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Mirror 20 January 2006 By John Cross
Bungs The Evidence
"....Ian Holloway was offered a £30,000 backhander as part of a "free" transfer which took Argentinian leftback Gino Padula from Spanish Second Division club Jerez to Loftus Road.
Paul Taylor, who works with his son Mark in sports consultancy firm PSC Ltd, is alleged to have demanded £50,000 to make the deal happen - with £30,000 going to Holloway.
Holloway declined the offer and there is no question that he or the player acted improperly.
Taylor last night denied any wrongdoing but confirmed that he had recommended Padula to QPR - even though the defender had played under Holloway at Bristol Rovers.
Former QPR chairman Nick Blackburn last night admitted he was "sickened" by the events and confirmed that Holloway rejected the backhander - while the club ended up paying a £4,000 fee for the deal to go ahead on July 3, 2002.
That transfer is the first alleged bung to be publicly named since the George Graham scandal rocked football in 1995. Just a week after Luton boss Mike Newell reopened the debate about the way transfers are conducted, Holloway has put football back in the dock and will force the FA to extend their investigation.
Holloway said: "It was some time ago and I thought I was getting this player on a free transfer. His agent then came back to me and said 'my fee is this amount and you will get that from it'. "I went back to the board and said 'You must be joking'. I earn my money through my contract, not any other way. I've got nothing to hide.
"There are agents out there with whacking great wheelbarrows who say 'fill that up with money'."
Holloway reported the bung offer to Blackburn and former club chief executive David Davies, who now runs Wasps rugby club.
Davies said: "I can say 100 per cent that the agent concerned was Paul Taylor and I will confirm that. But where will it go from here?" ....
Holloway claimed there are agents who are willing to offer "bucketloads" for a deal.
Blackburn - who left the club in 2004 - backed up Holloway's story. He said: "Ian called me and said the agent of the player we were interested in wanted £50,000 - and Olly (Holloway) was going to get £30,000 of it. "I said the agent must be f***ing stupid. We didn't think the player in question was worth £50,000, never mind that amount for his agent. "In the end we settled on a £4,000 handling fee."
The FA will interview Holloway as part of their probe. Holloway added: "I didn't anticipate getting an offer and I can't prove it. I didn't record it and no agents are going to stand up and say 'Yeah, I do that'. Fair play to Mike Newell, but I'm not surprised nobody is going to support him. I don't think Mike's a liar. I think he's very frustrated."
Paul Taylor last night told Mirror Sport: "Ian knew about Gino from his time at Bristol Rovers but I recommended him as I knew him from my time as general manager at Walsall.
"It's a crazy thing and I don't want to comment further. It's not true, that's for sure."
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=16605913&method=full&siteid=94762&headline=bungs-the-evidence--name_page.html
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Friday, January 20, 2006
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Holloway Recounts his £30,000 "bung" Offer...Nick Blackburn Backs up Holloway's Claim
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Telegraph - I Was Offered a £30,000 Bung,' says Holloway
I was offered a £30,000 bung,' says Holloway By William Johnson 20/01/2006
Ian Holloway, the Queens Park Rangers manager... claimed to have been offered a £30,000 "bung" from a player's agent to facilitate a free transfer signing. Like Newell last week he has promised to name the alleged offender but like Newell he admits that any charge is going to be extremely difficult to prove.
Holloway reflected: "I thought I was getting a certain player on a free transfer. His agent then came back to me and said 'my fee is this amount and you will get that from it'.
"I went back to the board and said 'You must be joking'. I earn my money through my contract, not any other way. I've got nothing to hide. There are agents out there with whacking great wheelbarrows who say, 'Fill that up with money'."
Holloway has earned a reputation for eccentricity and outspoken behaviour but his comments yesterday have been endorsed by former Rangers chairman Nick Blackburn - who was in charge of the club when the inducement was offered.
Blackburn said: "Ian called me and said the agent of the player we were interested in wanted £50,000 - and Olly [Holloway] was going to get £30,000 of it. We didn't think the player in question was worth £50,000, never mind that amount for his agent. In the end we settled on a £4,000 handling fee. I heard stories all the time when I was chairman. I'm very disappointed that the game has to endure this."
Holloway's revelations came 24 hours after Newell met Football Association officials to discuss his own complaints about the way agents are affecting the game. Holloway has also promised to co-operate with Soho Square. He added: "I can't prove what happened because I didn't record it. Fair play to Mike, but I'm not surprised nobody is going to support him. I don't think Mike's a liar. I just think he's very frustrated."
The FA said after meeting with Newell that they would take time to reflect on his comments and they indicated last night that they would follow a similar course of action with Holloway...
http://sport.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2006/01/20/sfnbun20.xml&sSheet=/sport/2006/01/20/ixfooty.html
Also: Independent - January 20, 2006
"Holloway 'offered £30,000 by agent'
By Kieran Daley
http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/coca_cola/article339906.ece
Telegraph - I Was Offered a £30,000 Bung,' says Holloway
I was offered a £30,000 bung,' says Holloway By William Johnson 20/01/2006
Ian Holloway, the Queens Park Rangers manager... claimed to have been offered a £30,000 "bung" from a player's agent to facilitate a free transfer signing. Like Newell last week he has promised to name the alleged offender but like Newell he admits that any charge is going to be extremely difficult to prove.
Holloway reflected: "I thought I was getting a certain player on a free transfer. His agent then came back to me and said 'my fee is this amount and you will get that from it'.
"I went back to the board and said 'You must be joking'. I earn my money through my contract, not any other way. I've got nothing to hide. There are agents out there with whacking great wheelbarrows who say, 'Fill that up with money'."
Holloway has earned a reputation for eccentricity and outspoken behaviour but his comments yesterday have been endorsed by former Rangers chairman Nick Blackburn - who was in charge of the club when the inducement was offered.
Blackburn said: "Ian called me and said the agent of the player we were interested in wanted £50,000 - and Olly [Holloway] was going to get £30,000 of it. We didn't think the player in question was worth £50,000, never mind that amount for his agent. In the end we settled on a £4,000 handling fee. I heard stories all the time when I was chairman. I'm very disappointed that the game has to endure this."
Holloway's revelations came 24 hours after Newell met Football Association officials to discuss his own complaints about the way agents are affecting the game. Holloway has also promised to co-operate with Soho Square. He added: "I can't prove what happened because I didn't record it. Fair play to Mike, but I'm not surprised nobody is going to support him. I don't think Mike's a liar. I just think he's very frustrated."
The FA said after meeting with Newell that they would take time to reflect on his comments and they indicated last night that they would follow a similar course of action with Holloway...
http://sport.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2006/01/20/sfnbun20.xml&sSheet=/sport/2006/01/20/ixfooty.html
Also: Independent - January 20, 2006
"Holloway 'offered £30,000 by agent'
By Kieran Daley
http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/coca_cola/article339906.ece
Benito Carbone
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Sky Sport's Assessment...
Benni eyes Rangers move
Sky Sports By Chris Stanton - 19 January 2006
" Former Premiership star Benito Carbone has revealed he would welcome an offer from Queens Park Rangers to return to England....
Former agent Palladini has been a long-term admirer of his compatriot and the transfer of Carbone would represent a real coup for Rangers.
http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=354866&cpid=10&CLID=52&lid=&title=Benni+eyes+Rangers+move&channel=championship
Sky Sport's Assessment...
Benni eyes Rangers move
Sky Sports By Chris Stanton - 19 January 2006
" Former Premiership star Benito Carbone has revealed he would welcome an offer from Queens Park Rangers to return to England....
Former agent Palladini has been a long-term admirer of his compatriot and the transfer of Carbone would represent a real coup for Rangers.
http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=354866&cpid=10&CLID=52&lid=&title=Benni+eyes+Rangers+move&channel=championship
Carbone to QPR?
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Mirror
D BRAT BENI COULD BE BACK TOO
EXCLUSIVE
By John Cross
NICOLAS ANELKA is not the only notorious bad boy heading back to British football.
Former Sheffield Wednesday, Aston Villa, Bradford and Derby striker Benito Carbone - who received death threats from his OWN team-mates while in the Premiership - wants to return with QPR next season.
He said: "I would welcome a call from their chairman Gianni Palladini. Next year I would like to play in London."
The Italian enjoyed six years in the Premiership, earning up to £45,000-a-week. His mega wages almost bankrupted Wednesday and Bradford. But he said: "I didn't put my gun in Geoffrey Richmond's temple when I signed my contract with Bradford.
"If someone signs contracts without being able to mantain his duties it is not my fault.
Carbone, 34, now with his 15th club - Serie B side Vicenza - recalls with bitterness how even his own team turned on him at Hillsborough. He said: "On my bathrobe someone designed a black cross writing 'R.I.P. by Alitalia.' They wanted me to die in a plane accident.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/tm_objectid=16601176&method=full&siteid=94762&headline=--and-brat-beni-could-be-back-too--name_page.html
_________________
From a few years back:
BBC - "Carbone leaves Bradford
Carbone wages were threatening Bradford's survival
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/2152197.stm
Paladini on Carbone and Bradford :
http://archives.tcm.ie/breakingnews/2002/07/25/story61335.asp
Mirror
D BRAT BENI COULD BE BACK TOO
EXCLUSIVE
By John Cross
NICOLAS ANELKA is not the only notorious bad boy heading back to British football.
Former Sheffield Wednesday, Aston Villa, Bradford and Derby striker Benito Carbone - who received death threats from his OWN team-mates while in the Premiership - wants to return with QPR next season.
He said: "I would welcome a call from their chairman Gianni Palladini. Next year I would like to play in London."
The Italian enjoyed six years in the Premiership, earning up to £45,000-a-week. His mega wages almost bankrupted Wednesday and Bradford. But he said: "I didn't put my gun in Geoffrey Richmond's temple when I signed my contract with Bradford.
"If someone signs contracts without being able to mantain his duties it is not my fault.
