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Chris Day Speaking - South London Press
Sep 22 2006 - By Toby Porter
"CHRIS Day is keeping his eye on the ball.
Results may not be going according to plan. But the 31-year-old keeper believes Millwall are edging towards turning the corner.
Putting aside the set-back of Tuesday night's 4-0 Carling Cup defeat by Southampton, he knows how much the fans crave some wins...
...And this is the target Day and his teammates are aiming for: "What we most want to do is put a smile back on the fans' faces," he said. "We want them to go home happy.That is what it's all about."
Day knows what it feels like for those fans when things aren't going well.
"I've seen some of them standing there in shock, thinking 'It's happened again'," he said. "We are desperate to change that. There has to be some positivity in the camp and we'll work hard to turn the corner.
"One of the first things the fans told me was that if you give 100 per cent, they will give it back,"he added. "That has to be our aim.
"We'll give our all and the rest is in the lap of the gods.
"It can be like the lottery.Sooner or later,the right balls will come up and we will get a small reward.
"We want to walk away at 5pm with three points in the bag. Then the fans can hold their heads up high all week. We want to see those smiling faces on a Saturday night. That is our job.
"Then we can start building a bond with the fans. And then we'll feel proud."
There is another prize to aim for after that. The keeper remembers the day he won promotion from League One with QPR. "It was in a 3-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday two years ago and we took 12,000 fans with us to Hillsbrough. I would like to get hold of a video of that day and show it to the lads, because it would give us something to aim for...."
But Day warns: "It took us three years to go up at QPR. First we were 10th, then we lost in the play-offs, then we were promoted. It is a tough battle.
"We had a great manager in Ian Holloway,but even so it still took three seasons."
Day would love to be back in the Championship as soon as possible. "The Premiership is full of foreign keepers so if you can get a berth one level down, it is a bit like the Holy Grail for an English keeper.There are a lot of very talented ones in the Championship -even some on the bench.
"It would be great if we could get promoted so we can prove ourselves at that level."
Day is desperate to continue his run in the team.
He is now at his peak, and knows what it's like to miss out for a long period.
He only played 100 games for QPR at this level in four years up to 2004, because of a broken leg.
Last season at Oldham he played more than 36 games, while at Watford he had to play second fiddle to Alec Chamberlain, who is still playing at the age of 42.
"But all that time I was learning good habits," he said.
Day brings a wealth of experience to the role, which Millwall will find immensely valuable this season, especially when his rival for the number one shirt, Lennie Pidgeley, has played so little at this level.
"I had an inkling Lennie would get the nod at the beginning of the season," said Day. "I knew what the situation would be when I joined. I will always be there to help any of the boys, especially Lennie. I'll try and help install belief and help the younger players.
"But I had just been told I could leave Oldham and it was nice to be wanted here.
"I always hope I'll get my chance..."
South London Press
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Saturday, September 23, 2006
Holloway Speaking Out in Plymouth!
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Plymouth Official - MEET THE MANAGER
Ian Holloway with the team at St Dennis Club - Picture by Paul Williams
Photo by Paul Williams
ARGYLE manager Ian Holloway attended a meeting with Cornish supporters on Tuesday evening and thoroughly enjoyed the occasion.
The event was organized by the Cornish Supporters' Association and took place in St Dennis.
"It was absolutely outstanding with outstanding people," said Holloway.
"Life is about people and football is about people.
"My Dad was right when he said 'I hope you like football because you will meet some wonderful people.'
"I have also met some absolute pillocks that really do use it as a business and treat people horribly.
"It becomes about them and not about the club but at my level, with this club, with these people, my players, I am delighted and these fans are something else."
Holloway was accompanied by some of the Argyle squad, much to the delight of the attendees.
"They were gobsmacked and one lady even started crying," said Holloway.
"I made them (the players) shake everybody's hand and mingle.
"After I finished blabbering away and boring everybody to tears, we stayed on for an extra 30 minutes and it was great."
The evening was also a perfect opportunity to talk about the recent achievements of the club.
Since the current chairman, Paul Stapleton, took control, Argyle have won two promotions and now compete in the second tier of English football.
Holloway was keen to remind people of this extraordinary rise through the divisions.
"I asked them (supporters) to remember how far we have come in the last six years," said Holloway.
"I have watched it from afar. Remember the great achievement to get here and remember who has been at the helm.
"I want to build again because that is what we have got to do.
"I want to build the youth team but it is not me on my own, it is the structure, the training regime and the people.
"Since Mr Stapleton and his friends took over, it has been absolutely remarkable.
"Where were you going before that?"
Plymouth Official
MANAGER'S OUTBURST AT COUNCIL - This is Plymouth
Plymouth Argyle manager Ian Holloway has launched an astonishing attack on the city council - accusing the authority of failing to support the club's Premiership ambitions.
The Argyle boss said that the council 'owed' the club some £6million and criticised its handling of the sale of Home Park.
He claimed that council chiefs had offered to pay Argyle £3million in the past, and had even offered to give the freehold of the ground to the club for nothing.
But the council today said it was 'mystified and disappointed' by the claims, and insisted that the £2.7million Home Park deal was still going ahead, as agreed by senior councillors in March.
Negotiations between Argyle and the council have been continuing for six months, but the transfer of the freehold has yet to be finalised.
And Mr Holloway, who only took over as manager at the end of June, said that it was time for the council to 'wake up and smell the coffee'.
In a Press conference ahead of tomorrow's match between Argyle and Norwich City, he said: "I'm pretty upset with one group at the moment. That's the council.
"They owe me £6 million by the look of it. They promised us £3 million the other year. They were shouting on the steps 'yes, we will give you £3 million, we are going to help this club'. Where's that then?
"They were going to give us the freehold, and now they are not. They are going to sell it to us. Hang on a minute, that's a £6 million turnaround almost."
When Argyle were promoted to the Championship in 2004, the council held a civic reception in their honour.
Council leader Tudor Evans told thousands of the club's supporters that the authority would get a new grandstand at Home Park completed.
But, despite much speculation since, the plans are still on the drawing board - and some fans are getting impatient.
However, Mr Holloway said that Argyle's board, led by chairman Paul Stapleton, should not be blamed for any delay.
Mr Holloway said: "I want the council on board as well. I don't feel they are on board at the minute.
"They have got to help the people of this area get Premiership football down here. They had better wake up and smell the coffee, I'm telling you, because I'm after them.
"I want some help from them - big time - and if that upsets an apple cart, I'm sorry.
"The people of this area deserve better, and that's what I want. All these starry-eyed kids with the green shirt on, I want them to see fantastic players on that pitch.
"Is it all our responsibility? It has got to be a marriage. How much can we bring this area if we are a Premiership club? And how much are they helping us? I can't see it."
But a spokesman for the council said Mr Holloway's claims that the authority owed Argyle £6million were unfounded.
The spokesman said: "We are mystified and disappointed about the comments attributed to Mr Holloway because the criticism is not based on fact and does not reflect the ongoing productive negotiations between the council and the board.
"We have responded in a timely manner to the points raised by the club's legal adviser and we will ensure the agreed terms will be entirely in accordance with what Cabinet agreed."
Mr Stapleton declined to comment earlier this morning. Argyle chiefs were due to meet the council this morning to discuss the deal. The club is expected to make an official statement after the meeting.
This is Plymouth
PLYMOUTH Argyle issued the following statement today:
Chairman Paul Stapleton: "Plymouth Argyle Football Club has been working with officers at Plymouth City Council over the last few months to bring the complex deal over the purchase of the Home Park freehold to completion.
"There have been legal and technical issues involved that are normal for a deal of this nature, but the fact is that all the principles have been resolved and lawyers are working to conclude matters imminently."
Argyle manager Ian Holloway, who spoke out about the deal earlier this week, said: "I have talked to the chairman, who has appraised me of certain facts, and now appreciate that these things take time.
"I have always been convinced that the chairman and the board of directors have been acting in the best interests of the football club and it is music to my ears to hear that the Council are doing likewise."
Plymouth
Plymouth Official - MEET THE MANAGER
Ian Holloway with the team at St Dennis Club - Picture by Paul Williams
Photo by Paul Williams
ARGYLE manager Ian Holloway attended a meeting with Cornish supporters on Tuesday evening and thoroughly enjoyed the occasion.
The event was organized by the Cornish Supporters' Association and took place in St Dennis.
"It was absolutely outstanding with outstanding people," said Holloway.
"Life is about people and football is about people.
"My Dad was right when he said 'I hope you like football because you will meet some wonderful people.'
"I have also met some absolute pillocks that really do use it as a business and treat people horribly.
"It becomes about them and not about the club but at my level, with this club, with these people, my players, I am delighted and these fans are something else."
Holloway was accompanied by some of the Argyle squad, much to the delight of the attendees.
"They were gobsmacked and one lady even started crying," said Holloway.
"I made them (the players) shake everybody's hand and mingle.
"After I finished blabbering away and boring everybody to tears, we stayed on for an extra 30 minutes and it was great."
The evening was also a perfect opportunity to talk about the recent achievements of the club.
Since the current chairman, Paul Stapleton, took control, Argyle have won two promotions and now compete in the second tier of English football.
Holloway was keen to remind people of this extraordinary rise through the divisions.
"I asked them (supporters) to remember how far we have come in the last six years," said Holloway.
"I have watched it from afar. Remember the great achievement to get here and remember who has been at the helm.
"I want to build again because that is what we have got to do.
"I want to build the youth team but it is not me on my own, it is the structure, the training regime and the people.
"Since Mr Stapleton and his friends took over, it has been absolutely remarkable.
"Where were you going before that?"
Plymouth Official
MANAGER'S OUTBURST AT COUNCIL - This is Plymouth
Plymouth Argyle manager Ian Holloway has launched an astonishing attack on the city council - accusing the authority of failing to support the club's Premiership ambitions.
The Argyle boss said that the council 'owed' the club some £6million and criticised its handling of the sale of Home Park.
He claimed that council chiefs had offered to pay Argyle £3million in the past, and had even offered to give the freehold of the ground to the club for nothing.
But the council today said it was 'mystified and disappointed' by the claims, and insisted that the £2.7million Home Park deal was still going ahead, as agreed by senior councillors in March.
Negotiations between Argyle and the council have been continuing for six months, but the transfer of the freehold has yet to be finalised.
And Mr Holloway, who only took over as manager at the end of June, said that it was time for the council to 'wake up and smell the coffee'.
In a Press conference ahead of tomorrow's match between Argyle and Norwich City, he said: "I'm pretty upset with one group at the moment. That's the council.
"They owe me £6 million by the look of it. They promised us £3 million the other year. They were shouting on the steps 'yes, we will give you £3 million, we are going to help this club'. Where's that then?
"They were going to give us the freehold, and now they are not. They are going to sell it to us. Hang on a minute, that's a £6 million turnaround almost."
When Argyle were promoted to the Championship in 2004, the council held a civic reception in their honour.
Council leader Tudor Evans told thousands of the club's supporters that the authority would get a new grandstand at Home Park completed.
But, despite much speculation since, the plans are still on the drawing board - and some fans are getting impatient.
However, Mr Holloway said that Argyle's board, led by chairman Paul Stapleton, should not be blamed for any delay.
Mr Holloway said: "I want the council on board as well. I don't feel they are on board at the minute.
"They have got to help the people of this area get Premiership football down here. They had better wake up and smell the coffee, I'm telling you, because I'm after them.
"I want some help from them - big time - and if that upsets an apple cart, I'm sorry.
"The people of this area deserve better, and that's what I want. All these starry-eyed kids with the green shirt on, I want them to see fantastic players on that pitch.
"Is it all our responsibility? It has got to be a marriage. How much can we bring this area if we are a Premiership club? And how much are they helping us? I can't see it."
But a spokesman for the council said Mr Holloway's claims that the authority owed Argyle £6million were unfounded.
The spokesman said: "We are mystified and disappointed about the comments attributed to Mr Holloway because the criticism is not based on fact and does not reflect the ongoing productive negotiations between the council and the board.
"We have responded in a timely manner to the points raised by the club's legal adviser and we will ensure the agreed terms will be entirely in accordance with what Cabinet agreed."
Mr Stapleton declined to comment earlier this morning. Argyle chiefs were due to meet the council this morning to discuss the deal. The club is expected to make an official statement after the meeting.
This is Plymouth
PLYMOUTH Argyle issued the following statement today:
Chairman Paul Stapleton: "Plymouth Argyle Football Club has been working with officers at Plymouth City Council over the last few months to bring the complex deal over the purchase of the Home Park freehold to completion.
"There have been legal and technical issues involved that are normal for a deal of this nature, but the fact is that all the principles have been resolved and lawyers are working to conclude matters imminently."
Argyle manager Ian Holloway, who spoke out about the deal earlier this week, said: "I have talked to the chairman, who has appraised me of certain facts, and now appreciate that these things take time.
"I have always been convinced that the chairman and the board of directors have been acting in the best interests of the football club and it is music to my ears to hear that the Council are doing likewise."
Plymouth
Friday, September 22, 2006
Power & Devlin - "Developments" at Swindon
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This is Swindon Town FC/Swindon Advertiser - September 22, 2006
No crisis,’ but Town lose Power
BILL Power has severed all connections with Swindon Town with ill-health rather than a ‘rift’ cited as the sole reason for his departure.
The club insist the sudden loss of financial clout does not suddenly constitute a ‘crisis’ although they admit there is now a projected overspend of around £700,000.
The former QPR chairman is still recovering from the injuries sustained in last month’s plane crash and following a meeting with Power’s wife and business partner Phil Emmel, the club have said an amicable parting is the outcome.
Power has invested more than a million pounds in the club since arriving on the County Ground scene back in May.
Director Bob Holt says the news is disappointing but not entirely surprising and that it should not be seen as the catalyst for a fresh County Ground crisis.
Holt and acting chief executive Martin Stames admit Power’s departure does leave a hole but they deny that it is a gap that cannot be filled.
However, they are unable to yet say whether Power will be seeking his investment back.
A projected six-figure overspend is predicted for this year but Holt is adamant that it is ‘manageable’.
Holt insists Town have been through much tougher scrapes than this and that the dark days of four years ago are not looming on the horizon once again.
He said: “We are all very disappointed as we did think we had a final solution (to the financial woes).
“There was media speculation about some rift within the board. It is not the case.
“We had a very friendly meeting with Bill’s wife and Phil (Emmel).
“The disappointing news was that because of the seriousness of Bill’s illness and the fact that he won’t be returning to work for at least 18 months, he is unable to fulfil the role at the County Ground that he originally intended, therefore would not be taking up a position as a director or an executive role.
“But you have to respect the seriousness of the plane crash.
“A person’s health is of paramount importance and must be respected.
“If he doesn’t feel he’s up to doing the job because of the injuries, there’s no question he has to look after his own health.
“His wife said she’d never known Bill have such little interest in sport and football since the accident.
“I think there is disappointment on their side as well as ours.”
Holt says there is an overspend and authorisation issue which they expect to discuss with chief executive Mark Devlin upon his return to the County Ground.
He said: “We are over budget in playing and non-playing areas but that can be addressed because we’ve still got eight months of the season and we’ve time to put it right.
“Overspends on costs may be justified by expected increase in revenues.”
