-
QPR Official Site -GAFFER STAYS ON
The Club are delighted to announce that John Gregory has agreed a two year extension to his current contract.
In the wake of the R's guaranteeing their Championship status with victory against Cardiff City on Saturday, Gregory has activated a clause within his existing contract that will see him remain at Loftus Road until the end of the 2008/09 campaign.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Gregory said: "I'm delighted to accept the offer made to me by Chairman Gianni Paladini.
"I feel very honoured to have been the Manager of QPR for the last seven months and to have been given the task of keeping us in the Championship. Now that has been secured, the rebuilding has to begin.
"We need to put some concrete in the foundations to make sure the Club does not sink to the appalling depths that it has done this season. That means making changes throughout the Club, which will not always be popular ones.
"I personally have never been happier. I look forward to working alongside Gianni, as we strive to build a better future for our loyal fans. All you need is love.''
Gregory joined the R's on September 20th 2006, replacing Gary Waddock, whose ten games in charge in all competitions at the start of the season heralded just two victories.
His impact was immediate, as the R's clinched back-to-back wins in his first two games, before four wins in five outings, culminating in Saturday's 1-0 win against the Bluebirds, confirmed the R's place in the second tier of English football.
Chairman Gianni Paladini expressed his delight at the news, commenting: "John Gregory has done a fantastic job in his short time in charge here and we are all delighted that he has agreed to be part of our future.
"The impact he has made since he arrived here in September has been quite staggering. The signings he has made have been inspirational and he's proven what a top Manager he is.
"He has our one hundred per-cent backing and he is most definitely the right man to lead us to what we hope will be a very bright future.''
QPR
As QPR's Physiotherapist announces will be joining The WASPS in the summmer
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - PRAV MATHEMA
It is with regret that Queens Park Rangers can today announce that Club Physio Prav Mathema will be leaving the Club in the summer to join Rugby Union side London Wasps.
Prav has been a part of the Rangers medical team for eight years and has now decided the time is right to move on to pastures new.
The 29-year-old will remain with QPR until the end of June, during which time he will continue to help Gareth Ainsworth complete his rehabilitation from the leg fracture he sustained against Luton Town at Loftus Road earlier this month.
Manager John Gregory said: "It will be a big blow to QPR, losing the services of a first-class physiotherapist and a first-class bloke.
"He has been instrumental in the very high standard of rehabilitation and fitness levels that our players have achieved this season, and is going to be a very difficult person to replace.
"Prav has been a very loyal servant to QPR, working under four different managers. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank him personally and wish him every success with his new appointment."
Prav said: "This has been undoubtedly the hardest decision I have had to make on a professional and personal level. I have had a couple of months to think over what would be the best decision for my career, and it is with deep regret that I have decided to leave the Club, which is so close to my heart.
"My time here has been invaluable to me on so many different levels, and I take away with me many fond memories.
"It has been a fantastic eight years, experiencing a Play-Off Final and Promotion. Times like these have made it very difficult for me to have reached such a decision.
"I will leave behind many good friends, and also a fantastic bunch of players and staff, to embark on the next stage of my career.
"Words can't really describe how much I wish the Club well in the future. I truly believe that the forthcoming campaigns under the Gaffer and his team will prove to be fruitful. I am truly indebted to the Club." QPR Official Site
Welcome to QPR REPORT - A completely unofficial and unaffiliated fan site focusing on G-d's Chosen Team, Queen's Park Rangers (QPR) FC. (Visit also QPR Report Messageboard and Follow on Twitter.) QPR Report accepts no sponsorship, advertising or financial contributions. In 2008, QPR Report was named as one of the top two blogs in the Football League
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
John Gregory's Record at QPR: 46 Points from 36 Games - Player Arrivals & Departures
-
With QPR's safety now assured: A look back at Gregory's time:
When Gregory replaced Gary Waddock in mid-December, QPR had 1 victory from 8 league games this season and were in the bottom three (1 win, 3 draws and 4 defeats - 6 points). (Including the results from last season, QPR were actually on "a run" of 1 win in their last 19 games. (3 wins in Waddock's 22 game QPR managerial career).
With 2 games remaining, QPR's record under Gregory is 46 points from 36 games.
(Played 36: 13 wins - 7 draws - 16 defeats) See below for results. And obviously over the past two-three months, the record is even more impressive.)
Gregory's first game in charge: At Home to Hull, which QPR won 2-0. QPR's team for Gregory's first Game:
Jones; Bignot, Rehman, Stewart, Rose (Kanyuka); Cook, Bircham (Lomas), Bailey (Ward), Rowlands; Jones, Blackstock. - Subs: Royce, Baidoo. Scorers Jones and Blackstock in the second half.