Carbone, 34, now with his 15th club - Serie B side Vicenza - recalls with bitterness how even his own team turned on him at Hillsborough. He said: "On my bathrobe someone designed a black cross writing 'R.I.P. by Alitalia.' They wanted me to die in a plane accident.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/tm_objectid=16601176&method=full&siteid=94762&headline=--and-brat-beni-could-be-back-too--name_page.html
_________________
From a few years back:
BBC - "Carbone leaves Bradford
Carbone wages were threatening Bradford's survival
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/2152197.stm
Paladini on Carbone and Bradford :
http://archives.tcm.ie/breakingnews/2002/07/25/story61335.asp
QPR's Simon Osborn Turns 34
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Simon Osborn - January 19, 1972
Player manager Ray Wilkins signed midfielder, Osborn from Reading for £1,100,000 in July 1995 (our relegation season) and then sold him to Wolves less than six months later (for £1,00, 000). (Wilkins and Osborn were both midfielders...)
http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=7377
Also played for Tranmere, Port Vale, Gillingham and is currently at Walsall.
Career Statistics:
http://www.sportnetwork.net/main/s44/st29187.htm
Simon Osborn - January 19, 1972
Player manager Ray Wilkins signed midfielder, Osborn from Reading for £1,100,000 in July 1995 (our relegation season) and then sold him to Wolves less than six months later (for £1,00, 000). (Wilkins and Osborn were both midfielders...)
http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=7377
Also played for Tranmere, Port Vale, Gillingham and is currently at Walsall.
Career Statistics:
http://www.sportnetwork.net/main/s44/st29187.htm
Aston Villa's Goalie Wayne Henderson, Joining Brighton
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Aston Villa's Reserve goalie, Wayne Henderson set to join Brighton for £20,000 after three months loan. QPR were interested in Henderson in the summer and he played as trialist for QPR against Iran in July.
"Villa starlet close to Seagulls switch
"AstonVilla’s Republic of Ireland under-21 international goalkeeper Wayne Henderson is nearing a permanent move to Coca-Cola Championship side Brighton.Henderson spent three months at the Withdean Stadium earlier this season, and Seagulls boss Mark McGhee made no secret of the fact that he wanted to make the move a permanent one in the January transfer window. The deal looked under peril after a row over a fee purportedly due to Henderson’s agent, but that now seems to have been smoothed over. http://www.eleven-a-side.com/acrossthewater/irish_soccer_detail.asp?newsid=20773
Aston Villa's Reserve goalie, Wayne Henderson set to join Brighton for £20,000 after three months loan. QPR were interested in Henderson in the summer and he played as trialist for QPR against Iran in July.
"Villa starlet close to Seagulls switch
"AstonVilla’s Republic of Ireland under-21 international goalkeeper Wayne Henderson is nearing a permanent move to Coca-Cola Championship side Brighton.Henderson spent three months at the Withdean Stadium earlier this season, and Seagulls boss Mark McGhee made no secret of the fact that he wanted to make the move a permanent one in the January transfer window. The deal looked under peril after a row over a fee purportedly due to Henderson’s agent, but that now seems to have been smoothed over. http://www.eleven-a-side.com/acrossthewater/irish_soccer_detail.asp?newsid=20773
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Shaun Cooper signs new Bournemouth contract, so definitely no QPR Move
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Shame...But have to admire the player's character for sticking with Bournemouth.
BBC -Cooper pens new Cherries contract
Hart welcomes Cherries deal Bournemouth's Shaun Cooper has joined fellow defender Callum Hart in putting pen to paper on a new 18-month deal.
The ex-Portsmouth trainee, 22, joined on a short-term deal after impressing while on trial in the summer.
Cooper had been targeted by QPR, but Cherries manager Sean O'Driscoll said: "I'm delighted he's decided to sign for 18 months with us.
"I think it's the best move for him and if he continues his development, we'll end up with a very talented player." http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bournemouth/4623372.stm
Shame...But have to admire the player's character for sticking with Bournemouth.
BBC -Cooper pens new Cherries contract
Hart welcomes Cherries deal Bournemouth's Shaun Cooper has joined fellow defender Callum Hart in putting pen to paper on a new 18-month deal.
The ex-Portsmouth trainee, 22, joined on a short-term deal after impressing while on trial in the summer.
Cooper had been targeted by QPR, but Cherries manager Sean O'Driscoll said: "I'm delighted he's decided to sign for 18 months with us.
"I think it's the best move for him and if he continues his development, we'll end up with a very talented player." http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bournemouth/4623372.stm
Ex-QPR, Dean Wilkins Coaches Brighton Youth to Cup Victory over Chelsea
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Dean Wilkins, who played a handful of first team games for QPR in the early 1980s (and of course is the younger brother of Ray Wilkins) is now coaching Brighton youth.
BBC -Seagulls thrilled at Chelsea win
Brighton will face Blackburn or Derby in round fiveBrighton youth team coach Dean Wilkins was thrilled after his side beat Premiership champions Chelsea 2-1 in their FA Youth Cup fourth round tie.
Joe Gatting and Dan Leach were on target for the young Seagulls.
"I'm really pleased, as we normally fall at such big hurdles - but not this time," ex-Albion midfielder Wilkins told BBC Southern Counties Radio.
"It's also good for our players' self-confidence to beat sides like Chelsea," he added.
Brighton will face Blackburn or Derby in round five. http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brighton/4623868.stm
Dean Wilkins, who played a handful of first team games for QPR in the early 1980s (and of course is the younger brother of Ray Wilkins) is now coaching Brighton youth.
BBC -Seagulls thrilled at Chelsea win
Brighton will face Blackburn or Derby in round fiveBrighton youth team coach Dean Wilkins was thrilled after his side beat Premiership champions Chelsea 2-1 in their FA Youth Cup fourth round tie.
Joe Gatting and Dan Leach were on target for the young Seagulls.
"I'm really pleased, as we normally fall at such big hurdles - but not this time," ex-Albion midfielder Wilkins told BBC Southern Counties Radio.
"It's also good for our players' self-confidence to beat sides like Chelsea," he added.
Brighton will face Blackburn or Derby in round five. http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brighton/4623868.stm
Birthday Greetings to....Steve Lomas, Turning 32
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Steve Lomas, Turns 32: Born January 18, 1974
Ex-Manchester City & West Ham and Northern Ireland.
Steve Lomas, Turns 32: Born January 18, 1974
Ex-Manchester City & West Ham and Northern Ireland.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Twenty-Five Years Ago Today...QPR 1 Chelsea 0
-January 17, 1981:
Tommy Langley getting the only goal as Terry Venables' QPR defeated Chelsea 1-0 at Loftus Road before a crowd of almost 23,000.
QPR's Team vs Chelsea:
Burridge
Gillard Roeder Wicks Shanks
Currie Fenwick King Silkman
Langley Stainrod
And if you did a "Where are they now?"...Silkman's an agent...King just recently left Swindon as manager...Roeder heads the academy at Newcastle...Fenwick has managed briefly a couple of clubs. Stainrod managed in Scotland. Wicks was a coach...Gillard coached at Aldershot (as player coach) after leaving QPR
Tommy Langley getting the only goal as Terry Venables' QPR defeated Chelsea 1-0 at Loftus Road before a crowd of almost 23,000.
QPR's Team vs Chelsea:
Burridge
Gillard Roeder Wicks Shanks
Currie Fenwick King Silkman
Langley Stainrod
And if you did a "Where are they now?"...Silkman's an agent...King just recently left Swindon as manager...Roeder heads the academy at Newcastle...Fenwick has managed briefly a couple of clubs. Stainrod managed in Scotland. Wicks was a coach...Gillard coached at Aldershot (as player coach) after leaving QPR
Monday, January 16, 2006
Holloway on Walcott/Arsenal...Newell/Agents...Premiership...FA Charge re Stoke Game
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HOLLOWAY'S VIEWS
Guardian - Walcott back to reality as Saints prepare for parting of ways Jeremy Wilson
"It's everyone's dream to play for Arsenal with the beautiful football they play and you could see why they are big admirers," said the QPR manager Ian Holloway. "But what's Walcott going to learn playing Under-19s? He's better off playing in front of real crowds, scoring goals, dealing with highs and lows."
. The result gives QPR hope of pushing into the Premiership via the play-offs although Holloway was urging caution. "We'd get murdered," he said.
The QPR manager has also entered the debate on football agents. "I've not experienced what Mike [Newell] is talking about for four years," he said. "I thought the two people I was talking about were free transfers. The second that these two agents told me they weren't I said 'go on' to my directors then. I'd pass the names on to the FA, but I can't prove it."
Holloway also has the FA in his sights after his players were charged following the recent fracas against Stoke. "I want to see the FA big time if they are going to charge my players for misbehaving when my players got attacked and beat up in the middle of the game," he said.
http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,1527,1687270,00.html
HOLLOWAY'S VIEWS
Guardian - Walcott back to reality as Saints prepare for parting of ways Jeremy Wilson
"It's everyone's dream to play for Arsenal with the beautiful football they play and you could see why they are big admirers," said the QPR manager Ian Holloway. "But what's Walcott going to learn playing Under-19s? He's better off playing in front of real crowds, scoring goals, dealing with highs and lows."
. The result gives QPR hope of pushing into the Premiership via the play-offs although Holloway was urging caution. "We'd get murdered," he said.
The QPR manager has also entered the debate on football agents. "I've not experienced what Mike [Newell] is talking about for four years," he said. "I thought the two people I was talking about were free transfers. The second that these two agents told me they weren't I said 'go on' to my directors then. I'd pass the names on to the FA, but I can't prove it."
Holloway also has the FA in his sights after his players were charged following the recent fracas against Stoke. "I want to see the FA big time if they are going to charge my players for misbehaving when my players got attacked and beat up in the middle of the game," he said.
http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,1527,1687270,00.html
Further Match Reports
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Times Report
Disappointing Walcott outshone by elders
By Ron LewisQueens Park Rangers 1 Southampton 0: Langley on the spot for QPR
THEO WALCOTT WATCH: minutes on the pitch, 90; shots on target, one; shots off target, two; goals, none; yellow cards, one; rating, C minus. Harsh? Maybe, but when you have a £10 million price-tag on you, you are in the business of harsh assessments. Southampton’s 16-year-old wonderkid started on the left, switched to the front and ended up on the right, but he was largely anonymous.
