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A year ago, Bill Power's QPR (under the guidance of the since-departed Ian Holloway) won the Ibiza Tournament. QPR's win - a comback victory against Coventry - led to a burst of enthusiasm and optimism among QPR fans - which was sadly dented a few weeks later with "The (alleged) Incident" and the ouster of Bill Power; some poor results and Ian Holloway eventually - and somewhat controversially - being put on "Gardening Leave."
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A year later, it's the turn of Bill Power's and Mark Devlin's Swindon to win the Ibiza Tournament (albeit in a slightly manner to QPR: Swindon lost their final game against Huddersfield but won the tournament on Goal Difference.
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A Reminder how QPR'S Official Site reported this time last year on QPR's Ibiza Victory
QPR Official Site - "EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS!
Rangers fought back from 2-0 down in the Copa De Ibiza final to claim the trophy with a 3-2 win.Two second half goals from Dean Sturridge and a late winner from Kevin Gallen turned the game on its head in a match that might well give Liverpool a run for their money when it comes to great European cup final comebacks!
Trailing 2-0 at half time, thanks to some powerful Coventry finishing, Rangers had it all to do after the break.
But two goals from Dean Sturridge gave Rangers a lifeline and there was yet more drama to come.
Coventry had the ball in the back of the net, but the linesman's flag ruled it out. As play swung up the other end, Gallen was on hand to strike and ensure the cup was on the plane home to London.
Although Monday's 5-0 win over local side Saint Antoni looked impressive, little can be learnt from a performance against a non league side.But it could be said that the final against Coventry would be a fairer indication of how Rangers may fare in this year's Championship.
Once again Ian Holloway was able to give his entire squad a run out, apart from the injured Gareth Ainsworth and Martin Rowlands.
It may have been just a pre-season tournament, but Rangers' determination was evident from the start as the team huddle that has become synonymous with the Superhoops was put into action.
Adam Chambers had the first effort for Rangers after Aaron Brown whipped the ball across the face of goal, but the trialist skewed his shot over the bar.
Rangers' task was made harder when Coventry took the lead through Dele Adebola on 25 minutes. Clean through, the imposing forward slotted past Jake Cole into the far corner.
Tommy Doherty was introduced when Marc Bircham went down holding his ankle and there was more bad news for Rangers when Coventry doubled their lead through Gary McSheffrey.
Rangers had it all to do in the second half and Dean Sturridge wasted no time in narrowing the scoreline with a delightful shot from the edge of the box.Coventry's disallowed goal was a heart stopping moment for Rangers fans, but they were soon elated with Gallen riffled the ball into the back of the net.
There were just five minutes to sit out before the referee signalled Rangers' European victory and what will hopefully be the first silverware of the season.
Rangers first half: Cole, Gallen, Bircham (Doherty), Evatt, Brown, Furlong, Rose, Miller, Bignot, Santos, Chambers
Rangers second half: Royce, Shittu, Moore, Cook, Doherty, Shimmin, Hislop, Bean, Sturridge (Chambers), Hugo, Gallen
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~686197,00.html
About the Ibiza Tournament
http://www.playhardsports.co.uk/p_about_tours.htm
SWINDON OFFICIAL SITE
Champions at the End
A Chris Brandon deflected strike was enough to secure victory for Huddersfield, however, it was Swindon who lifted the Copa Ibiza.
......In the end Brandon's goal was enough to seal a win for The Terriers, but it was Swindon who lifted the Copa Ibiza thanks to their 5-0 victory over the Select XI on Tuesday evening.
Copa Ibiza Champions 2006!
Swindon Town: Peter Brezovan, Jack Smith, Jerel Ifil, Andy Nicholas, Jamie Vincent, Ricky Shakes (Brownlie 68), Michael Pook (Holgate 66), Curtis Weston (Wells 87), Andy Monkhouse (Turnes 68), Christian Roberts, Lukas Jutkiewicz
Huddersfield Town: Matt Glennon, Andy Holdsworth, David Mirfin, Nathan Clarke, Martin McIntosh, James Hand, Jon Worthington ©, Adnan Ahmed, Chris Brandon, Luke Beckett, Andy Booth
http://www.swindontownfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/TreatmentRoomDetail/0,,10341~870127,00.html
Welcome to QPR REPORT - A completely unofficial and unaffiliated fan site focusing on G-d's Chosen Team, Queen's Park Rangers (QPR) FC. (Visit also QPR Report Messageboard and Follow on Twitter.) QPR Report accepts no sponsorship, advertising or financial contributions. In 2008, QPR Report was named as one of the top two blogs in the Football League
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Ex-QPR Goalscorer, Garry Bannister Turns 46
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Former QPR Striker, Garry Bannister Turns 46. July 22, 1960.
Alan Mullery's first signing after taking over from Terry Venables: The former Coventry striker was signed from Sheffield Wednesday for 200,000 pounds in August 1984 as a replacement for Clive Allen who was then sold to Spurs. Bannister had a great goalscoring record, scoring 56 goals in 136 games.
Jim Smith sold him to his original club,Coventry in the middle of the 1987-1988 season (the Parker/Coney/Pizanti/Brock/Falco/Francis season!) for 300,000 pounds.
http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=98
See nice profile of Bannister at Dave's QPR site
http://www.queensparkrangersfc.com/bannister1.htm
Former QPR Striker, Garry Bannister Turns 46. July 22, 1960.
Alan Mullery's first signing after taking over from Terry Venables: The former Coventry striker was signed from Sheffield Wednesday for 200,000 pounds in August 1984 as a replacement for Clive Allen who was then sold to Spurs. Bannister had a great goalscoring record, scoring 56 goals in 136 games.
Jim Smith sold him to his original club,Coventry in the middle of the 1987-1988 season (the Parker/Coney/Pizanti/Brock/Falco/Francis season!) for 300,000 pounds.
http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=98
See nice profile of Bannister at Dave's QPR site
http://www.queensparkrangersfc.com/bannister1.htm
Friday, July 21, 2006
Relegation? Bookmakers View QPR as Good Relegation Bet!
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RELEGATION? QPR seem to be viewed by bookmakers as one of the favourites for relegation (basically after Southend and Colchester. With Plymouth and Barnsley also viewed as good relegation bets.
From Ladbrokes - http://www.ladbrokes.com/lbr_sports?action=go_event&category=SOCCER&class_id=110000006&class_sort=FB&type_id=110000557&ev_id=210891748&ev_mkt_id=-2
Relegation betting
Colchester 2.50
Southend 2.75
Burnley 3.25
QPR 3.25
Barnsley 3.75
Plymouth 3.75
Sheffield Wednesday 4.00
Stoke 4.00
Hull 5.50
Ipswich 5.50
FROM CORALS
http://www.coral.co.uk/sb.go?page=grouppage&groupid=120558&lang=20&sid=20&ms=MS&type=0
ValueChecker http://www.valuechecker.co.uk/21670576.htm
http://www.valuechecker.co.uk/all_21670576.htm
4TheGame "Editor's Picks - Betting With Ladbrokes"
"The Editor turns his attentions to the new domestic season, with his tips for the title winners and relegation fodder in the English leagues...
"...Championship winners - Sunderland - With the Iconic Niall Quinn installed as new chairman and the fact they haven't lost any of the players that won them the Championship two seasons ago, they should be a good bet.
Relegated - Plymouth - Ian Holloway may have taken over at Home Park but I see a difficult season ahead for the former QPR boss.
QPR - Having signed Australian midfielder Nick Ward we could be duped into thinking the good times are ahead for Rangers, I suspect not.
Luton - Mike Newell's side over achieved last season being near the top of the league early on before settling in mid-table I fear they could be found out this season.
http://www.4thegame.com/features/feature/191286/editors_picks__betting_with_ladbrokes.html
RELEGATION? QPR seem to be viewed by bookmakers as one of the favourites for relegation (basically after Southend and Colchester. With Plymouth and Barnsley also viewed as good relegation bets.
From Ladbrokes - http://www.ladbrokes.com/lbr_sports?action=go_event&category=SOCCER&class_id=110000006&class_sort=FB&type_id=110000557&ev_id=210891748&ev_mkt_id=-2
Relegation betting
Colchester 2.50
Southend 2.75
Burnley 3.25
QPR 3.25
Barnsley 3.75
Plymouth 3.75
Sheffield Wednesday 4.00
Stoke 4.00
Hull 5.50
Ipswich 5.50
FROM CORALS
http://www.coral.co.uk/sb.go?page=grouppage&groupid=120558&lang=20&sid=20&ms=MS&type=0
ValueChecker http://www.valuechecker.co.uk/21670576.htm
http://www.valuechecker.co.uk/all_21670576.htm
4TheGame "Editor's Picks - Betting With Ladbrokes"
"The Editor turns his attentions to the new domestic season, with his tips for the title winners and relegation fodder in the English leagues...
"...Championship winners - Sunderland - With the Iconic Niall Quinn installed as new chairman and the fact they haven't lost any of the players that won them the Championship two seasons ago, they should be a good bet.
Relegated - Plymouth - Ian Holloway may have taken over at Home Park but I see a difficult season ahead for the former QPR boss.
QPR - Having signed Australian midfielder Nick Ward we could be duped into thinking the good times are ahead for Rangers, I suspect not.
Luton - Mike Newell's side over achieved last season being near the top of the league early on before settling in mid-table I fear they could be found out this season.
http://www.4thegame.com/features/feature/191286/editors_picks__betting_with_ladbrokes.html
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Ian Holloway Looks Forward, Looks Back
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"...If you have sat in your garden for five months, and probably been put their unfairly in your own mind, then hopefully your enthusiasm doesn't wane."
http://www.pafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/OlliesOpinion/0,,10364~870201,00.html
[NB: Holloway's latest signing is 34-year old Barry Hayles from Millwall. When Holloway was at QPR, QPR were linked with a Hayles interest."
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/plymouth_argyle/5190300.stm
Plymouth Official Site
Ollie's Opinion - A WAVE OF OPTIMISM
ARGYLE manager Ian Holloway was delighted with his team's 5-1 victory over Austrian club FC Gratkorn in Wednesday night's friendly match.
...."To win from 1-0 down, I am very pleased," said Holloway.
"It was another good training session and the lads were fantastic, absolutely excellent again and I can't fault their attitude and application.
"We have had six training sessions in two days and a game, and I have run them afterwards, so we will have a nice chill out on Thursday and maybe have a free day.
"They will have a massage in the evening and then we have got the big game (Real Madrid), and I am looking forward to it."
...."We had some very exciting performances out there and it is nice for a striker to get off the mark," said Holloway.
"Sylvan is a good lad and he works hard, and it is about him becoming what I want him to be; he is nowhere near there yet but it is a little piece at a time.