So with Power gone and no hope of his return, will he be seeking to take out what he so recently put in?
Holt said it was a question the club did not yet have an answer to.
He said: “He put a million pounds in for 33 per cent of the football club (the shares purchased from major shareholder Sir Seton Wills).
“As I understand it this was share capital which was purchased.
“There are some smaller amounts that Bill put in on top of that, which may treated as a loan.
“As far as I’m aware, and we’ll take advice on this, this was a share capital purchase and as such, he can sell his shares to whoever he likes, subject to their shareholders agreement.
“So, yes, it is a bit of a worry and a concern but nowhere near the magnitude of the problems we’ve faced in the past.”
Swindon Town
Swindon Advertiser
This is Swindon Town
Fans digest loss of club investor
BILL Power’s County Ground departure has been described as a “devastating blow” for Swindon Town, with Robins fans fearing it could also spell the end for boss Dennis Wise.
Yesterday’s announcement revealing Power won’t be taking his place as a director due to health reasons after his plane crash, has sparked widespread concern, especially with Wise being strongly linked with the vacant Leeds United hot seat.
Paul Davis, spokesman for the Supporters Trust, hailed Town’s revival since the arrival of Power and Wise this summer but insists questions have to be asked as to the club’s future direction.
While not revealing specifics, Davis said members would be consulted over the next few days before deciding whether or not to call a public meeting.
He said: “It is extremely disappointing. Bill Power’s arrival over the summer was one of the bright points for Swindon fans.
“We believe it was one of the main reasons behind the revival of optimism at the club and of course it is devastating for Swindon fans.
“At the moment we are trying to establish and gain clarification of the exact issues surrounding the situation.
“We will be consulting our members and fans as a whole in the next few days before we decide what to do next.”
To complete a day to forget for Town fans, Wise, who has led the Robins to second in the League Two table, has been made bookies favourite to replace Kevin Blackwell at Elland Road.
Davis said: “Dennis’ arrival is part of the same reason behind the club’s revival.
“Anything that might contribute to the team failing and the management team considering their future would be something that would produce a very negative reaction among fans.
“The fans are still 100 per cent behind the team and Dennis Wise and we are hoping for three points at Notts County tomorrow.
“We wish Bill Power, Stan and Mike Sullivan our best and hope to see them at Swindon Town soon.”
Meanwhile Nigel Bennett, chairman of Swindon Town Supporters Club, has urged Wise to stay at the club, while insisting this is not the time to panic.
He said: “We still have a club to support on the field. Over the years the club has come through some very difficult situations, sometimes by the skin of their teeth.
“This situation, one hopes, is not threatening to the team’s long-term future and we hope Dennis will carry on his work.
“Virtually every fan is behind Dennis Wise 100 per cent and any rumours about him going to Leeds is just that at the moment, speculation.
“The fans all wish Bill Power well in his recovery and we are sad he has had to leave for health reasons.”
Swindon
This is Swindon Town
No huge surprise, but still questions
Jon Ritson...asks what is next for Swindon Town?
CALL it a gut feeling but the ‘announcement’ we’d all been waiting for was not a huge surprise.
Bill Power’s departure from the club has been labelled ‘very disappointing’ by the board with ill-health the reason stated.
They remain adamant there was no ‘rift’ and that the parting of the ways was an amicable one.
Clearly, Bill’s health is far, far from perfect and I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing him a full recovery.
He will be a loss, no mistake – and not just his money.
He did strike me as the sort of bloke who would buy the fans a beer down the pub and there’s no question that his arrival triggered fresh optimism, belief and enthusiasm among supporters who have endured more than their fair share of misery over the last decade.
Everyone loves a good conspiracy theory and the club will argue that whatever they say in this situation, it is likely to be ‘rubbished’ by certain sections.
Yesterday’s press briefing gave off the distinct air that both sides were anxious for a civilised ‘goodbye’ but it leaves questions to be answered.
Apparently there is a projected £700,000 shortfall, one the club insist is ‘manageable’ at this stage.
I’m sure that’s the case but what happens if Bill wants his million back?
Then there is the final CVA installment due in May/June next year.
I remember Bill telling me that there was no need to worry about the £900,000 final payment.
Creditors may grant the club a bit of leeway if they’re a bit short when it comes time to pay but it’s a little less comforting to know that a problem we thought was ‘sorted’ isn’t quite so.
Maybe the club has been in worse financial situations than this.
Maybe we aren’t about to plummet back towards financial disaster.
But there is no question of suddenly feeling flat when we should really be feeling quite chuffed with ourselves.
And while there may be no ‘rift’ something has broken down somewhere - hopefully Mark Devlin’s imminent return to work will restore some semblance of normality to proceedings.
Still, it’s not like it has any bearing on matters on the pitch does it?
Err, well. Ken Bates’ timing in sacking Kevin Blackwell really stinks.
It’s not surprising that the bookies have installed Wisey as the favourite for the Leeds job bearing in mind his close links with Bates.
But losing Bill and Dennis in quick succession would be a double whammy that no-one saw coming just four months ago.
Just what is it about Swindon Town Football Club?
Why can’t we just enjoy the experience without enduring periodic ‘episodes’?
Bill’s gone, we want Dennis to stay and if anyone out there’s got a few bob, then Bob and the boys would be happy to hear from you. What’s that? Milan Mandaric has left Pompey?
Swindon
This is Swindon Town - September 22, 2006
Devlin will address ‘overspend’ issues
MARK Devlin insists he will address any ‘overspend’ issues when they are presented to him in the boardroom and not through the media, writes JON RITSON.
Director Bob Holt has made it clear the club’s chief executive will be asked to clarify certain expenditures when he returns to work.
The club say there is currently a projected budget overspend of around £700,000.
Devlin himself (pictured) is eyeing a return to work sooner rather than later but he is adamant that he is not going to conduct such matters through the media.
He feels the correct procedure is to talk face to face with his directors rather than responding to comments made in the press.
Devlin told the Swindon Advertiser: “I have no further comment to make on the overspend to which Bob (Holt) refers.
“I don’t think talking about it through the media is the appropriate or professional way to deal with it.
“As I said, I will give my response when I am given details and will respond to them accordingly.”
Sales and marketing manager Mike Sullivan, who was also injured in August’s plane crash, has indicated that he is likely to be back at the club the week after next, all being well.
He made his first trip back to the County Ground at Saturday’s game with Peterborough United.
As for the Power ‘camp’, Phil Emmel did not wish to make any comment last night following the day’s developments at the County Ground.
Swindon Towm
This is Swindon Town FC/Swindon Advertiser - September 22, 2006
No crisis,’ but Town lose Power
BILL Power has severed all connections with Swindon Town with ill-health rather than a ‘rift’ cited as the sole reason for his departure.
The club insist the sudden loss of financial clout does not suddenly constitute a ‘crisis’ although they admit there is now a projected overspend of around £700,000.
The former QPR chairman is still recovering from the injuries sustained in last month’s plane crash and following a meeting with Power’s wife and business partner Phil Emmel, the club have said an amicable parting is the outcome.
Power has invested more than a million pounds in the club since arriving on the County Ground scene back in May.
Director Bob Holt says the news is disappointing but not entirely surprising and that it should not be seen as the catalyst for a fresh County Ground crisis.
Holt and acting chief executive Martin Stames admit Power’s departure does leave a hole but they deny that it is a gap that cannot be filled.
However, they are unable to yet say whether Power will be seeking his investment back.
A projected six-figure overspend is predicted for this year but Holt is adamant that it is ‘manageable’.
Holt insists Town have been through much tougher scrapes than this and that the dark days of four years ago are not looming on the horizon once again.
He said: “We are all very disappointed as we did think we had a final solution (to the financial woes).
“There was media speculation about some rift within the board. It is not the case.
“We had a very friendly meeting with Bill’s wife and Phil (Emmel).
“The disappointing news was that because of the seriousness of Bill’s illness and the fact that he won’t be returning to work for at least 18 months, he is unable to fulfil the role at the County Ground that he originally intended, therefore would not be taking up a position as a director or an executive role.
“But you have to respect the seriousness of the plane crash.
“A person’s health is of paramount importance and must be respected.
“If he doesn’t feel he’s up to doing the job because of the injuries, there’s no question he has to look after his own health.
“His wife said she’d never known Bill have such little interest in sport and football since the accident.
“I think there is disappointment on their side as well as ours.”
Holt says there is an overspend and authorisation issue which they expect to discuss with chief executive Mark Devlin upon his return to the County Ground.
He said: “We are over budget in playing and non-playing areas but that can be addressed because we’ve still got eight months of the season and we’ve time to put it right.
“Overspends on costs may be justified by expected increase in revenues.”
So with Power gone and no hope of his return, will he be seeking to take out what he so recently put in?
Holt said it was a question the club did not yet have an answer to.
He said: “He put a million pounds in for 33 per cent of the football club (the shares purchased from major shareholder Sir Seton Wills).
“As I understand it this was share capital which was purchased.
“There are some smaller amounts that Bill put in on top of that, which may treated as a loan.
“As far as I’m aware, and we’ll take advice on this, this was a share capital purchase and as such, he can sell his shares to whoever he likes, subject to their shareholders agreement.
“So, yes, it is a bit of a worry and a concern but nowhere near the magnitude of the problems we’ve faced in the past.”
Swindon Town
Swindon Advertiser
This is Swindon Town
Fans digest loss of club investor
BILL Power’s County Ground departure has been described as a “devastating blow” for Swindon Town, with Robins fans fearing it could also spell the end for boss Dennis Wise.
Yesterday’s announcement revealing Power won’t be taking his place as a director due to health reasons after his plane crash, has sparked widespread concern, especially with Wise being strongly linked with the vacant Leeds United hot seat.
Paul Davis, spokesman for the Supporters Trust, hailed Town’s revival since the arrival of Power and Wise this summer but insists questions have to be asked as to the club’s future direction.
While not revealing specifics, Davis said members would be consulted over the next few days before deciding whether or not to call a public meeting.
He said: “It is extremely disappointing. Bill Power’s arrival over the summer was one of the bright points for Swindon fans.
“We believe it was one of the main reasons behind the revival of optimism at the club and of course it is devastating for Swindon fans.
“At the moment we are trying to establish and gain clarification of the exact issues surrounding the situation.
“We will be consulting our members and fans as a whole in the next few days before we decide what to do next.”
To complete a day to forget for Town fans, Wise, who has led the Robins to second in the League Two table, has been made bookies favourite to replace Kevin Blackwell at Elland Road.
Davis said: “Dennis’ arrival is part of the same reason behind the club’s revival.
“Anything that might contribute to the team failing and the management team considering their future would be something that would produce a very negative reaction among fans.
“The fans are still 100 per cent behind the team and Dennis Wise and we are hoping for three points at Notts County tomorrow.
“We wish Bill Power, Stan and Mike Sullivan our best and hope to see them at Swindon Town soon.”
Meanwhile Nigel Bennett, chairman of Swindon Town Supporters Club, has urged Wise to stay at the club, while insisting this is not the time to panic.
He said: “We still have a club to support on the field. Over the years the club has come through some very difficult situations, sometimes by the skin of their teeth.
“This situation, one hopes, is not threatening to the team’s long-term future and we hope Dennis will carry on his work.
“Virtually every fan is behind Dennis Wise 100 per cent and any rumours about him going to Leeds is just that at the moment, speculation.
“The fans all wish Bill Power well in his recovery and we are sad he has had to leave for health reasons.”
Swindon
This is Swindon Town
No huge surprise, but still questions
Jon Ritson...asks what is next for Swindon Town?
CALL it a gut feeling but the ‘announcement’ we’d all been waiting for was not a huge surprise.
Bill Power’s departure from the club has been labelled ‘very disappointing’ by the board with ill-health the reason stated.
They remain adamant there was no ‘rift’ and that the parting of the ways was an amicable one.
Clearly, Bill’s health is far, far from perfect and I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing him a full recovery.
He will be a loss, no mistake – and not just his money.
He did strike me as the sort of bloke who would buy the fans a beer down the pub and there’s no question that his arrival triggered fresh optimism, belief and enthusiasm among supporters who have endured more than their fair share of misery over the last decade.
Everyone loves a good conspiracy theory and the club will argue that whatever they say in this situation, it is likely to be ‘rubbished’ by certain sections.
Yesterday’s press briefing gave off the distinct air that both sides were anxious for a civilised ‘goodbye’ but it leaves questions to be answered.
Apparently there is a projected £700,000 shortfall, one the club insist is ‘manageable’ at this stage.
I’m sure that’s the case but what happens if Bill wants his million back?
Then there is the final CVA installment due in May/June next year.
I remember Bill telling me that there was no need to worry about the £900,000 final payment.
Creditors may grant the club a bit of leeway if they’re a bit short when it comes time to pay but it’s a little less comforting to know that a problem we thought was ‘sorted’ isn’t quite so.
Maybe the club has been in worse financial situations than this.
Maybe we aren’t about to plummet back towards financial disaster.
But there is no question of suddenly feeling flat when we should really be feeling quite chuffed with ourselves.
And while there may be no ‘rift’ something has broken down somewhere - hopefully Mark Devlin’s imminent return to work will restore some semblance of normality to proceedings.
Still, it’s not like it has any bearing on matters on the pitch does it?
Err, well. Ken Bates’ timing in sacking Kevin Blackwell really stinks.
It’s not surprising that the bookies have installed Wisey as the favourite for the Leeds job bearing in mind his close links with Bates.
But losing Bill and Dennis in quick succession would be a double whammy that no-one saw coming just four months ago.
Just what is it about Swindon Town Football Club?
Why can’t we just enjoy the experience without enduring periodic ‘episodes’?
Bill’s gone, we want Dennis to stay and if anyone out there’s got a few bob, then Bob and the boys would be happy to hear from you. What’s that? Milan Mandaric has left Pompey?
Swindon
This is Swindon Town - September 22, 2006
Devlin will address ‘overspend’ issues
MARK Devlin insists he will address any ‘overspend’ issues when they are presented to him in the boardroom and not through the media, writes JON RITSON.
Director Bob Holt has made it clear the club’s chief executive will be asked to clarify certain expenditures when he returns to work.
The club say there is currently a projected budget overspend of around £700,000.
Devlin himself (pictured) is eyeing a return to work sooner rather than later but he is adamant that he is not going to conduct such matters through the media.
He feels the correct procedure is to talk face to face with his directors rather than responding to comments made in the press.
Devlin told the Swindon Advertiser: “I have no further comment to make on the overspend to which Bob (Holt) refers.
“I don’t think talking about it through the media is the appropriate or professional way to deal with it.
“As I said, I will give my response when I am given details and will respond to them accordingly.”
Sales and marketing manager Mike Sullivan, who was also injured in August’s plane crash, has indicated that he is likely to be back at the club the week after next, all being well.
He made his first trip back to the County Ground at Saturday’s game with Peterborough United.
As for the Power ‘camp’, Phil Emmel did not wish to make any comment last night following the day’s developments at the County Ground.