His best chance came after 37 minutes, when the ball fell to him 15 yards out. His shot was well saved by Simon Royce, the Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper, and he sliced the rebound over the bar.
In the second half it was his cross that QPR, at that point down to ten men because of an injury to Georges Santos, failed to clear and led to Southampton’s penalty, which Nigel Quashie — once a 17-year-old protégé at Loftus Road — fired against a post. Apart from that, Walcott’s only souvenir of the afternoon was a QPR shirt, courtesy of Paul Furlong. He left the field last, clad in blue and white hoops, having given the sort of lingering salute to Southampton supporters that normally comes before a transfer.
Not that George Burley, the Southampton manager, was admitting that Walcott was going to Arsenal, or anywhere else for that matter. “Nothing has changed, we are planning ahead with Theo at the club, we want to keep him,” he said. “At the moment the best place for him is Southampton. He’s enjoying himself, playing regular first-team football and will just get better and better. I’ve never had a 16-year-old playing regularly. I’ve had plenty of 17-year-olds — Kieron Dyer, Darren Ambrose (as manager of Ipswich Town). Theo can go on and be better than all of them.”
Rather than keep Walcott, Burley, who fielded two other teenagers in Nathan Dyer and Dexter Blackstock, could do better to reinvest some of the money from his sale in a team who have lost five of their past six league games.
Walcott did make an impression on Steve Lomas, the QPR midfield player, and not only for the bad tackle that earned the teenager a yellow card. “He’s pretty quick and I wouldn’t like to be chasing him all the time,” the former Northern Ireland captain said. “He’s obviously got a bright future, he’s got blistering pace, but I thought Matthew Rose played him quite well. The key with players like that is to not let them turn. He probably got a bit frustrated at the end.”
Lomas, in his first match for three months, led the rearguard effort by the home team in the second half. QPR had deserved their half-time lead, Richard Langley slotting home a penalty after Gareth Ainsworth had been bundled over by Danny Higginbotham. Furlong had a goal ruled out for offside, but though it remained tense, QPR held on to climb into the top half.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,435-1987316,00.html
Telegraph
Frustrated Walcott swaps his shirt at lastBy Stewart Jackson
Somewhere amid the frenzy surrounding Theo Walcott's supposed last game for Southampton there was one cool head: Dan Shittu had the presence of mind to collar the 16-year-old at the final whistle and insist on swapping shirts. It could turn out to be a valuable memento for the QPR centre-back.
So high are the hopes for the £16 million-rated striker that you would not bet against the item finding its way on to eBay in 10 years. His first Arsenal shirt would be an even bigger coup - keep your eyes on the Everton back line on Saturday.
It was not the farewell of which he would have dreamed - another defeat, a decent first-half chance wasted and a silly booking were the end-product of a disappointing afternoon. The yellow card came for a kick at Steve Lomas, the Rangers midfielder, as frustration got the better of the teenager.
Lomas, who has come up against many 'Next Big Things' in the Premiership while at Manchester City and West Ham, was in no doubt that Walcott has what it takes. "He's definitely destined for big things," the Northern Irishman said.
"There's obviously something there - especially if Arsene Wenger is going to pay over £10 million for him. He can look after himself well for a 16-year-old and he's got blistering pace. He did me a couple of times down the line and I wouldn't want to be chasing him all the time.
"He's got a bright future if he can stay clear of injuries. If he goes to Arsenal he's got a great manager to guide him in the right direction."
Walcott showed flashes of his much-touted brilliance - one mazy run past three defenders would have impressed Arsenal fans - but he will be disappointed not to have scored in the first half. Set up by Dexter Blackstock, his first effort was punched straight back by the goalkeeper Simon Royce, but, as the rebound bounced up to him, he shot over.
George Burley, the Southampton manager, was still toeing the "it's just speculation" party line, and added: "We are planning ahead with Theo at the club. We naturally want to keep him for as long as possible."
With his under-performing side rapidly losing touch with the play-offs, however, any multi-million-pound down-payment by Arsenal would fund a flurry of much-needed purchases. As Walcott's leaving present, that could prove more valuable than an equaliser at Loftus Road.
Southampton's fourth defeat in five matches under Burley boiled down to two penalties. Richard Langley converted the home side's in the first half, Nigel Quashie hit the post in the second.
With hindsight it might have been a good idea to give the ball to Walcott. The afternoon was all about him.
http://sport.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=&xml=/sport/2006/01/16/sfgqpr16.xml
INDEPENDENT
Burley in dark over Walcott move to Arsenal
By Matt Gatward
Published: 16 January 2006
The whole footballing world expects Southampton's exciting teenager, Theo Walcott, to join Arsenal today except his manager George Burley, who claims that if a deal has been done he knows nothing about it.
"I don't know what will happen tomorrow," Burley said after his side lost 1-0 to Queen's Park Rangers on Saturday at Loftus Road. "I might not be here myself, who knows? I won't guarantee anything, but as far as I'm aware nothing has changed. We're planning ahead with Theo at the club. He's done very well for us and we want to keep him for as long as possible. He's a fantastic talent. When you've got a talent like that there is always going to be speculation but the kid handles it well - he's experienced it for the past six months."
Burley did admit he could not guarantee that Walcott would remain a Southampton player beyond the January transfer window as reports suggested the 16-year-old remained in London for further talks with Arsenal after Saturday's game. Saints are believed to be hopeful of retaining Walcott's services on loan should he head to Highbury, a move that appeared to be edging ever closer when the chairman Rupert Lowe and the director of football Sir Clive Woodward visited the Arsenal training ground on Thursday. However, it is understood the Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger is eager to start working with Walcott straight away.
Walcott was unable to finish on the winning side in what could be his last Southampton game on Saturday after a Richard Langley penalty proved enough to beat Saints.
"[Walcott] looked lively," Burley said. "He did well on a number of occasions and made a great run for the penalty." Unfortunately for Burley, the penalty earned by Walcott's surging run 14 minutes from time was squandered by Nigel Quashie, who smacked the ball on to the post against his former club.
Burley admitted that he is close to bringing in players to boost his squad, who are now well off the play-off places after a fifth defeat in six League games under the Scot. "We've made offers for three or four players and we are close to bringing in one or two in the next few days."
The Rangers manager Ian Holloway admitted to being an admirer of Walcott. "He showed his quality in flashes and you could see why everyone is talking about him," he said.
The former Arsenal striker Nicolas Anelka wants to make Newcastle United his next club. He said: "I don't want to waste my time any more in the Turkish Championship ... [but] they don't want to sell me for nothing. But my brothers are trying to find me a club in England. I have heard of Everton's interest, but I don't want to go there. I want to get back into the Premiership and I would like that club to be Newcastle United."
l The former Arsenal captain Tony Adams will start work at the Dutch first division side Utrecht today as a trainee coach.
The whole footballing world expects Southampton's exciting teenager, Theo Walcott, to join Arsenal today except his manager George Burley, who claims that if a deal has been done he knows nothing about it.
"I don't know what will happen tomorrow," Burley said after his side lost 1-0 to Queen's Park Rangers on Saturday at Loftus Road. "I might not be here myself, who knows? I won't guarantee anything, but as far as I'm aware nothing has changed. We're planning ahead with Theo at the club. He's done very well for us and we want to keep him for as long as possible. He's a fantastic talent. When you've got a talent like that there is always going to be speculation but the kid handles it well - he's experienced it for the past six months."
Burley did admit he could not guarantee that Walcott would remain a Southampton player beyond the January transfer window as reports suggested the 16-year-old remained in London for further talks with Arsenal after Saturday's game. Saints are believed to be hopeful of retaining Walcott's services on loan should he head to Highbury, a move that appeared to be edging ever closer when the chairman Rupert Lowe and the director of football Sir Clive Woodward visited the Arsenal training ground on Thursday. However, it is understood the Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger is eager to start working with Walcott straight away.
Walcott was unable to finish on the winning side in what could be his last Southampton game on Saturday after a Richard Langley penalty proved enough to beat Saints.
"[Walcott] looked lively," Burley said. "He did well on a number of occasions and made a great run for the penalty." Unfortunately for Burley, the penalty earned by Walcott's surging run 14 minutes from time was squandered by Nigel Quashie, who smacked the ball on to the post against his former club.
Burley admitted that he is close to bringing in players to boost his squad, who are now well off the play-off places after a fifth defeat in six League games under the Scot. "We've made offers for three or four players and we are close to bringing in one or two in the next few days."
The Rangers manager Ian Holloway admitted to being an admirer of Walcott. "He showed his quality in flashes and you could see why everyone is talking about him," he said.
http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/arsenal/article338798.ece
Times Report
Disappointing Walcott outshone by elders
By Ron LewisQueens Park Rangers 1 Southampton 0: Langley on the spot for QPR
THEO WALCOTT WATCH: minutes on the pitch, 90; shots on target, one; shots off target, two; goals, none; yellow cards, one; rating, C minus. Harsh? Maybe, but when you have a £10 million price-tag on you, you are in the business of harsh assessments. Southampton’s 16-year-old wonderkid started on the left, switched to the front and ended up on the right, but he was largely anonymous.
His best chance came after 37 minutes, when the ball fell to him 15 yards out. His shot was well saved by Simon Royce, the Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper, and he sliced the rebound over the bar.
In the second half it was his cross that QPR, at that point down to ten men because of an injury to Georges Santos, failed to clear and led to Southampton’s penalty, which Nigel Quashie — once a 17-year-old protégé at Loftus Road — fired against a post. Apart from that, Walcott’s only souvenir of the afternoon was a QPR shirt, courtesy of Paul Furlong. He left the field last, clad in blue and white hoops, having given the sort of lingering salute to Southampton supporters that normally comes before a transfer.