"It is amazing how hard centre-forwards work and we have now got another one at the club as well."
The former Manchester United striker's second goal came from a ball over the top by Paul Connolly; a strategy Holloway has worked on in training.
"There is no such thing as a long ball or a short ball; you have got to play the right ball," said Holloway.
"I don't think we had that much pace over the top last year and what we have to do is get used to making runs.
"You have to earn the right to stretch teams and we have got that now; I think we have got some legs up front and that is what we needed, and so it proved tonight.
"I think Connolly has played two passes inside and given the ball away, and then he played the right one at the right time and the game opened up for us."
....Holloway said: "There is a long, long way to go but there were an awful lot of positives and I need to write them down and make sure I pick on the bits I wasn't happy with it.
.....
"There is an awful lot of talent there and a lot of solidity in the team and I am delighted, but there are still things that I have to iron out.
"They will get there, they are all listening and everything feels very good at the moment, but we have not done anything yet."
There has been a wave of optimism sweeping over the club since Holloway's appointment, but the man himself was keen to point out that nothing has been achieved yet.
The former Q.P.R. manager is fully aware of the downside of football management, having spent five months on gardening leave from the Loftus Road club before joining the Pilgrims.
He said: "We have got no points on the board, we haven't even played a league game and we are in a tough division.
"We need to calm down, but it is nice to have some optimism, and I feel very optimistic.
"If you have sat in your garden for five months, and probably been put their unfairly in your own mind, then hopefully your enthusiasm doesn't wane."
With the Q.P.R. experience behind him, Holloway is hoping to make his mark with Argyle and leave a legacy to proud of.
"At the moment this lads are making me very proud and I want to try and make my mark," said Holloway.
"I am very proud of what people have done at Plymouth, and particularly what Paul Sturrock did a few years ago, and I want people to be equally proud of me.
"I am sure I can walk into two grounds (Bristol Rovers and Q.P.R.) at the moment and get a decent reception, and I want to make that three.
"I want people to appreciate me while I am here and I have never felt so welcome in all my life."
Holloway's final word was reserved for the Green Army, who made a fantastic noise at the Rudersdorf Stadium. He said: "I can't get over it, they were shouting so much I couldn't even concentrate; it is just marvellous.
"Everything feels right and I know in football management it normally all ends in tears but I hope it is a very, very long time before I start crying."
http://www.pafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/OlliesOpinion/0,,10364~870201,00.html
Plymouth Official Site
ARGYLE manager Ian Holloway is delighted with the training facilities and the hotel during the Austrian tour.
He has taken the opportunity to have more time with the squad after spending much of the first fortnight of his managerial reign focusing on recruiting new players for the coming season.
...."I am doing what I like best and that is out on the training field, and they're getting to know me and I am getting to know them."
There are a number of objectives for the squad during the tour of Austria but for Holloway, setting certain standards is top of the list.
The manager is particularly pleased with the approach of his team and their understanding of the need to be serious at the appropriate time.
Holloway said: "I think they will know me a little better now and everybody talks about team-bonding, but it is about standards really and I have to set the standard.
"I have to raise the bar to what everybody here expects because that is what I want; I want to talk about the Premiership, and how we are going to get there.
"When you are travelling and working, there is a time to be focused and a time to relax; you cannot possibly be focused all the time.
"I am so pleased that these lads know when to be serious and they know when they can relax and enjoy themselves."
The intensity of the training sessions has been a constant theme of the tour thus far, and Holloway believes that variety is a crucial factor in keeping the players interested and motivated.
He also believes in the need for players to encourage each other at all times.
Holloway said: "I like a bit of variety because there are many aspects to football.
"I like to do things properly and I like to do it for an hour-and-a-half, which replicates how long they have to concentrate for in a game.
"I look at it like a huge bag of footballs, and each ball represents one skill, whether it is attacking, defending, heading or whatever it is, we take the ball out, polish it up and end on an enjoyable note.
"Hopefully, they can learn while enjoying themselves and that is what it is all about.
"I think they are very blunt, which I like because nothing is ever hidden and they say it how it is.
"Sometimes they don't do it in the most encouraging way, so I have to try and persuade them to do things and not beat people up."
Holloway has been very impressed with the atmosphere within the group, and feels that he has the attributes that can help the team develop.
He said: "Being the person that I am, I think I can help them and I am delighted with them, and they need to end on a positive note because if you say something negative to me, I might get my back up but if you say it in a positive way then I might go with it.
"I always try and finish everything I do with energy and enthusiasm because without that you've got nothing.
"Even when you make mistakes, hopefully they will be energetic ones and you will learn from it.
"I'm delighted with the atmosphere so far, all be it that we haven't done anything but in pre-season games you want to get people fit, get some structure and, most importantly, set your standards; as a human being first and a football manager second."
.... Holloway said: "I'll be using the next two games for fitness purposes and when we return, I'll be looking at the games against Yeovil and Bristol Rovers to see my main team.
"By the time we play Wolves I will be hoping to look at my best eleven but I am trying to build a squad.
"I need horses for courses, and in certain games I will need someone who can head a ball against the likes of Gregorz Rasiak perhaps.
"I need to add to what we have got and I am desperate to keep them solid as a group.
"It is not about the individual; it is about the team, about Plymouth Argyle and wanting to be a part of that, and what we can bring to that and how we move forward.
"I want the same from supporters; I don't want barracking, I want everyone to be encouraged and I want our place to become a fortress.
"I will give criticism when it is the right time but I will always make it constructive.
"Hopefully by the end of the trip, people will understand what I am all about."
Holloway now feels that he is getting to know the squad, and they are becoming more familiar with his methods.
He concedes that everyone is still riding on the wave of optimism that has swept the club since his arrival, but he warned that the real test will come when things are not going so well.
Holloway said: "It took me a few months last time I got a new club but you can already see with me that there are times when I like to enjoy my life, and times when I will jump down on someone but I haven't had to do that yet.
"You find out about people when things are going wrong; you find out nothing when it is all going well.
"Anybody can manage and play when it is going well but when your team is behind, what are you going to do about it.
"The other day we had an Old v Young game in training, and the young ones were 2-0 up at half-time, so I said one or two things to the old ones and they got it back to 2-2 and won on penalties.
"Training is a practice for a match, and if you don't get it right in training you will never get it right on a match-day.
"It is a tough division we are in but I think we are pretty tough."
http://www.pafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10364~869762,00.html
"...If you have sat in your garden for five months, and probably been put their unfairly in your own mind, then hopefully your enthusiasm doesn't wane."
http://www.pafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/OlliesOpinion/0,,10364~870201,00.html
[NB: Holloway's latest signing is 34-year old Barry Hayles from Millwall. When Holloway was at QPR, QPR were linked with a Hayles interest."
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/plymouth_argyle/5190300.stm
Plymouth Official Site
Ollie's Opinion - A WAVE OF OPTIMISM
ARGYLE manager Ian Holloway was delighted with his team's 5-1 victory over Austrian club FC Gratkorn in Wednesday night's friendly match.
...."To win from 1-0 down, I am very pleased," said Holloway.
"It was another good training session and the lads were fantastic, absolutely excellent again and I can't fault their attitude and application.
"We have had six training sessions in two days and a game, and I have run them afterwards, so we will have a nice chill out on Thursday and maybe have a free day.
"They will have a massage in the evening and then we have got the big game (Real Madrid), and I am looking forward to it."
...."We had some very exciting performances out there and it is nice for a striker to get off the mark," said Holloway.
"Sylvan is a good lad and he works hard, and it is about him becoming what I want him to be; he is nowhere near there yet but it is a little piece at a time.
"It is amazing how hard centre-forwards work and we have now got another one at the club as well."
The former Manchester United striker's second goal came from a ball over the top by Paul Connolly; a strategy Holloway has worked on in training.
"There is no such thing as a long ball or a short ball; you have got to play the right ball," said Holloway.
"I don't think we had that much pace over the top last year and what we have to do is get used to making runs.
"You have to earn the right to stretch teams and we have got that now; I think we have got some legs up front and that is what we needed, and so it proved tonight.
"I think Connolly has played two passes inside and given the ball away, and then he played the right one at the right time and the game opened up for us."
....Holloway said: "There is a long, long way to go but there were an awful lot of positives and I need to write them down and make sure I pick on the bits I wasn't happy with it.
.....
"There is an awful lot of talent there and a lot of solidity in the team and I am delighted, but there are still things that I have to iron out.
"They will get there, they are all listening and everything feels very good at the moment, but we have not done anything yet."
There has been a wave of optimism sweeping over the club since Holloway's appointment, but the man himself was keen to point out that nothing has been achieved yet.
The former Q.P.R. manager is fully aware of the downside of football management, having spent five months on gardening leave from the Loftus Road club before joining the Pilgrims.
He said: "We have got no points on the board, we haven't even played a league game and we are in a tough division.
"We need to calm down, but it is nice to have some optimism, and I feel very optimistic.
"If you have sat in your garden for five months, and probably been put their unfairly in your own mind, then hopefully your enthusiasm doesn't wane."
With the Q.P.R. experience behind him, Holloway is hoping to make his mark with Argyle and leave a legacy to proud of.
"At the moment this lads are making me very proud and I want to try and make my mark," said Holloway.
"I am very proud of what people have done at Plymouth, and particularly what Paul Sturrock did a few years ago, and I want people to be equally proud of me.
"I am sure I can walk into two grounds (Bristol Rovers and Q.P.R.) at the moment and get a decent reception, and I want to make that three.
"I want people to appreciate me while I am here and I have never felt so welcome in all my life."
Holloway's final word was reserved for the Green Army, who made a fantastic noise at the Rudersdorf Stadium. He said: "I can't get over it, they were shouting so much I couldn't even concentrate; it is just marvellous.
"Everything feels right and I know in football management it normally all ends in tears but I hope it is a very, very long time before I start crying."
http://www.pafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/OlliesOpinion/0,,10364~870201,00.html
Plymouth Official Site
ARGYLE manager Ian Holloway is delighted with the training facilities and the hotel during the Austrian tour.
He has taken the opportunity to have more time with the squad after spending much of the first fortnight of his managerial reign focusing on recruiting new players for the coming season.
...."I am doing what I like best and that is out on the training field, and they're getting to know me and I am getting to know them."
There are a number of objectives for the squad during the tour of Austria but for Holloway, setting certain standards is top of the list.
The manager is particularly pleased with the approach of his team and their understanding of the need to be serious at the appropriate time.
Holloway said: "I think they will know me a little better now and everybody talks about team-bonding, but it is about standards really and I have to set the standard.
"I have to raise the bar to what everybody here expects because that is what I want; I want to talk about the Premiership, and how we are going to get there.