Swindon Towm
Remembering 22 Years Ago Today: QPR 5 Newcastle 5
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September 22, 1984...QPR 5 Newcastle 5
A crowd of 14,234 turned up at Loftus Road to see Alan Mullery/Frank Sibley's QPR take on Jack Charlton's Newcastle. QPR had begin by winning two and drawing two (including at Liverpool)...Then the previous week had lost to Clive Allen's Spurs 5-0...And then came the Newcastle game and QPR's incredible comeback from 0-4 at half-time. Among the scorers, QPR latest manager, John Gregory!
0-1...0-2...0-3...0-4...1-4...2-4...3-4...3-5...4-5...5-5
QPR's Team:
Hucker
Neil Wicks Fenwick Dawes
Micklewhite Fillery Gregory Fereday
Stainrod Bannister
Ian Stewart coming on for Fillery
QPR Scorers: Bannister, Stainrod, Gregory, Wicks, Micklewhite
A Newcastle Site, Toonarama, Match Report of that Day
Absolutely Diabolical - a 10 goal extravaganza
Tighten Up Mister
On the 22nd of September 1984 United travelled to Loftus Road to take on QPR in their 7th game of the season on their return to Division 1. After winning the first 3 games United had lost three on the trot, conceding 10 goals in the process.
Manager Charlton decided that changes were necessary. He adopted for a more defensive line-up but the match ended up as one of the highest scoring games in the club's history.
Crowded Out
Newcastle lined up with Kevin Carr in goal, Malcolm Brown and Wesley Saunders at full-back and three centre-backs; Roeder, Anderson and Haddock In midfield he played Neil Macdonald, David Mcreery, Kenny Wharton and Peter Beardsley who dropped in behind the sole attacker Chrissy Waddle.
The QPR side was: Hucker in goal, full backs Neill and Dawes, centre-backs Fenwick and Wicks, midfield of Wayne Fereday (a player who would later "play" for the Toon), Micklewhite, Fillery and John Gregory and an attack of Bannister and Stainrod.
The tactics were very simple and classic Charlton; crowd the midfield and defence to cut down the space for the opposition and boot diagonal balls out to the wings in the general direction of Waddle. Even if Waddle didn't get it the ball was deep into QPR territory.
All We Want For Xmas is a Plastic Pitch
Three minutes gone and the first real chance of the match. Waddle attacks down the left, reaches the byeline and crosses deep to the far post where the ball is headed in by Macdonald at point blank range (0-1)
QPR try and hit back immediately and Newcastle are forced to defend desperately. Carr pulls off a magnificent save, QPR have a decent penalty appeal turned down and Roeder clears another shot off the line. But on seventeen minutes Waddle gets away on the right side of the area, cooly rounds Hucker and slots it in from an acute angle (0-2)
Five minutes later and United win a free-kick on the edge of the centre-circle . Roeder floats it in and a poor headed clearance drops perfectly for Wharton who volleys goalwards. His shot deflects off a defender and hits the post. Waddle gleefully slots in the rebound with Hucker grounded.(0-3)
Almost immediately QPR pull a "goal" back, but to the Hoops fans displeasure, the referee disallows the goal having already whistled for a free-kick to the home side. The free kick is easily fielded by Carr.
With 4 minutes of the first half remaining Waddle picks up a loose ball just outside the area and curls in a superb shot into the top left-hand corner to register a 24 minute hat-trick( 0-4)
So, four goals up at half time and surely the match is over. The Toon Army are (for the one and only time I imagine) singing the praises of the artificial turf. Charlton's tactics seem to be coming up trumps. However United's football has been scrappy and QPR did have chances while Newcastle had scored from all four of theirs....
In Your Face
QPR bring on left-winger Ian Stewart (another player who would later have a deeply unimpressive spell at Gallowgate) for Fillery.
The second half begins and almost immediately Carr has to make a superb save to deny QPR from a free kick. At the other end Waddle makes space for a shot but his effort is blocked. He tries to win a penalty with a ludicrous dive. The referee is not fooled, but there is no booking as players got away with that sort of thing then.
Four minutes into the second half and the ball is punted upfield by the QPR keeper, it is flicked on and suddenly Gary Bannister is in on goal. Carr (not for the first time in his career) rushes from his line and manages to parry the shot. Unfortunately it goes straight back to the QPR player who heads into the empty net (1-4)
Play is now switching from end to end, Carr is forced into another brilliant save and a shot from Wharton is saved at the other end. A free-kick from QPR goes narrowly past the post. What then followed had to be seen to be believed. All through the game United's defensive strategy had appeared to be to get a foot in and kick the ball as hard as possible, in whatever direction you happened to be facing.
Well in this case Haddock was on the edge of the area facing the corner post. He blasts the ball towards the corner but only succeeds in hitting Wharton full in the face. He hits it at such pace that the ball ricochets off Wharton's head right across the goal and passed a startled Kevin Carr into the far corner of the net (2-4)
Almost immediately QPR try and score an even better own-goal. The ball is passed back so hard and high from the half-way line in the QPR goal is forced to back-pedal furiously to get a hand to it and tip it over the crossbar just before it crossed the line.
QPR are now full of confidence and are attacking at will. Just past the hour mark and Roeder makes a hash of a clearance - completely missing his kick- and the ball is in the Toon net again; but once again the referee disallows Stainrod's effort. However after 74 minutes Carr again rushes out of his goal and is left in no-mans land as the ball is steered home by John Gregory for QPR's third (3-4)
You're Not Singing Any more
During the next ten minutes the game becomes even more scrappy and is littered with fouls. Another QPR header flies narrowly wide of the post before Waddle heads just over and then has another shot deflected for a corner.
Then with six minutes to go, Beardsley picks up the ball ten yards within his own half and hits a great cross-field pass to Waddle out on the right-wing. Waddle lollops into the area and crosses for Kenny Wharton to slot the ball home from three yards out. This brings the stunned Toon Army back to life.
However, just as they were starting a chorus of "You're not singing any more" the words stuck in their throats as a free kick was headed in by Steve Wicks at the far post (4-5)
Then with 90 minutes on the clock more slack defending allowed Gary Micklewhite to burst into the area and cooly lift the ball over Carr who had already gone to ground (5-5)
A Total Embarrassment
After the game Charlton was livid. "Saturdays game was a total embarrassment, absolutely diabolical. I have never seen anything like it in my 32 years in the game. I went mad at the players because there were times when they were going to give me a heart attack. They just stopped playing"
Big Jack obviously thought the problems went deeper than just the one game. "There are so many things wrong at Newcastle it is incredible. People are asking me where I intend to start with the problems, but I just don't know. It will take years to put right. Some of the players couldn't even breathe in the second half. I don't know where they got their education from before, but, believe me they'll get it from me in the months to come."
QPR manager Alan Mullery added "These kind of games are great for the fans but they give managers heart attacks. We needed a miracle in the second half and we got it"
High Fives
Ten goals were also shared with West Ham at SJP on 10th December 1960, during a season in which Newcastle conceded more goals per game than any other season in the club's history. Their scoring rate was also high and therefore the aggregate number of goals per game is also the highest ever.
But the highest scoring draw ever was the game in 1992/93 against Tranmere at Prenton Park in the Zenith Data Systems Cup. The game finished 6-6 after extra time with Newcastle predictably losing on penalties
Toonarama
NOBOK SPORTS - Top Five comebacks
5. QPR 5 Newcastle United 5, First Division, 1984
With a 4-0 half-time lead and Chris Waddle in inspirational form, you could have forgiven Newcastle for thinking they had QPR beaten at Loftus Road in 1984.
But this titanic Division One match took a huge twist when Rangers responded to manager Alan Mullery's furious half-time team-talk with a stirring comeback.
Gary Bannister, John Gregory and an own goal dragged the home side back into it only for Kenny Wharton to restore Newcastle's two-goal lead with six minutes left.
But Rangers were still not done as Steve Wicks and Gary Micklewhite grabbed a share of the points with two last-gasp strikes.
Nobok Sports
[Aside: From a Peter Doherty Interview in Time Out
"...What’s the best sporting event you’ve ever been to?
When I was five or six I went to a QPR game and the score was QPR 5, Newcastle 5. [Chants] ‘Say we are QPR, say we are QPR!’
"http://homepage.ntlworld.com/mickzoe/matches/qpr55.html
September 22, 1984...QPR 5 Newcastle 5
A crowd of 14,234 turned up at Loftus Road to see Alan Mullery/Frank Sibley's QPR take on Jack Charlton's Newcastle. QPR had begin by winning two and drawing two (including at Liverpool)...Then the previous week had lost to Clive Allen's Spurs 5-0...And then came the Newcastle game and QPR's incredible comeback from 0-4 at half-time. Among the scorers, QPR latest manager, John Gregory!
0-1...0-2...0-3...0-4...1-4...2-4...3-4...3-5...4-5...5-5
QPR's Team:
Hucker
Neil Wicks Fenwick Dawes
Micklewhite Fillery Gregory Fereday
Stainrod Bannister
Ian Stewart coming on for Fillery
QPR Scorers: Bannister, Stainrod, Gregory, Wicks, Micklewhite
A Newcastle Site, Toonarama, Match Report of that Day
Absolutely Diabolical - a 10 goal extravaganza
Tighten Up Mister
On the 22nd of September 1984 United travelled to Loftus Road to take on QPR in their 7th game of the season on their return to Division 1. After winning the first 3 games United had lost three on the trot, conceding 10 goals in the process.
Manager Charlton decided that changes were necessary. He adopted for a more defensive line-up but the match ended up as one of the highest scoring games in the club's history.
Crowded Out
Newcastle lined up with Kevin Carr in goal, Malcolm Brown and Wesley Saunders at full-back and three centre-backs; Roeder, Anderson and Haddock In midfield he played Neil Macdonald, David Mcreery, Kenny Wharton and Peter Beardsley who dropped in behind the sole attacker Chrissy Waddle.
The QPR side was: Hucker in goal, full backs Neill and Dawes, centre-backs Fenwick and Wicks, midfield of Wayne Fereday (a player who would later "play" for the Toon), Micklewhite, Fillery and John Gregory and an attack of Bannister and Stainrod.
The tactics were very simple and classic Charlton; crowd the midfield and defence to cut down the space for the opposition and boot diagonal balls out to the wings in the general direction of Waddle. Even if Waddle didn't get it the ball was deep into QPR territory.
All We Want For Xmas is a Plastic Pitch
Three minutes gone and the first real chance of the match. Waddle attacks down the left, reaches the byeline and crosses deep to the far post where the ball is headed in by Macdonald at point blank range (0-1)
QPR try and hit back immediately and Newcastle are forced to defend desperately. Carr pulls off a magnificent save, QPR have a decent penalty appeal turned down and Roeder clears another shot off the line. But on seventeen minutes Waddle gets away on the right side of the area, cooly rounds Hucker and slots it in from an acute angle (0-2)
Five minutes later and United win a free-kick on the edge of the centre-circle . Roeder floats it in and a poor headed clearance drops perfectly for Wharton who volleys goalwards. His shot deflects off a defender and hits the post. Waddle gleefully slots in the rebound with Hucker grounded.(0-3)
Almost immediately QPR pull a "goal" back, but to the Hoops fans displeasure, the referee disallows the goal having already whistled for a free-kick to the home side. The free kick is easily fielded by Carr.
With 4 minutes of the first half remaining Waddle picks up a loose ball just outside the area and curls in a superb shot into the top left-hand corner to register a 24 minute hat-trick( 0-4)
So, four goals up at half time and surely the match is over. The Toon Army are (for the one and only time I imagine) singing the praises of the artificial turf. Charlton's tactics seem to be coming up trumps. However United's football has been scrappy and QPR did have chances while Newcastle had scored from all four of theirs....
In Your Face
QPR bring on left-winger Ian Stewart (another player who would later have a deeply unimpressive spell at Gallowgate) for Fillery.
The second half begins and almost immediately Carr has to make a superb save to deny QPR from a free kick. At the other end Waddle makes space for a shot but his effort is blocked. He tries to win a penalty with a ludicrous dive. The referee is not fooled, but there is no booking as players got away with that sort of thing then.
Four minutes into the second half and the ball is punted upfield by the QPR keeper, it is flicked on and suddenly Gary Bannister is in on goal. Carr (not for the first time in his career) rushes from his line and manages to parry the shot. Unfortunately it goes straight back to the QPR player who heads into the empty net (1-4)
Play is now switching from end to end, Carr is forced into another brilliant save and a shot from Wharton is saved at the other end. A free-kick from QPR goes narrowly past the post. What then followed had to be seen to be believed. All through the game United's defensive strategy had appeared to be to get a foot in and kick the ball as hard as possible, in whatever direction you happened to be facing.
Well in this case Haddock was on the edge of the area facing the corner post. He blasts the ball towards the corner but only succeeds in hitting Wharton full in the face. He hits it at such pace that the ball ricochets off Wharton's head right across the goal and passed a startled Kevin Carr into the far corner of the net (2-4)
Almost immediately QPR try and score an even better own-goal. The ball is passed back so hard and high from the half-way line in the QPR goal is forced to back-pedal furiously to get a hand to it and tip it over the crossbar just before it crossed the line.
QPR are now full of confidence and are attacking at will. Just past the hour mark and Roeder makes a hash of a clearance - completely missing his kick- and the ball is in the Toon net again; but once again the referee disallows Stainrod's effort. However after 74 minutes Carr again rushes out of his goal and is left in no-mans land as the ball is steered home by John Gregory for QPR's third (3-4)
You're Not Singing Any more
During the next ten minutes the game becomes even more scrappy and is littered with fouls. Another QPR header flies narrowly wide of the post before Waddle heads just over and then has another shot deflected for a corner.
Then with six minutes to go, Beardsley picks up the ball ten yards within his own half and hits a great cross-field pass to Waddle out on the right-wing. Waddle lollops into the area and crosses for Kenny Wharton to slot the ball home from three yards out. This brings the stunned Toon Army back to life.
However, just as they were starting a chorus of "You're not singing any more" the words stuck in their throats as a free kick was headed in by Steve Wicks at the far post (4-5)
Then with 90 minutes on the clock more slack defending allowed Gary Micklewhite to burst into the area and cooly lift the ball over Carr who had already gone to ground (5-5)
A Total Embarrassment
After the game Charlton was livid. "Saturdays game was a total embarrassment, absolutely diabolical. I have never seen anything like it in my 32 years in the game. I went mad at the players because there were times when they were going to give me a heart attack. They just stopped playing"
Big Jack obviously thought the problems went deeper than just the one game. "There are so many things wrong at Newcastle it is incredible. People are asking me where I intend to start with the problems, but I just don't know. It will take years to put right. Some of the players couldn't even breathe in the second half. I don't know where they got their education from before, but, believe me they'll get it from me in the months to come."
QPR manager Alan Mullery added "These kind of games are great for the fans but they give managers heart attacks. We needed a miracle in the second half and we got it"
High Fives
Ten goals were also shared with West Ham at SJP on 10th December 1960, during a season in which Newcastle conceded more goals per game than any other season in the club's history. Their scoring rate was also high and therefore the aggregate number of goals per game is also the highest ever.
But the highest scoring draw ever was the game in 1992/93 against Tranmere at Prenton Park in the Zenith Data Systems Cup. The game finished 6-6 after extra time with Newcastle predictably losing on penalties
Toonarama
NOBOK SPORTS - Top Five comebacks
5. QPR 5 Newcastle United 5, First Division, 1984
With a 4-0 half-time lead and Chris Waddle in inspirational form, you could have forgiven Newcastle for thinking they had QPR beaten at Loftus Road in 1984.