Not that George Burley, the Southampton manager, was admitting that Walcott was going to Arsenal, or anywhere else for that matter. “Nothing has changed, we are planning ahead with Theo at the club, we want to keep him,” he said. “At the moment the best place for him is Southampton. He’s enjoying himself, playing regular first-team football and will just get better and better. I’ve never had a 16-year-old playing regularly. I’ve had plenty of 17-year-olds — Kieron Dyer, Darren Ambrose (as manager of Ipswich Town). Theo can go on and be better than all of them.”
Rather than keep Walcott, Burley, who fielded two other teenagers in Nathan Dyer and Dexter Blackstock, could do better to reinvest some of the money from his sale in a team who have lost five of their past six league games.
Walcott did make an impression on Steve Lomas, the QPR midfield player, and not only for the bad tackle that earned the teenager a yellow card. “He’s pretty quick and I wouldn’t like to be chasing him all the time,” the former Northern Ireland captain said. “He’s obviously got a bright future, he’s got blistering pace, but I thought Matthew Rose played him quite well. The key with players like that is to not let them turn. He probably got a bit frustrated at the end.”
Lomas, in his first match for three months, led the rearguard effort by the home team in the second half. QPR had deserved their half-time lead, Richard Langley slotting home a penalty after Gareth Ainsworth had been bundled over by Danny Higginbotham. Furlong had a goal ruled out for offside, but though it remained tense, QPR held on to climb into the top half.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,435-1987316,00.html
Telegraph
Frustrated Walcott swaps his shirt at lastBy Stewart Jackson
Somewhere amid the frenzy surrounding Theo Walcott's supposed last game for Southampton there was one cool head: Dan Shittu had the presence of mind to collar the 16-year-old at the final whistle and insist on swapping shirts. It could turn out to be a valuable memento for the QPR centre-back.
So high are the hopes for the £16 million-rated striker that you would not bet against the item finding its way on to eBay in 10 years. His first Arsenal shirt would be an even bigger coup - keep your eyes on the Everton back line on Saturday.
It was not the farewell of which he would have dreamed - another defeat, a decent first-half chance wasted and a silly booking were the end-product of a disappointing afternoon. The yellow card came for a kick at Steve Lomas, the Rangers midfielder, as frustration got the better of the teenager.
Lomas, who has come up against many 'Next Big Things' in the Premiership while at Manchester City and West Ham, was in no doubt that Walcott has what it takes. "He's definitely destined for big things," the Northern Irishman said.
"There's obviously something there - especially if Arsene Wenger is going to pay over £10 million for him. He can look after himself well for a 16-year-old and he's got blistering pace. He did me a couple of times down the line and I wouldn't want to be chasing him all the time.
"He's got a bright future if he can stay clear of injuries. If he goes to Arsenal he's got a great manager to guide him in the right direction."
Walcott showed flashes of his much-touted brilliance - one mazy run past three defenders would have impressed Arsenal fans - but he will be disappointed not to have scored in the first half. Set up by Dexter Blackstock, his first effort was punched straight back by the goalkeeper Simon Royce, but, as the rebound bounced up to him, he shot over.
George Burley, the Southampton manager, was still toeing the "it's just speculation" party line, and added: "We are planning ahead with Theo at the club. We naturally want to keep him for as long as possible."
With his under-performing side rapidly losing touch with the play-offs, however, any multi-million-pound down-payment by Arsenal would fund a flurry of much-needed purchases. As Walcott's leaving present, that could prove more valuable than an equaliser at Loftus Road.
Southampton's fourth defeat in five matches under Burley boiled down to two penalties. Richard Langley converted the home side's in the first half, Nigel Quashie hit the post in the second.
With hindsight it might have been a good idea to give the ball to Walcott. The afternoon was all about him.
http://sport.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=&xml=/sport/2006/01/16/sfgqpr16.xml
INDEPENDENT
Burley in dark over Walcott move to Arsenal
By Matt Gatward
Published: 16 January 2006
The whole footballing world expects Southampton's exciting teenager, Theo Walcott, to join Arsenal today except his manager George Burley, who claims that if a deal has been done he knows nothing about it.
"I don't know what will happen tomorrow," Burley said after his side lost 1-0 to Queen's Park Rangers on Saturday at Loftus Road. "I might not be here myself, who knows? I won't guarantee anything, but as far as I'm aware nothing has changed. We're planning ahead with Theo at the club. He's done very well for us and we want to keep him for as long as possible. He's a fantastic talent. When you've got a talent like that there is always going to be speculation but the kid handles it well - he's experienced it for the past six months."
Burley did admit he could not guarantee that Walcott would remain a Southampton player beyond the January transfer window as reports suggested the 16-year-old remained in London for further talks with Arsenal after Saturday's game. Saints are believed to be hopeful of retaining Walcott's services on loan should he head to Highbury, a move that appeared to be edging ever closer when the chairman Rupert Lowe and the director of football Sir Clive Woodward visited the Arsenal training ground on Thursday. However, it is understood the Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger is eager to start working with Walcott straight away.
Walcott was unable to finish on the winning side in what could be his last Southampton game on Saturday after a Richard Langley penalty proved enough to beat Saints.
"[Walcott] looked lively," Burley said. "He did well on a number of occasions and made a great run for the penalty." Unfortunately for Burley, the penalty earned by Walcott's surging run 14 minutes from time was squandered by Nigel Quashie, who smacked the ball on to the post against his former club.
Burley admitted that he is close to bringing in players to boost his squad, who are now well off the play-off places after a fifth defeat in six League games under the Scot. "We've made offers for three or four players and we are close to bringing in one or two in the next few days."
The Rangers manager Ian Holloway admitted to being an admirer of Walcott. "He showed his quality in flashes and you could see why everyone is talking about him," he said.
The former Arsenal striker Nicolas Anelka wants to make Newcastle United his next club. He said: "I don't want to waste my time any more in the Turkish Championship ... [but] they don't want to sell me for nothing. But my brothers are trying to find me a club in England. I have heard of Everton's interest, but I don't want to go there. I want to get back into the Premiership and I would like that club to be Newcastle United."
l The former Arsenal captain Tony Adams will start work at the Dutch first division side Utrecht today as a trainee coach.
The whole footballing world expects Southampton's exciting teenager, Theo Walcott, to join Arsenal today except his manager George Burley, who claims that if a deal has been done he knows nothing about it.
"I don't know what will happen tomorrow," Burley said after his side lost 1-0 to Queen's Park Rangers on Saturday at Loftus Road. "I might not be here myself, who knows? I won't guarantee anything, but as far as I'm aware nothing has changed. We're planning ahead with Theo at the club. He's done very well for us and we want to keep him for as long as possible. He's a fantastic talent. When you've got a talent like that there is always going to be speculation but the kid handles it well - he's experienced it for the past six months."
Burley did admit he could not guarantee that Walcott would remain a Southampton player beyond the January transfer window as reports suggested the 16-year-old remained in London for further talks with Arsenal after Saturday's game. Saints are believed to be hopeful of retaining Walcott's services on loan should he head to Highbury, a move that appeared to be edging ever closer when the chairman Rupert Lowe and the director of football Sir Clive Woodward visited the Arsenal training ground on Thursday. However, it is understood the Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger is eager to start working with Walcott straight away.
Walcott was unable to finish on the winning side in what could be his last Southampton game on Saturday after a Richard Langley penalty proved enough to beat Saints.
"[Walcott] looked lively," Burley said. "He did well on a number of occasions and made a great run for the penalty." Unfortunately for Burley, the penalty earned by Walcott's surging run 14 minutes from time was squandered by Nigel Quashie, who smacked the ball on to the post against his former club.
Burley admitted that he is close to bringing in players to boost his squad, who are now well off the play-off places after a fifth defeat in six League games under the Scot. "We've made offers for three or four players and we are close to bringing in one or two in the next few days."
The Rangers manager Ian Holloway admitted to being an admirer of Walcott. "He showed his quality in flashes and you could see why everyone is talking about him," he said.
http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/arsenal/article338798.ece
Mick Leach would be 59
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Mick Leach, Born January 16, 1947
Died in 1992
Great unappreciated QPR Hero, later 1960s to later 1970s.
http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=9687
Mick Leach, Born January 16, 1947
Died in 1992
Great unappreciated QPR Hero, later 1960s to later 1970s.
http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=9687
Paladini Q & A - Interviewed by QPR Net
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QPR Net have a Q&A with Paladini, which was done prior to the Cardiff Game.
http://www.qprnet.com/interviews/paladini.shtml
QPR Net have a Q&A with Paladini, which was done prior to the Cardiff Game.
http://www.qprnet.com/interviews/paladini.shtml
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Holloway - More on Bungs
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Ian Holloway
"...Queens Park Rangers manager Ian Holloway, meanwhile, has given his support to Newell, and urged the powers that be to resolve the problems.
"Mike has been honest but I look at it slightly differently," he told Radio Five Live.
"Wherever there are loopholes people will try to exploit them and I think we should try to tighten things up.
"I love the game but I can't stand the business. I think there is an awful lot wrong with football. All I try to do is live my way." (Skysports)
http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=352997&CPID=10&clid=&lid=4&title=Agents+hit+back+in+Newell+row
Radio Five Live - http://www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/sport/ Click on Football Bungs
Ian Holloway
"...Queens Park Rangers manager Ian Holloway, meanwhile, has given his support to Newell, and urged the powers that be to resolve the problems.
"Mike has been honest but I look at it slightly differently," he told Radio Five Live.
"Wherever there are loopholes people will try to exploit them and I think we should try to tighten things up.
"I love the game but I can't stand the business. I think there is an awful lot wrong with football. All I try to do is live my way." (Skysports)
http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=352997&CPID=10&clid=&lid=4&title=Agents+hit+back+in+Newell+row
Radio Five Live - http://www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/sport/ Click on Football Bungs
Mike Sheron Q & A
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Sheron's coaching hopes
By Tony Incenzo - The FA.Com
[[Sheron makes no reference to his QPR period!]