Gregory's Team on Saturday against Cardiff:
Camp, Bignot, Bolder, Rowlands (Smith 70), Lomas, Cook, Kanyuka, Stewart, Timoska, Nygaard, Blackstock (Furlong 83). Subs: Cole, Milanese, Bailey. Scorers: Blackstock 22
Telegraph Report of QPR 2 Hull 0
Independent Report
ON THE FIELD ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
QPR PRE-SEASON CLUB PHOTO
Team Photo Photo
A number of players have come in either as signings or loans. (Cullip, Bolder, Smith, Mancienne, Camp, Timoska, Ricketts, Idiakez (since returned)
A greater number of players have left either permanently or on loan (Gallen, Ward, Doherty, Royce, Rose, Evatt, Rehman, Thomas, Czerkas, Ukah, Oliseh, Munday, Hislop, Donnelly]
Season's Results Under John Gregory
QPR 2-0 Hull City 23-09-2006
Southampton 1-2 QPR 30-09-2006
QPR 3-3 Norwich 14-10-2006
QPR 1-2 Derby 17-10-2006
Sheff Wed 3-2 QPR 21-10-2006
QPR 1-1 Leicester 28-10-2006
West Brom 3-3 QPR 31-10-2006
QPR 4-2 C Palace 04-11-2006
Luton 2-3 QPR 11-11-2006
Cardiff 0-1 QPR 17-11-2006
QPR 0-1 Coventry 25-11-2006
QPR 1-2 Sunderland 28-11-2006
C Palace 3-0 QPR 02-12-2006
Stoke 1-0 QPR 09-12-2006
QPR 0-1 Wolves 16-12-2006
QPR 1-0 Barnsley 23-12-2006
Birmingham 2-1 QPR 26-12-2006
Norwich 1-0 QPR 30-12-2006
QPR 1-0 Colchester 01-01-2007
Hull City 2-1 QPR 13-01-2007
QPR 0-2 Southampton 20-01-2007
Barnsley 2-0 QPR 30-01-2007
QPR 3-1 Burnley 03-02-2007
Southend 5-0 QPR 09-02-2007
Leeds 0-0 QPR 20-02-2007
QPR 1-1 Plymouth 24-02-2007
Ipswich 2-1 QPR 03-03-2007
QPR 1-1 Sheff Wed 10-03-2007
Derby 1-1 QPR 13-03-2007
Leicester 1-3 QPR 17-03-2007
QPR 1-2 West Brom 31-03-2007
QPR 1-0 Preston 03-04-2007
Coventry 0-1 QPR 07-04-2007
QPR 3-2 Luton 09-04-2007
Sunderland 2-1 QPR 14-04-2007
QPR 1-0 Cardiff 21-04-2007
REMAINING
Wolves vs QPR 28-04-2007
QPR vs Stoke 06-05-2007
GaryWaddock's Managerial Record
First as Acting/Caretaker manager and then in the summer as permanent manager.
3 wins in 22 games. One win in his final 19 games.
2006/2007: Played 8: 1 Win, 3 Draws, 4 Losses
2005/06 Played 14: 2 wins 5 draws 7 Lost
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
Season's Results
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
Results
QPR PRE-SEASON FIRST TEAM PHOTO
Team Photo Photo
QUEENS PARK RANGERS FC 2006/07
Back (l-r): Nick Ward, Ray Jones, Jon Munday, Dan Shittu, Ian Evatt, Pat Kanyuka, Marc Nygaard, Damion Stewart, Mauro Milanese, Stefan Moore, Armel Tchakounte, Egutu Oliseh, Paul Furlong, Matthew Rose.
Middle: Graeme Staddon (Massage Therapist), Tony Roberts (Goalkeeping Goach), Tommy Doherty, Andrew Howell, Scott Donnelly, Jake Cole, Sean Thomas, Simon Royce, Paul Jones, Stefan Bailey, Dominic Shimmin, Matthew Hislop, Justin Skinner (Reserve Manager), John O'Brien (Head of Recruitment).
Front: Mark Barry (Sports Scientist), Prav Mathema (Physiotherapist), Steve Lomas, Marc Bircham, Martin Rowlands, Kevin Gallen, Alan McDonald (Assistant Manager), Gary Waddock (Manager), Gareth Ainsworth, Marcus Bignot, Lee Cook, Shabazz Baidoo, Gary Doyle (Kit Man), Bobby Bacic (Assistant Physiotherapist).
QPR's SQUAD IN THE PRE-SEASON (BEFORE BLACKSTOCK/REHMAN SIGNINGS)
. Simon Royce
2. Marcus Bignot
3. Mauro Milanese
4. Ian Evatt
5. Dan Shittu
6. Tommy Doherty
7. Matthew Rose
8. Marc Bircham
9. Nick Ward
10. Kevin Gallen
11. Gareth Ainsworth
12. Jake Cole
14. Martin Rowlands
15. Dominic Shimmin
16. Steve Lomas
17. Lee Cook
18. Stefan Moore
19. Tchakounte-A
20. Scott Donnelly
21. Paul Jones
22. Shabazz Baidoo
23. Stefan Bailey
24. Pat Kanyuka
25. Damion Stewart
26. Sean Thomas
29. Paul Furlong
30. Marc Nygaard
34. Matthew Hislop
35. John Munday
With QPR's safety now assured: A look back at Gregory's time:
When Gregory replaced Gary Waddock in mid-December, QPR had 1 victory from 8 league games this season and were in the bottom three (1 win, 3 draws and 4 defeats - 6 points). (Including the results from last season, QPR were actually on "a run" of 1 win in their last 19 games. (3 wins in Waddock's 22 game QPR managerial career).
With 2 games remaining, QPR's record under Gregory is 46 points from 36 games.
(Played 36: 13 wins - 7 draws - 16 defeats) See below for results. And obviously over the past two-three months, the record is even more impressive.)
Gregory's first game in charge: At Home to Hull, which QPR won 2-0. QPR's team for Gregory's first Game:
Jones; Bignot, Rehman, Stewart, Rose (Kanyuka); Cook, Bircham (Lomas), Bailey (Ward), Rowlands; Jones, Blackstock. - Subs: Royce, Baidoo. Scorers Jones and Blackstock in the second half.