"When you are travelling and working, there is a time to be focused and a time to relax; you cannot possibly be focused all the time.
"I am so pleased that these lads know when to be serious and they know when they can relax and enjoy themselves."
The intensity of the training sessions has been a constant theme of the tour thus far, and Holloway believes that variety is a crucial factor in keeping the players interested and motivated.
He also believes in the need for players to encourage each other at all times.
Holloway said: "I like a bit of variety because there are many aspects to football.
"I like to do things properly and I like to do it for an hour-and-a-half, which replicates how long they have to concentrate for in a game.
"I look at it like a huge bag of footballs, and each ball represents one skill, whether it is attacking, defending, heading or whatever it is, we take the ball out, polish it up and end on an enjoyable note.
"Hopefully, they can learn while enjoying themselves and that is what it is all about.
"I think they are very blunt, which I like because nothing is ever hidden and they say it how it is.
"Sometimes they don't do it in the most encouraging way, so I have to try and persuade them to do things and not beat people up."
Holloway has been very impressed with the atmosphere within the group, and feels that he has the attributes that can help the team develop.
He said: "Being the person that I am, I think I can help them and I am delighted with them, and they need to end on a positive note because if you say something negative to me, I might get my back up but if you say it in a positive way then I might go with it.
"I always try and finish everything I do with energy and enthusiasm because without that you've got nothing.
"Even when you make mistakes, hopefully they will be energetic ones and you will learn from it.
"I'm delighted with the atmosphere so far, all be it that we haven't done anything but in pre-season games you want to get people fit, get some structure and, most importantly, set your standards; as a human being first and a football manager second."
.... Holloway said: "I'll be using the next two games for fitness purposes and when we return, I'll be looking at the games against Yeovil and Bristol Rovers to see my main team.
"By the time we play Wolves I will be hoping to look at my best eleven but I am trying to build a squad.
"I need horses for courses, and in certain games I will need someone who can head a ball against the likes of Gregorz Rasiak perhaps.
"I need to add to what we have got and I am desperate to keep them solid as a group.
"It is not about the individual; it is about the team, about Plymouth Argyle and wanting to be a part of that, and what we can bring to that and how we move forward.
"I want the same from supporters; I don't want barracking, I want everyone to be encouraged and I want our place to become a fortress.
"I will give criticism when it is the right time but I will always make it constructive.
"Hopefully by the end of the trip, people will understand what I am all about."
Holloway now feels that he is getting to know the squad, and they are becoming more familiar with his methods.
He concedes that everyone is still riding on the wave of optimism that has swept the club since his arrival, but he warned that the real test will come when things are not going so well.
Holloway said: "It took me a few months last time I got a new club but you can already see with me that there are times when I like to enjoy my life, and times when I will jump down on someone but I haven't had to do that yet.
"You find out about people when things are going wrong; you find out nothing when it is all going well.
"Anybody can manage and play when it is going well but when your team is behind, what are you going to do about it.
"The other day we had an Old v Young game in training, and the young ones were 2-0 up at half-time, so I said one or two things to the old ones and they got it back to 2-2 and won on penalties.
"Training is a practice for a match, and if you don't get it right in training you will never get it right on a match-day.
"It is a tough division we are in but I think we are pretty tough."
http://www.pafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10364~869762,00.html
Ex-QPR Midfielder Nigel Quashie Turns 28
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Ex- QPR Midfielder, Nigel Quashie, Turns 28 (Born July 20, 1978).
Ray Wilkins gave midfielder, NigelQuashie his QPR debut as a 17 year old in our Premierhsip Relegation season. In his three seasons at QPR, was highly, highly rated, including by then-England manager, Glen Hoddle.
Quashie played for England U-21 and England B before QPR sold Quashie to Nottingham Forrest for 2.5 million pounds. Quashie subsequently moved to Portsmouth, Southampton and now is at West Bromwich Albion. And he's now been capped by Scotland.
Quashie Clubs/Games/Goals - http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/fo/profiles/19153.html
Profile: http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=11422
Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigel_Quashie
Ex- QPR Midfielder, Nigel Quashie, Turns 28 (Born July 20, 1978).
Ray Wilkins gave midfielder, NigelQuashie his QPR debut as a 17 year old in our Premierhsip Relegation season. In his three seasons at QPR, was highly, highly rated, including by then-England manager, Glen Hoddle.
Quashie played for England U-21 and England B before QPR sold Quashie to Nottingham Forrest for 2.5 million pounds. Quashie subsequently moved to Portsmouth, Southampton and now is at West Bromwich Albion. And he's now been capped by Scotland.
Quashie Clubs/Games/Goals - http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/fo/profiles/19153.html
Profile: http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=11422
Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigel_Quashie
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Ex-QPR's Kenny Jackett Extends Swansea Stay
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Swansea Official Site - Swans secure Jackett on a new contract
Swansea City are pleased to announce that manager Kenny Jackett has signed a new two year contract with the club...."I am absolutely delighted to secure Kenny on a new deal,'' confirmed Swans chairman Huw Jenkins. "I firmly believe we have the right man at the helm to keep taking this football club forward."Discussions with Kenny over his new contract were a pleasure to carry out. Everything was agreed in less than an hour."
What was blatantly obvious was the fact that he is 100 per cent committed to this football club and what we want to achieve. That is the main ingredient as far as I'm concerned."Kenny wants to be the one driving Swansea City forward and we have every faith in his ability."I know he is pleased to secure a new deal and is relishing the challenge of building on what we achieved last season."I'm sure last season's experience of life in League One has only made him even stronger and more knowledgeable. "To secure someone of Kenny's ability, quality and respect throughout the game on a long-term deal is fantastic. "We have a good working relationship built on mutual respect and I am sure with Kenny in charge the club will only go from strength to strength,'' added Jenkins.Jackett's current deal was due to expire at the end of the 2006-07 season.
Jackett was given his second managerial appointment when he was named as Brian Flynn's successor at Swansea City on April 5, 2004. He left his post as assistant to Ian Holloway at QPR to take up the vacant post at the Vetch Field, three weeks after Flynn's dismissal. At the time, Swansea were 10th in Division Three, 10 points off the play-off pace, with six games of the 2003/04 season remaining. A statement from the Swansea City board at the time, read: "The Board feels that Kenny has the passion, knowledge and experience to improve the club, he also has the level of expertise and enthusiasm to take the club forward. His will to win and ambition is extensive and he has stated he will leave no stone unturned in his aim to get the players fit, organised and as motivated as possible."
..... Kenny has earned a UEFA 'A' Coaching Licence and also holds a Certificate in Applied Management. http://www.swanseacity.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10354~869144,00.html?ptvParm=
BBC - Jackett signs new Swans contract
Swansea City have given manager Kenny Jackett a massive vote of confidence by giving him a new two-year contract. Jackett, who joined the club in April 2004, is now under contract until the end of the 2008-09 season. ....
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swansea_city/5191724.stm
Swansea Official Site - Swans secure Jackett on a new contract
Swansea City are pleased to announce that manager Kenny Jackett has signed a new two year contract with the club...."I am absolutely delighted to secure Kenny on a new deal,'' confirmed Swans chairman Huw Jenkins. "I firmly believe we have the right man at the helm to keep taking this football club forward."Discussions with Kenny over his new contract were a pleasure to carry out. Everything was agreed in less than an hour."
What was blatantly obvious was the fact that he is 100 per cent committed to this football club and what we want to achieve. That is the main ingredient as far as I'm concerned."Kenny wants to be the one driving Swansea City forward and we have every faith in his ability."I know he is pleased to secure a new deal and is relishing the challenge of building on what we achieved last season."I'm sure last season's experience of life in League One has only made him even stronger and more knowledgeable. "To secure someone of Kenny's ability, quality and respect throughout the game on a long-term deal is fantastic. "We have a good working relationship built on mutual respect and I am sure with Kenny in charge the club will only go from strength to strength,'' added Jenkins.Jackett's current deal was due to expire at the end of the 2006-07 season.
Jackett was given his second managerial appointment when he was named as Brian Flynn's successor at Swansea City on April 5, 2004. He left his post as assistant to Ian Holloway at QPR to take up the vacant post at the Vetch Field, three weeks after Flynn's dismissal. At the time, Swansea were 10th in Division Three, 10 points off the play-off pace, with six games of the 2003/04 season remaining. A statement from the Swansea City board at the time, read: "The Board feels that Kenny has the passion, knowledge and experience to improve the club, he also has the level of expertise and enthusiasm to take the club forward. His will to win and ambition is extensive and he has stated he will leave no stone unturned in his aim to get the players fit, organised and as motivated as possible."
..... Kenny has earned a UEFA 'A' Coaching Licence and also holds a Certificate in Applied Management. http://www.swanseacity.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10354~869144,00.html?ptvParm=
BBC - Jackett signs new Swans contract
Swansea City have given manager Kenny Jackett a massive vote of confidence by giving him a new two-year contract. Jackett, who joined the club in April 2004, is now under contract until the end of the 2008-09 season. ....
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swansea_city/5191724.stm
The Holloway Impact on Plymouth!
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PLYMOUTH OFFICIAL SITE
Plymouth's NICK Chadwick Speaking About the Impact of Ian Holloway
"....The arrival of Ian Holloway has seen a change in the style of play adopted by the Pilgrims, and Chadwick is hoping to score more goals as a consequence.
"The way we are starting to play will enable me to get in the box more," said Chadwick.
"It was a shift for me last year because, certainly from Christmas onwards, we tried to shore things up and play a little more defensively and be more compact, which included me getting more goal-side of the ball.
"I didn't mind doing it at all because that was what we needed as a team but I think Ollie is looking to play more attacking football and getting the forwards into the box and in more goal-scoring positions, and hopefully that will benefit me.
"I think Ollie wants us to pass it a bit more, although I'm not saying that he doesn't want us to get it forward quickly but maybe he wants us to play two or three more passes before getting it forward.
The Holloway approach is undoubtedly different to the Pulis ethos, but Chadwick feels there are advantages to both styles.
Another difference between the two managers is their attitude when it comes to dealing with the playing staff....
"I don't think there is a right or wrong way, but that is a little difference between the two managerial styles.
"I think Ollie might want to get a little bit closer to the players than Tony Pulis did and he is interacting with us a little bit more.
"Both men seem totally competent in what they are doing, and I'm sure it will be enjoyable working with Ollie.
"Everyone knows he is off his head really, singing Green Army all the time, but it does spread the feel-good factor as fans that have been to the first couple of games have already seen.
"He has been singing and dancing with supporters and it does spread enthusiasm and everyone is having a good laugh with him but he knows when to be serious as well, and he is passing on his experience and how he wants things to be done."...