Mike Sheron is best known for his goalscoring heroics at Manchester City, among a number of other clubs he made over 500 appearances with, but after suffering from a prolonged injury he has turned his attentions to coaching where he hopes to be just as successful.
We caught up with Mike, who also played for Norwich, Stoke, QPR, Barnsley, Blackpool, Macclesfield and Shrewsbury, in his new role at Warrington. Mike joined the UniBond League Division One side as a player earlier this season but is now concentrating on coaching.N
Now aged 33, he joined Warrington Town of the UniBond League Division One as a player earlier this season but has since decided to concentrate on coaching at the club.
Mike, how's it been going for you at Warrington?
I have been helping out on the coaching side at Warrington for the last year. I'm going through my coaching badges and so I needed a set of lads to work with. I left Shrewsbury Town as a player in the summer and I didn't have a club at the start of this season. So I trained with Crewe Alexandra to try to recover from an injury. Then I needed a few games to see where I was at. I played two matches for Warrington and didn't feel anywhere near what I am used to fitness-wise. I could have taken my time and eventually pushed my fitness, but I have been out of action for a good seven months now and I really do get a buzz from the coaching. That is a side of the game that I want to learn and improve on, so I am going to concentrate on that now and I am grateful to Warrington for giving me the opportunity. They have a good set of lads and so this is a great chance for me to start off and study the trade. You are always learning in football and never too old to learn.
What is the injury you have had?
It is a knee injury and it is like the early stages of arthritis. The physio at Crewe - Matt Ratcliffe - got me fit at the start of the season. So he gave me the option of making the decision about my fitness myself rather than being forced into retirement. It was nice to have the choice rather than being told that I had to pack up playing.
You have always followed Non-League football closely haven't you? Yes, I've had a few friends over the years who have played at different levels. My best mate Adrian Riley used to play for quite a while at St Helens Town, who are the local team from where I am from. He ended up joining Warrington Town when Glenn Walker took over as manager here at the club because they had both played together for St Helens. So I have always taken an interest in the Non-League. I enjoy watching all levels of football.
Having been a professional, do you have to make different allowances when coaching Non-League players?
In a way yes. You have to realise the standard that they are playing at. But I still believe that players can improve if they apply themselves correctly. It doesn't matter how much coaching you get or how fit you are, at the end of the day you have to apply yourself correctly in a match situation otherwise you won't get results. That is important at any level of football. So you do make allowances for the players but you always strive to make them better.
What were the personal highlights of your professional career?
I would have to say playing for England under-21's. After that, being at Manchester City at a time when the Premiership was just starting. Under Peter Reid, we finished in the top 10 three years running. That was a very special period really. Also, going to Stoke City and scoring 34 goals in less than 70 appearances and getting into the play-offs, which was a great time for me personally. I always thought I had a chance of getting into the full England squad, but it wasn't to be. I feel as if I tried my best over my career wherever I went and that is the type of fella I am. And if I can apply that to my coaching, then I am confident I can get the best out of players.
Do you have any business interests away from football?
No I haven't to be honest. I have got a young family and that is very important to me. So what are your future hopes in coaching? I am in the middle of doing my UEFA 'A' license now. That is why I have made the decision to stop playing football myself. The coaching is a big commitment and it is definitely where I want to go. I've only realised that over the last three or four weeks. People tell you to play for as long as you can and I obviously wanted to. But the injury I have had makes it difficult to carry on. So I am hoping to get back into professional football as a coach as quickly as possible. I feel as if I have a great deal to offer and I am very enthusiastic about the game. So it would be interesting to get a few offers from clubs.
http://www.thefa.com/Grassroots/GrassRootsNews/Postings/2006/01/Sheron_interview.htm?WBCMODE=PresentationUnpublished%3fpage
Sheron's coaching hopes
By Tony Incenzo - The FA.Com
[[Sheron makes no reference to his QPR period!]
Mike Sheron is best known for his goalscoring heroics at Manchester City, among a number of other clubs he made over 500 appearances with, but after suffering from a prolonged injury he has turned his attentions to coaching where he hopes to be just as successful.
We caught up with Mike, who also played for Norwich, Stoke, QPR, Barnsley, Blackpool, Macclesfield and Shrewsbury, in his new role at Warrington. Mike joined the UniBond League Division One side as a player earlier this season but is now concentrating on coaching.N
Now aged 33, he joined Warrington Town of the UniBond League Division One as a player earlier this season but has since decided to concentrate on coaching at the club.
Mike, how's it been going for you at Warrington?
I have been helping out on the coaching side at Warrington for the last year. I'm going through my coaching badges and so I needed a set of lads to work with. I left Shrewsbury Town as a player in the summer and I didn't have a club at the start of this season. So I trained with Crewe Alexandra to try to recover from an injury. Then I needed a few games to see where I was at. I played two matches for Warrington and didn't feel anywhere near what I am used to fitness-wise. I could have taken my time and eventually pushed my fitness, but I have been out of action for a good seven months now and I really do get a buzz from the coaching. That is a side of the game that I want to learn and improve on, so I am going to concentrate on that now and I am grateful to Warrington for giving me the opportunity. They have a good set of lads and so this is a great chance for me to start off and study the trade. You are always learning in football and never too old to learn.
What is the injury you have had?
It is a knee injury and it is like the early stages of arthritis. The physio at Crewe - Matt Ratcliffe - got me fit at the start of the season. So he gave me the option of making the decision about my fitness myself rather than being forced into retirement. It was nice to have the choice rather than being told that I had to pack up playing.
You have always followed Non-League football closely haven't you? Yes, I've had a few friends over the years who have played at different levels. My best mate Adrian Riley used to play for quite a while at St Helens Town, who are the local team from where I am from. He ended up joining Warrington Town when Glenn Walker took over as manager here at the club because they had both played together for St Helens. So I have always taken an interest in the Non-League. I enjoy watching all levels of football.
Having been a professional, do you have to make different allowances when coaching Non-League players?
In a way yes. You have to realise the standard that they are playing at. But I still believe that players can improve if they apply themselves correctly. It doesn't matter how much coaching you get or how fit you are, at the end of the day you have to apply yourself correctly in a match situation otherwise you won't get results. That is important at any level of football. So you do make allowances for the players but you always strive to make them better.
What were the personal highlights of your professional career?
I would have to say playing for England under-21's. After that, being at Manchester City at a time when the Premiership was just starting. Under Peter Reid, we finished in the top 10 three years running. That was a very special period really. Also, going to Stoke City and scoring 34 goals in less than 70 appearances and getting into the play-offs, which was a great time for me personally. I always thought I had a chance of getting into the full England squad, but it wasn't to be. I feel as if I tried my best over my career wherever I went and that is the type of fella I am. And if I can apply that to my coaching, then I am confident I can get the best out of players.
Do you have any business interests away from football?
No I haven't to be honest. I have got a young family and that is very important to me. So what are your future hopes in coaching? I am in the middle of doing my UEFA 'A' license now. That is why I have made the decision to stop playing football myself. The coaching is a big commitment and it is definitely where I want to go. I've only realised that over the last three or four weeks. People tell you to play for as long as you can and I obviously wanted to. But the injury I have had makes it difficult to carry on. So I am hoping to get back into professional football as a coach as quickly as possible. I feel as if I have a great deal to offer and I am very enthusiastic about the game. So it would be interesting to get a few offers from clubs.
http://www.thefa.com/Grassroots/GrassRootsNews/Postings/2006/01/Sheron_interview.htm?WBCMODE=PresentationUnpublished%3fpage
Jan Stejskal Turns 44
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JAN STEJSKAL
Birthday Today: QPR's Czech International Goalie, Jan Stejskal - Born January 15, 1962
Signed from Sparta Prague by Don Howe as a replacement for David Seaman. Made his debut in October 1990, in "THE" game at Leeds in which QPR came from 0-2 down to win 3-2 and Roy Wegerle scored a wonder goal. Stejskal Played for QPR for four seasons...
JAN STEJSKAL
Birthday Today: QPR's Czech International Goalie, Jan Stejskal - Born January 15, 1962
Signed from Sparta Prague by Don Howe as a replacement for David Seaman. Made his debut in October 1990, in "THE" game at Leeds in which QPR came from 0-2 down to win 3-2 and Roy Wegerle scored a wonder goal. Stejskal Played for QPR for four seasons...
Further Match Reports of Queens Park Rangers 1 Southampton 0
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THE TIMES - Langley spoils teenager’s leaving do
Theo Walcott produced some inspired touches at QPR yesterday, but was profligate in front of goal in Southampton’s 1-0 defeat, writes Jon West
HE IS the teenager already performing a man’s job but Theo Walcott, seemingly Arsenal-bound despite his present manager’s denials, could still do with time at a finishing school.
The 16-year-old is rightly regarded as the hottest teenage talent in England, because of his pace and potential, but the boy dubbed the new Thierry Henry is not yet a Premiership-quality predator, as his display in Southampton’s 1-0 defeat by Queens Park Rangers showed.
Turning out for the Saints is a thankless task anyway these days as the South Coast side inflicted a fifth defeat in six league matches on its long-suffering fans, who nevertheless outsung their Rangers counterparts, so the teenager can hardly be blamed for wanting to head east along the M3 to Arsenal’s training ground.
It was easy to see why Walcott had caught the imagination of Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager. There was a glorious few seconds in the second half when super-fast feet beat one man, a second and a third before a promising move came to an abrupt end with a pass to a less gifted colleague.
But should this turn out to be his farewell performance in a Saints shirt, and there is always the possibility that he will be sold and loaned straight back, then it will be a costly double miss soon after Rangers had gone ahead that will linger the longest.
The chance had been fashioned by another academy product, Dexter Blackstock, who stuck out a leg to divert the ball into his strike partner’s path. QPR goalkeeper Simon Royce parried Walcott’s initial, well-struck effort but was helpless as the ball rebounded straight back to the prodigy, who wastefully fired over.