Gregory's Team on Saturday against Cardiff:
Camp, Bignot, Bolder, Rowlands (Smith 70), Lomas, Cook, Kanyuka, Stewart, Timoska, Nygaard, Blackstock (Furlong 83). Subs: Cole, Milanese, Bailey. Scorers: Blackstock 22
Telegraph Report of QPR 2 Hull 0
Independent Report
ON THE FIELD ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
QPR PRE-SEASON CLUB PHOTO
Team Photo Photo
A number of players have come in either as signings or loans. (Cullip, Bolder, Smith, Mancienne, Camp, Timoska, Ricketts, Idiakez (since returned)
A greater number of players have left either permanently or on loan (Gallen, Ward, Doherty, Royce, Rose, Evatt, Rehman, Thomas, Czerkas, Ukah, Oliseh, Munday, Hislop, Donnelly]
Season's Results Under John Gregory
QPR 2-0 Hull City 23-09-2006
Southampton 1-2 QPR 30-09-2006
QPR 3-3 Norwich 14-10-2006
QPR 1-2 Derby 17-10-2006
Sheff Wed 3-2 QPR 21-10-2006
QPR 1-1 Leicester 28-10-2006
West Brom 3-3 QPR 31-10-2006
QPR 4-2 C Palace 04-11-2006
Luton 2-3 QPR 11-11-2006
Cardiff 0-1 QPR 17-11-2006
QPR 0-1 Coventry 25-11-2006
QPR 1-2 Sunderland 28-11-2006
C Palace 3-0 QPR 02-12-2006
Stoke 1-0 QPR 09-12-2006
QPR 0-1 Wolves 16-12-2006
QPR 1-0 Barnsley 23-12-2006
Birmingham 2-1 QPR 26-12-2006
Norwich 1-0 QPR 30-12-2006
QPR 1-0 Colchester 01-01-2007
Hull City 2-1 QPR 13-01-2007
QPR 0-2 Southampton 20-01-2007
Barnsley 2-0 QPR 30-01-2007
QPR 3-1 Burnley 03-02-2007
Southend 5-0 QPR 09-02-2007
Leeds 0-0 QPR 20-02-2007
QPR 1-1 Plymouth 24-02-2007
Ipswich 2-1 QPR 03-03-2007
QPR 1-1 Sheff Wed 10-03-2007
Derby 1-1 QPR 13-03-2007
Leicester 1-3 QPR 17-03-2007
QPR 1-2 West Brom 31-03-2007
QPR 1-0 Preston 03-04-2007
Coventry 0-1 QPR 07-04-2007
QPR 3-2 Luton 09-04-2007
Sunderland 2-1 QPR 14-04-2007
QPR 1-0 Cardiff 21-04-2007
REMAINING
Wolves vs QPR 28-04-2007
QPR vs Stoke 06-05-2007
GaryWaddock's Managerial Record
First as Acting/Caretaker manager and then in the summer as permanent manager.
3 wins in 22 games. One win in his final 19 games.
2006/2007: Played 8: 1 Win, 3 Draws, 4 Losses
2005/06 Played 14: 2 wins 5 draws 7 Lost
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
Season's Results
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
Results
QPR PRE-SEASON FIRST TEAM PHOTO
Team Photo Photo
QUEENS PARK RANGERS FC 2006/07
Back (l-r): Nick Ward, Ray Jones, Jon Munday, Dan Shittu, Ian Evatt, Pat Kanyuka, Marc Nygaard, Damion Stewart, Mauro Milanese, Stefan Moore, Armel Tchakounte, Egutu Oliseh, Paul Furlong, Matthew Rose.
Middle: Graeme Staddon (Massage Therapist), Tony Roberts (Goalkeeping Goach), Tommy Doherty, Andrew Howell, Scott Donnelly, Jake Cole, Sean Thomas, Simon Royce, Paul Jones, Stefan Bailey, Dominic Shimmin, Matthew Hislop, Justin Skinner (Reserve Manager), John O'Brien (Head of Recruitment).
Front: Mark Barry (Sports Scientist), Prav Mathema (Physiotherapist), Steve Lomas, Marc Bircham, Martin Rowlands, Kevin Gallen, Alan McDonald (Assistant Manager), Gary Waddock (Manager), Gareth Ainsworth, Marcus Bignot, Lee Cook, Shabazz Baidoo, Gary Doyle (Kit Man), Bobby Bacic (Assistant Physiotherapist).
QPR's SQUAD IN THE PRE-SEASON (BEFORE BLACKSTOCK/REHMAN SIGNINGS)
. Simon Royce
2. Marcus Bignot
3. Mauro Milanese
4. Ian Evatt
5. Dan Shittu
6. Tommy Doherty
7. Matthew Rose
8. Marc Bircham
9. Nick Ward
10. Kevin Gallen
11. Gareth Ainsworth
12. Jake Cole
14. Martin Rowlands
15. Dominic Shimmin
16. Steve Lomas
17. Lee Cook
18. Stefan Moore
19. Tchakounte-A
20. Scott Donnelly
21. Paul Jones
22. Shabazz Baidoo
23. Stefan Bailey
24. Pat Kanyuka
25. Damion Stewart
26. Sean Thomas
29. Paul Furlong
30. Marc Nygaard
34. Matthew Hislop
35. John Munday
Monday, April 23, 2007
QPR Captain Bignot Highly Praises Gregory....Additional Reports of QPR's Double Victory Over Cardiff
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QPR OFFICIAL SITE - BIG' ON THE GAFFER
Marcus Bignot hailed the impact of gaffer John Gregory after the 1-0 victory against Cardiff City.
Speaking to www.qpr.co.uk moments after the full-time whistle, the Hoops Club Captain dubbed Gregory as 'the R's most important signing of the season.'
"People in football knew how big the job was when the gaffer arrived here, but the impact he's made has been quite amazing and we're safe with two games to play which is unbelievable.
"He's been our most important signing of the season without doubt.''
Bignot continued: "We've got so many big characters in our dressing room and the gaffer is one of them.
"We'll let ourselves celebrate tonight, but we've still got two games to play and we want to go out in style.'' QPRMirror - GREGORY'S BIG-GED UP FOR A NEW HOOPSDEAL
QPR skipper Marcus Bignot has hailed "a massive achievement" by manager John Gregory after the club clinched Championship survival with two games to go.