"It is an important week for us and everybody wants to do well, and I think Ollie has been made up with how hard we have been working.
"Everyone wants give 100% and work hard because they know how vital it is for the club."
The intensity of the training sessions has been an overriding theme of the tour and, as Chadwick revealed, Holloway actively encourages the players to compete against each other.
This was perfectly exemplified by the young against old match, which the oldies won on penalties thanks to a brace from Chadwick.
"Ollie has said to us that in training you have to not like your opponent, even though he is a team-mate," said Chadwick.
"For that period you want to beat your man, and that is what it has been like.
"We (the oldies) got together at half-time and we were 2-0 down, so we had a word with each other and encouraged, and went out and won....
"I think Ollie likes to see a winner or a loser and it was his decision to have a penalty shoot-out.
http://www.pafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/PlayerFeatures/0,,10364~869602,00.html
PLYMOUTH OFFICIAL SITE
Plymouth's NICK Chadwick Speaking About the Impact of Ian Holloway
"....The arrival of Ian Holloway has seen a change in the style of play adopted by the Pilgrims, and Chadwick is hoping to score more goals as a consequence.
"The way we are starting to play will enable me to get in the box more," said Chadwick.
"It was a shift for me last year because, certainly from Christmas onwards, we tried to shore things up and play a little more defensively and be more compact, which included me getting more goal-side of the ball.
"I didn't mind doing it at all because that was what we needed as a team but I think Ollie is looking to play more attacking football and getting the forwards into the box and in more goal-scoring positions, and hopefully that will benefit me.
"I think Ollie wants us to pass it a bit more, although I'm not saying that he doesn't want us to get it forward quickly but maybe he wants us to play two or three more passes before getting it forward.
The Holloway approach is undoubtedly different to the Pulis ethos, but Chadwick feels there are advantages to both styles.
Another difference between the two managers is their attitude when it comes to dealing with the playing staff....
"I don't think there is a right or wrong way, but that is a little difference between the two managerial styles.
"I think Ollie might want to get a little bit closer to the players than Tony Pulis did and he is interacting with us a little bit more.
"Both men seem totally competent in what they are doing, and I'm sure it will be enjoyable working with Ollie.
"Everyone knows he is off his head really, singing Green Army all the time, but it does spread the feel-good factor as fans that have been to the first couple of games have already seen.
"He has been singing and dancing with supporters and it does spread enthusiasm and everyone is having a good laugh with him but he knows when to be serious as well, and he is passing on his experience and how he wants things to be done."...
"It is an important week for us and everybody wants to do well, and I think Ollie has been made up with how hard we have been working.
"Everyone wants give 100% and work hard because they know how vital it is for the club."
The intensity of the training sessions has been an overriding theme of the tour and, as Chadwick revealed, Holloway actively encourages the players to compete against each other.
This was perfectly exemplified by the young against old match, which the oldies won on penalties thanks to a brace from Chadwick.
"Ollie has said to us that in training you have to not like your opponent, even though he is a team-mate," said Chadwick.
"For that period you want to beat your man, and that is what it has been like.
"We (the oldies) got together at half-time and we were 2-0 down, so we had a word with each other and encouraged, and went out and won....
"I think Ollie likes to see a winner or a loser and it was his decision to have a penalty shoot-out.
http://www.pafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/PlayerFeatures/0,,10364~869602,00.html
Danny Shittu Won't be Playing....Several Other Players Not Yet Match Fit (Ben Kosky, Kilburn Times)
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Shittu move still a no-go
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times, July 19, 2006
"Unsettled defender Danny Shittu will be absent from QPR's pre-season build-up this week after the club rejected an increased Watford bid for their star player.The Hornets have offered £2m to prise Shittu from Loftus Road - well short of Rs chairman Gianni Paladini's asking price. Paladini reiterated that there was 'no chance at all' of him allowing Shittu - who is under contract to Rangers for another two years - to leave for less than £3m.
The big centre-back will play no part in tonight's friendly at Stevenage Borough and is unlikely to be involved when Rangers travel to Gillingham on Saturday. Manager Gary Waddock denied that the uncertainty over Shittu's future had induced him to leave the player out, explaining that he plans to give Matthew Rose a run-out instead."Danny's not available at the moment and that's because he needs to get a little more fitness work under his belt before he plays," said Waddock." No disrespect to Stevenage - we won't be putting out a full-strength team, but we'll try and give players a longer time on the pitch."
Jamaican international Damion Stewart is set to make his QPR debut in the Stevenage match, but supporters will have to wait a little longer to see Australian midfielder Nick Ward in action."We need to get Nick Ward right up to speed before we show him to the crowd. It's a big step for him and I don't want to throw him in too quickly," added Waddock.
Front pair Paul Furlong and Marc Nygaard, along with left-back Mauro Milanese, are also short of fitness, but midfielder Martin Rowlands is expected to make his first appearance for six months.And Rangers will also include new signing Egutu Oliseh, who agreed a two-year contract on Monday after impressing the manager in training.The Nigerian midfielder became Waddock's fourth summer signing - and another followed last night when Polish striker Adam Czerkas agreed a one-year loan deal.
http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/content/camden/kilburntimes/sport/story.aspx?brand=KLBTOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportklbt&itemid=WeED18%20Jul%202006%2019%3A51%3A43%3A777
Shittu move still a no-go
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times, July 19, 2006
"Unsettled defender Danny Shittu will be absent from QPR's pre-season build-up this week after the club rejected an increased Watford bid for their star player.The Hornets have offered £2m to prise Shittu from Loftus Road - well short of Rs chairman Gianni Paladini's asking price. Paladini reiterated that there was 'no chance at all' of him allowing Shittu - who is under contract to Rangers for another two years - to leave for less than £3m.
The big centre-back will play no part in tonight's friendly at Stevenage Borough and is unlikely to be involved when Rangers travel to Gillingham on Saturday. Manager Gary Waddock denied that the uncertainty over Shittu's future had induced him to leave the player out, explaining that he plans to give Matthew Rose a run-out instead."Danny's not available at the moment and that's because he needs to get a little more fitness work under his belt before he plays," said Waddock." No disrespect to Stevenage - we won't be putting out a full-strength team, but we'll try and give players a longer time on the pitch."
Jamaican international Damion Stewart is set to make his QPR debut in the Stevenage match, but supporters will have to wait a little longer to see Australian midfielder Nick Ward in action."We need to get Nick Ward right up to speed before we show him to the crowd. It's a big step for him and I don't want to throw him in too quickly," added Waddock.
Front pair Paul Furlong and Marc Nygaard, along with left-back Mauro Milanese, are also short of fitness, but midfielder Martin Rowlands is expected to make his first appearance for six months.And Rangers will also include new signing Egutu Oliseh, who agreed a two-year contract on Monday after impressing the manager in training.The Nigerian midfielder became Waddock's fourth summer signing - and another followed last night when Polish striker Adam Czerkas agreed a one-year loan deal.
http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/content/camden/kilburntimes/sport/story.aspx?brand=KLBTOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportklbt&itemid=WeED18%20Jul%202006%2019%3A51%3A43%3A777
Lee Cook on Wanting Waddock as Manager (Ben Kosky, Wembley and Kingsbury Times)
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Waddock job convinced Cook to stay
Ben Kosky, Wembley and Kingsbury Times July 19, 2006
LEE Cook has revealed he would have thought twice about extending his QPR contract if the club had overlooked Gary Waddock for the manager's job. Cook, whose previous contract had a year left to run, signed an improved deal that will keep him at Loftus Road until 2009 last month. But the winger,....was anxious to know who he would be playing under before penning his signature. Cook's place in the side rarely seemed assured under former Rs manager Ian Holloway, who often preferred to deploy Martin Rowlands or skipper Kevin Gallen on the left of midfield....
"I wouldn't have signed unless I knew who the manager was and I wanted to know that it was Gary."Before I signed my contract I phoned Gary on holiday just to make sure everything was going to be sorted out with him first."I feel I've played decent football under him and so have the rest of the team. He's a great coach and I hope he's going to be successful as QPR manager."
I always wanted to sign - they made me the offer just before I went on holiday and I left it to my agent to sort out all the bits and bobs." Gianni [Paladini] said there would be a few new players coming in this summer - and that was good to hear, because it's going to be a difficult season, especially with the teams that have come down into this league."
Cook was an ever-present in the team under Waddock last season and is now within touching distance of his 100th appearance since joining the club from Watford two years ago.But for the knee injury he picked up at Hull in the opening game of last season, which kept him out of action for the next six weeks, he would have been even closer to that target.And Cook is confident that the arrival of sports scientist Mark Barry, recently appointed by Waddock, can help reduce Rangers' often lengthy injury list."Mark's come in and he's got his own ways of getting players fit," said Cook. "We've got the heart rate monitors every training session and he makes sure everyone's working to their full potential, which is good for the club."....."We know it's going to be harder than last year, but I feel there were certain results we should have got last season and we have to put those right this time."If we're more physically fit, that should help keep the concentration going right through the 90 minutes and hopefully we can turn some of those slight defeats into wins.
http://www.wktimes.co.uk/content/brent/wembleychronicle/sport/story.aspx?brand=WKCOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportwkc&itemid=WeED18%20Jul%202006%2019%3A47%3A56%3A930
Waddock job convinced Cook to stay
Ben Kosky, Wembley and Kingsbury Times July 19, 2006
LEE Cook has revealed he would have thought twice about extending his QPR contract if the club had overlooked Gary Waddock for the manager's job. Cook, whose previous contract had a year left to run, signed an improved deal that will keep him at Loftus Road until 2009 last month. But the winger,....was anxious to know who he would be playing under before penning his signature. Cook's place in the side rarely seemed assured under former Rs manager Ian Holloway, who often preferred to deploy Martin Rowlands or skipper Kevin Gallen on the left of midfield....
"I wouldn't have signed unless I knew who the manager was and I wanted to know that it was Gary."Before I signed my contract I phoned Gary on holiday just to make sure everything was going to be sorted out with him first."I feel I've played decent football under him and so have the rest of the team. He's a great coach and I hope he's going to be successful as QPR manager."
I always wanted to sign - they made me the offer just before I went on holiday and I left it to my agent to sort out all the bits and bobs." Gianni [Paladini] said there would be a few new players coming in this summer - and that was good to hear, because it's going to be a difficult season, especially with the teams that have come down into this league."