But this titanic Division One match took a huge twist when Rangers responded to manager Alan Mullery's furious half-time team-talk with a stirring comeback.
Gary Bannister, John Gregory and an own goal dragged the home side back into it only for Kenny Wharton to restore Newcastle's two-goal lead with six minutes left.
But Rangers were still not done as Steve Wicks and Gary Micklewhite grabbed a share of the points with two last-gasp strikes.
Nobok Sports
[Aside: From a Peter Doherty Interview in Time Out
"...What’s the best sporting event you’ve ever been to?
When I was five or six I went to a QPR game and the score was QPR 5, Newcastle 5. [Chants] ‘Say we are QPR, say we are QPR!’
"http://homepage.ntlworld.com/mickzoe/matches/qpr55.html
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Former QPR Chairman Bill Power "Leaves" Swindon
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SWINDON TOWN OFFICIAL STATEMENT
The Club has learnt today that Bill Power, due to the severity of the injuries that he sustained in the 5th. August air crash, will not be able fulfil his role at The County Ground as he originally intended.
Phil Emmel, Bill's business partner, informed the Directors of STFC at a meeting that, whilst it is hoped that Bill will make a full recovery in the long-term, it is likely that he will be sidelined for up to eighteen months consequently he will not be taking an active role in the Club nor will take up his position on the Board of STFC.
Speaking on behalf of the Club Bob Holt said that whilst the announcement was a great disappointment, it was not entirely unexpected.
"We recently received an email from Terry, Bill's wife, informing the Board that Bill was not in any condition to have visitors other than close friends and family and that he was in no position to contribute to the running of the Club," said Holt, adding that it was then we realised that his return to The County Ground seemed unlikely.
On behalf of the Board Holt stressed that the Directors respect Bill's decision and recognise that his long-term return to good health must be a priority and do appreciate both Bill and business partner Phil's contributions over recent months, whilst wishing Bill well with his recovery.
Swindon Official Site
BBC - Power steps down after air crash
The former QPR chairman Bill Power, who invested £1m into Swindon Town FC, is to step down from the club after he was injured in a air crash in August.
The news from the County Ground follows a meeting between his business partner, Phil Emmel, and representatives of major shareholder Sir Seton Wills.
Club director Bob Holt said although the news was a "great disappointment" it was not entirely unexpected.
It is unclear what will happen to Mr Power's investment in the club.
Mr Holt added: "We received an email from Bill's wife saying he was in no position to contribute to the club and his return to the County Ground seemed unlikely."
"On behalf of the club Mr Holt stressed the directors respected Bill's decision and recognise his long-term return to health must be a priority."
On the opening day of the season, 5 August, he was seriously injured in a light-aircraft crash which also involved chief executive Mark Devlin and his 10-year-old son Stan.
Also taken to hospital were marketing manager Mike Sullivan, an unnamed passenger and the pilot, 60, who was seriously hurt.
BBC
SWINDON TOWN OFFICIAL STATEMENT
The Club has learnt today that Bill Power, due to the severity of the injuries that he sustained in the 5th. August air crash, will not be able fulfil his role at The County Ground as he originally intended.
Phil Emmel, Bill's business partner, informed the Directors of STFC at a meeting that, whilst it is hoped that Bill will make a full recovery in the long-term, it is likely that he will be sidelined for up to eighteen months consequently he will not be taking an active role in the Club nor will take up his position on the Board of STFC.
Speaking on behalf of the Club Bob Holt said that whilst the announcement was a great disappointment, it was not entirely unexpected.
"We recently received an email from Terry, Bill's wife, informing the Board that Bill was not in any condition to have visitors other than close friends and family and that he was in no position to contribute to the running of the Club," said Holt, adding that it was then we realised that his return to The County Ground seemed unlikely.
On behalf of the Board Holt stressed that the Directors respect Bill's decision and recognise that his long-term return to good health must be a priority and do appreciate both Bill and business partner Phil's contributions over recent months, whilst wishing Bill well with his recovery.
Swindon Official Site
BBC - Power steps down after air crash
The former QPR chairman Bill Power, who invested £1m into Swindon Town FC, is to step down from the club after he was injured in a air crash in August.
The news from the County Ground follows a meeting between his business partner, Phil Emmel, and representatives of major shareholder Sir Seton Wills.
Club director Bob Holt said although the news was a "great disappointment" it was not entirely unexpected.
It is unclear what will happen to Mr Power's investment in the club.
Mr Holt added: "We received an email from Bill's wife saying he was in no position to contribute to the club and his return to the County Ground seemed unlikely."
"On behalf of the club Mr Holt stressed the directors respected Bill's decision and recognise his long-term return to health must be a priority."
On the opening day of the season, 5 August, he was seriously injured in a light-aircraft crash which also involved chief executive Mark Devlin and his 10-year-old son Stan.
Also taken to hospital were marketing manager Mike Sullivan, an unnamed passenger and the pilot, 60, who was seriously hurt.
BBC
McDonald Departs QPR: "Given Notice to Terminate his Employment"
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Best of luck to Alan McDonald who deserves a lot of gratitude for his current time of QPR - regardless of whether it may not have worked out as wishes; and for his previous QPR playing career.
QPR Official Site - MACCA DEPARTS
Alan McDonald has been given notice to terminate his employment at Queens Park Rangers Football Club.
After making 483 appearances for the Hoops in a successful 16-year spell as a player, McDonald joined the R's as Caretaker Assistant Manager in February 2006, prior to taking up the position of Assistant Manager towards the end of June.
Chairman Gianni Paladini told qpr.co.uk: "I'd like to thank Alan McDonald for all the hard work he's done here since February.
"He's been a great servant for this Club, both as a player and in his role as Assistant Manager, and I wish him all the best for the future.''
OFFICIAL SITE
-
Best of luck to Alan McDonald who deserves a lot of gratitude for his current time of QPR - regardless of whether it may not have worked out as wishes; and for his previous QPR playing career.
QPR Official Site - MACCA DEPARTS
Alan McDonald has been given notice to terminate his employment at Queens Park Rangers Football Club.
After making 483 appearances for the Hoops in a successful 16-year spell as a player, McDonald joined the R's as Caretaker Assistant Manager in February 2006, prior to taking up the position of Assistant Manager towards the end of June.
Chairman Gianni Paladini told qpr.co.uk: "I'd like to thank Alan McDonald for all the hard work he's done here since February.
"He's been a great servant for this Club, both as a player and in his role as Assistant Manager, and I wish him all the best for the future.''
OFFICIAL SITE
QPR Captain, Kevin Gallen Turns 31
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Kevin Gallen Turns 31 - Born September 21, 1975.
Gerry Francis gave Gallen his debut as an 18 year-old in the game at Manchester United (August 20, 1994). In his two periods at QPR, Gallen has played 300+ games for QPR scoring nearly 100 goals.
Gallen
Also See:
QPR Net
Daves' Unofficial QUeens Park Rangers Website
Kevin Gallen Turns 31 - Born September 21, 1975.
Gerry Francis gave Gallen his debut as an 18 year-old in the game at Manchester United (August 20, 1994). In his two periods at QPR, Gallen has played 300+ games for QPR scoring nearly 100 goals.
Gallen
Also See:
QPR Net
Daves' Unofficial QUeens Park Rangers Website
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
John Gregory on Past Transfer Slurs Against Him & on the Panorama "Expose"
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TEAMTALK
Gregory reveals transfer slurs
New QPR boss John Gregory claimed unproven allegations about transfer dealings stopped clubs employing him.
On the day he took over as QPR manager after a three-and-a-half year absence from the sport, Gregory said he believed his reputation in football had taken a battering.
In December 2002, the FA investigated Gregory's transfer activities while he was manager of Aston Villa, with the deals for defender Alpay from Fenerbahce, and forwards Juan Pablo Angel - the club's £9.5million record signing from River Plate - and Bosko Balaban from Dinamo Zagreb coming under scrutiny.
Gregory was never charged, but he insisted the allegations had been enough to damage his career.
"Were my job prospects harmed by the innuendo? Yes, absolutely," said the 51-year-old. "Rumours were spread about me which I am sure deterred a few chairmen up and down the country.
"A lot of people were put off, but what can you do?
"I was given the cold shoulder by most of the football world, when not long before that I had been linked with the England job.
"Because of rumour, people would not take me on. There were no facts - but I'm sure that during my first away match as QPR manager, someone will shout: "Had a bung today?" at me."
Gregory also derided last night's BBC Panorama programme, which investigated the alleged widespread corruption within football....
Gregory continued: "The Panorama programme was an absolute waste of the licence fee.
"All the trailers focused on Harry Redknapp, but his only contribution was to tell an agent (Peter Harrison) that he liked (Blackburn defender) Andy Todd.
"How they can then associate him with transfer irregularities after that is beyond me.
"Sam Allardyce did not even speak during the programme. He was not caught on camera talking about anything. There was nothing substantial whatsoever in the programme."
But the game's governing body are taking the content of Panorama more seriously, a....
Gregory believes Allardyce will survive the storm, but warned the 51-year-old boss he would face difficult times.
The former Aston Villa and Derby chief added: "Sam will need his family and all his pals to gather around him, look after him and keep him smiling.
"But he has a thick enough skin, and he is big enough to overcome it.
"What will the FA do? Look under his mattress, find there is nothing there and bring it to an end?
"Sam is an outstanding manager - one of the best in the country - and I just hope he is strong enough to overcome the insinuations."
Teamtalk
TEAMTALK
Gregory reveals transfer slurs
New QPR boss John Gregory claimed unproven allegations about transfer dealings stopped clubs employing him.
On the day he took over as QPR manager after a three-and-a-half year absence from the sport, Gregory said he believed his reputation in football had taken a battering.
In December 2002, the FA investigated Gregory's transfer activities while he was manager of Aston Villa, with the deals for defender Alpay from Fenerbahce, and forwards Juan Pablo Angel - the club's £9.5million record signing from River Plate - and Bosko Balaban from Dinamo Zagreb coming under scrutiny.
Gregory was never charged, but he insisted the allegations had been enough to damage his career.
"Were my job prospects harmed by the innuendo? Yes, absolutely," said the 51-year-old. "Rumours were spread about me which I am sure deterred a few chairmen up and down the country.
"A lot of people were put off, but what can you do?
"I was given the cold shoulder by most of the football world, when not long before that I had been linked with the England job.
"Because of rumour, people would not take me on. There were no facts - but I'm sure that during my first away match as QPR manager, someone will shout: "Had a bung today?" at me."
Gregory also derided last night's BBC Panorama programme, which investigated the alleged widespread corruption within football....
Gregory continued: "The Panorama programme was an absolute waste of the licence fee.
"All the trailers focused on Harry Redknapp, but his only contribution was to tell an agent (Peter Harrison) that he liked (Blackburn defender) Andy Todd.
"How they can then associate him with transfer irregularities after that is beyond me.
"Sam Allardyce did not even speak during the programme. He was not caught on camera talking about anything. There was nothing substantial whatsoever in the programme."
But the game's governing body are taking the content of Panorama more seriously, a....
Gregory believes Allardyce will survive the storm, but warned the 51-year-old boss he would face difficult times.
The former Aston Villa and Derby chief added: "Sam will need his family and all his pals to gather around him, look after him and keep him smiling.
"But he has a thick enough skin, and he is big enough to overcome it.
"What will the FA do? Look under his mattress, find there is nothing there and bring it to an end?
"Sam is an outstanding manager - one of the best in the country - and I just hope he is strong enough to overcome the insinuations."
Teamtalk
Gregory Warns of Relegation Fight & Notes Finances
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TEAMTALK Gregory warns of tough times ahead
John Gregory has warned QPR they face "a serious relegation threat" after succeeding Gary Waddock as manager at Loftus Road.
The former Aston Villa and Derby boss has signed a contract until the end of the season with Rangers, with the option of a one-year rolling contract to follow if he does well.
Gregory takes over with Rangers bottom of the Championship and out of the Carling Cup - and he urged the players to show more heart in the battles that lie ahead.
"There is a serious threat of relegation at this club," Gregory said. "I saw them knocked out of the Carling Cup at Port Vale last night.
"Some of the players turned up - but quite a few of them did not bother going.
"Every player will have a fresh chance to impress me, and that is what they are here to do.
"I still have lots of points to prove to myself - although not to anyone else. I hope I can improve the fortunes of the team."
Waddock was relieved of his duties after meeting Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini - a close friend of Gregory - after the 3-2 defeat at Vale Park.
During the reigns of Ian Holloway and Waddock, there was considerable speculation regarding how much influence Paladini exerted over team selection and transfer policy - but Gregory made it clear he would tolerate no such interference.
The 51-year-old continued: "The training ground is the one place where I do not want anyone to interfere with my work.
"That is my domain. Having success is about keeping good habits, working hard and getting things right.
"In terms of transfers, we will work with what we have, although there is the opportunity to make loan signings, which has been a blessing for Championship clubs."
Gregory's friendship with Paladini is likely to raise some eyebrows among Rangers fans, with whom the Italian former agent has never been wholly popular.
Backed by a consortium of Monte Carlo-based businessmen, Paladini took control from former chairman Bill Power in a boardroom coup in September 2005.
Rangers have suffered considerable financial problems in recent seasons and spent the 2001-02 season - before Paladini had become involved with the club - in administration, but Gregory was quick to defend Paladini and fellow director Antonio Caliendo.
He added: "I have known Gianni for some time, and, were it not for he and Antonio, the club might not be here today.
"Our results can dictate the direction of the financial side of things.
"If we can improve on the pitch, more supporters will start coming to watch us, and it will help everything."
Teamtalk
SKYSPORTS
Gregory happy to be back
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 20 Sep 2006
John Gregory has expressed his delight at returning to management with Queens Park Rangers.
Gregory has been away from football since being sacked by Derby in 2003, but QPR decided to bring him in following a disastrous start to the season.
Having played for QPR in the past Gregory admits he is pained to see the club bottom of The Championship, and he is determined to guide them clear of relegation.
He also explained that his history at the club had been a factor in his decision to return to Loftus Road.
"It feels very good," he told Sky Sports News. "I'm ready to come back to work.
"It (news of the appointment) kind of broke towards the end of the weekend. I spoke to the chairman and the board of directors and we sorted things out very quickly.
"You can start romancing about the past and what it was like during my time here.
"I was here for four-and-a-half seasons and we won almost every week. We had a tremendous success rate, so they were very happy times.
"So that did influence me but it wasn't the overriding issue.
"From a geography point of view it is ideal for me, and just knowing that there is an opportunity here to improve the team, to get us back up the table, and look for Championship safety."
Gregory's predecessor Gary Waddock, who played alongside the 51-year-old at QPR, is to remain at the club as assistant manager.
"It's been a tough time for Gary but he'll cope. He's a really strong personality and I want him to continue to be part of my staff," said Gregory.
"We'll work together and I hope the next time he sits in the big chair he'll be a lot more experienced and he'll have learned from his time in charge here."
Skysports
Ben Kosky/Wembley & Kingsbury TimesSeptember 20, 2006
New boss Gregory aims to win at all costs
JOHN Gregory says he will gladly sacrifice attractive football to gain the points that haul QPR out of the Championship relegation zone.