The Hoops have been at the wrong end of the table since the beginning of the season, and when Gregory took over from Gary Waddock last September had just one league win under their belts.
But Gregory steadied the ship, and there was a raucous explosion of joy and relief around Loftus Road when results from elsewhere confirmed that Dexter Blackstock's winner had secured safety.
Bignot said: "We can't underestimate the gaffer's achievement. We were nose-diving pretty quick.
"He inherited a squad which had got into the habit of losing, but he's given us huge confidence.
We look to the gaffer and he's our leader.
"We're his soldiers and all behind him. He doesn't panic, he's a cool customer and it's rubbed off."
Gregory's contract runs out at the end of the season, and Bignot has urged Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini to move quickly to offer him a new deal.
Bignot added: "People will be looking at the job he's done. The gaffer's shown the calibre of players he can bring in and what he can do for us."
For Cardiff there was nothing but agony as their play-off dream was shattered.
And things got worse as striker Michael Chopra saw red at the final whistle for a second bookable offence after lashing out at Lee Camp as the Rangers keeper went to shake hands.
He will sit out the rest of the season.
Boss Dave Jones snapped: "It was absolutely crazy but we're not scoring goals with him, so it's not going to make much difference."
Cardiff conceded the winning goal in the 23rd-minute when Blackstock rose to nod home his 14th goal of the season from Lee Cook's cross. Mirror
DAILY TELEGRAPH - QPR (1) 1 Cardiff City (0) 0
Queens Park Rangers manager John Gregory praised the efforts of his team in recent weeks after they secured survival in the Championship.
The west London club have endured arguably the hardest end-of-season run-in out of all the strugglers, but Rangers have taken 18 points from their last nine games.
Speculation continues to surround the future of Gregory, but he said: "The players have constantly been trying to get out of the relegation zone and have shown unbelievable character, determination, courage and resolve."
Striker Dexter Blackstock has been a key figure and struck the winning goal here. But the game was marred by an incident in the tunnel after the final whistle in which Cardiff's Michael Chopra was shown a red card. Telegraph
See Also:
QPR Report - Additional Reports & Comments
QPR Report - John Gregory's Comments
QPR Report - Initial Match Reports
Simon Skinner/QPR Net Match Report - Report
Clive Whittingham/QPR Rivals Match Report - Report
Birmingham 83
Sunderland 82
Derby County 81
Preston 71
WBA 70
Wolves 70
Southampton 69
Stoke City 69
Colchester 69
Sheffield Wed 68
Cardiff City 64
Plymouth 61
Crystal Palace 59
Ipswich Town 58
Norwich City 57
Burnley 54
Coventry City 53
QPR 52
Leicester City 50
Barnsley 50
Hull City 46
Leeds United 45
Southend 42
Luton Town 37
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - BIG' ON THE GAFFER
Marcus Bignot hailed the impact of gaffer John Gregory after the 1-0 victory against Cardiff City.
Speaking to www.qpr.co.uk moments after the full-time whistle, the Hoops Club Captain dubbed Gregory as 'the R's most important signing of the season.'
"People in football knew how big the job was when the gaffer arrived here, but the impact he's made has been quite amazing and we're safe with two games to play which is unbelievable.
"He's been our most important signing of the season without doubt.''
Bignot continued: "We've got so many big characters in our dressing room and the gaffer is one of them.
"We'll let ourselves celebrate tonight, but we've still got two games to play and we want to go out in style.'' QPRMirror - GREGORY'S BIG-GED UP FOR A NEW HOOPSDEAL
QPR skipper Marcus Bignot has hailed "a massive achievement" by manager John Gregory after the club clinched Championship survival with two games to go.
The Hoops have been at the wrong end of the table since the beginning of the season, and when Gregory took over from Gary Waddock last September had just one league win under their belts.
But Gregory steadied the ship, and there was a raucous explosion of joy and relief around Loftus Road when results from elsewhere confirmed that Dexter Blackstock's winner had secured safety.
Bignot said: "We can't underestimate the gaffer's achievement. We were nose-diving pretty quick.
"He inherited a squad which had got into the habit of losing, but he's given us huge confidence.
We look to the gaffer and he's our leader.
"We're his soldiers and all behind him. He doesn't panic, he's a cool customer and it's rubbed off."
Gregory's contract runs out at the end of the season, and Bignot has urged Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini to move quickly to offer him a new deal.
Bignot added: "People will be looking at the job he's done. The gaffer's shown the calibre of players he can bring in and what he can do for us."
For Cardiff there was nothing but agony as their play-off dream was shattered.
And things got worse as striker Michael Chopra saw red at the final whistle for a second bookable offence after lashing out at Lee Camp as the Rangers keeper went to shake hands.
He will sit out the rest of the season.
Boss Dave Jones snapped: "It was absolutely crazy but we're not scoring goals with him, so it's not going to make much difference."
Cardiff conceded the winning goal in the 23rd-minute when Blackstock rose to nod home his 14th goal of the season from Lee Cook's cross. Mirror
DAILY TELEGRAPH - QPR (1) 1 Cardiff City (0) 0
Queens Park Rangers manager John Gregory praised the efforts of his team in recent weeks after they secured survival in the Championship.
The west London club have endured arguably the hardest end-of-season run-in out of all the strugglers, but Rangers have taken 18 points from their last nine games.
Speculation continues to surround the future of Gregory, but he said: "The players have constantly been trying to get out of the relegation zone and have shown unbelievable character, determination, courage and resolve."