Cook was an ever-present in the team under Waddock last season and is now within touching distance of his 100th appearance since joining the club from Watford two years ago.But for the knee injury he picked up at Hull in the opening game of last season, which kept him out of action for the next six weeks, he would have been even closer to that target.And Cook is confident that the arrival of sports scientist Mark Barry, recently appointed by Waddock, can help reduce Rangers' often lengthy injury list."Mark's come in and he's got his own ways of getting players fit," said Cook. "We've got the heart rate monitors every training session and he makes sure everyone's working to their full potential, which is good for the club."....."We know it's going to be harder than last year, but I feel there were certain results we should have got last season and we have to put those right this time."If we're more physically fit, that should help keep the concentration going right through the 90 minutes and hopefully we can turn some of those slight defeats into wins.
http://www.wktimes.co.uk/content/brent/wembleychronicle/sport/story.aspx?brand=WKCOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportwkc&itemid=WeED18%20Jul%202006%2019%3A47%3A56%3A930
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
QPR Reportedly Making Another Foreign Signing...Polish Striker, Adam Czerkas
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According to the BBC...QPR Signing, Polish striker, Adam Czerkas: Their Fifth foreign signing of the summer.
BBC - QPR agree deal for Polish striker QPR have agreed the signing of Polish striker Adam Czerkas. The player will join from Odra Wodzislaw subject to completing a medical after he impressed manager Gary Waddock during a trial.
Czerkas, who recently turned 22, is expected to feature in a pre-season friendly against Stevenage Borough on Wednesday night.
Waddock has been keen to sign a striker and is also interested in Southampton's Dexter Blackstock.
Rangers have had a busy summer and have so far signed defender Damion Stewart and midfielders Armel, Nick Ward and Egutu Oliseh.
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/5191508.stm
UPDATE: QPR OFFICIAL SITE - SIGNS ON ONE YEAR LOAN
CZERKAS SIGNS
Gary Waddock's prolonged search for a striker is finally over - after Polish front-man Adam Czerkas today (Tuesday) put pen to paper on a one year loan deal with the R's.
The 22 year-old - who impressed Waddock during pre-season training and again in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday - signed on the dotted line at Loftus Road this evening.
Rangers have the option of signing the Kolporter Korona SSA striker on a permanent basis at the end of his loan spell....
[Garry Waddock:] "It's no secret that we've been on the look out for a striker for months, not just weeks, and our patience has finally been rewarded. "Obviously I'm delighted we've secured his services and if what we've seen in training and in the practice match is anything to go by, R's fans are in for a treat next season.
"He's got a great eye for goal, has terrific movement, is good with his back to goal and has the unique ability of being able to get in behind defenders.
"He'll complement our current crop of attackers and we've got extremely high hopes for him next season.''
The former Kolporter Korona SSA attacker - who measures in at 6'1'' and will wear the number 28 shirt - is in line to make his R's debut against Stevenage Borough on Wednesday.
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~869243,00.html
According to the BBC...QPR Signing, Polish striker, Adam Czerkas: Their Fifth foreign signing of the summer.
BBC - QPR agree deal for Polish striker QPR have agreed the signing of Polish striker Adam Czerkas. The player will join from Odra Wodzislaw subject to completing a medical after he impressed manager Gary Waddock during a trial.
Czerkas, who recently turned 22, is expected to feature in a pre-season friendly against Stevenage Borough on Wednesday night.
Waddock has been keen to sign a striker and is also interested in Southampton's Dexter Blackstock.
Rangers have had a busy summer and have so far signed defender Damion Stewart and midfielders Armel, Nick Ward and Egutu Oliseh.
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/5191508.stm
UPDATE: QPR OFFICIAL SITE - SIGNS ON ONE YEAR LOAN
CZERKAS SIGNS
Gary Waddock's prolonged search for a striker is finally over - after Polish front-man Adam Czerkas today (Tuesday) put pen to paper on a one year loan deal with the R's.
The 22 year-old - who impressed Waddock during pre-season training and again in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday - signed on the dotted line at Loftus Road this evening.
Rangers have the option of signing the Kolporter Korona SSA striker on a permanent basis at the end of his loan spell....
[Garry Waddock:] "It's no secret that we've been on the look out for a striker for months, not just weeks, and our patience has finally been rewarded. "Obviously I'm delighted we've secured his services and if what we've seen in training and in the practice match is anything to go by, R's fans are in for a treat next season.
"He's got a great eye for goal, has terrific movement, is good with his back to goal and has the unique ability of being able to get in behind defenders.
"He'll complement our current crop of attackers and we've got extremely high hopes for him next season.''
The former Kolporter Korona SSA attacker - who measures in at 6'1'' and will wear the number 28 shirt - is in line to make his R's debut against Stevenage Borough on Wednesday.
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~869243,00.html
Monday, July 17, 2006
QPR Chairman Giannai Paladini Again Categorically Assures: Shittu Definitely Stays if Less than £3 Million
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| BBC QPR hold out for £3m Shittu offer | |||
Watford have had a bid for the giant centre-back rejected, while Leeds and West Brom have shown an interest. Shittu, 25, has a clause in his contract allowing him to speak to any club that offers £3m for him. And Paladini said: "There is no way whatsoever we will accept any less than that. There is absolutely no chance he will leave for less. No chance at all."
Shittu moved to Loftus Road from Charlton in 2002 in a £350,000 deal funded by QPR fans Matthew and Alex Winton. He has since made 162 league appearances and is a firm favourite among supporters.
"I don't want him to go," Paladini added. "We're building a team and brought in Damion Stewart to play alongside him and we think those two will be a good combination. "I think he is worth more than £3m but because of the contract, there's nothing I can do if somebody offers us that. "Joleon Lescott went for £5m and Claude Davis went for £2.5m. Danny is a better defender than both of them. "Danny Shittu will definitely stay here unless someone offers £3m. It's as simple as that."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/5188882.stm | |||
QPR Sign Egutu Oliseh
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Official Site: QPR Sign Egutu Oliseh
QPR have today signed midfielder Egutu Oliseh on a two year deal after he impressed Manager Gary Waddock
PR have today signed midfielder Egutu Oliseh on a two year deal after he impressed Manager Gary Waddock.
Also: BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/5188574.stm
Official Site: QPR Sign Egutu Oliseh
QPR have today signed midfielder Egutu Oliseh on a two year deal after he impressed Manager Gary Waddock
PR have today signed midfielder Egutu Oliseh on a two year deal after he impressed Manager Gary Waddock.
The 25 year old - who impressed Waddock during the R's 1-1 pre-season draw against Aldershot Town - has put pen to paper on a two year deal at Loftus Road.
"I'm very, very happy and now I can't wait for the season to start," he told qpr.co.uk. "From the very first day I came here to train I have been impressed. It is all so organised, I couldn't ask for more.
"That was what really impressed me. Everything is calculated, from the physical trainer through to the manager. If training continues in this way, I'm sure you will see the best from every one of us.
"My first aim now is to become a regular in the side."
Oliseh, who was born in Lagos, spent last season with Belgium outfit La Louviere, after previous spells with French quartet Nancy, Louhans-Cuiseau, Beauvais and Grenoble.
Oliseh has been on trial with the R's for the past fortnight
Oliseh could make his R's debut against Stevenage at Broadhall Way on Wednesday and Waddock is excited about seeing his latest signing in action, commenting: "He's really impressed me in training and against Aldershot. He's attack minded and technically very good.
"It's yet another signing to bolster our squad ahead of the new season and I'm looking forward to having every Manager's favourite dilemna - picking my best eleven.
"This recent signing has ensured that I'll have more than enough midfield options and I'll be able to mix it up accordingly depending on the opposition."
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~866205,00.html
Also: BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/5188574.stm
Five Years Ago...Relegated;...in Administration...16 Players released...Team Rebuilding Began
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Five Years Ago, this month...
The just-relegated to the (old) Third Division club was in Administration and listening to various offers (a process that ultimately lasted a year, and ended up with the notorious ABC Loan). The Wimbledon Deal was dead. And team rebuilding was starting: Kenny Jackett came in as Assistant Manager.
QPR Released 16 Players
Ian Baraclough
Bertie Brayley
Paul Bruce
Alvin Bubb
Lee Harper
Aley Higgins
Chris Kiwomya
Danny Maddix
Terry McFlynn
Ludek Miklosko
Steve Morrow
Michel Ngonge
Karl Ready
Matthew Rose
Keith Rowland
Tony Scully
http://www.globalsoccertransfers.com/player/released0102.html
And Peter Crouch was sold to Portsmouth and Jerome Darlington to Wimbledon.
Incoming: Chris Day, Steve Palmer, Dave McEwen, Terrel Forbes, Mohammed Barr.
BBC- Troubled QPR have released 16 out-of-contract players in order to cut the wage bill following the club's relegation to Division Two.
Chris Kiwomya, Danny Maddix, Ludek Miklosko and Steve Morrow lead the names of those who are not being offered new terms by the Loftus Road club.
And Michel Ngonge, Lee Harper, Ian Baraclough, Karl Ready, Matthew Rose, Keith Rowland, Bertie Brayley, Paul Bruce, Alvin Bubb, Alex Higgins, Terry McFlynn and Tony Scully have also been released.
Rangers are in administration with debts of around £11m, and chief executive David Davies explained that a reduced playing staff was necessary following relegation.
We can't afford to carry on with the number of players we had
Chief executive David Davies "We've had to make a lot of hard choices and the simple fact is we had to cut the wage bill substantially," said Davies.
"It's disappointing for staff and fans alike to see some of our favourite players leave, but it's about time we started dealing with reality.
"We're in Division Two, we can't afford to carry on with the number of players we had.
"However, should the club find new owners in the summer, a number of players have been told the club would like to renegotiate with them at the earliest possible stage."
Midfielder George Kulscar recently had his contract with the club terminated by mutual consent.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/1351445.stm
Five Years Ago, this month...
The just-relegated to the (old) Third Division club was in Administration and listening to various offers (a process that ultimately lasted a year, and ended up with the notorious ABC Loan). The Wimbledon Deal was dead. And team rebuilding was starting: Kenny Jackett came in as Assistant Manager.
QPR Released 16 Players
Ian Baraclough
Bertie Brayley
Paul Bruce
Alvin Bubb
Lee Harper
Aley Higgins
Chris Kiwomya
Danny Maddix
Terry McFlynn
Ludek Miklosko
Steve Morrow
Michel Ngonge
Karl Ready
Matthew Rose
Keith Rowland
Tony Scully
http://www.globalsoccertransfers.com/player/released0102.html
And Peter Crouch was sold to Portsmouth and Jerome Darlington to Wimbledon.
Incoming: Chris Day, Steve Palmer, Dave McEwen, Terrel Forbes, Mohammed Barr.
BBC- Troubled QPR have released 16 out-of-contract players in order to cut the wage bill following the club's relegation to Division Two.
Chris Kiwomya, Danny Maddix, Ludek Miklosko and Steve Morrow lead the names of those who are not being offered new terms by the Loftus Road club.