Gregory, a former Rangers midfielder, signed a nine-month contract to become the club's new manager on Wednesday - just hours after the Rs had crashed out of the Carling Cup at Port Vale.
Former boss Gary Waddock and his assistant Alan McDonald remain on the coaching staff, although their new roles have yet to be defined.
Rangers host fellow strugglers Hull City on Saturday and Gregory told the Times: "Style might have to go out of the window.
"It's about winning and you do whatever you need to achieve that. I love to be on the winning side and I love people that are prepared to kick their granny to win - that's the business I'm in.
"I like my teams to get it down and pass it - I played here for four and a half years and the ball hardly ever left the floor. But what's the point of being the most attractive team in the country if you're getting beaten every week?
"When all the talking and the claptrap's done, you need to look at that league table and make sure you're not in the bottom three. I don't want to hear 'we played some great stuff but we lost 1-0' - it's pointless."
Gregory, who previously managed Portsmouth, Wycombe Wanderers, Aston Villa and Derby County, takes over from Waddock less than three months after his former QPR team-mate succeeded Ian Holloway.
"I spent four and a half years here as a player and you become attached to the place," Gregory added. "I was very sad when I left and it's fantastic to be back at Loftus Road.
"There is a serious relegation threat - this club worked exceptionally hard to get up to this division and they don't want to go back. But I know what can be achieved here."
Press
TEAMTALK Gregory warns of tough times ahead
John Gregory has warned QPR they face "a serious relegation threat" after succeeding Gary Waddock as manager at Loftus Road.
The former Aston Villa and Derby boss has signed a contract until the end of the season with Rangers, with the option of a one-year rolling contract to follow if he does well.
Gregory takes over with Rangers bottom of the Championship and out of the Carling Cup - and he urged the players to show more heart in the battles that lie ahead.
"There is a serious threat of relegation at this club," Gregory said. "I saw them knocked out of the Carling Cup at Port Vale last night.
"Some of the players turned up - but quite a few of them did not bother going.
"Every player will have a fresh chance to impress me, and that is what they are here to do.
"I still have lots of points to prove to myself - although not to anyone else. I hope I can improve the fortunes of the team."
Waddock was relieved of his duties after meeting Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini - a close friend of Gregory - after the 3-2 defeat at Vale Park.
During the reigns of Ian Holloway and Waddock, there was considerable speculation regarding how much influence Paladini exerted over team selection and transfer policy - but Gregory made it clear he would tolerate no such interference.
The 51-year-old continued: "The training ground is the one place where I do not want anyone to interfere with my work.
"That is my domain. Having success is about keeping good habits, working hard and getting things right.
"In terms of transfers, we will work with what we have, although there is the opportunity to make loan signings, which has been a blessing for Championship clubs."
Gregory's friendship with Paladini is likely to raise some eyebrows among Rangers fans, with whom the Italian former agent has never been wholly popular.
Backed by a consortium of Monte Carlo-based businessmen, Paladini took control from former chairman Bill Power in a boardroom coup in September 2005.
Rangers have suffered considerable financial problems in recent seasons and spent the 2001-02 season - before Paladini had become involved with the club - in administration, but Gregory was quick to defend Paladini and fellow director Antonio Caliendo.
He added: "I have known Gianni for some time, and, were it not for he and Antonio, the club might not be here today.
"Our results can dictate the direction of the financial side of things.
"If we can improve on the pitch, more supporters will start coming to watch us, and it will help everything."
Teamtalk
SKYSPORTS
Gregory happy to be back
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 20 Sep 2006
John Gregory has expressed his delight at returning to management with Queens Park Rangers.
Gregory has been away from football since being sacked by Derby in 2003, but QPR decided to bring him in following a disastrous start to the season.
Having played for QPR in the past Gregory admits he is pained to see the club bottom of The Championship, and he is determined to guide them clear of relegation.
He also explained that his history at the club had been a factor in his decision to return to Loftus Road.
"It feels very good," he told Sky Sports News. "I'm ready to come back to work.
"It (news of the appointment) kind of broke towards the end of the weekend. I spoke to the chairman and the board of directors and we sorted things out very quickly.
"You can start romancing about the past and what it was like during my time here.
"I was here for four-and-a-half seasons and we won almost every week. We had a tremendous success rate, so they were very happy times.
"So that did influence me but it wasn't the overriding issue.
"From a geography point of view it is ideal for me, and just knowing that there is an opportunity here to improve the team, to get us back up the table, and look for Championship safety."
Gregory's predecessor Gary Waddock, who played alongside the 51-year-old at QPR, is to remain at the club as assistant manager.
"It's been a tough time for Gary but he'll cope. He's a really strong personality and I want him to continue to be part of my staff," said Gregory.
"We'll work together and I hope the next time he sits in the big chair he'll be a lot more experienced and he'll have learned from his time in charge here."
Skysports
Ben Kosky/Wembley & Kingsbury TimesSeptember 20, 2006
New boss Gregory aims to win at all costs
JOHN Gregory says he will gladly sacrifice attractive football to gain the points that haul QPR out of the Championship relegation zone.
Gregory, a former Rangers midfielder, signed a nine-month contract to become the club's new manager on Wednesday - just hours after the Rs had crashed out of the Carling Cup at Port Vale.
Former boss Gary Waddock and his assistant Alan McDonald remain on the coaching staff, although their new roles have yet to be defined.
Rangers host fellow strugglers Hull City on Saturday and Gregory told the Times: "Style might have to go out of the window.
"It's about winning and you do whatever you need to achieve that. I love to be on the winning side and I love people that are prepared to kick their granny to win - that's the business I'm in.
"I like my teams to get it down and pass it - I played here for four and a half years and the ball hardly ever left the floor. But what's the point of being the most attractive team in the country if you're getting beaten every week?
"When all the talking and the claptrap's done, you need to look at that league table and make sure you're not in the bottom three. I don't want to hear 'we played some great stuff but we lost 1-0' - it's pointless."
Gregory, who previously managed Portsmouth, Wycombe Wanderers, Aston Villa and Derby County, takes over from Waddock less than three months after his former QPR team-mate succeeded Ian Holloway.
"I spent four and a half years here as a player and you become attached to the place," Gregory added. "I was very sad when I left and it's fantastic to be back at Loftus Road.
"There is a serious relegation threat - this club worked exceptionally hard to get up to this division and they don't want to go back. But I know what can be achieved here."
Press
Gary Penrice FINALLY Joins Plymouth
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Plymouth Official Site - Penny Finally Drops For Greens strong>
GARY Penrice resumed a partnership with Ian Holloway that goes back to their earliest days when Penrice officially joined the Argyle back-room team this week. Penrice, 42, and Holloway were schoolboy friends in Bristol more than 30 years ago, and their paths have criss-crossed often ever since.
"He's like a missing bit of my personality," said Holloway, confirming the appointment of Penrice, whose chief role at the club will be that of chief scout. "We're that close.
Penrice will also have a coaching input and Holloway said: "Tiger Woods is the best golfer in the world, but he needs someone to coach him, and Penny is as good as that with strikers. There's not a thing he doesn't know about centre-forward play, body-shape, finishing and all that. He knows it all.
"He also sees things slightly differently than anyone else, which makes him a bit special, and he's a fine man."
A pacy striker for much of his career, Penrice ended his playing days alongside Bristol Rovers' player-manager Holloway in the Gas central midfield which propelled the side to the 1997 Division Two play-offs.
He had begun his professional days at Rovers some 13 years earlier after moving up from non-league Mangotsfield, and fired 20 goals as Rovers reached the 1989 Third Division play-off final which they lost 2-1 to Port Vale.
He subsequently joined Watford for a then club-record £500,000 and was sold on to Aston Villa for twice that amount. His stay at Villa Park proved to be a short one before he was sold to another Premiership club, Queens Park Rangers, teaming up once again with Holloway and former Bristol Rovers manager Gerry Francis.
After another four years, he returned to Watford and adapted to a deeper lying role, before winding up his career back in the Westcountry.
In a career spanning 14 years, Penrice made 526 first-team appearances, scoring 121 goals.
He became Holloway's assistant manager at Rovers when Phil Bater took control of the youth team, and teamed up with his fellow Bristolian after Holloway took up the Queens Park Rangers' managerial reins.
Like Holloway, he was put on gardening leave by Rangers in February this year, following the installation of Gary Waddock as manager.
Plymouth
Plymouth Official Site - Penny Finally Drops For Greens strong>
GARY Penrice resumed a partnership with Ian Holloway that goes back to their earliest days when Penrice officially joined the Argyle back-room team this week. Penrice, 42, and Holloway were schoolboy friends in Bristol more than 30 years ago, and their paths have criss-crossed often ever since.
"He's like a missing bit of my personality," said Holloway, confirming the appointment of Penrice, whose chief role at the club will be that of chief scout. "We're that close.
Penrice will also have a coaching input and Holloway said: "Tiger Woods is the best golfer in the world, but he needs someone to coach him, and Penny is as good as that with strikers. There's not a thing he doesn't know about centre-forward play, body-shape, finishing and all that. He knows it all.
"He also sees things slightly differently than anyone else, which makes him a bit special, and he's a fine man."
A pacy striker for much of his career, Penrice ended his playing days alongside Bristol Rovers' player-manager Holloway in the Gas central midfield which propelled the side to the 1997 Division Two play-offs.
He had begun his professional days at Rovers some 13 years earlier after moving up from non-league Mangotsfield, and fired 20 goals as Rovers reached the 1989 Third Division play-off final which they lost 2-1 to Port Vale.
He subsequently joined Watford for a then club-record £500,000 and was sold on to Aston Villa for twice that amount. His stay at Villa Park proved to be a short one before he was sold to another Premiership club, Queens Park Rangers, teaming up once again with Holloway and former Bristol Rovers manager Gerry Francis.
After another four years, he returned to Watford and adapted to a deeper lying role, before winding up his career back in the Westcountry.
In a career spanning 14 years, Penrice made 526 first-team appearances, scoring 121 goals.
He became Holloway's assistant manager at Rovers when Phil Bater took control of the youth team, and teamed up with his fellow Bristolian after Holloway took up the Queens Park Rangers' managerial reins.
Like Holloway, he was put on gardening leave by Rangers in February this year, following the installation of Gary Waddock as manager.
Plymouth
John Gregory Takes Over at QPR
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OFFICIAL SITE - GREGORY APPOINTED
John Gregory has been appointed as QPR First Team Manager with immediate effect.
Gary Waddock will now work under the former Aston Villa boss in an Assistant Manager's role.
In an exclusive interview with www.qpr.co.uk, Chairman Gianni Paladini revealed his delight at the appointment: "It's a fantastic scoop for the Club.
"John is a proven manager at the highest level and is very eager to get back in to the managerial game.
"He's sat down with Gary and talked everything through and the situation is perfect as we look to climb the Championship table.
"I'd like to wish the pair of them the very best in their new roles.''
Gregory - who has been out of the game since leaving Derby County in 2003 - commented: "I'm back in the hot-seat and it's a huge challenge.
"QPR are very close to my heart and it's a fantastic opportunity for me.
"This is a job I can very much get my teeth into and I'm relishing the challenge that lies ahead.
"Winning matches is what matters most in the business and we aim to do that, starting Saturday.''
Waddock said: "It's the right decision for the club, I'm just thankful that Gianni thinks enough of me to keep me here as Assistant Manager.
"I look forward to working with John, we both played together under Terry Venables and have the same work ethic.
"I'll learn a lot from him and I'm sure that this appointment will benefit the club I love."
QPR Official Site
BBC - Gregory appointed as new QPR boss
Gregory makes his return after three-and-a-half years
Queens Park Rangers have unveiled John Gregory as their new manager, with former boss Gary Waddock handed the job of first-team coach.
Former Aston Villa boss Gregory, 51, returns to management three-and-a-half years after leaving Derby.
Waddock replaced the sacked Ian Holloway in February and was handed the position full-time in the summer.
But the former QPR midfielder has struggled and Gregory takes over with the club bottom of the Championship.
QPR have won just one league game this season and were knocked out of the Carling Cup by Port Vale on Tuesday evening.
Gregory, a close friend of Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini, began his managerial career at Portsmouth and he also had a spell at Plymouth.
He took over at Wycombe Wanderers in October 1996, where he helped the team avoid relegation and remained in charge for two years.
The former England midfielder took over at Villa in the 1997/98 season and during the four years under Gregory's management Villa never finished outside the top eight in the Premiership.
He has also managed Derby and has been out of management since leaving the Rams in March 2003.
BBC
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - GREGORY IN PROFILE
www.qpr.co.uk brings you an exclusive insight into the professional career of the R's new gaffer John Gregory.
John Gregory served his managerial apprenticeship at a variety of clubs.
He started his career with Portsmouth, before a brief spell at Plymouth Argyle.
Soon after he joined Leicester City in a coaching capacity, before being appointed First Team Coach at Villa Park in November 1994.
He left Villa to become manager of Wycombe Wanderers in October 1996.
After taking over a struggling Wanderers squad, he steered them clear of relegation in the 1996/97 season by eight points.
He led Villa to the top of the Premiership following an unbeaten start to the season in 1998, which lasted a club record 12 matches. However, they were not able to sustain their title tilt and fell away in the second half of the season.
In his four years in charge at Villa Park, the Villains never finished outside the top eight, finishing seventh in his first half-season as manager, sixth in 1999 and 2000 and eighth in 2001.
Noted for speaking his mind, Gregory had his fair share of run-in's with players and Chairman Doug Ellis alike, but he was always 100 per cent committed to the club and was unfortunate not to taste success in the FA Cup Final in 2000, losing to a single goal from Chelsea's Roberto di Matteo.
He had criticised the club for failing to invest sufficiently in new players, but his passion and determination to lead Villa to glory remained undiminished.
His departure came as a shock to players and fans alike and his achievements at Villa Park will be long-remembered by everyone connected with the Midlands club.
He was immediately linked with the managerial vacancy at his old club Derby County and, after being contacted by the club about the position, he was unveiled as Colin Todd's successor on January 30 2002.
His first priority at Pride Park was to keep The Rams in the Premiership, but with Derby lying second from bottom and six points adrift from safety at the time of his arrival, he was unable to save them.
Despite a slight improvement in their results, The Rams were relegated to the First Division, and Gregory eventually left the Club in March 2003.
As a player, Gregory enjoyed a distinguished career, which saw him play for several teams.
He was signed from apprentice at Northampton Town before moving to Aston Villa in 1977, where he spent two years before signing for Brighton.
From there he went to QPR, in 1981, making 188 appearances for the R's, before signing for Derby County in 1985, staying with the Rams for two years before effectively hanging up his boots.
Gregory was a tireless midfielder who made nearly 600 appearances in his career, scoring 83 goals, and winning six full international caps for England.
QPR
SKY SPORTS - Rangers turn to Gregory
By Peter ORourke - Created on 20 Sep 2006
Queens Park Rangers have appointed John Gregory as their new manager with Gary Waddock becoming his assistant.
The Rangers board have lost patience with Waddock and have turned to Gregory to try and transform their fortunes.
Rangers have endured a terrible run of form lately, culminating in their 3-2 defeat to Port vale in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.