Rangers manager Ian Holloway admitted afterwards he had been surprised Walcott had even taken part such was the intensity of his press coverage but George Burley, his Southampton counterpart, was adamant afterwards that the teenager might yet remain on the South Coast.
“Nothing has changed at all as far as I am aware,” he insisted, with a twinkle in his eye that all but confirmed he was happy with a leading role in a post-match pantomime. “As for him being sold and coming back on loan, we are not even thinking about that. We are planning ahead with Theo at the club. We naturally want to keep him for as long as possible.” The game was decided by one clumsy first-half moment when Danny Higginbotham, who had survived an earlier handball shout, barged Gareth Ainsworth over and Richard Langley sent Paul Smith, Antti Niemi’s successor between the Saints sticks, the wrong way from the penalty spot.
Southampton applied immense pressure in the final half-hour but skipper Nigel Quashie wasted a penalty he had won himself by planting it against a post. The award, for Steve Lomas’s challenge on the former Rangers midfielder, had followed a moment of Walcott magic on the by-line, but it was that kind of day for the Saints. That kind of season in fact.
STAR MAN: Marcus Bignot (QPR)
Player ratings: QPR: Royce 7, Bignot 8, Shittu 8, Santos 8 (Taylor 78min, 5), Rose 7, Ainsworth 6 (Donnelly 88min, 5), Lomas 6, Langley 7, Cook 7, Furlong 7, Baidoo 7 (Moore 84min, 5)
Southampton: Smith 7, Prutton 6, Lundekvam 6, Powell 6, Higginbotham 5, Dyer 6 (Fuller h-t, 5), Oakley 6, Quashie 6, Belmadi 5, Walcott 6, Blackstock 6 (Jones 68min, 5)
Scorer: QPR: Langley 21 pen
Referee: M Jones Attendance: 15,494
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2093-1986213,00.html
INDEPENDENT
QPR 1 Southampton 0: Southampton serve up a weak farewell for prodigy Walcott
By Andy Sims at Loftus Road
Published: 15 January 2006
As farewell matches go, it was not ideal, but if it was indeed goodbye to Southampton for Theo Walcott, the 16-year-old prodigy will probably have plenty more opportunities to celebrate in the future.
"I don't know what will happen tomorrow," joked the Saints manager, George Burley. "I might not be here myself, who knows? I won't guarantee anything, but as far as I'm aware, nothing has changed."
Walcott, apparently, may not have been planning to head back to the South Coast after a frustrating afternoon as Richard Langley sealed the points for Queen's Park Rangers with the only goal of the game from a first-half penalty, as he is expected to sign for Arsenal by the end of tomorrow. The teenager's misery was increased by Nigel Quashie missing a penalty for the Saints.
His display on the left wing may not be his last in the Saints' red-and-white stripes, because if his move to Highbury does go through (although Arsène Wenger, Arsenal's manager, is still being coy about the exact timing of the agreement), he may return to St Mary's for the rest of the season on loan.
Rangers have played South-ampton twice now this season, so their right-back, Marcus Bignot, can sleep easier in his bed knowing he will not have to face the high-speed trickster until at least next season. He needed to be alert twice right from the off yesterday, timing his tackle perfectly as Walcott tried to go past him. Walcott then floated the ensuing corner on to the head of Darren Powell and Bignot cleared the ball off the line.
Rangers found their rhythm and went ahead after 21 minutes when Lee Cook's long shot was parried by Paul Smith in Saints' goal and, as the ball looped up, Gareth Ainsworth was brought down by Danny Higginbotham. Langley shut out the distraction of Saints' protests and sent Smith the wrong way.
After the break Quashie thumped a drive too high before Walcott, with 14 minutes left, sped down the right and crossed. Belmadi touched the ball off to Quashie, who fell under pressure from Ainsworth and Steve Lomas. He picked himself up to take the penalty but his shot came back off the post and Rangers cleared the rebound.
Southampton could get Walcott on the rebound, at least temporarily, if his move goes ahead.
As farewell matches go, it was not ideal, but if it was indeed goodbye to Southampton for Theo Walcott, the 16-year-old prodigy will probably have plenty more opportunities to celebrate in the future.
"I don't know what will happen tomorrow," joked the Saints manager, George Burley. "I might not be here myself, who knows? I won't guarantee anything, but as far as I'm aware, nothing has changed."
Walcott, apparently, may not have been planning to head back to the South Coast after a frustrating afternoon as Richard Langley sealed the points for Queen's Park Rangers with the only goal of the game from a first-half penalty, as he is expected to sign for Arsenal by the end of tomorrow. The teenager's misery was increased by Nigel Quashie missing a penalty for the Saints.
His display on the left wing may not be his last in the Saints' red-and-white stripes, because if his move to Highbury does go through (although Arsène Wenger, Arsenal's manager, is still being coy about the exact timing of the agreement), he may return to St Mary's for the rest of the season on loan.
Rangers have played South-ampton twice now this season, so their right-back, Marcus Bignot, can sleep easier in his bed knowing he will not have to face the high-speed trickster until at least next season. He needed to be alert twice right from the off yesterday, timing his tackle perfectly as Walcott tried to go past him. Walcott then floated the ensuing corner on to the head of Darren Powell and Bignot cleared the ball off the line.
Rangers found their rhythm and went ahead after 21 minutes when Lee Cook's long shot was parried by Paul Smith in Saints' goal and, as the ball looped up, Gareth Ainsworth was brought down by Danny Higginbotham. Langley shut out the distraction of Saints' protests and sent Smith the wrong way.
After the break Quashie thumped a drive too high before Walcott, with 14 minutes left, sped down the right and crossed. Belmadi touched the ball off to Quashie, who fell under pressure from Ainsworth and Steve Lomas. He picked himself up to take the penalty but his shot came back off the post and Rangers cleared the rebound.
Southampton could get Walcott on the rebound, at least temporarily, if his move goes ahead.
http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/coca_cola/article338706.ece
THE TIMES - Langley spoils teenager’s leaving do
Theo Walcott produced some inspired touches at QPR yesterday, but was profligate in front of goal in Southampton’s 1-0 defeat, writes Jon West
HE IS the teenager already performing a man’s job but Theo Walcott, seemingly Arsenal-bound despite his present manager’s denials, could still do with time at a finishing school.
The 16-year-old is rightly regarded as the hottest teenage talent in England, because of his pace and potential, but the boy dubbed the new Thierry Henry is not yet a Premiership-quality predator, as his display in Southampton’s 1-0 defeat by Queens Park Rangers showed.
Turning out for the Saints is a thankless task anyway these days as the South Coast side inflicted a fifth defeat in six league matches on its long-suffering fans, who nevertheless outsung their Rangers counterparts, so the teenager can hardly be blamed for wanting to head east along the M3 to Arsenal’s training ground.
It was easy to see why Walcott had caught the imagination of Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager. There was a glorious few seconds in the second half when super-fast feet beat one man, a second and a third before a promising move came to an abrupt end with a pass to a less gifted colleague.
But should this turn out to be his farewell performance in a Saints shirt, and there is always the possibility that he will be sold and loaned straight back, then it will be a costly double miss soon after Rangers had gone ahead that will linger the longest.
The chance had been fashioned by another academy product, Dexter Blackstock, who stuck out a leg to divert the ball into his strike partner’s path. QPR goalkeeper Simon Royce parried Walcott’s initial, well-struck effort but was helpless as the ball rebounded straight back to the prodigy, who wastefully fired over.
Rangers manager Ian Holloway admitted afterwards he had been surprised Walcott had even taken part such was the intensity of his press coverage but George Burley, his Southampton counterpart, was adamant afterwards that the teenager might yet remain on the South Coast.
“Nothing has changed at all as far as I am aware,” he insisted, with a twinkle in his eye that all but confirmed he was happy with a leading role in a post-match pantomime. “As for him being sold and coming back on loan, we are not even thinking about that. We are planning ahead with Theo at the club. We naturally want to keep him for as long as possible.” The game was decided by one clumsy first-half moment when Danny Higginbotham, who had survived an earlier handball shout, barged Gareth Ainsworth over and Richard Langley sent Paul Smith, Antti Niemi’s successor between the Saints sticks, the wrong way from the penalty spot.
Southampton applied immense pressure in the final half-hour but skipper Nigel Quashie wasted a penalty he had won himself by planting it against a post. The award, for Steve Lomas’s challenge on the former Rangers midfielder, had followed a moment of Walcott magic on the by-line, but it was that kind of day for the Saints. That kind of season in fact.
STAR MAN: Marcus Bignot (QPR)
Player ratings: QPR: Royce 7, Bignot 8, Shittu 8, Santos 8 (Taylor 78min, 5), Rose 7, Ainsworth 6 (Donnelly 88min, 5), Lomas 6, Langley 7, Cook 7, Furlong 7, Baidoo 7 (Moore 84min, 5)
Southampton: Smith 7, Prutton 6, Lundekvam 6, Powell 6, Higginbotham 5, Dyer 6 (Fuller h-t, 5), Oakley 6, Quashie 6, Belmadi 5, Walcott 6, Blackstock 6 (Jones 68min, 5)
Scorer: QPR: Langley 21 pen
Referee: M Jones Attendance: 15,494
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2093-1986213,00.html
INDEPENDENT
QPR 1 Southampton 0: Southampton serve up a weak farewell for prodigy Walcott
By Andy Sims at Loftus Road
Published: 15 January 2006
As farewell matches go, it was not ideal, but if it was indeed goodbye to Southampton for Theo Walcott, the 16-year-old prodigy will probably have plenty more opportunities to celebrate in the future.
"I don't know what will happen tomorrow," joked the Saints manager, George Burley. "I might not be here myself, who knows? I won't guarantee anything, but as far as I'm aware, nothing has changed."