Striker Dexter Blackstock has been a key figure and struck the winning goal here. But the game was marred by an incident in the tunnel after the final whistle in which Cardiff's Michael Chopra was shown a red card. Telegraph
See Also:
QPR Report - Additional Reports & Comments
QPR Report - John Gregory's Comments
QPR Report - Initial Match Reports
Simon Skinner/QPR Net Match Report - Report
Clive Whittingham/QPR Rivals Match Report - Report
Birmingham 83
Sunderland 82
Derby County 81
Preston 71
WBA 70
Wolves 70
Southampton 69
Stoke City 69
Colchester 69
Sheffield Wed 68
Cardiff City 64
Plymouth 61
Crystal Palace 59
Ipswich Town 58
Norwich City 57
Burnley 54
Coventry City 53
QPR 52
Leicester City 50
Barnsley 50
Hull City 46
Leeds United 45
Southend 42
Luton Town 37
No Lee Cook in PFA Championship Team of the Year
-
BBC - PFA Teams of the Year
PFA Premier League Team of the Year:
Edwin van der Sar, Gary Neville, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra (all Man Utd); Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo (all Man Utd) and Steven Gerrard (Liverpool); Didier Drogba (Chelsea) and Dimitar Berbatov (Tottenham)
PFA Championship Team of the Year:
Matt Murray (Wolves), Graham Alexander (Preston), Gareth Bale (Southampton), Darren Moore (Derby), Curtis Davies (West Brom), Jason Koumas (West Brom), Carlos Edwards (Sunderland), Dean Whitehead (Sunderland), Diomansy Kamara (West Brom), Michael Chopra (Cardiff), Gary McSheffrey (Birmingham)
PFA League One Team of the Year:
Joe Murphy (Scunthorpe), Jon Otsemobor (Crewe), Matt Lockwood (Leyton Orient), Terry Skiverton (Yeovil), Ian Breckin (Nottingham Forest), Wesley Hoolahan (Blackpool), Richard Wellens (Oldham), Matt Jarvis (Gillingham), Chris Shuker (Tranmere), Luke Varney (Crewe), Billy Sharp (Scunthorpe)
PFA League Two Team of the Year:
Clayton Ince (Walsall), Craig Pead (Walsall), Michael Nelson (Hartlepool), Chris Westwood (Walsall), Ritchie Humphreys (Hartlepool), Lee Frecklington (Lincoln), Dean Keates (Walsall), Andrew Monkhouse (Hartlepool), Tommy Doherty (Wycombe - on loan from QPR), Izale McLeod (MK Dons), Jermaine Easter (Wycombe)
BBC
BBC - PFA Teams of the Year
PFA Premier League Team of the Year:
Edwin van der Sar, Gary Neville, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra (all Man Utd); Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo (all Man Utd) and Steven Gerrard (Liverpool); Didier Drogba (Chelsea) and Dimitar Berbatov (Tottenham)
PFA Championship Team of the Year:
Matt Murray (Wolves), Graham Alexander (Preston), Gareth Bale (Southampton), Darren Moore (Derby), Curtis Davies (West Brom), Jason Koumas (West Brom), Carlos Edwards (Sunderland), Dean Whitehead (Sunderland), Diomansy Kamara (West Brom), Michael Chopra (Cardiff), Gary McSheffrey (Birmingham)
PFA League One Team of the Year:
Joe Murphy (Scunthorpe), Jon Otsemobor (Crewe), Matt Lockwood (Leyton Orient), Terry Skiverton (Yeovil), Ian Breckin (Nottingham Forest), Wesley Hoolahan (Blackpool), Richard Wellens (Oldham), Matt Jarvis (Gillingham), Chris Shuker (Tranmere), Luke Varney (Crewe), Billy Sharp (Scunthorpe)
PFA League Two Team of the Year:
Clayton Ince (Walsall), Craig Pead (Walsall), Michael Nelson (Hartlepool), Chris Westwood (Walsall), Ritchie Humphreys (Hartlepool), Lee Frecklington (Lincoln), Dean Keates (Walsall), Andrew Monkhouse (Hartlepool), Tommy Doherty (Wycombe - on loan from QPR), Izale McLeod (MK Dons), Jermaine Easter (Wycombe)
BBC
Sunday, April 22, 2007
QPR's Defeat of Cardiff: Additional Reports & Comments
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ALSO: John Gregory Comments - Gregory Comments
Other QPR vs Cardiff Match ReportsEarlier QPR Cardiff Match Reports
Sunday Mirror - QPR 1-0 CARDIFF - Les Roopanarine At Loftus Road 22/04/2007
RANGERS boss John Gregory was a picture of delight after Dexter Blackstock's 14th and most vital goal of the season secured the club's Championship survival.
Gregory said: "We've been on the back foot since the first match of the season last August, and the players have shown unbelievable amounts of courage, determination, effort and enthusiasm. "More than anything, the spirit in the dressing room has got us out of trouble.
"The players were under pressure even before I came in, and it's been 44 matches where they've constantly had to try to get out of the relegation zone."
For Cardiff the game ended on a sour note, top-scorer Michael Chopra seeing red after the final whistle for an angry reaction towards Lee Camp as the Rangers goalkeeper offered to shake hands.
Chopra will now miss the remainder of Cardiff's season, but on a day when Blackstock's winner saw the Bluebirds' faint play-off hopes finally laid to rest, his dismissal was little more than a footnote. Cardiff boss Dave Jones said: "This form has been going on since January, and our club deserves better. It was a battle, but you want to see more fight and urgency.
"The red card was absolutely crazy, he should have just walked off the pitch. You do battle and you shake hands. Chops needs to grow up a little bit."
The game began promisingly for Cardiff, Chopra's opening-minute free-kick beating Camp's outstretched glove only to drift narrowly wide.
But Rangers quickly put that scare behind them, Steve Lomas missing a gilt-edged opportunity from close range as Gregory's side stamped their authority on proceedings.
With 23 minutes gone Rangers' hightempo start was rewarded, Lee Cook, returning from a knee injury, crossing from the right wing for Blackstock to angle a glancing header home.