The Loftus Road outfit are currently languishing at the bottom of The Championship and have won only one league game all term.
Waddock only took charge of Rangers in February after Ian Holloway left the club and was handed the job on a permanent basis in the summer.
Waddock has struggled since taking over and won just four of his 24 games in charge.
Gregory has been out of work since March 2003 after leaving Derby County.
Gregory, who is a former QPR player, will be given the task of helping the side climb out of trouble and he knows he faces a huge challenge.
"I'm back in the hot-seat and it's a huge challenge," Gregory told the club's official website.
"QPR are very close to my heart and it's a fantastic opportunity for me.
"This is a job I can very much get my teeth into and I'm relishing the challenge that lies ahead.
"Winning matches is what matters most in the business and we aim to do that, starting Saturday.''
SKY
GUARDIAN -Gregory resurfaces at QPR
New appointment sees Waddock moves to first-team coach
Gregory resurfaces at QPR - Bottom-of-the-Championship QPR think John Gregory is the man to halt their downward slide. Anyone else?
Staff and agencies Wednesday September 20, 2006
Guardian Unlimited
QPR today unveiled John Gregory as their new manager, with former boss Gary Waddock handed the job of first-team coach.
Former Aston Villa and Derby manager Gregory is a close friend of Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini, and takes over with the club bottom of the Championship. The 51-year-old returns to management three-and-a-half years after leaving Derby.
"John is a proven manager at the highest level and is very eager to back into the managerial game," said Paladini. "It's a fantastic scoop for the club."
Waddock replaced Ian Holloway in February and was handed the position full-time in the summer. But the former QPR midfielder has struggled, winning just three league games during his Loftus Park reign, and saw his team knocked out of the Carling Cup by Port Vale last night
GUARDIAN
TEAMTALK - GREGORY FACT FILE
954: Born Scunthorpe, May 11.
1970: Joins Northampton as a trainee.
1972: Signs professionally for Northampton and goes on to make 187 league appearances.
1977: Joins Aston Villa for £40,000, making 65 league appearances and scoring 10 goals.
1979: Moves to Brighton for £250,000.
1981: Signs for QPR in a £300,000 deal.
1982: Part of the QPR team who lose in the FA Cup final to Tottenham after a replay.
1983: Wins the first of six full England caps against Australia.
1985: Moves to Derby for £100,000.
1988: Retires and becomes assistant manager to Alan Ball at Portsmouth.
1989: Becomes Pompey manager when Ball is sacked.
1990: Sacked by Portsmouth, who are 23rd in the Second Division after a run of two victories in nine matches. Plays briefly for Plymouth and Bolton on a non-contract basis.
1991: Joins Leicester as coach to Brian Little.
1994: Follows Little to Aston Villa, becoming first team coach.
1996: Appointed manager of Second Division Wycombe after Alan Smith is sacked. Steers side from second bottom to safety.
1998: January - Succeeds Little as manager of Aston Villa.
August - Claims he could have 'shot' Dwight Yorke after striker revealed he wanted to go to Manchester United before his eventual £12.6million move.
2000: Leads Villa to the FA Cup final where they lose 1-0 to Chelsea, Roberto di Matteo scoring the winner.
December - Raps chairman Doug Ellis, claiming his boss is 'stuck in a time warp'. Ellis responds by accusing Gregory of 'talking big but acting small'.
2001: After an eighth-place finish in the Premiership, Gregory guides Villa into the UEFA Cup after a successful Intertoto Cup campaign. The European adventure is brief though as Croatian outsiders Varteks humiliate the former European champions in the first round.
2002: January 24 - Resigns as Villa manager, citing the 'pressures of the job'.
January 30 - Takes over as manager at Derby following the departure of Colin Todd but cannot help the club stave off relegation from the Premiership.
August 10 - The Rams begin the new season in fine style with a 3-0 win over Reading but it does not last with the club spending most of the campaign in the bottom half of the table.
2003: March 21 - Gregory, already under pressure due to the club's poor form, is suspended following allegations that midfielder Craig Burley was mistreated whilst injured.
May 29 - Derby uphold their decision, following appeal by Gregory.
2006: September 20 - Appointed manager of QPR.
Teamtalk
OFFICIAL SITE - GREGORY APPOINTED
John Gregory has been appointed as QPR First Team Manager with immediate effect.
Gary Waddock will now work under the former Aston Villa boss in an Assistant Manager's role.
In an exclusive interview with www.qpr.co.uk, Chairman Gianni Paladini revealed his delight at the appointment: "It's a fantastic scoop for the Club.
"John is a proven manager at the highest level and is very eager to get back in to the managerial game.
"He's sat down with Gary and talked everything through and the situation is perfect as we look to climb the Championship table.
"I'd like to wish the pair of them the very best in their new roles.''
Gregory - who has been out of the game since leaving Derby County in 2003 - commented: "I'm back in the hot-seat and it's a huge challenge.
"QPR are very close to my heart and it's a fantastic opportunity for me.
"This is a job I can very much get my teeth into and I'm relishing the challenge that lies ahead.
"Winning matches is what matters most in the business and we aim to do that, starting Saturday.''
Waddock said: "It's the right decision for the club, I'm just thankful that Gianni thinks enough of me to keep me here as Assistant Manager.
"I look forward to working with John, we both played together under Terry Venables and have the same work ethic.
"I'll learn a lot from him and I'm sure that this appointment will benefit the club I love."
QPR Official Site
BBC - Gregory appointed as new QPR boss
Gregory makes his return after three-and-a-half years
Queens Park Rangers have unveiled John Gregory as their new manager, with former boss Gary Waddock handed the job of first-team coach.
Former Aston Villa boss Gregory, 51, returns to management three-and-a-half years after leaving Derby.
Waddock replaced the sacked Ian Holloway in February and was handed the position full-time in the summer.
But the former QPR midfielder has struggled and Gregory takes over with the club bottom of the Championship.
QPR have won just one league game this season and were knocked out of the Carling Cup by Port Vale on Tuesday evening.
Gregory, a close friend of Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini, began his managerial career at Portsmouth and he also had a spell at Plymouth.
He took over at Wycombe Wanderers in October 1996, where he helped the team avoid relegation and remained in charge for two years.
The former England midfielder took over at Villa in the 1997/98 season and during the four years under Gregory's management Villa never finished outside the top eight in the Premiership.
He has also managed Derby and has been out of management since leaving the Rams in March 2003.
BBC
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - GREGORY IN PROFILE
www.qpr.co.uk brings you an exclusive insight into the professional career of the R's new gaffer John Gregory.
John Gregory served his managerial apprenticeship at a variety of clubs.
He started his career with Portsmouth, before a brief spell at Plymouth Argyle.
Soon after he joined Leicester City in a coaching capacity, before being appointed First Team Coach at Villa Park in November 1994.
He left Villa to become manager of Wycombe Wanderers in October 1996.
After taking over a struggling Wanderers squad, he steered them clear of relegation in the 1996/97 season by eight points.
He led Villa to the top of the Premiership following an unbeaten start to the season in 1998, which lasted a club record 12 matches. However, they were not able to sustain their title tilt and fell away in the second half of the season.
In his four years in charge at Villa Park, the Villains never finished outside the top eight, finishing seventh in his first half-season as manager, sixth in 1999 and 2000 and eighth in 2001.
Noted for speaking his mind, Gregory had his fair share of run-in's with players and Chairman Doug Ellis alike, but he was always 100 per cent committed to the club and was unfortunate not to taste success in the FA Cup Final in 2000, losing to a single goal from Chelsea's Roberto di Matteo.
He had criticised the club for failing to invest sufficiently in new players, but his passion and determination to lead Villa to glory remained undiminished.
His departure came as a shock to players and fans alike and his achievements at Villa Park will be long-remembered by everyone connected with the Midlands club.
He was immediately linked with the managerial vacancy at his old club Derby County and, after being contacted by the club about the position, he was unveiled as Colin Todd's successor on January 30 2002.
His first priority at Pride Park was to keep The Rams in the Premiership, but with Derby lying second from bottom and six points adrift from safety at the time of his arrival, he was unable to save them.
Despite a slight improvement in their results, The Rams were relegated to the First Division, and Gregory eventually left the Club in March 2003.
As a player, Gregory enjoyed a distinguished career, which saw him play for several teams.
He was signed from apprentice at Northampton Town before moving to Aston Villa in 1977, where he spent two years before signing for Brighton.
From there he went to QPR, in 1981, making 188 appearances for the R's, before signing for Derby County in 1985, staying with the Rams for two years before effectively hanging up his boots.
Gregory was a tireless midfielder who made nearly 600 appearances in his career, scoring 83 goals, and winning six full international caps for England.
QPR
SKY SPORTS - Rangers turn to Gregory
By Peter ORourke - Created on 20 Sep 2006
Queens Park Rangers have appointed John Gregory as their new manager with Gary Waddock becoming his assistant.
The Rangers board have lost patience with Waddock and have turned to Gregory to try and transform their fortunes.
Rangers have endured a terrible run of form lately, culminating in their 3-2 defeat to Port vale in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.
The Loftus Road outfit are currently languishing at the bottom of The Championship and have won only one league game all term.
Waddock only took charge of Rangers in February after Ian Holloway left the club and was handed the job on a permanent basis in the summer.
Waddock has struggled since taking over and won just four of his 24 games in charge.
Gregory has been out of work since March 2003 after leaving Derby County.
Gregory, who is a former QPR player, will be given the task of helping the side climb out of trouble and he knows he faces a huge challenge.
"I'm back in the hot-seat and it's a huge challenge," Gregory told the club's official website.
"QPR are very close to my heart and it's a fantastic opportunity for me.
"This is a job I can very much get my teeth into and I'm relishing the challenge that lies ahead.
"Winning matches is what matters most in the business and we aim to do that, starting Saturday.''
SKY
GUARDIAN -Gregory resurfaces at QPR
New appointment sees Waddock moves to first-team coach
Gregory resurfaces at QPR - Bottom-of-the-Championship QPR think John Gregory is the man to halt their downward slide. Anyone else?
Staff and agencies Wednesday September 20, 2006
Guardian Unlimited
QPR today unveiled John Gregory as their new manager, with former boss Gary Waddock handed the job of first-team coach.
Former Aston Villa and Derby manager Gregory is a close friend of Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini, and takes over with the club bottom of the Championship. The 51-year-old returns to management three-and-a-half years after leaving Derby.
"John is a proven manager at the highest level and is very eager to back into the managerial game," said Paladini. "It's a fantastic scoop for the club."
Waddock replaced Ian Holloway in February and was handed the position full-time in the summer. But the former QPR midfielder has struggled, winning just three league games during his Loftus Park reign, and saw his team knocked out of the Carling Cup by Port Vale last night
GUARDIAN
TEAMTALK - GREGORY FACT FILE
954: Born Scunthorpe, May 11.
1970: Joins Northampton as a trainee.
1972: Signs professionally for Northampton and goes on to make 187 league appearances.
1977: Joins Aston Villa for £40,000, making 65 league appearances and scoring 10 goals.
1979: Moves to Brighton for £250,000.
1981: Signs for QPR in a £300,000 deal.
1982: Part of the QPR team who lose in the FA Cup final to Tottenham after a replay.
1983: Wins the first of six full England caps against Australia.
1985: Moves to Derby for £100,000.
1988: Retires and becomes assistant manager to Alan Ball at Portsmouth.
1989: Becomes Pompey manager when Ball is sacked.
1990: Sacked by Portsmouth, who are 23rd in the Second Division after a run of two victories in nine matches. Plays briefly for Plymouth and Bolton on a non-contract basis.
1991: Joins Leicester as coach to Brian Little.
1994: Follows Little to Aston Villa, becoming first team coach.
1996: Appointed manager of Second Division Wycombe after Alan Smith is sacked. Steers side from second bottom to safety.
1998: January - Succeeds Little as manager of Aston Villa.
August - Claims he could have 'shot' Dwight Yorke after striker revealed he wanted to go to Manchester United before his eventual £12.6million move.
2000: Leads Villa to the FA Cup final where they lose 1-0 to Chelsea, Roberto di Matteo scoring the winner.
December - Raps chairman Doug Ellis, claiming his boss is 'stuck in a time warp'. Ellis responds by accusing Gregory of 'talking big but acting small'.
2001: After an eighth-place finish in the Premiership, Gregory guides Villa into the UEFA Cup after a successful Intertoto Cup campaign. The European adventure is brief though as Croatian outsiders Varteks humiliate the former European champions in the first round.
2002: January 24 - Resigns as Villa manager, citing the 'pressures of the job'.
January 30 - Takes over as manager at Derby following the departure of Colin Todd but cannot help the club stave off relegation from the Premiership.
August 10 - The Rams begin the new season in fine style with a 3-0 win over Reading but it does not last with the club spending most of the campaign in the bottom half of the table.
2003: March 21 - Gregory, already under pressure due to the club's poor form, is suspended following allegations that midfielder Craig Burley was mistreated whilst injured.
May 29 - Derby uphold their decision, following appeal by Gregory.
2006: September 20 - Appointed manager of QPR.
Teamtalk
QPR Announce Press Conference (2:00 PM)
-
QPR Official Site
PRESS CONFERENCE
A Press Conference will be held at Loftus Road at 2pm this afternoon.
Members of the national and local press are invited and there will be live streaming on QPR World.
Subscribers to QPR World will be able to hear live audio from this afternoon's press conference.
If you haven't already subscribed, you can do so now by clicking here.
Stay tuned to www.qpr.co.uk for further details throughout the day.
QPR Official Site
QPR Official Site
PRESS CONFERENCE
A Press Conference will be held at Loftus Road at 2pm this afternoon.
Members of the national and local press are invited and there will be live streaming on QPR World.
Subscribers to QPR World will be able to hear live audio from this afternoon's press conference.
If you haven't already subscribed, you can do so now by clicking here.
Stay tuned to www.qpr.co.uk for further details throughout the day.
QPR Official Site
Waddock on Tommy Doherty: Could Still have Future with QPR
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Kilburn Times - September 20, 2006
Door still open for Doherty
"QPR manager Gary Waddock insists Tommy Doherty could still have a future at Loftus Road after the midfielder joined Wycombe Wanderers on a three-month loan...
But the Rangers boss said: "The door's not closed for anybody if they perform well on loan. The reason for them going on loan is that there's no point in senior players kicking around in the reserves.
"If youth team players are performing well enough, they need something to progress to and they won't be able to move on to the reserves if others are blocking the path."
"Tommy's one of those players who needs to be playing first-team football.
"There was some interest from one or two other clubs, but Wycombe were the ones that came in with a firm offer and we'll see how he gets on."
Kilburn Times
Kilburn Times - September 20, 2006
Door still open for Doherty
"QPR manager Gary Waddock insists Tommy Doherty could still have a future at Loftus Road after the midfielder joined Wycombe Wanderers on a three-month loan...
But the Rangers boss said: "The door's not closed for anybody if they perform well on loan. The reason for them going on loan is that there's no point in senior players kicking around in the reserves.
"If youth team players are performing well enough, they need something to progress to and they won't be able to move on to the reserves if others are blocking the path."
"Tommy's one of those players who needs to be playing first-team football.
