s until he was sold in December 1974 to Millwall. He was of course, one of the 1967 League Cup Final Team. Made his debut in 1964 and was an integral part of the 1966/67 and 1967/68 promotion teams and 1968/1969 relegation team. Also the 1972/73 promotion team. As I recall, he was picked once for the England U-23 squad, but didn't play.

From the Guardian - November 2006
DID STAN BOWLES TAKE A POT SHOT AT THE FA CUP (2)?
Last week we delved into Stan Bowles's autobiography to discover that, apparently, he once booted a ball at the FA Cup trophy while it was being displayed pitchside at Sunderland during a game. But that's not the end of the story ...
Because reader Brian Halliday sent our article to a friend of his, one Gordon Jago MBE, the manager of QPR at the time of the incident, and who now resides in Dallas. Here's Gordon's view of the events: "The truth is that yes, the FA Cup was knocked off the table during the game against Sunderland, but not by Stan Bowles. It was Tony Hazell, the QPR defender.
"At some time during the game Tony cleared a ball and it knocked the cup flying. This incident really upset the home fans; so much so that the referee took both teams from the field to let tempers cool. The game was eventually restarted and we finished 3-0 winners. Stan had someone write a book for him and he tells the story about a bet and that he deliberately knocked the cup off the table. Fiction! I do not know if Tony or any of the other players have contacted Stan to correct him, but that story is typical of him and no doubt it helped to sell the book."


And also Gordon Jago

INterview with QPR Net

"...I remember our last game of the 1972/73 season was at Sunderland, we had won promotion and Sunderland had just won the FA Cup. They decided to have the cup on show on the sidelines during the game. For some unknown reason it was a really niggly game with plenty of fouls. The large crowd were getting onto us and Tony Hazell hit a clearance that hit the cup knocking it flying. This was the last thing needed at that time and there was a move by their fans to come onto the field as they thought that Tony had deliberately aimed at the cup. As I remember we had to leave the field for a short time but eventually we continued and won 3-0.



ears  Team  Apps†  (Gls)†
1964–1974  Queens Park Rangers  369  (4)
1974–1978  Millwall  153  (6)
1978–1979  Crystal Palace  5  (0)
1979–1981  Charlton Athletic  37  (0)
Total  564  (10)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Hazell



ON THIS DAY in 1970: Barry Bridges Final QPR Game



                                                  





QPR 2 Bristol City 1 (13,367)

I think Chris Garland scored for Bristol City. Marsh and Bridges scored for QPR. (As I recall it, and could be wrong was a typical Bridges running on and lobbing it over the goalie)

Parkes
Clement Hunt Sibley Hazell
Francis Venables Ferguson
Marsh Saul Bridges



His First Goal on His Debut against Manchester City



Seven Years Ago: Gary Waddock's Final Game in charge

Port Vale 3 QPR 2

QPR Team
Cole, Bignot, Stewart, Kanyuka, Milanese (Rose 46), Cook,Ward (Baidoo 72), Bircham, Bailey, Nygaard (Ray Jones 45),Czerkas.
Subs Not Used: Rehman, Donnelly.

Match Reports
qprreport.blogspot.com/2006/09/qpr-out-of-cup-port-vale-3-qpr-2.html


Tuesday, September 19, 2006

QPR Out of the Cup: Port Vale 3 QPR 2
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WADDOCK'S POST MATCH COMMENTS
MORE MISTAKES

Gary Waddock cut a disconsolate figure, as the R's were dumped out of the Carling Cup.
Rangers bowed out in the second round, after throwing away an early lead at Vale Park.
Goals from Jeff Smith, Danny Whitaker and Richard Walker wiped out Marc Nygaard's opener, and although Damion Stewart pulled one back late on, it was a night to forget for the R's.
"It's difficult to sum up. At 1-0 up we were comfortable, but we're out of the Cup because of our own silly mistakes, yet again.
"We approached the game in the right manner and in the opening exchanges we felt quite comfortable.
"But there is an obvious lack of confidence at the moment and that's because of our results.
"The players fought which was an improvement from Saturday and I can't fault their effort and commitment, but we've lost and it's a habit I don't like.''
Waddock's focus soon turned to Saturday's fixture against fellow strugglers Hull City at Loftus Road, with the R's gaffer commenting: "Saturday's match is a massive one now, not just for me and the players, but for the whole Club.''
Official Site

OFFICIAL SITE - MATCH REPORT
Rangers bowed out of the Carling Cup, after throwing away an early lead at Vale Park.

Goals from Jeff Smith, Danny Whitaker and Richard Walker wiped out Marc Nygaard's opener, and although Damion Stewart pulled one back late on, it was a night to forget for the R's.
Rangers trailed 2-1 at the break, despite Nygaard's first goal of the season.
The Danish front-man opened his account inside the opening nine minutes at Vale Park, finishing with aplomb after a goalkeeping howler from Vale custodian Mark Goodlad.
Port Vale were on terms within ten minutes though, with Smith smashing an unstoppable strike beyond the despairing dive of Jake Cole.
And the first half comeback was complete on 27 minutes, when Whitaker bundled the ball home after Akpo Sodje's initial effort had cannoned off the post.
Walker made it 3-1 midway through the second half, before Stewart bagged his first in QPR colours to give the R's hope on 77 minutes.
But it was not to be for Gary Waddock's men, as the R's poor form in Cup competitions continued.