Gregory said: "It was a great goal, and he's now scored 14 in a difficult season." Cardiff improved after the interval but couldn't find a goal and as the final whistle sounded the death knell on their play-off hopes, Loftus Road erupted in ecstasy. Sunday Mirror
Mail on Sunday - Dexter delivers the winner to end QPR's drop fears
By MIKE COLLINS - More by this author »
Dexter Blackstock eased Rangers’ relegation fears but the valuable win was marred by events surrounding referee Mike Thorpe.
Blackstock strode through a static Cardiff defence to head home the match-winner after 23 minutes. Thorpe enraged the Loftus Road crowd in the second half by declining to show Kerrea Gilbert a second yellow card within the space of two minutes and instead opting for a long lecture in front of the Cardiff dugout. Moments later, Gilbert was substituted, avoiding what had seemed an inevitable dismissal.
At the final whistle, Cardiff’s Michael Chopra, who had been a rare bright spot in a dismal display from the visitors, argued furiously with QPR keeper Lee Camp, resulting in Thorpe showing him a second yellow that has ended his season.
"It was stupid," said Dave Jones, the Cardiff manager. "Just shake hands and walk off. He needs to grow up a bit. A bad day all round."
QPR captain Marcus Bignot, who celebrated by singing to fans on the pitch, said: "This is a massive feat — bigger than when we got promoted, given the state of the club." Mail on Sunday
Bluebirds just park and hideApr 22 2007 Wales on Sunday
SPARE a thought for the thousands of Cardiff City fans who travel throughout England cheering on their team.
They are being let down. Big time.
More than 1,200 were at Loftus Road for this Coca-Cola Championship match between two poor sides.
And the game had even finished before City finally flared into action - Michael Chopra sent off after the final whistle for a second yellow after confronting Rangers' goalkeeper Lee Camp.
Rangers made sure they would avoid relegation with victory, and were the better side as they completed a league double over Cardiff far more comfortably than the scoreline suggests.
It's now almost five months since City supporters last saw their beloved Bluebirds win away.
It was during November that Cardiff's faithful travellers witnessed the 3-0 win at Stoke City. Since then there's been almost nothing for them to cheer.
City did win 2-1 against Wolves at Molineux, but the home club banned all away supporters.
Those who pay good money to follow their team have travelled to Hull, Leicester, Luton, Spurs, Coventry, West Brom, Birmingham, Southampton, Derby County and Burnley without a win.
The simple truth at Loftus Road yesterday was that Queens Park Rangers wanted the win more than their visitors in the crucial first 30 minutes. Cardiff did improve, but simply could not match Rangers' aggression and intensity in all areas of the pitch.
QPR needed one more win to make sure of safety from relegation. Cardiff's performance was just not good enough to stop them.
City have won away six times this season all early in the season, but no longer look capable of achieving victory on the road.
Manager Dave Jones reshuffled his resources. He was without injured trio Glenn Loovens, Darren Purse and Riccy Scimeca plus suspended Simon Walton.
Winger Paul Parry was left out and City turned to Kerrea Gilbert and Willo Flood to plug the gaps.
Gilbert, on the right, and Chris Gunter were the full-backs with Flood and Joe Ledley filling the wide positions in midfield. Peter Whittingham took up an attacking role alongside Stephen McPhail in the middle.
But it made little difference. Cardiff City were poor, almost non existent as an attacking force in open play.
Defensively they looked frail as Rangers dominated possession and threatened.
They should have gone ahead after seven minutes when Martin Rowlands forced the ball past goalkeeper David Forde and Marc Nygaard, possibly fearing he was offside, opted to allow the ball to run over the line. Roger Johnson dived in and somehow cleared off the line.
Rangers had clear calls for a penalty turned aside when Adam Bolder was brought down before they took the lead on 22 minutes.
Lee Cook whipped in a dangerous cross and Dexter Blackstock got between McNaughton and Ledley to glance the ball home from 12 yards.
It was a well taken goal, but Cardiff should have put far more pressure on Blackstock, who was allowed time and space to head home.
City's performance was no better after the break. Kerrea Gilbert was desperately close to a red card after two late challenges and was quickly replaced by Paul Parry with Ledley dropping to full-back.
Parry set up a chance with a sizzling run and pass, but Chopra was unable to reach the low cross. That run from Parry was a rare moment of danger from Cardiff.
Michael Chopra ran and chased, trying to sniff out a chance, but he needs the service. Both Chopra and City also need a bigger contribution from target man Steve Thompson.
Over their last six Championship matches Cardiff City have earned one point out of 18. That is seriously poor and something that made for yet another dismal trip home.
IC Wales
Wales on Sunday - Chop out 'crazy' stuff - Jones Apr 22 2007
A FRUSTRATED Dave Jones described Michael Chopra's end-of-game sending off as: "Crazy, it was a stupid thing to do.
"Why not just shake hands. I don't care if you like the other bloke or not. Michael Chopra needs to grow up a little.
"The matter will be dealt with internally."
Chopra's dismissal, after a confrontation with QPR goalkeeper Lee Camp, left, means his season has now ended.
He faces a suspension and a big fine and will miss Saturday's home match against Hull City and the trip to Ipswich Town on the final day.
Chopra had been cautioned for a foul after 19 minutes and had conducted a running verbal battle with referee Mark Thorpe and a number of Rangers players.
Near the end, QPR defender Damion Stewart grabbed Chopra by the shoulders and turned him round to look at his number as if to say 'Who are you'.
Then, when the ref blew for time, Camp tried to shake Chopra's hand. The Cardiff man refused and the two went face-to-face.
Chopra was sent off for his second booking and Camp was also cautioned.
Jones described his City team as 'toothless' after the 1-0 defeat.
"We aren't scoring with Michael, so it won't change that much without him," he said.
"He is our main scorer, but the others up there need to take a long, hard look at themselves.