And Michel Ngonge, Lee Harper, Ian Baraclough, Karl Ready, Matthew Rose, Keith Rowland, Bertie Brayley, Paul Bruce, Alvin Bubb, Alex Higgins, Terry McFlynn and Tony Scully have also been released.
Rangers are in administration with debts of around £11m, and chief executive David Davies explained that a reduced playing staff was necessary following relegation.
We can't afford to carry on with the number of players we had
Chief executive David Davies "We've had to make a lot of hard choices and the simple fact is we had to cut the wage bill substantially," said Davies.
"It's disappointing for staff and fans alike to see some of our favourite players leave, but it's about time we started dealing with reality.
"We're in Division Two, we can't afford to carry on with the number of players we had.
"However, should the club find new owners in the summer, a number of players have been told the club would like to renegotiate with them at the earliest possible stage."
Midfielder George Kulscar recently had his contract with the club terminated by mutual consent.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/1351445.stm
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Turning SIXTY! QPR's John Hollins (Also ex-Chelsea, Arsenal and England)
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Former QPR Player, Coach & Acting Manager, Johnnie Hollins Turns 60!
Born July 16, 1946
Signed from Chelsea by Dave Sexton in June 1975, Hollins was an integral part of QPR's 1975/76 "Championship" Winning Team (primarily alternating a position between himself and Mick Leach). And the following three seasons, Hollins moving between midfield with some games as central defender.
After QPR's relegation, Hollins was set to stay at QPR and then changed his mind and joined Arsenal...and then subsequently Chelsea as player coach.
In the mid-1980s, QPR attempted to take Hollins from Chelsea to manage them. That failed...
A few years, back Hollins was coach at QPR and became Acting manager.
Currently at non-league Crawley.
http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=1075
See Also Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hollins
Former QPR Player, Coach & Acting Manager, Johnnie Hollins Turns 60!
Born July 16, 1946
Signed from Chelsea by Dave Sexton in June 1975, Hollins was an integral part of QPR's 1975/76 "Championship" Winning Team (primarily alternating a position between himself and Mick Leach). And the following three seasons, Hollins moving between midfield with some games as central defender.
After QPR's relegation, Hollins was set to stay at QPR and then changed his mind and joined Arsenal...and then subsequently Chelsea as player coach.
In the mid-1980s, QPR attempted to take Hollins from Chelsea to manage them. That failed...
A few years, back Hollins was coach at QPR and became Acting manager.
Currently at non-league Crawley.
http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=1075
See Also Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hollins
Nostalgia: Twenty Years Ago, the 1986/87 Season: The Fulham "Merger"
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Twenty Years ago 1986/1987 season:
QPR were set to begin their second season under Jim Smith. After a traumatic end of the 1985/1986 season with saw the team's shock 0-3 defeat to Oxford United in the League Cup Final at Wembley...
In the summer, Steve Wicks had been sold to Chelsea and QPR signed David Seaman from Peterborough, Alan Brazil from Coventry, and Sammy Lee from Liverpool. And the announcement with big fanfair that Bradley Allen has signed a QPR contract. And virtually unnoticed, Les Ferdinand joined QPR from Hayes.
The season beagn with a 1-5 loss at Southampton with a hattrick from later QPR forward, Colin Clarke.
By the end of the season (February 1987) Chairman Jim Gregory (finally) selling the club...to Fulham Chairman/Marler Estates, David Bulstrode....and the merger of QPR and Fulham was announced...protested and finally abandoned. The season ended with a series of terrible results include a 1-7 loss at Sheffield Wednesday. QPR finished 16th with 50 points (from 42 games) with Everton Champions and Aston Villa, Manchester City and Leicester relegated)
See: re Fulham Merger(as part of a story of protesting Merger with Wimbledon)
Fans will prove sticking point for merger once againBy Sean Smith
http://www.soccernet.com/columns/2001/0503/20010503featsean.html
[Also re Wimbledon Merger
Soccernet RELATED Old hands will see off merger
Fans unite against merger plan
Dons legend rules out merger
QPR stalwart scorns merger talk
Rangers will listen to the fans
Football League discuss merger talks
Twenty Years ago 1986/1987 season:
QPR were set to begin their second season under Jim Smith. After a traumatic end of the 1985/1986 season with saw the team's shock 0-3 defeat to Oxford United in the League Cup Final at Wembley...
In the summer, Steve Wicks had been sold to Chelsea and QPR signed David Seaman from Peterborough, Alan Brazil from Coventry, and Sammy Lee from Liverpool. And the announcement with big fanfair that Bradley Allen has signed a QPR contract. And virtually unnoticed, Les Ferdinand joined QPR from Hayes.
The season beagn with a 1-5 loss at Southampton with a hattrick from later QPR forward, Colin Clarke.
By the end of the season (February 1987) Chairman Jim Gregory (finally) selling the club...to Fulham Chairman/Marler Estates, David Bulstrode....and the merger of QPR and Fulham was announced...protested and finally abandoned. The season ended with a series of terrible results include a 1-7 loss at Sheffield Wednesday. QPR finished 16th with 50 points (from 42 games) with Everton Champions and Aston Villa, Manchester City and Leicester relegated)
See: re Fulham Merger(as part of a story of protesting Merger with Wimbledon)
Fans will prove sticking point for merger once againBy Sean Smith
http://www.soccernet.com/columns/2001/0503/20010503featsean.html
[Also re Wimbledon Merger
Soccernet RELATED Old hands will see off merger
Fans unite against merger plan
Dons legend rules out merger
QPR stalwart scorns merger talk
Rangers will listen to the fans
Football League discuss merger talks
Ex-QPR's Assistant Manager Bruce Rioch (now at Odense) Profiled in Today's Sunday Times
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[No mention of his QPR 'experiences']
From Today's Sunday Times: Bruce almighty -
Douglas Alexander in Odense
Bruce Rioch has found a home from home in Denmark with the Intertoto Cup hopefuls
The script is a famous feature of Bruce Rioch’s coaching and it is being performed out on the idyllic setting of Fionia Park, home of Odense Boldklub. The sun illuminates the lush, green turf and the stadium, built in 1998, sparkles too. In sunglasses and shorts, Rioch is a teacher with an attentive team of pupils listening. He lines them up against imaginary opposition and runs them through some situations that will come up in the season that is about to start. This prescriptive, paternal style inspired his teams at Middlesbrough and Bolton to play attractive, passing football that still lingers in the minds of those fortunate enough see it.
Later, sitting in shade, Rioch emanates contentment. It becomes obvious as he chats that he values his players as people rather than pawns. He speaks with genuine affection about “my boys”, his current team, and recalls his former charges with great fondness, too. He rattles through the names of players at Middlesbrough and Bolton, several of whom he has stayed in touch with. Andy Walker, Owen Coyle, Mixu Paatelainen, Gary Pallister, Bernie Slaven, Stuart Ripley and many more. There is one that he lingers on. With their teams facing each other in the Intertoto Cup this week, Rioch dips into a vault of his mind labelled ‘Mogga’. It contains rich deposits.
“He’s an awesome man. A little story about him that I was telling my boys the other day. When we were at Middlesbrough, in the difficult days, we had a kit manager called Ken Smith who was about 70. The game would end and we’d come in and shower and change and before Tony went into the players’ room to see his girlfriend and family, he took Ken home in his car to his house and then came back. It seems a simple little thing but it is quite special he would take the time to think about the situation and take this guy home first. Those are the things that make someone special and he’s a really special guy. He’s been through tragedy too. I can remember when he lost his first wife (Bernadette) and at some stage afterwards I asked him to come to Bolton. He said, ‘I’d love to but I owe it to her family to be with them just now’. An incredible man.”
Rioch received a call from Mowbray last Saturday when he was preparing for the wedding of his son, Gregor. He sent the Rioch clan, clad in tartan, his best wishes but wondered if the father of the groom could pop a DVD of his team in action in the post after the festivities. “I was going to send him one of someone else,” jokes Rioch, but Mowbray knows the script so well, he could probably have spotted the difference.
Gregor has just returned to working with Manchester City’s youngsters after two years coaching another Danish club and his father followed him to Denmark last summer, taking over at Odense. In the city, two hours west of Copenhagen by train, he has found utopia. Superb facilities, receptive players and a board that he respects and trusts. “When I left Wigan I was keen to get back in for 18 months but then nothing materialised that suited me. I had a couple of offers but I wanted to go and work for the right people. I found out that was absolutely vital in my life and the right opportunity never came along until one of my old players at Norwich told me that this job might be vacant and would I be interested. I said I ’d come across and have a look and it was the people I met at the club that brought me here.”
The organisation around him is impressive. Allan Poulsen, the physio, works with Denmark’s international football teams, men and women, plus the national handball side and elite cyclists. The club’s youth system is superbly organised with sessions four afternoons a week at the training ground. “It’s a small country, 5.5 million population, so it’s not dissimilar to Scotland. The development of sports people over here, not just footballers, is absolutely incredible. They produce golfers, world-class badminton players, cyclists on the Tour de France. They’ve got a great sporting ethic.”
Rioch was on the shortlist for the Scotland job before Berti Vogts got it and was also in the running to take over at Aberdeen before Steve Paterson was appointed. His father came from the Granite City and his mother is from Skye, although Rioch was born in Aldershot as his dad was stationed there with the army at the time. Both David Taylor and Keith Wyness would probably revisit those decisions now and it seems impossible that Rioch did not impress at interview, given the way he comes across.
Positives pour from him, his enthusiasm for the game “refreshed” by his experience in Denmark. Last season, he managed Odense to third, their best finish in a decade, and now he hopes to take them closer to the big two — FC Copenhagen and Brondby. “It’s the equivalent of being manager of Hibs in Scotland,” he says.
He ranks his current group of players as good as anything he has worked with in terms of their attitude. “We’re not a big club but we try and develop the key things — team spirit, morale, atmosphere, loving each other, caring for each other. All the things we had at Middlesbrough and Bolton, we have them here. We said that to them when we first came in. ‘If you don’t care for each other, don’t look after each other then you won’ t be successful’. We have a super situation in this club in that respect. That’s what’s enjoyable. In all honesty, I wake up every day and I look forward to coming into work with them and I say to the players, ‘I want you to get up and come into work and enjoy it every day’. We know there’s a lot of occupations and professions which are hard, difficult, mundane ones and football is such a great job.
“I had an agreement to be reviewed at the end of the season, which it was, and I said I would like to stay another season. Everybody seems happy with that and I am happy with it. I am at a stage where I am not pushing too hard to chase too much at the moment. I am happy with my job, happy with my life and what comes along, comes along, but the most important single factor would be the people I work with and for. They are vital, they are my life. I have worked with some people that I wouldn’t want to work for again.”