Waddock made four changes from the embarrassing defeat at Layer Road on Saturday, with Marcus Bignot, Pat Kanyuka, Stefan Bailey and Adam Czerkas returning to the fray.

cky Ward and Lee Cook occupied the wide midfield roles, as the R's - skippered by Marc Bircham - went gunning for only their third win of the campaign.

Rangers orchestrated the opening exchanges, with Ward and Cook both feeling the force of a couple of rash challenges which referee Mr Salisbury.

But it was R's midfielder Bailey who marked his return to the starting XI with a booking inside the opening six minutes, for a rash challenge on Jeff Smith.

The R's positive start paid dividends with an opening goal on nine minutes and it was Nygaard who got it.

Chasing down an innocuous looking through ball, the Danish front-man blocked Vale custodian Mark Goodlad's attempted clearance, before curling the ball into an empty net from an acute angle.

It was a textbook finish from the Dane, who could count himself extremely unlucky not to open his account just three days earlier at Layer Road, when the dubious goals panel gave the R's consolation to U's defender Wayne Brown.

Buoyed by their goal, the Super Hoops continued to enjoy the lion's share of possession, with Cook at the heart of their impressive start.

After leaving three in his wake with a superb piece of wing play, the R's left winger delivered a piercing near post cross, which Goodlad did well to gather under pressure from Ward.

Port Vale were by no means overawed by their Championship opponents though and from their very first attack of the tie, Smith smashed an unstoppable half volley past Cole to put the Valiants on terms.

Undeterred, the R's were back on the front foot almost immediately, with Nygaard stinging the palms of Goodlad with a speculative 25-yard drive.

Smith was the undoubted star of the show for the hosts and when he sent in an inch-perfect centre on 27 minutes, Sodje beat Cole to the cross and headed against the upright.

The danger wasn't over though and Whitaker was in the right place at the right time to bundle home the rebound, to leave the small gathering of Rangers fearing yet another woeful away day.

Cole's evening almost went from bad to worse on 33 minutes, when was adjudged to have sent Whitaker sprawling to ground on the edge of the box.

Fortunately for the R's custodian, Mr Salisbury let the challenge go unpunished, which was of some relief to Waddock, who had no fit goalkeepers at his disposal on the bench.

The pressure on the R's back four was relentless and after Sodje headed inches over, Cole had to be at his agile best to tip round Paul Harsley's 25-yard screamer.

Nygaard squandered a glorious chance on the stroke of half-time, volleying high and wide after breaking through the last line of the Vale defence.

It proved to be his last involvement, as the R's crippling injury crisis took yet another turn for the worse, with teenager Ray Jones replacing the unlucky Dane.

Matthew Rose replaced the out-of-sorts Mauro Milanese at the break, with the experienced defender slotting in at left back

Ward offered hope to the R's faithful when his mazy run ended with a speculative shot which flew inches wide on 53 minutes, but it was Vale who carved out the best opening of the second half on the hour.
Fine interplay between Constantine and Sodje released Mark McGregor, whose shot was deflected inches wide of Cole's left hand post.
Rangers didn't heed the warning though and from the resultant corner kick, Walker stooped to head home unchallenged from the edge of the six-yard box.
Bailey blasted high and wide from 20-yards on 70 minutes, but in truth, that was the best the R's could offer, despite enjoying prolonged spells of possession.

But Stewart handed them a lifeline with 13 minutes left on the clock - firing home from little more than three yards from Cook's in-swinging free-kick - to set up a grandstand finish.
Shabazz Baidoo went close in stoppage time, but Rangers bowed out.
Official Site

BBC - Port Vale 3-2 QPR
Port Vale piled more misery on to Championship strugglers QPR by dumping the visitors out of the Carling Cup.
QPR netted on nine minutes when Vale keeper Mark Goodlad's clearance hit striker Marc Nygaard, who tapped in.
Vale levelled 10 minutes later when Jeff Smith drove in a left-footed shot before Danny Whitaker bundled the ball home to put the home side in front.

Richard Walker's header extended Vale's lead, while Damion Stewart's goal proved to be a mere consolation.
BBC

Sporting Life
Qort Vale 3 QPR 2

QPR's dismal start to the season continued as they were dumped out of the Carling Cup by Coca-Cola League One outfit Port Vale.

Bottom of the Championship with just one league win so far this season, manager Gary Waddock had no respite at Vale Park as the hosts bounced back from conceding an early goal to claim the win.
Rangers were gifted the opener in the ninth minute when Mark Goodlad drilled a clearance into Marc Nygaard and the Danish frontman was left to tap into an open goal for his first of the season.
But Vale were on level terms 10 minutes later when Jeff Smith met a Danny Whitaker cross with a rasping left-footed shot which gave Jake Cole no chance.
Goodlad then made amends with a good save with his feet from Nygaard before the League One high-fliers took the lead.
The goal was a scrappy affair which was eventually given to Whitaker, although Leon Constantine also tried to claim it.
Rangers' evening got even worse when Nygaard was forced off just before the break with an injury, to be replaced by Ray Jones, whose late winner accounted for Northampton in the first round.
The second period got off to a slow start but the game burst into life just before the hour mark when Vale extended their lead, Richard Walker heading Danny Sonner's corner past Cole from six yards out.
Cole had to be alert to deny Constantine a fourth for Vale before the Hoops gave themselves a lifeline with 12 minutes remaining.
Vale struggled to clear a Lee Cook cross and it eventually fell to Damion Stewart, who prodded home his first goal for the club.
But Rangers were unable to muster any more chances and Vale, conquerors of Preston in round one, were left to celebrate another Championship scalp.
Sporting Life

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