Walcott, apparently, may not have been planning to head back to the South Coast after a frustrating afternoon as Richard Langley sealed the points for Queen's Park Rangers with the only goal of the game from a first-half penalty, as he is expected to sign for Arsenal by the end of tomorrow. The teenager's misery was increased by Nigel Quashie missing a penalty for the Saints.
His display on the left wing may not be his last in the Saints' red-and-white stripes, because if his move to Highbury does go through (although Arsène Wenger, Arsenal's manager, is still being coy about the exact timing of the agreement), he may return to St Mary's for the rest of the season on loan.
Rangers have played South-ampton twice now this season, so their right-back, Marcus Bignot, can sleep easier in his bed knowing he will not have to face the high-speed trickster until at least next season. He needed to be alert twice right from the off yesterday, timing his tackle perfectly as Walcott tried to go past him. Walcott then floated the ensuing corner on to the head of Darren Powell and Bignot cleared the ball off the line.
Rangers found their rhythm and went ahead after 21 minutes when Lee Cook's long shot was parried by Paul Smith in Saints' goal and, as the ball looped up, Gareth Ainsworth was brought down by Danny Higginbotham. Langley shut out the distraction of Saints' protests and sent Smith the wrong way.
After the break Quashie thumped a drive too high before Walcott, with 14 minutes left, sped down the right and crossed. Belmadi touched the ball off to Quashie, who fell under pressure from Ainsworth and Steve Lomas. He picked himself up to take the penalty but his shot came back off the post and Rangers cleared the rebound.
Southampton could get Walcott on the rebound, at least temporarily, if his move goes ahead.
As farewell matches go, it was not ideal, but if it was indeed goodbye to Southampton for Theo Walcott, the 16-year-old prodigy will probably have plenty more opportunities to celebrate in the future.
"I don't know what will happen tomorrow," joked the Saints manager, George Burley. "I might not be here myself, who knows? I won't guarantee anything, but as far as I'm aware, nothing has changed."
Walcott, apparently, may not have been planning to head back to the South Coast after a frustrating afternoon as Richard Langley sealed the points for Queen's Park Rangers with the only goal of the game from a first-half penalty, as he is expected to sign for Arsenal by the end of tomorrow. The teenager's misery was increased by Nigel Quashie missing a penalty for the Saints.
His display on the left wing may not be his last in the Saints' red-and-white stripes, because if his move to Highbury does go through (although Arsène Wenger, Arsenal's manager, is still being coy about the exact timing of the agreement), he may return to St Mary's for the rest of the season on loan.
Rangers have played South-ampton twice now this season, so their right-back, Marcus Bignot, can sleep easier in his bed knowing he will not have to face the high-speed trickster until at least next season. He needed to be alert twice right from the off yesterday, timing his tackle perfectly as Walcott tried to go past him. Walcott then floated the ensuing corner on to the head of Darren Powell and Bignot cleared the ball off the line.
Rangers found their rhythm and went ahead after 21 minutes when Lee Cook's long shot was parried by Paul Smith in Saints' goal and, as the ball looped up, Gareth Ainsworth was brought down by Danny Higginbotham. Langley shut out the distraction of Saints' protests and sent Smith the wrong way.
After the break Quashie thumped a drive too high before Walcott, with 14 minutes left, sped down the right and crossed. Belmadi touched the ball off to Quashie, who fell under pressure from Ainsworth and Steve Lomas. He picked himself up to take the penalty but his shot came back off the post and Rangers cleared the rebound.
Southampton could get Walcott on the rebound, at least temporarily, if his move goes ahead.
http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/coca_cola/article338706.ece
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Holloway's Response to Mike Newell's Bung Assertions
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"I love the game but I can't stand the business. I think there is an awful lot wrong with football." Ian Holloway, QPR manager"
-" Newell's passion for truth deserves honest hearing - By Patrick Barclay, Telegraph - January 15, 2006 How others saw it
"http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml;jsessionid=BJLZWENKKVDEBQFIQMFCFGGAVCBQYIV0?xml=/sport/2006/01/15/sfnpb115.xml&sSheet=/sport/2006/01/15/ixfooty.html
"I love the game but I can't stand the business. I think there is an awful lot wrong with football." Ian Holloway, QPR manager"
-" Newell's passion for truth deserves honest hearing - By Patrick Barclay, Telegraph - January 15, 2006 How others saw it
"http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml;jsessionid=BJLZWENKKVDEBQFIQMFCFGGAVCBQYIV0?xml=/sport/2006/01/15/sfnpb115.xml&sSheet=/sport/2006/01/15/ixfooty.html
Further Reports & Holloway/Burley Comments on QPR 1 Southampton 0
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BBC - QPR 1-0 Southampton
Richard Langley's first-half penalty was the difference between QPR and Southampton as Nigel Quashie missed from the spot against his old club. Danny Higginbotham felled Gareth Ainsworth after 21 minutes and Langley sent Paul Smith the wrong way. Theo Walcott justified Arsenal's interest in him but the winger missed an equaliser when he shot over the bar.
Quashie was unlucky too as he was brought down under pressure from Steve Lomas but his kick hit the post.
QPR manager Ian Holloway: "We didn't get close to Blackburn last week and that was definitely a lot better. "They have got quality kids but we got in close, got in tight and got in their faces. "We rode our luck a little bit but I enjoyed the performance. We looked like a proper team."
Southampton head coach George Burley: "In the second half we got on top. We pinned them back and got the penalty after a good move but unfortunately we missed it.
"If we had knocked that in, I think we would have gone on to win the game.
"We've got a lot of hard work to do and it's not going to change overnight. It's going to take time."
QPR: Royce, Bignot, Shittu, Santos (Taylor 78), Rose, Ainsworth (Donnelly 88), Lomas, Langley, Cook, Baidoo (Moore 84), Furlong. Subs Not Used: Milanese, Evatt.
Goals: Langley 21 pen.
Southampton: Smith, Lundekvam, Powell, Higginbotham, Dyer (Fuller 45), Quashie, Oakley, Belmadi, Prutton, Blackstock (Jones 68), Walcott. Subs Not Used: Cranie, Bialkowski, Mills.
Booked: Powell.
Att: 15,494
Ref: M Jones (W http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/4590230.stm
Southampton Official Site Report
QPR 1 Saints 0 - report
George Burley went with an attacking formation fielding both pacy wingers Nathan Dyer and Theo Walcott. The 16-year-old played despite continuing speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal.
The duo were interchangeable on the flanks with Djamel Belmadi pushed forward to support Dexter Blackstock.
Burley welcomed back three players from injury. Matthew Oakley returned in the centre of midfield, Darren Powell came into the centre of defence and Danny Higginbotham made his first appearance under the new boss.
However Chris Baird was ruled out by a dead leg and Marian Pahars was not quite ready for a place on the bench.
Saints were looking for their first win at Loftus Road (against either QPR or Fulham) since Jason Dodd made his debut in a 4-1 victory here back in October 1989.
QPR were without Kevin Gallen, Marc Nygaard, Marc Bircham, Tom Doherty and Martin rowlands but welcomed back Steve Lomas and Matthew Rose from injury. Andrew Taylor on loan from Blackburn was on the bench.
QPR: Royce, Bignot, Shittu, Rose, Cook, Ainsworth (Donnelly 86), Santos (Taylor 78), Langley, Furlong, Baidoo (Moore 83), Lomas. Subs: Milanese, Evatt.
Saints: Smith, Prutton, Lundekvam, Powell, Higginbotham, Dyer (Fuller 45), Oakley, Quashie, Walcott, Belmadi, Blackstock. Subs: Cranie, Mills, Jones, Bialkowski.
Referee: M Jones Attendance: 15,494
Saints suffered a set-back even before kick-off. Darren Kenton was hurt during the warm-up so David Prutton was promoted from substitute with Matthew Mills moving onto the bench.
Burley looked to be trying an innovative formation which was effectively 4-2-3-1 with Oakley and Quashie holding and three livewire midfielders pushing up to support Blackstock whenever possible.
Smith got down smartly to his right to stop a low 20-yard drive by Cook as the home side began brightly.
Walcott showed the first glimpse of his pace winning a corner from Bignot. Walcott's flag-kick was met by a thumping header by Powell which beat the keeper but was cleared off the line by Bignot on five minutes.
Powell was judged to have brought down Baidoo who spun past him in the D of the penalty area. But Furlong's blast was blocked by the breaking wall.
Langley strode forward but hammered well over rom 25 yards. Then Prutton and Blackstock combined to set up Belmadi whose dipping volley flew wide on 12 minutes.
Powell survived an appeal for handball in the box. Powell nodded behind in a mix-up with Lundekvam but Higginbotham headed away the dangerous corner.
QPR took the lead on 20 minutes when Cook's long rang blast was beaten out by Smith. Higginbotham was first to the rebound but miscued the clearance and as he tried to retrieve the damage he pushed Ainsworth in the back.
The referee pointed to the spot and LANGLEY sent Smith the wrong way, stopping his run with more than a mere shuffle before blasting just inside the right post.
Belmadi almost produced and instant response but his 18-yard low drive was comfortably saved. Prutton's low cross was kicked away from Walcott on the edge of the area and then Higginbotham headed out a dangerous cross.
Saints thought they had gone further behind on 34 minutes when another Cook shot was palmed out by Smith and Furlong was on hand to sweep into the roof of the net from six yards - only to be ruled offside as he posed for a celebration!
Southampton almost levelled two minutes later when Blackstock used his strength to hook the ball back into the goalmouth. Walcott showed great technique to keep the volley down but Royce beat out the blast and Walcott fired over from the rebound with the goal seemingly at his mercy - although the ball would not quite come down for him.
Furlong had a tame 18-yard shot comfortably saved and then Belmadi was fouled just as went to shoot from 20 yards and almost level with the right edge of the area four minutes before the break. Quashie hit the free-kick into the wall.
Good work by Oakley found Dyer down the right. His cross was laid off by Blackstock for Walcott whose 18-yard shot was charged down in the final minute of the half.