"We were toothless up front against QPR and we need to get better in attack and other areas.
"Certain players need to get better if they are to stay at this football club. And I don't base that just on today." IC Wales
ALSO: John Gregory Comments - Gregory Comments
Other QPR vs Cardiff Match ReportsEarlier QPR Cardiff Match Reports
Sunday Mirror - QPR 1-0 CARDIFF - Les Roopanarine At Loftus Road 22/04/2007
RANGERS boss John Gregory was a picture of delight after Dexter Blackstock's 14th and most vital goal of the season secured the club's Championship survival.
Gregory said: "We've been on the back foot since the first match of the season last August, and the players have shown unbelievable amounts of courage, determination, effort and enthusiasm. "More than anything, the spirit in the dressing room has got us out of trouble.
"The players were under pressure even before I came in, and it's been 44 matches where they've constantly had to try to get out of the relegation zone."
For Cardiff the game ended on a sour note, top-scorer Michael Chopra seeing red after the final whistle for an angry reaction towards Lee Camp as the Rangers goalkeeper offered to shake hands.
Chopra will now miss the remainder of Cardiff's season, but on a day when Blackstock's winner saw the Bluebirds' faint play-off hopes finally laid to rest, his dismissal was little more than a footnote. Cardiff boss Dave Jones said: "This form has been going on since January, and our club deserves better. It was a battle, but you want to see more fight and urgency.
"The red card was absolutely crazy, he should have just walked off the pitch. You do battle and you shake hands. Chops needs to grow up a little bit."
The game began promisingly for Cardiff, Chopra's opening-minute free-kick beating Camp's outstretched glove only to drift narrowly wide.
But Rangers quickly put that scare behind them, Steve Lomas missing a gilt-edged opportunity from close range as Gregory's side stamped their authority on proceedings.
With 23 minutes gone Rangers' hightempo start was rewarded, Lee Cook, returning from a knee injury, crossing from the right wing for Blackstock to angle a glancing header home.
Gregory said: "It was a great goal, and he's now scored 14 in a difficult season." Cardiff improved after the interval but couldn't find a goal and as the final whistle sounded the death knell on their play-off hopes, Loftus Road erupted in ecstasy. Sunday Mirror
Mail on Sunday - Dexter delivers the winner to end QPR's drop fears
By MIKE COLLINS - More by this author »
Dexter Blackstock eased Rangers’ relegation fears but the valuable win was marred by events surrounding referee Mike Thorpe.
Blackstock strode through a static Cardiff defence to head home the match-winner after 23 minutes. Thorpe enraged the Loftus Road crowd in the second half by declining to show Kerrea Gilbert a second yellow card within the space of two minutes and instead opting for a long lecture in front of the Cardiff dugout. Moments later, Gilbert was substituted, avoiding what had seemed an inevitable dismissal.
At the final whistle, Cardiff’s Michael Chopra, who had been a rare bright spot in a dismal display from the visitors, argued furiously with QPR keeper Lee Camp, resulting in Thorpe showing him a second yellow that has ended his season.
"It was stupid," said Dave Jones, the Cardiff manager. "Just shake hands and walk off. He needs to grow up a bit. A bad day all round."
QPR captain Marcus Bignot, who celebrated by singing to fans on the pitch, said: "This is a massive feat — bigger than when we got promoted, given the state of the club." Mail on Sunday
Bluebirds just park and hideApr 22 2007 Wales on Sunday
SPARE a thought for the thousands of Cardiff City fans who travel throughout England cheering on their team.
They are being let down. Big time.
More than 1,200 were at Loftus Road for this Coca-Cola Championship match between two poor sides.
And the game had even finished before City finally flared into action - Michael Chopra sent off after the final whistle for a second yellow after confronting Rangers' goalkeeper Lee Camp.
Rangers made sure they would avoid relegation with victory, and were the better side as they completed a league double over Cardiff far more comfortably than the scoreline suggests.
It's now almost five months since City supporters last saw their beloved Bluebirds win away.
It was during November that Cardiff's faithful travellers witnessed the 3-0 win at Stoke City. Since then there's been almost nothing for them to cheer.
City did win 2-1 against Wolves at Molineux, but the home club banned all away supporters.
Those who pay good money to follow their team have travelled to Hull, Leicester, Luton, Spurs, Coventry, West Brom, Birmingham, Southampton, Derby County and Burnley without a win.
The simple truth at Loftus Road yesterday was that Queens Park Rangers wanted the win more than their visitors in the crucial first 30 minutes. Cardiff did improve, but simply could not match Rangers' aggression and intensity in all areas of the pitch.
QPR needed one more win to make sure of safety from relegation. Cardiff's performance was just not good enough to stop them.
City have won away six times this season all early in the season, but no longer look capable of achieving victory on the road.
Manager Dave Jones reshuffled his resources. He was without injured trio Glenn Loovens, Darren Purse and Riccy Scimeca plus suspended Simon Walton.
Winger Paul Parry was left out and City turned to Kerrea Gilbert and Willo Flood to plug the gaps.
Gilbert, on the right, and Chris Gunter were the full-backs with Flood and Joe Ledley filling the wide positions in midfield. Peter Whittingham took up an attacking role alongside Stephen McPhail in the middle.
But it made little difference. Cardiff City were poor, almost non existent as an attacking force in open play.
Defensively they looked frail as Rangers dominated possession and threatened.
They should have gone ahead after seven minutes when Martin Rowlands forced the ball past goalkeeper David Forde and Marc Nygaard, possibly fearing he was offside, opted to allow the ball to run over the line. Roger Johnson dived in and somehow cleared off the line.
Rangers had clear calls for a penalty turned aside when Adam Bolder was brought down before they took the lead on 22 minutes.