There is only one drawback to Saturday’s visit to Easter Road for the second leg. It has forced him to turn down an invite to Dennis Bergkamp’s testimonial and the inauguration of Arsenal’s new Emirates stadium at Ashburton Grove. Rioch signed the Dutchman during his brief spell at Highbury between the eras of George Graham and Arsène Wenger. We will never know if he could have wrought the successful transformation the Frenchman has, but in bequeathing Bergkamp he set the tone of elegant skill which has defined it. “I think everybody wants to have longer at good clubs and Arsenal is a great club,” says Rioch.
So, too, in a smaller, maybe friendlier, way, is Odense.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2093-2272662,00.html
[No mention of his QPR 'experiences']
From Today's Sunday Times: Bruce almighty -
Douglas Alexander in Odense
Bruce Rioch has found a home from home in Denmark with the Intertoto Cup hopefuls
The script is a famous feature of Bruce Rioch’s coaching and it is being performed out on the idyllic setting of Fionia Park, home of Odense Boldklub. The sun illuminates the lush, green turf and the stadium, built in 1998, sparkles too. In sunglasses and shorts, Rioch is a teacher with an attentive team of pupils listening. He lines them up against imaginary opposition and runs them through some situations that will come up in the season that is about to start. This prescriptive, paternal style inspired his teams at Middlesbrough and Bolton to play attractive, passing football that still lingers in the minds of those fortunate enough see it.
Later, sitting in shade, Rioch emanates contentment. It becomes obvious as he chats that he values his players as people rather than pawns. He speaks with genuine affection about “my boys”, his current team, and recalls his former charges with great fondness, too. He rattles through the names of players at Middlesbrough and Bolton, several of whom he has stayed in touch with. Andy Walker, Owen Coyle, Mixu Paatelainen, Gary Pallister, Bernie Slaven, Stuart Ripley and many more. There is one that he lingers on. With their teams facing each other in the Intertoto Cup this week, Rioch dips into a vault of his mind labelled ‘Mogga’. It contains rich deposits.
“He’s an awesome man. A little story about him that I was telling my boys the other day. When we were at Middlesbrough, in the difficult days, we had a kit manager called Ken Smith who was about 70. The game would end and we’d come in and shower and change and before Tony went into the players’ room to see his girlfriend and family, he took Ken home in his car to his house and then came back. It seems a simple little thing but it is quite special he would take the time to think about the situation and take this guy home first. Those are the things that make someone special and he’s a really special guy. He’s been through tragedy too. I can remember when he lost his first wife (Bernadette) and at some stage afterwards I asked him to come to Bolton. He said, ‘I’d love to but I owe it to her family to be with them just now’. An incredible man.”
Rioch received a call from Mowbray last Saturday when he was preparing for the wedding of his son, Gregor. He sent the Rioch clan, clad in tartan, his best wishes but wondered if the father of the groom could pop a DVD of his team in action in the post after the festivities. “I was going to send him one of someone else,” jokes Rioch, but Mowbray knows the script so well, he could probably have spotted the difference.
Gregor has just returned to working with Manchester City’s youngsters after two years coaching another Danish club and his father followed him to Denmark last summer, taking over at Odense. In the city, two hours west of Copenhagen by train, he has found utopia. Superb facilities, receptive players and a board that he respects and trusts. “When I left Wigan I was keen to get back in for 18 months but then nothing materialised that suited me. I had a couple of offers but I wanted to go and work for the right people. I found out that was absolutely vital in my life and the right opportunity never came along until one of my old players at Norwich told me that this job might be vacant and would I be interested. I said I ’d come across and have a look and it was the people I met at the club that brought me here.”
The organisation around him is impressive. Allan Poulsen, the physio, works with Denmark’s international football teams, men and women, plus the national handball side and elite cyclists. The club’s youth system is superbly organised with sessions four afternoons a week at the training ground. “It’s a small country, 5.5 million population, so it’s not dissimilar to Scotland. The development of sports people over here, not just footballers, is absolutely incredible. They produce golfers, world-class badminton players, cyclists on the Tour de France. They’ve got a great sporting ethic.”
Rioch was on the shortlist for the Scotland job before Berti Vogts got it and was also in the running to take over at Aberdeen before Steve Paterson was appointed. His father came from the Granite City and his mother is from Skye, although Rioch was born in Aldershot as his dad was stationed there with the army at the time. Both David Taylor and Keith Wyness would probably revisit those decisions now and it seems impossible that Rioch did not impress at interview, given the way he comes across.
Positives pour from him, his enthusiasm for the game “refreshed” by his experience in Denmark. Last season, he managed Odense to third, their best finish in a decade, and now he hopes to take them closer to the big two — FC Copenhagen and Brondby. “It’s the equivalent of being manager of Hibs in Scotland,” he says.
He ranks his current group of players as good as anything he has worked with in terms of their attitude. “We’re not a big club but we try and develop the key things — team spirit, morale, atmosphere, loving each other, caring for each other. All the things we had at Middlesbrough and Bolton, we have them here. We said that to them when we first came in. ‘If you don’t care for each other, don’t look after each other then you won’ t be successful’. We have a super situation in this club in that respect. That’s what’s enjoyable. In all honesty, I wake up every day and I look forward to coming into work with them and I say to the players, ‘I want you to get up and come into work and enjoy it every day’. We know there’s a lot of occupations and professions which are hard, difficult, mundane ones and football is such a great job.
“I had an agreement to be reviewed at the end of the season, which it was, and I said I would like to stay another season. Everybody seems happy with that and I am happy with it. I am at a stage where I am not pushing too hard to chase too much at the moment. I am happy with my job, happy with my life and what comes along, comes along, but the most important single factor would be the people I work with and for. They are vital, they are my life. I have worked with some people that I wouldn’t want to work for again.”
There is only one drawback to Saturday’s visit to Easter Road for the second leg. It has forced him to turn down an invite to Dennis Bergkamp’s testimonial and the inauguration of Arsenal’s new Emirates stadium at Ashburton Grove. Rioch signed the Dutchman during his brief spell at Highbury between the eras of George Graham and Arsène Wenger. We will never know if he could have wrought the successful transformation the Frenchman has, but in bequeathing Bergkamp he set the tone of elegant skill which has defined it. “I think everybody wants to have longer at good clubs and Arsenal is a great club,” says Rioch.
So, too, in a smaller, maybe friendlier, way, is Odense.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2093-2272662,00.html
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Two Years Ago Today: "Foreign investors step in to keep QPR in Business"
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If you read the Daily Telegraph two years ago today...
Mihir Bose Telegraph 15/07/2004
Foreign investors step in to keep QPR in business
Queens Park Rangers are being rescued by a Monaco-based company of unnamed Italian and French investors who are putting in money to make sure the west London club survive. In a series of dramatic recent developments at the club, who came out of administration only two years ago, the chairman, chief executive, and one other director have resigned and a new board have taken over.
The accounts for the season just concluded, in which QPR won promotion to the newly named Coca-Cola Championship, are not yet available. The club have only just finished preparing audited accounts for the year to May 2003, which covers the 2002-2003 season. However, these accounts have some information on the latest cash crisis.
The Daily Telegraph has seen a copy and in it the directors confess that if new money is not made available the club would have to be wound up.The directors' report says: "The directors have reviewed the group's budget for the current year and outline projections for the subsequent year including cash flows and forecasts of headroom available against current borrowing facilities, together with other likely sources of cash generation."
Following this review, the directors have formed a judgment that, at the time of approval of the financial statements, the group does not have sufficient resources to continue operating in the foreseeable future without raising additional working capital. For this reason, the directors are actively seeking to raise further capital to meet the shortfall."
QPR were a casualty of the football recession even before the collapse of ITV Digital but their main problem is that they were never properly rescued. They went into administration with debts of £10 million and instead of coming out with no debts, as clubs that go into administration seek to do, came out with a long-term loan of £10 million. This is to a Panama-based company on which the club pay a crippling 10 per cent interest.
Since QPR came out of administration, the board have been seeking new money and all sorts of schemes have been floated, but none has worked. QPR's ground-sharing with Fulham for two years was largely unsuccessful. Fulham paid £1 million a year as rent but QPR had to pick up the bill for all the extra match-day costs and made very little money. One source said: "It would have been much better if we had got [Mohamed] Fayed to pay us £15,000 a match to hire the ground and they met all the other bills."
Several people have been offering to find money. One of them, Tim Krause, an American who owns the United States team Milwaukee Wave, had various discussions with the club in the last few years. Bill Power, who is the new QPR chairman and provided £200,000 as a loan for the club, said: "In the end we found he was acting as an agent and it was not his own money he was investing. Why use an agent to find money when we can do it ourselves?"
It was a failure to find investors and disagreements about the way the club was run, leading to the horrendous cash situation, that forced the three directors to go: David Davies, the chief executive who was paid a salary of £135,000, Ross Jones, the chairman of the plc, and Nick Blackburn, the chairman of the football club.
The Monaco-based investors were introduced to the club by Gianni Paladini, the husband of Olga Paladini, who, through Moorbound Ltd, is a major shareholder with 22 per cent.The new investors will buy new shares that QPR are issuing. This will give them 29.9 per cent of the club. Since they are buying new shares and not shares from another director, it will mean the £1.8 million they are investing will go directly into the club. Chris Wright, the former owner with 14 million shares, and Moorbound with 18 million shares, will remain the other main shareholders.
Although the latest available accounts are a year out of date, they give an indication of QPR's predicament. The accounts show that in the 2002-03 season, while income rose from £5.6 million to £7.3 million, the loss increased 10 times from £413,000 to £4.3 million.
The accounts for the season just gone are expected to be much worse. But by the time they are revealed to the world the Monaco-based Italian-French alliance will be on board. The deal is expected to be done in the next few days.Power would not disclose who they are but said: "They are football fans."
[Originally Posted on http://www.queensparkrangersfc.com/papersjuly15.htm Also: http://www.boardroomblues.co.uk/telegraph150704.htm Hmm!
QPR WOULD have been Playing MK Dons Today (but "threats" led to game's cancellation) - Five Years after Wimbledon Merger Failed!
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QPR WOULD have been playing Milton Keynes Dons today!
A month ago, QPR announced they would be playing Milton Keynes Dons ("Wimbledon") on July 15, after an originally (semi-) scheduled game against Brentford was cancelled by Brentford.
After some QPR fans expressed discontent at QPR playing MK Dons (colloquially referred to by some as "Franchise" because of the way they became the first English club to move many miles away to a new town), QPR announced they had cancelled the game.