One minute was added but neither side posed a threat.
Half-time: QPR 1 Saints 0
Saints replaced Dyer with Fuller at the start of the second half as they reverted to a more orthodox 4-4-2. Baidoo had a shot deflected behind by Lundekvam and from the corner Santos had a header blocked.
Powell got in the way of a Furlong drive and Lundekvam was stuck by a long-rage effort from Rose.
The large contingent of travelling fans were pumping up the volume with continual chants of "George Burley's Red and White Army" - but their team were unable to match the intensity.
Quashie was doing his best to drive the side on and fired high over from 20 yards to jeers from fans of his former club
Walcott surged forward but was unable to control the return pass from Quashie. At the other end Smith comfortably saved Cook's 20-yarder.
Royce punched clear a cross by Prutton who had been found by Higginbotham's crossfield free-kick as Saints stepped it up in response to the support from their fans.
Belmadi's low drive went through the wall from a 28-yard inside right free-kick but Royce got down to his left to smother. Powell was booked on 71 minutes either for the foul or the scuffly melee which followed.
Santos was stretchered off clearly in a lot of pain 15 minutes from time.
While Rangers were down to 10 men, Saints won a penalty of their own. Walcott showed good control and drive to reach the byline. He just kept the ball and pulled back for Belmadi who laid off to Quashie. The skipper was bundled off the ball but got up to take the spot-kick himself and slammed against the base of the right post.
It came back at him without anyone else touching it and so the referee blew for an indirect free-kick as the QPR fans jeered their former hero.
It was the first penalty Saints have missed in open play since April 1997 when Jim Magilton had his effort saved in a 2-0 win over West Ham.
Before the resumption, Taylor replaced Santos. Smith saved a Cook free-kick whipped in low from the right.
Walcott was booked for a foul of frustration on Lomas with seven minutes left as Moore came on for Baidoo.
Cook's shuffle teed up Langley whose 20-yard sidefoot was easily saved. Rangers sent on Donnelly for Ainsworth four minutes from time.
Moore nutmegged Lundekvam to bear down on goal but smith was off his line quickly to block as four minutes were added.
In injury-time Langley teed up Moore who tried to let the ball run and then miscued wide of the left post and then Belmadi sent a deep swinging cross-shot wide of the far post from the left.
Full-time: QPR 1 Saints 0
BBC - QPR 1-0 Southampton
Richard Langley's first-half penalty was the difference between QPR and Southampton as Nigel Quashie missed from the spot against his old club. Danny Higginbotham felled Gareth Ainsworth after 21 minutes and Langley sent Paul Smith the wrong way. Theo Walcott justified Arsenal's interest in him but the winger missed an equaliser when he shot over the bar.
Quashie was unlucky too as he was brought down under pressure from Steve Lomas but his kick hit the post.
QPR manager Ian Holloway: "We didn't get close to Blackburn last week and that was definitely a lot better. "They have got quality kids but we got in close, got in tight and got in their faces. "We rode our luck a little bit but I enjoyed the performance. We looked like a proper team."
Southampton head coach George Burley: "In the second half we got on top. We pinned them back and got the penalty after a good move but unfortunately we missed it.
"If we had knocked that in, I think we would have gone on to win the game.
"We've got a lot of hard work to do and it's not going to change overnight. It's going to take time."
QPR: Royce, Bignot, Shittu, Santos (Taylor 78), Rose, Ainsworth (Donnelly 88), Lomas, Langley, Cook, Baidoo (Moore 84), Furlong. Subs Not Used: Milanese, Evatt.
Goals: Langley 21 pen.
Southampton: Smith, Lundekvam, Powell, Higginbotham, Dyer (Fuller 45), Quashie, Oakley, Belmadi, Prutton, Blackstock (Jones 68), Walcott. Subs Not Used: Cranie, Bialkowski, Mills.
Booked: Powell.
Att: 15,494
Ref: M Jones (W http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/4590230.stm
Southampton Official Site Report
QPR 1 Saints 0 - report
George Burley went with an attacking formation fielding both pacy wingers Nathan Dyer and Theo Walcott. The 16-year-old played despite continuing speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal.
The duo were interchangeable on the flanks with Djamel Belmadi pushed forward to support Dexter Blackstock.
Burley welcomed back three players from injury. Matthew Oakley returned in the centre of midfield, Darren Powell came into the centre of defence and Danny Higginbotham made his first appearance under the new boss.
However Chris Baird was ruled out by a dead leg and Marian Pahars was not quite ready for a place on the bench.
Saints were looking for their first win at Loftus Road (against either QPR or Fulham) since Jason Dodd made his debut in a 4-1 victory here back in October 1989.
QPR were without Kevin Gallen, Marc Nygaard, Marc Bircham, Tom Doherty and Martin rowlands but welcomed back Steve Lomas and Matthew Rose from injury. Andrew Taylor on loan from Blackburn was on the bench.
QPR: Royce, Bignot, Shittu, Rose, Cook, Ainsworth (Donnelly 86), Santos (Taylor 78), Langley, Furlong, Baidoo (Moore 83), Lomas. Subs: Milanese, Evatt.
Saints: Smith, Prutton, Lundekvam, Powell, Higginbotham, Dyer (Fuller 45), Oakley, Quashie, Walcott, Belmadi, Blackstock. Subs: Cranie, Mills, Jones, Bialkowski.
Referee: M Jones Attendance: 15,494
Saints suffered a set-back even before kick-off. Darren Kenton was hurt during the warm-up so David Prutton was promoted from substitute with Matthew Mills moving onto the bench.
Burley looked to be trying an innovative formation which was effectively 4-2-3-1 with Oakley and Quashie holding and three livewire midfielders pushing up to support Blackstock whenever possible.
Smith got down smartly to his right to stop a low 20-yard drive by Cook as the home side began brightly.
Walcott showed the first glimpse of his pace winning a corner from Bignot. Walcott's flag-kick was met by a thumping header by Powell which beat the keeper but was cleared off the line by Bignot on five minutes.
Powell was judged to have brought down Baidoo who spun past him in the D of the penalty area. But Furlong's blast was blocked by the breaking wall.
Langley strode forward but hammered well over rom 25 yards. Then Prutton and Blackstock combined to set up Belmadi whose dipping volley flew wide on 12 minutes.
Powell survived an appeal for handball in the box. Powell nodded behind in a mix-up with Lundekvam but Higginbotham headed away the dangerous corner.
QPR took the lead on 20 minutes when Cook's long rang blast was beaten out by Smith. Higginbotham was first to the rebound but miscued the clearance and as he tried to retrieve the damage he pushed Ainsworth in the back.
The referee pointed to the spot and LANGLEY sent Smith the wrong way, stopping his run with more than a mere shuffle before blasting just inside the right post.
Belmadi almost produced and instant response but his 18-yard low drive was comfortably saved. Prutton's low cross was kicked away from Walcott on the edge of the area and then Higginbotham headed out a dangerous cross.
Saints thought they had gone further behind on 34 minutes when another Cook shot was palmed out by Smith and Furlong was on hand to sweep into the roof of the net from six yards - only to be ruled offside as he posed for a celebration!
Southampton almost levelled two minutes later when Blackstock used his strength to hook the ball back into the goalmouth. Walcott showed great technique to keep the volley down but Royce beat out the blast and Walcott fired over from the rebound with the goal seemingly at his mercy - although the ball would not quite come down for him.
Furlong had a tame 18-yard shot comfortably saved and then Belmadi was fouled just as went to shoot from 20 yards and almost level with the right edge of the area four minutes before the break. Quashie hit the free-kick into the wall.
Good work by Oakley found Dyer down the right. His cross was laid off by Blackstock for Walcott whose 18-yard shot was charged down in the final minute of the half.
One minute was added but neither side posed a threat.
Half-time: QPR 1 Saints 0
Saints replaced Dyer with Fuller at the start of the second half as they reverted to a more orthodox 4-4-2. Baidoo had a shot deflected behind by Lundekvam and from the corner Santos had a header blocked.
Powell got in the way of a Furlong drive and Lundekvam was stuck by a long-rage effort from Rose.
The large contingent of travelling fans were pumping up the volume with continual chants of "George Burley's Red and White Army" - but their team were unable to match the intensity.
Quashie was doing his best to drive the side on and fired high over from 20 yards to jeers from fans of his former club
Walcott surged forward but was unable to control the return pass from Quashie. At the other end Smith comfortably saved Cook's 20-yarder.
Royce punched clear a cross by Prutton who had been found by Higginbotham's crossfield free-kick as Saints stepped it up in response to the support from their fans.
Belmadi's low drive went through the wall from a 28-yard inside right free-kick but Royce got down to his left to smother. Powell was booked on 71 minutes either for the foul or the scuffly melee which followed.
Santos was stretchered off clearly in a lot of pain 15 minutes from time.
While Rangers were down to 10 men, Saints won a penalty of their own. Walcott showed good control and drive to reach the byline. He just kept the ball and pulled back for Belmadi who laid off to Quashie. The skipper was bundled off the ball but got up to take the spot-kick himself and slammed against the base of the right post.
It came back at him without anyone else touching it and so the referee blew for an indirect free-kick as the QPR fans jeered their former hero.
It was the first penalty Saints have missed in open play since April 1997 when Jim Magilton had his effort saved in a 2-0 win over West Ham.
Before the resumption, Taylor replaced Santos. Smith saved a Cook free-kick whipped in low from the right.
Walcott was booked for a foul of frustration on Lomas with seven minutes left as Moore came on for Baidoo.
Cook's shuffle teed up Langley whose 20-yard sidefoot was easily saved. Rangers sent on Donnelly for Ainsworth four minutes from time.
Moore nutmegged Lundekvam to bear down on goal but smith was off his line quickly to block as four minutes were added.
In injury-time Langley teed up Moore who tried to let the ball run and then miscued wide of the left post and then Belmadi sent a deep swinging cross-shot wide of the far post from the left.
Full-time: QPR 1 Saints 0
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