"There was some interest from one or two other clubs, but Wycombe were the ones that came in with a firm offer and we'll see how he gets on."
Kilburn Times
Waddock - "We Have to Win" Against Hull...Against Port Vale "I can't fault their effort and commitment"
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No hiding place for Hull clash
Kilburn Times - 20 September 2006
"UNDER-FIRE Gary Waddock acknowledged that Saturday's crucial Championship clash with Hull is a must-win situation after QPR crashed out of the Carling Cup at Port Vale.....
Victory against the Tigers this weekend would lift QPR off the bottom of the table, but Waddock admitted: "There is an obvious lack of confidence at the moment and that's because of the results.
"The players fought and I can't fault their effort and commitment, but we've lost again and it's a habit I don't like.
"Saturday's match is a massive one now, not just for me and the players, but for the whole club. There are no ifs, buts or maybes - we have to win the game."
Kilburn Times
No hiding place for Hull clash
Kilburn Times - 20 September 2006
"UNDER-FIRE Gary Waddock acknowledged that Saturday's crucial Championship clash with Hull is a must-win situation after QPR crashed out of the Carling Cup at Port Vale.....
Victory against the Tigers this weekend would lift QPR off the bottom of the table, but Waddock admitted: "There is an obvious lack of confidence at the moment and that's because of the results.
"The players fought and I can't fault their effort and commitment, but we've lost again and it's a habit I don't like.
"Saturday's match is a massive one now, not just for me and the players, but for the whole club. There are no ifs, buts or maybes - we have to win the game."
Kilburn Times
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
QPR Out of the Cup: Port Vale 3 QPR 2
-
WADDOCK'S POST MATCH COMMENTS
MORE MISTAKES
Gary Waddock cut a disconsolate figure, as the R's were dumped out of the Carling Cup.
Rangers bowed out in the second round, after throwing away an early lead at Vale Park.
Goals from Jeff Smith, Danny Whitaker and Richard Walker wiped out Marc Nygaard's opener, and although Damion Stewart pulled one back late on, it was a night to forget for the R's.
"It's difficult to sum up. At 1-0 up we were comfortable, but we're out of the Cup because of our own silly mistakes, yet again.
"We approached the game in the right manner and in the opening exchanges we felt quite comfortable.
"But there is an obvious lack of confidence at the moment and that's because of our results.
"The players fought which was an improvement from Saturday and I can't fault their effort and commitment, but we've lost and it's a habit I don't like.''
Waddock's focus soon turned to Saturday's fixture against fellow strugglers Hull City at Loftus Road, with the R's gaffer commenting: "Saturday's match is a massive one now, not just for me and the players, but for the whole Club.''
Official Site
OFFICIAL SITE - MATCH REPORT
Rangers bowed out of the Carling Cup, after throwing away an early lead at Vale Park.
Goals from Jeff Smith, Danny Whitaker and Richard Walker wiped out Marc Nygaard's opener, and although Damion Stewart pulled one back late on, it was a night to forget for the R's.
Rangers trailed 2-1 at the break, despite Nygaard's first goal of the season.
The Danish front-man opened his account inside the opening nine minutes at Vale Park, finishing with aplomb after a goalkeeping howler from Vale custodian Mark Goodlad.
Port Vale were on terms within ten minutes though, with Smith smashing an unstoppable strike beyond the despairing dive of Jake Cole.
And the first half comeback was complete on 27 minutes, when Whitaker bundled the ball home after Akpo Sodje's initial effort had cannoned off the post.
Walker made it 3-1 midway through the second half, before Stewart bagged his first in QPR colours to give the R's hope on 77 minutes.
But it was not to be for Gary Waddock's men, as the R's poor form in Cup competitions continued.
Waddock made four changes from the embarrassing defeat at Layer Road on Saturday, with Marcus Bignot, Pat Kanyuka, Stefan Bailey and Adam Czerkas returning to the fray.
cky Ward and Lee Cook occupied the wide midfield roles, as the R's - skippered by Marc Bircham - went gunning for only their third win of the campaign.
Rangers orchestrated the opening exchanges, with Ward and Cook both feeling the force of a couple of rash challenges which referee Mr Salisbury.
But it was R's midfielder Bailey who marked his return to the starting XI with a booking inside the opening six minutes, for a rash challenge on Jeff Smith.
The R's positive start paid dividends with an opening goal on nine minutes and it was Nygaard who got it.
Chasing down an innocuous looking through ball, the Danish front-man blocked Vale custodian Mark Goodlad's attempted clearance, before curling the ball into an empty net from an acute angle.
It was a textbook finish from the Dane, who could count himself extremely unlucky not to open his account just three days earlier at Layer Road, when the dubious goals panel gave the R's consolation to U's defender Wayne Brown.
Buoyed by their goal, the Super Hoops continued to enjoy the lion's share of possession, with Cook at the heart of their impressive start.
After leaving three in his wake with a superb piece of wing play, the R's left winger delivered a piercing near post cross, which Goodlad did well to gather under pressure from Ward.
Port Vale were by no means overawed by their Championship opponents though and from their very first attack of the tie, Smith smashed an unstoppable half volley past Cole to put the Valiants on terms.
Undeterred, the R's were back on the front foot almost immediately, with Nygaard stinging the palms of Goodlad with a speculative 25-yard drive.
Smith was the undoubted star of the show for the hosts and when he sent in an inch-perfect centre on 27 minutes, Sodje beat Cole to the cross and headed against the upright.
The danger wasn't over though and Whitaker was in the right place at the right time to bundle home the rebound, to leave the small gathering of Rangers fearing yet another woeful away day.
Cole's evening almost went from bad to worse on 33 minutes, when was adjudged to have sent Whitaker sprawling to ground on the edge of the box.
Fortunately for the R's custodian, Mr Salisbury let the challenge go unpunished, which was of some relief to Waddock, who had no fit goalkeepers at his disposal on the bench.
The pressure on the R's back four was relentless and after Sodje headed inches over, Cole had to be at his agile best to tip round Paul Harsley's 25-yard screamer.
Nygaard squandered a glorious chance on the stroke of half-time, volleying high and wide after breaking through the last line of the Vale defence.
It proved to be his last involvement, as the R's crippling injury crisis took yet another turn for the worse, with teenager Ray Jones replacing the unlucky Dane.
Matthew Rose replaced the out-of-sorts Mauro Milanese at the break, with the experienced defender slotting in at left back
Ward offered hope to the R's faithful when his mazy run ended with a speculative shot which flew inches wide on 53 minutes, but it was Vale who carved out the best opening of the second half on the hour.
Fine interplay between Constantine and Sodje released Mark McGregor, whose shot was deflected inches wide of Cole's left hand post.
Rangers didn't heed the warning though and from the resultant corner kick, Walker stooped to head home unchallenged from the edge of the six-yard box.
Bailey blasted high and wide from 20-yards on 70 minutes, but in truth, that was the best the R's could offer, despite enjoying prolonged spells of possession.
But Stewart handed them a lifeline with 13 minutes left on the clock - firing home from little more than three yards from Cook's in-swinging free-kick - to set up a grandstand finish.
Shabazz Baidoo went close in stoppage time, but Rangers bowed out.
Official Site
BBC - Port Vale 3-2 QPR
Port Vale piled more misery on to Championship strugglers QPR by dumping the visitors out of the Carling Cup.
QPR netted on nine minutes when Vale keeper Mark Goodlad's clearance hit striker Marc Nygaard, who tapped in.
Vale levelled 10 minutes later when Jeff Smith drove in a left-footed shot before Danny Whitaker bundled the ball home to put the home side in front.
Richard Walker's header extended Vale's lead, while Damion Stewart's goal proved to be a mere consolation.
BBC
Sporting Life
Qort Vale 3 QPR 2
QPR's dismal start to the season continued as they were dumped out of the Carling Cup by Coca-Cola League One outfit Port Vale.
Bottom of the Championship with just one league win so far this season, manager Gary Waddock had no respite at Vale Park as the hosts bounced back from conceding an early goal to claim the win.
Rangers were gifted the opener in the ninth minute when Mark Goodlad drilled a clearance into Marc Nygaard and the Danish frontman was left to tap into an open goal for his first of the season.
But Vale were on level terms 10 minutes later when Jeff Smith met a Danny Whitaker cross with a rasping left-footed shot which gave Jake Cole no chance.
Goodlad then made amends with a good save with his feet from Nygaard before the League One high-fliers took the lead.
The goal was a scrappy affair which was eventually given to Whitaker, although Leon Constantine also tried to claim it.
Rangers' evening got even worse when Nygaard was forced off just before the break with an injury, to be replaced by Ray Jones, whose late winner accounted for Northampton in the first round.
The second period got off to a slow start but the game burst into life just before the hour mark when Vale extended their lead, Richard Walker heading Danny Sonner's corner past Cole from six yards out.
Cole had to be alert to deny Constantine a fourth for Vale before the Hoops gave themselves a lifeline with 12 minutes remaining.
Vale struggled to clear a Lee Cook cross and it eventually fell to Damion Stewart, who prodded home his first goal for the club.
But Rangers were unable to muster any more chances and Vale, conquerors of Preston in round one, were left to celebrate another Championship scalp.
Sporting Life
WADDOCK'S POST MATCH COMMENTS
MORE MISTAKES
Gary Waddock cut a disconsolate figure, as the R's were dumped out of the Carling Cup.
Rangers bowed out in the second round, after throwing away an early lead at Vale Park.
Goals from Jeff Smith, Danny Whitaker and Richard Walker wiped out Marc Nygaard's opener, and although Damion Stewart pulled one back late on, it was a night to forget for the R's.
"It's difficult to sum up. At 1-0 up we were comfortable, but we're out of the Cup because of our own silly mistakes, yet again.
"We approached the game in the right manner and in the opening exchanges we felt quite comfortable.
"But there is an obvious lack of confidence at the moment and that's because of our results.
"The players fought which was an improvement from Saturday and I can't fault their effort and commitment, but we've lost and it's a habit I don't like.''
Waddock's focus soon turned to Saturday's fixture against fellow strugglers Hull City at Loftus Road, with the R's gaffer commenting: "Saturday's match is a massive one now, not just for me and the players, but for the whole Club.''
Official Site
OFFICIAL SITE - MATCH REPORT
Rangers bowed out of the Carling Cup, after throwing away an early lead at Vale Park.
Goals from Jeff Smith, Danny Whitaker and Richard Walker wiped out Marc Nygaard's opener, and although Damion Stewart pulled one back late on, it was a night to forget for the R's.
Rangers trailed 2-1 at the break, despite Nygaard's first goal of the season.
The Danish front-man opened his account inside the opening nine minutes at Vale Park, finishing with aplomb after a goalkeeping howler from Vale custodian Mark Goodlad.
Port Vale were on terms within ten minutes though, with Smith smashing an unstoppable strike beyond the despairing dive of Jake Cole.
And the first half comeback was complete on 27 minutes, when Whitaker bundled the ball home after Akpo Sodje's initial effort had cannoned off the post.
Walker made it 3-1 midway through the second half, before Stewart bagged his first in QPR colours to give the R's hope on 77 minutes.
But it was not to be for Gary Waddock's men, as the R's poor form in Cup competitions continued.
Waddock made four changes from the embarrassing defeat at Layer Road on Saturday, with Marcus Bignot, Pat Kanyuka, Stefan Bailey and Adam Czerkas returning to the fray.
cky Ward and Lee Cook occupied the wide midfield roles, as the R's - skippered by Marc Bircham - went gunning for only their third win of the campaign.
Rangers orchestrated the opening exchanges, with Ward and Cook both feeling the force of a couple of rash challenges which referee Mr Salisbury.
But it was R's midfielder Bailey who marked his return to the starting XI with a booking inside the opening six minutes, for a rash challenge on Jeff Smith.
The R's positive start paid dividends with an opening goal on nine minutes and it was Nygaard who got it.
Chasing down an innocuous looking through ball, the Danish front-man blocked Vale custodian Mark Goodlad's attempted clearance, before curling the ball into an empty net from an acute angle.
It was a textbook finish from the Dane, who could count himself extremely unlucky not to open his account just three days earlier at Layer Road, when the dubious goals panel gave the R's consolation to U's defender Wayne Brown.
Buoyed by their goal, the Super Hoops continued to enjoy the lion's share of possession, with Cook at the heart of their impressive start.
After leaving three in his wake with a superb piece of wing play, the R's left winger delivered a piercing near post cross, which Goodlad did well to gather under pressure from Ward.
Port Vale were by no means overawed by their Championship opponents though and from their very first attack of the tie, Smith smashed an unstoppable half volley past Cole to put the Valiants on terms.
Undeterred, the R's were back on the front foot almost immediately, with Nygaard stinging the palms of Goodlad with a speculative 25-yard drive.
Smith was the undoubted star of the show for the hosts and when he sent in an inch-perfect centre on 27 minutes, Sodje beat Cole to the cross and headed against the upright.
The danger wasn't over though and Whitaker was in the right place at the right time to bundle home the rebound, to leave the small gathering of Rangers fearing yet another woeful away day.
Cole's evening almost went from bad to worse on 33 minutes, when was adjudged to have sent Whitaker sprawling to ground on the edge of the box.
Fortunately for the R's custodian, Mr Salisbury let the challenge go unpunished, which was of some relief to Waddock, who had no fit goalkeepers at his disposal on the bench.
The pressure on the R's back four was relentless and after Sodje headed inches over, Cole had to be at his agile best to tip round Paul Harsley's 25-yard screamer.
Nygaard squandered a glorious chance on the stroke of half-time, volleying high and wide after breaking through the last line of the Vale defence.
It proved to be his last involvement, as the R's crippling injury crisis took yet another turn for the worse, with teenager Ray Jones replacing the unlucky Dane.
Matthew Rose replaced the out-of-sorts Mauro Milanese at the break, with the experienced defender slotting in at left back
Ward offered hope to the R's faithful when his mazy run ended with a speculative shot which flew inches wide on 53 minutes, but it was Vale who carved out the best opening of the second half on the hour.
Fine interplay between Constantine and Sodje released Mark McGregor, whose shot was deflected inches wide of Cole's left hand post.
Rangers didn't heed the warning though and from the resultant corner kick, Walker stooped to head home unchallenged from the edge of the six-yard box.
Bailey blasted high and wide from 20-yards on 70 minutes, but in truth, that was the best the R's could offer, despite enjoying prolonged spells of possession.
But Stewart handed them a lifeline with 13 minutes left on the clock - firing home from little more than three yards from Cook's in-swinging free-kick - to set up a grandstand finish.
Shabazz Baidoo went close in stoppage time, but Rangers bowed out.
Official Site
BBC - Port Vale 3-2 QPR
Port Vale piled more misery on to Championship strugglers QPR by dumping the visitors out of the Carling Cup.
QPR netted on nine minutes when Vale keeper Mark Goodlad's clearance hit striker Marc Nygaard, who tapped in.
Vale levelled 10 minutes later when Jeff Smith drove in a left-footed shot before Danny Whitaker bundled the ball home to put the home side in front.
Richard Walker's header extended Vale's lead, while Damion Stewart's goal proved to be a mere consolation.
BBC
Sporting Life
Qort Vale 3 QPR 2
QPR's dismal start to the season continued as they were dumped out of the Carling Cup by Coca-Cola League One outfit Port Vale.