In a statement posted on the Official Site (and subsequently removed from the site), QPR Chairman, Gianni Paladini declared "After Several phone calls and threats from our own supporters, I have decided not to go ahead with the game...."
(Paladini subsequently explained to some fans (but never on the official site) that by "threats" he meant threats by something like six fans not to renew their season tickets.
(There is a special QPR fan interest in MK Dons, given the efforts five years ago to merge the two teams. Also the fact that the current Chairman of MK Dons, Peter Winkelman tried to take over QPR.)
From Five Years Ago
QPR & Wimbledon in Merger Talks
QPR-Dons merger 'to be dead within 48 hours'
Winkelman Confirms QPR Bid
As Originally Posted on the Official Site
-QPR Official Site - June 16, 2006 - MK DONS GAME CANCELLED
Gianni Paladini would like to make the following statement, after making the decision to cancel the game against MK Dons on July 15."After several phonecalls and threats from our own supporters, I have decided not to go ahead with the game."I was extremely embarrassed at having to call the club secretary at MK Dons after he had done all he could to arrange a fixture on a day where we struggled to find any opposition."We were tremendously grateful to MK Dons for having initially agreed to play the fixture after Brentford cancelled the original game due to be played on July 18."Had that cancellation not have arisen, this whole situation would have been avoided."After Brentford pulled out, QPR re-contacted ALL Premiership and Football League clubs within a two hour travelling distance, yet MK Dons were the only club who answered our request."QPR apologises to everyone at MK Dons who pulled out all the stops to arrange a fixture at such short notice and also to all our fans that were willing to travel to the MK Dons fixture and were looking forward to visiting a new ground."Gianni Paladinihttp://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~840228,00.htmlQPR
Official Site - June 15, 2006 -
QPR are pleased to announce a pre-season friendly against MK Dons on July 15.After only just receiving the official word from Brentford that the game scheduled for July 18 was to be cancelled, QPR have been busily trying to arrange a fixture to take its place and are delighted that MK Dons have been able to fulfil our requirements.MK Dons were themselves trying to hastily find opposition after also having a game cancelled.The game will take place at the National Hockey Stadium and will kick off at 3pm and will be the first meeting of the two clubs since the Dons' move to Milton Keynes.Gary Waddock said: "I'm obviously very pleased to have managed to get another pre-season game fixed up as quickly as this, and my thanks go to MK Dons for answering our request."We needed another game around that weekend, and I'm now looking forward to visiting Milton Keynes for the first time with a QPR side."It's not that far and hopefully our fans will turn out in force to support us there."http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~839766,00.htmlQPR
OFFICIAL SITE - JUNE 13, 2006 BRENTFORD GAME OFF
This morning, QPR were informed that the pre-season game against Brentford has been cancelled.Despite contacting Brentford last week, we were led to believe that the game would still be taking place in spite of the fact the Club had received several phone calls from fans to ask if the game was still going ahead.Assistant Secretary Terry Springett explains: "It's very disappointing to have been informed of Brentford's decision to pull out at such a late stage, especially when we contacted the club last week when rumours had started to surface the game may have been in doubt."Only last Wednesday we were informed by Brentford that the game was indeed to go ahead, so at the time, felt it unnecessary to make an announcement on the official website."It would appear that their initial decision to take the game against us was taken without thorough consultation with their groundstaff, who have now informed the Club that the pitch at Griffin Park will not be ready in time."However, having received a phone call from Brentford this morning, we would like to inform our fans that the pre-season game against them, scheduled for Tuesday July 18, is indeed off."We will be doing our best in the next few days to find suitable alternative opponents for that weekhttp://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~839038,00.html
Letter sent by QPR1st after MK Dons Game was announced http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/main/newsarticle.asp?id=94
http://qprreport.blogspot.com/2006/06/qpr-schedule-and-then-cancel-game-vs.html
QPR WOULD have been playing Milton Keynes Dons today!
A month ago, QPR announced they would be playing Milton Keynes Dons ("Wimbledon") on July 15, after an originally (semi-) scheduled game against Brentford was cancelled by Brentford.
After some QPR fans expressed discontent at QPR playing MK Dons (colloquially referred to by some as "Franchise" because of the way they became the first English club to move many miles away to a new town), QPR announced they had cancelled the game.
In a statement posted on the Official Site (and subsequently removed from the site), QPR Chairman, Gianni Paladini declared "After Several phone calls and threats from our own supporters, I have decided not to go ahead with the game...."
(Paladini subsequently explained to some fans (but never on the official site) that by "threats" he meant threats by something like six fans not to renew their season tickets.
(There is a special QPR fan interest in MK Dons, given the efforts five years ago to merge the two teams. Also the fact that the current Chairman of MK Dons, Peter Winkelman tried to take over QPR.)
From Five Years Ago
QPR & Wimbledon in Merger Talks
QPR-Dons merger 'to be dead within 48 hours'
Winkelman Confirms QPR Bid
As Originally Posted on the Official Site
-QPR Official Site - June 16, 2006 - MK DONS GAME CANCELLED
Gianni Paladini would like to make the following statement, after making the decision to cancel the game against MK Dons on July 15."After several phonecalls and threats from our own supporters, I have decided not to go ahead with the game."I was extremely embarrassed at having to call the club secretary at MK Dons after he had done all he could to arrange a fixture on a day where we struggled to find any opposition."We were tremendously grateful to MK Dons for having initially agreed to play the fixture after Brentford cancelled the original game due to be played on July 18."Had that cancellation not have arisen, this whole situation would have been avoided."After Brentford pulled out, QPR re-contacted ALL Premiership and Football League clubs within a two hour travelling distance, yet MK Dons were the only club who answered our request."QPR apologises to everyone at MK Dons who pulled out all the stops to arrange a fixture at such short notice and also to all our fans that were willing to travel to the MK Dons fixture and were looking forward to visiting a new ground."Gianni Paladinihttp://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~840228,00.htmlQPR
Official Site - June 15, 2006 -
QPR are pleased to announce a pre-season friendly against MK Dons on July 15.After only just receiving the official word from Brentford that the game scheduled for July 18 was to be cancelled, QPR have been busily trying to arrange a fixture to take its place and are delighted that MK Dons have been able to fulfil our requirements.MK Dons were themselves trying to hastily find opposition after also having a game cancelled.The game will take place at the National Hockey Stadium and will kick off at 3pm and will be the first meeting of the two clubs since the Dons' move to Milton Keynes.Gary Waddock said: "I'm obviously very pleased to have managed to get another pre-season game fixed up as quickly as this, and my thanks go to MK Dons for answering our request."We needed another game around that weekend, and I'm now looking forward to visiting Milton Keynes for the first time with a QPR side."It's not that far and hopefully our fans will turn out in force to support us there."http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~839766,00.htmlQPR
OFFICIAL SITE - JUNE 13, 2006 BRENTFORD GAME OFF
This morning, QPR were informed that the pre-season game against Brentford has been cancelled.Despite contacting Brentford last week, we were led to believe that the game would still be taking place in spite of the fact the Club had received several phone calls from fans to ask if the game was still going ahead.Assistant Secretary Terry Springett explains: "It's very disappointing to have been informed of Brentford's decision to pull out at such a late stage, especially when we contacted the club last week when rumours had started to surface the game may have been in doubt."Only last Wednesday we were informed by Brentford that the game was indeed to go ahead, so at the time, felt it unnecessary to make an announcement on the official website."It would appear that their initial decision to take the game against us was taken without thorough consultation with their groundstaff, who have now informed the Club that the pitch at Griffin Park will not be ready in time."However, having received a phone call from Brentford this morning, we would like to inform our fans that the pre-season game against them, scheduled for Tuesday July 18, is indeed off."We will be doing our best in the next few days to find suitable alternative opponents for that weekhttp://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~839038,00.html
Letter sent by QPR1st after MK Dons Game was announced http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/main/newsarticle.asp?id=94
http://qprreport.blogspot.com/2006/06/qpr-schedule-and-then-cancel-game-vs.html
Nostalgia: Ex-QPR Forward, Frank Clarke Turns 64
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Former QPR forward, Frank Clarke turns 64
Born July 15, 1942, Clarke joined QPR from Shrewsbury for 35,000 pounds, in February 1968 to boost our promotion hopes (after QPR failed to agree terms with another forward, John O'Rourke (who anyway joined QPR a few years later).
Clarke spent tw0 years at QPR, before we sold him to First Division Ipswich for 38,000 pounds in March 1970 after our promotion hopes faded. In the 1969/1970 season, Clarke formed part of a dynamic forward line of Clarke, Barry Bridges and Rdney Marsh.
In the 1967/1968 season, Clarke scored 3 goals in 13 games. In QPR's (terrible) First Division season, he scored 5 goals in 23 games. And in the 1969/1970 season he got 9 goals in 31 games + some great cup goals, including two in QPR's "Shock win' In the League cup against Wolves at Loftus Road (in October 1969)
(Clarke is the brother of Walsall/Fulham/Leicester, Leeds and England Forward Alan Clarke)
Former QPR forward, Frank Clarke turns 64
Born July 15, 1942, Clarke joined QPR from Shrewsbury for 35,000 pounds, in February 1968 to boost our promotion hopes (after QPR failed to agree terms with another forward, John O'Rourke (who anyway joined QPR a few years later).
Clarke spent tw0 years at QPR, before we sold him to First Division Ipswich for 38,000 pounds in March 1970 after our promotion hopes faded. In the 1969/1970 season, Clarke formed part of a dynamic forward line of Clarke, Barry Bridges and Rdney Marsh.
In the 1967/1968 season, Clarke scored 3 goals in 13 games. In QPR's (terrible) First Division season, he scored 5 goals in 23 games. And in the 1969/1970 season he got 9 goals in 31 games + some great cup goals, including two in QPR's "Shock win' In the League cup against Wolves at Loftus Road (in October 1969)
(Clarke is the brother of Walsall/Fulham/Leicester, Leeds and England Forward Alan Clarke)
Friday, July 14, 2006
Ex-QPR Tony Thorpe Joins Stevenage
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BBC -Stevenage sign Thorpe and Dobson
BBC -
Stevenage Borough have signed experienced striker Tony Thorpe and
STEVENAGE BOROUGH OFFICIAL SITE
Stevenage Borough have today completed a double signing. Striker Tony Thorpe joins from Colchester and winger Craig Dobson joins from Cambridge City. Both join Boro on 2 year contracts after impressing manager Mark Stimson this week. Former Luton man Thorpe, 32 was the subject of a £1m move to Bristol City and an £800,000 move to Fulham. He has been a prolific scorer in the Football League, scoring 137 times in 288 appearances and brings a weath of experience to Boro.
http://www.stevenageborofc.com/200607/news/20060713.shtml
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