Bottom of the Championship with just one league win so far this season, manager Gary Waddock had no respite at Vale Park as the hosts bounced back from conceding an early goal to claim the win.
Rangers were gifted the opener in the ninth minute when Mark Goodlad drilled a clearance into Marc Nygaard and the Danish frontman was left to tap into an open goal for his first of the season.
But Vale were on level terms 10 minutes later when Jeff Smith met a Danny Whitaker cross with a rasping left-footed shot which gave Jake Cole no chance.
Goodlad then made amends with a good save with his feet from Nygaard before the League One high-fliers took the lead.
The goal was a scrappy affair which was eventually given to Whitaker, although Leon Constantine also tried to claim it.
Rangers' evening got even worse when Nygaard was forced off just before the break with an injury, to be replaced by Ray Jones, whose late winner accounted for Northampton in the first round.
The second period got off to a slow start but the game burst into life just before the hour mark when Vale extended their lead, Richard Walker heading Danny Sonner's corner past Cole from six yards out.
Cole had to be alert to deny Constantine a fourth for Vale before the Hoops gave themselves a lifeline with 12 minutes remaining.
Vale struggled to clear a Lee Cook cross and it eventually fell to Damion Stewart, who prodded home his first goal for the club.
But Rangers were unable to muster any more chances and Vale, conquerors of Preston in round one, were left to celebrate another Championship scalp.
Sporting Life
Ex-QPR Birthdays: Tony Hazell Starts 60th Year ....David Seaman Turns 43
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Ex-QPR Stalwart, Tony Hazell Turns 59
Born September 19, 1947, Defender Tony Hazell played 350+ League games for QPR from the mid-1960s until he was sold in December 1974 to Millwall. He was also part of the 1967 League Cup Final Team.
Hazell
Also ex-QPR and England (and Leeds...Peterbrough...Arsenal...) Goalkeeper David Seaman turns 43...
Signed by QPR for 250,000 pounds from Birmingham in 1986, played for England while at QPR...Sold to Arsenal in 1990 for 1.3 million pounds
Seaman
Ex-QPR Stalwart, Tony Hazell Turns 59
Born September 19, 1947, Defender Tony Hazell played 350+ League games for QPR from the mid-1960s until he was sold in December 1974 to Millwall. He was also part of the 1967 League Cup Final Team.
Hazell
Also ex-QPR and England (and Leeds...Peterbrough...Arsenal...) Goalkeeper David Seaman turns 43...
Signed by QPR for 250,000 pounds from Birmingham in 1986, played for England while at QPR...Sold to Arsenal in 1990 for 1.3 million pounds
Seaman
Supposed Newell Assertion re Langley in Tonight's BBC Panorama "Bungs" Documentary
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This is London - 18.09.06
Six to eight managers involved in undercover 'bung' probe
An agent who Luton Town manager Mike Newell claims offered him bungs will tonight be named in the BBC's explosive documentary on corruption in football.
Newell caused a storm last season when he became the first manager to reveal he had been offered illegal financial incentives by agents. He gave their names to the FA for them to investigate. Newell's revelations also triggered a Premier League inquiry, led by Lord Stevens, into the alleged bungs scandal...
It is understood that when Newell took his bungs dossier to the FA, he alleged that he had been offered inducements on three occasions, twice to conduct transfers and once to renegotiate a player's contract.
The first instance occurred when Luton striker Steve Howard was the subject of transfer interest from Sheffield Wednesday.
Sportsmail understands that Newell claims to have been offered a bung if he agreed to the deal. Newell refused and the transfer never took place.
Newell also told the FA he was offered a kickback two years ago if he agreed to a new contract for Luton player Enoch Showunmi, doubling his money plus a bonus for appearances. ... Newell says he was also offered a bung if he signed midfielder Richard Langley from Queens Park Rangers. On this occasion, Newell claimed the player was not even represented by Collymore and Wilson. .....
This is London
This is London - 18.09.06
Six to eight managers involved in undercover 'bung' probe
An agent who Luton Town manager Mike Newell claims offered him bungs will tonight be named in the BBC's explosive documentary on corruption in football.
Newell caused a storm last season when he became the first manager to reveal he had been offered illegal financial incentives by agents. He gave their names to the FA for them to investigate. Newell's revelations also triggered a Premier League inquiry, led by Lord Stevens, into the alleged bungs scandal...
It is understood that when Newell took his bungs dossier to the FA, he alleged that he had been offered inducements on three occasions, twice to conduct transfers and once to renegotiate a player's contract.
The first instance occurred when Luton striker Steve Howard was the subject of transfer interest from Sheffield Wednesday.
Sportsmail understands that Newell claims to have been offered a bung if he agreed to the deal. Newell refused and the transfer never took place.
Newell also told the FA he was offered a kickback two years ago if he agreed to a new contract for Luton player Enoch Showunmi, doubling his money plus a bonus for appearances. ... Newell says he was also offered a bung if he signed midfielder Richard Langley from Queens Park Rangers. On this occasion, Newell claimed the player was not even represented by Collymore and Wilson. .....
This is London
Monday, September 18, 2006
Marc Bircham Criticizes QPR's Performance "..We're in a Relegation Battle"
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Daily Mirror - 18 September 2006
BIRCHAM: SHAME WILL BOOST US
Colchester 2 QPR 1
MARC BIRCHAM believes Rangers are already locked in a desperate relegation battle and hopes the embarrassment of being bottom finally stirs them into life.
QPR have won just four times in 23 games since Gary Waddock succeeded Ian Holloway as boss at Loftus Road in February.
The Londoners' dire form continued against promoted Colchester, who coasted into an early 2-0 lead.
And with the Hoops hosting fellow strugglers Hull this Saturday, life-long QPR fan Bircham is anxious his teammates respond.
The midfielder said: "We should look at the table and it should turn our stomachs.
"Seeing QPR at the bottom is my worst nightmare and we need to get that feeling into the team.
"We owe it to ourselves to go home, look at the table and see where we are - that's all the desire and determination we should need. The message has got through and I hope it will mean we're fired up for the next game because I was disappointed with our work-rate.
"When you come in after the first half and it's 2-0 and you're not up for the battle, it's not acceptable.
"But we're in a relegation battle now and it doesn't matter what tactics or formations we play we've got to win the battle."Mirror
[Just to note Friday's Mirror story and how it depicted the situation.
Mirror 15 September 2006 - QPR PAY PRICE FOR BIRCHAM
MARC BIRCHAM will cost his boyhood heroes QPR a cool £1million - by refusing to leave until he walks away on a Bosman next summer.
The midfielder, 28, has been on the transfer list since May but is refusing to even consider a move.
Bircham said: "I've got a contract until the end of the season and I'm sticking to it. There's no way I'm leaving while I can still stay."
Mirror
Daily Mirror - 18 September 2006
BIRCHAM: SHAME WILL BOOST US
Colchester 2 QPR 1
MARC BIRCHAM believes Rangers are already locked in a desperate relegation battle and hopes the embarrassment of being bottom finally stirs them into life.
QPR have won just four times in 23 games since Gary Waddock succeeded Ian Holloway as boss at Loftus Road in February.
The Londoners' dire form continued against promoted Colchester, who coasted into an early 2-0 lead.
And with the Hoops hosting fellow strugglers Hull this Saturday, life-long QPR fan Bircham is anxious his teammates respond.
The midfielder said: "We should look at the table and it should turn our stomachs.
"Seeing QPR at the bottom is my worst nightmare and we need to get that feeling into the team.
"We owe it to ourselves to go home, look at the table and see where we are - that's all the desire and determination we should need. The message has got through and I hope it will mean we're fired up for the next game because I was disappointed with our work-rate.
"When you come in after the first half and it's 2-0 and you're not up for the battle, it's not acceptable.
"But we're in a relegation battle now and it doesn't matter what tactics or formations we play we've got to win the battle."Mirror
[Just to note Friday's Mirror story and how it depicted the situation.
Mirror 15 September 2006 - QPR PAY PRICE FOR BIRCHAM
MARC BIRCHAM will cost his boyhood heroes QPR a cool £1million - by refusing to leave until he walks away on a Bosman next summer.
The midfielder, 28, has been on the transfer list since May but is refusing to even consider a move.
Bircham said: "I've got a contract until the end of the season and I'm sticking to it. There's no way I'm leaving while I can still stay."
Mirror
Waddock's Managerial Record
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Garry Waddock's Managerial Record in the Championship since he took over at QPR - First as Acting/Caretaker manager and then in the summer as permanent manager.
As of September 18, 2006:3 wins in 22 games. One win in the past 19 games.
2005/06 Played 14: 2 wins 5 draws 7 Lost
2006/2007: Played 8: 1 Win, 3 Draws, 3 Losses
2005/2006
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W - QPR 1-0 Millwall 11-02-2006
L - C Palace 2-1 QPR 14-02-2006
W - Sheff Utd 2-3 QPR 25-02-2006
D - QPR 0-0 Wolves 04-03-2006
D - Sheff Wed 1-1 QPR 11-03-2006
D - QPR 1-1 Brighton 18-03-2006
D - Cardiff 0-0 QPR 25-03-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Stoke 29-03-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Crewe 01-04-2006
L - Burnley 1-0 QPR 08-04-2006
D - QPR 1-1 Derby 15-04-2006
L - Norwich 3-2 QPR 17-04-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Watford 22-04-2006
L - Reading 2-1 QPR 30-04-2006
2006/2007
L - Burnley 2-0 QPR 05-08-2006
D - QPR 2-2 Leeds 08-08-2006
W - QPR 2-0 Southend 12-08-2006
D - Preston 1-1 QPR 19-08-2006
L - QPR 1-3 Ipswich 25-08-2006
D - Plymouth 1-1 QPR 09-09-2006
L - QPR 0-2 Birmingham 12-09-2006
L - Colchester 2-1 QPR 16-09-2006
[Results from www.soccerbase.com ]
[Results for the earlier part of 2005/2006 under Ian Holloway
Hull City 0-0 QPR 06-08-2005
QPR 2-1 Ipswich 09-08-2005
QPR 2-1 Sheff Utd 13-08-2005
Coventry 3-0 QPR 20-08-2005
QPR 0-0 Sheff Wed 26-08-2005
Wolves 3-1 QPR 30-08-2005
Southampton 1-1 QPR 10-09-2005
QPR 1-0 Luton 13-09-2005
QPR 0-1 Leeds 17-09-2005
Leicester 1-2 QPR 24-09-2005
Millwall 1-1 QPR 27-09-2005
QPR 1-3 C Palace 03-10-2005
Preston 1-1 QPR 15-10-2005
QPR 1-1 Plymouth 18-10-2005
QPR 3-0 Norwich 22-10-2005
Derby 1-2 QPR 29-10-2005
Watford 3-1 QPR 01-11-2005
QPR 1-2 Reading 05-11-2005
Plymouth 3-1 QPR 19-11-2005
QPR 0-2 Preston 22-11-2005
QPR 2-2 Hull City 26-11-2005
Stoke 1-2 QPR 03-12-2005
Ipswich 2-2 QPR 10-12-2005
QPR 0-1 Coventry 19-12-2005
Brighton 1-0 QPR 26-12-2005
QPR 1-0 Cardiff 28-12-2005
Crewe 3-4 QPR 31-12-2005
QPR 1-1 Burnley 02-01-2006
QPR 1-0 Southampton 14-01-2006
Luton 2-0 QPR 21-01-2006
QPR 2-3 Leicester 31-01-2006
Leeds 2-0 QPR 04-02-
Garry Waddock's Managerial Record in the Championship since he took over at QPR - First as Acting/Caretaker manager and then in the summer as permanent manager.
As of September 18, 2006:3 wins in 22 games. One win in the past 19 games.
2005/06 Played 14: 2 wins 5 draws 7 Lost
2006/2007: Played 8: 1 Win, 3 Draws, 3 Losses
2005/2006
-
W - QPR 1-0 Millwall 11-02-2006
L - C Palace 2-1 QPR 14-02-2006
W - Sheff Utd 2-3 QPR 25-02-2006
D - QPR 0-0 Wolves 04-03-2006
D - Sheff Wed 1-1 QPR 11-03-2006
D - QPR 1-1 Brighton 18-03-2006
D - Cardiff 0-0 QPR 25-03-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Stoke 29-03-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Crewe 01-04-2006
L - Burnley 1-0 QPR 08-04-2006
D - QPR 1-1 Derby 15-04-2006
L - Norwich 3-2 QPR 17-04-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Watford 22-04-2006
L - Reading 2-1 QPR 30-04-2006
2006/2007
L - Burnley 2-0 QPR 05-08-2006
D - QPR 2-2 Leeds 08-08-2006
W - QPR 2-0 Southend 12-08-2006
D - Preston 1-1 QPR 19-08-2006
L - QPR 1-3 Ipswich 25-08-2006
D - Plymouth 1-1 QPR 09-09-2006
L - QPR 0-2 Birmingham 12-09-2006
L - Colchester 2-1 QPR 16-09-2006
[Results from www.soccerbase.com ]
[Results for the earlier part of 2005/2006 under Ian Holloway
Hull City 0-0 QPR 06-08-2005
QPR 2-1 Ipswich 09-08-2005
QPR 2-1 Sheff Utd 13-08-2005
Coventry 3-0 QPR 20-08-2005
QPR 0-0 Sheff Wed 26-08-2005
Wolves 3-1 QPR 30-08-2005
Southampton 1-1 QPR 10-09-2005
QPR 1-0 Luton 13-09-2005
QPR 0-1 Leeds 17-09-2005
Leicester 1-2 QPR 24-09-2005
Millwall 1-1 QPR 27-09-2005
QPR 1-3 C Palace 03-10-2005
Preston 1-1 QPR 15-10-2005
QPR 1-1 Plymouth 18-10-2005
QPR 3-0 Norwich 22-10-2005
Derby 1-2 QPR 29-10-2005
Watford 3-1 QPR 01-11-2005
QPR 1-2 Reading 05-11-2005
Plymouth 3-1 QPR 19-11-2005
QPR 0-2 Preston 22-11-2005
QPR 2-2 Hull City 26-11-2005
Stoke 1-2 QPR 03-12-2005
Ipswich 2-2 QPR 10-12-2005
QPR 0-1 Coventry 19-12-2005
Brighton 1-0 QPR 26-12-2005
QPR 1-0 Cardiff 28-12-2005
Crewe 3-4 QPR 31-12-2005
QPR 1-1 Burnley 02-01-2006
QPR 1-0 Southampton 14-01-2006
Luton 2-0 QPR 21-01-2006
QPR 2-3 Leicester 31-01-2006
Leeds 2-0 QPR 04-02-
Ex-QPR Dean Coney Turns 43
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Dean Coney Turns 43: Born September 18, 1963
Forward signed from Fulham for about 150,000 pounds (along with Paul Parker who signed for 250,000 pounds) in June 1987. Remained with QPR till March 1989, when he joined Norwich
Coney;s
Dean Coney Turns 43: Born September 18, 1963
Forward signed from Fulham for about 150,000 pounds (along with Paul Parker who signed for 250,000 pounds) in June 1987. Remained with QPR till March 1989, when he joined Norwich
Coney;s
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