Lee Cook whipped in a dangerous cross and Dexter Blackstock got between McNaughton and Ledley to glance the ball home from 12 yards.
It was a well taken goal, but Cardiff should have put far more pressure on Blackstock, who was allowed time and space to head home.
City's performance was no better after the break. Kerrea Gilbert was desperately close to a red card after two late challenges and was quickly replaced by Paul Parry with Ledley dropping to full-back.
Parry set up a chance with a sizzling run and pass, but Chopra was unable to reach the low cross. That run from Parry was a rare moment of danger from Cardiff.
Michael Chopra ran and chased, trying to sniff out a chance, but he needs the service. Both Chopra and City also need a bigger contribution from target man Steve Thompson.
Over their last six Championship matches Cardiff City have earned one point out of 18. That is seriously poor and something that made for yet another dismal trip home.
IC Wales
Wales on Sunday - Chop out 'crazy' stuff - Jones Apr 22 2007
A FRUSTRATED Dave Jones described Michael Chopra's end-of-game sending off as: "Crazy, it was a stupid thing to do.
"Why not just shake hands. I don't care if you like the other bloke or not. Michael Chopra needs to grow up a little.
"The matter will be dealt with internally."
Chopra's dismissal, after a confrontation with QPR goalkeeper Lee Camp, left, means his season has now ended.
He faces a suspension and a big fine and will miss Saturday's home match against Hull City and the trip to Ipswich Town on the final day.
Chopra had been cautioned for a foul after 19 minutes and had conducted a running verbal battle with referee Mark Thorpe and a number of Rangers players.
Near the end, QPR defender Damion Stewart grabbed Chopra by the shoulders and turned him round to look at his number as if to say 'Who are you'.
Then, when the ref blew for time, Camp tried to shake Chopra's hand. The Cardiff man refused and the two went face-to-face.
Chopra was sent off for his second booking and Camp was also cautioned.
Jones described his City team as 'toothless' after the 1-0 defeat.
"We aren't scoring with Michael, so it won't change that much without him," he said.
"He is our main scorer, but the others up there need to take a long, hard look at themselves.
"We were toothless up front against QPR and we need to get better in attack and other areas.
"Certain players need to get better if they are to stay at this football club. And I don't base that just on today." IC Wales
Les Ferdinand Profile - His Love For Newcastle, His Interest in Managing
-
[Wish there was some re QPR, but nice that people at Newcastle feel about Les Ferdinand, in a similar way that people at QPR are do]
Ferdinand's still feeling at home - Apr 21 2007
By Paul Gilder, The Journal
His immediate ambitions might lie in motor racing, but football is still the sport Les Ferdinand knows best. Paul Gilder met the former Gallowgate favourite.
It was lunchtime on Thursday, and from his seat in the lavish first-floor bar at The Malmaison, a relaxed Les Ferdinand surveyed the panoramic scene that stretched out before him through gleaming glass.
Almost a decade has passed since the 40-year departed St James's Park, yet his surroundings were familiar. So vivid are the memories, so fond the thoughts, that looking at Newcastle's Quayside again felt like a homecoming for the likeable Londoner.
"As soon as I cross the Tyne Bridge, it feels like that," explained Ferdinand, who returned to Tyneside to speak at a dinner organised in his honour by the Sports Management Partnership at a football ground he graced for two memorable seasons.
"It's always nice to come back - it brings back such great memories and the people are always so welcoming. I like the warmth and the gratitude and the understanding that, when I was here, I did the best I could. It's nice that people still feel like this about me."
Few players have been more popular than Ferdinand in recent times for good reason. A man renowned for his unassuming nature and good humour scored 50 goals in 84 games for Newcastle, although when he considers his commendable career in the North-East, there are aspects to rue.
"When Alan Shearer was coming to the end last year, he said he had no regrets," said a man who remains close to his one-time team-mate - a colleague in a different sphere these days, with both having decided to lend their expertise to the BBC. "I wish I could say that about my time here, but I can't. The biggest regret in my career is that I didn't stay at Newcastle for longer than I did.
"The time I spent here was the best period in my career, I thoroughly enjoyed playing for the club, and I thoroughly enjoyed being in Newcastle. I had a great time, a great life, a great couple of years. It's just unfortunate that the time was so short."
When Ferdinand joined Tottenham in 1997, he was not alone in his regret. United supporters mourned his departure and whilst it is conjecture, had he spent more than one season in partnership with Shearer, the Gallowgate faithful might not still be awaiting their first silverware since 1969.
The pair were reunited - albeit in a limited fashion - during Shearer's spine-tingling testimonial last summer and the experience reminded Ferdinand that, while honours have proved elusive, passion remains intact on Tyneside.
"People talk about Old Trafford and the Emirates Stadium and both are great grounds but I always tell them `You go and experience St James's Park when it's jumping and you will realise it's a special place'," he said. "For me, it's the best stadium in the world, the best atmosphere and I loved playing there. Everyone supports the club and understands what it's all about. It gets under people's skin.
"I remember coming here with QPR and wondering what it would be like to run out at St James's week in, week out. I was fortunate enough to find out."
Newcastle supporters have had little to shout about this season but as Glenn Roeder's team prepare to host Chelsea, Ferdinand believes that could soon change. "This is where Chelsea's title challenge could end," he said. "I think Newcastle could beat them."
Ferdinand was at St James's Park last season to watch United overcome Jose Mourinho's men and, although broadcasting commitments mean he will be unable to attend tomorrow's match, he will monitor events from afar. Of particular interest will be Roeder's striking selection.
Michael Owen will not feature, although the 27-year-old is nearing full fitness and could make his comeback at Reading on April 30. Having experienced the extent to which Newcastle supporters celebrate goalscorers, Ferdinand knows Owen will be relishing his return, although he has urged caution.
"I just hope people don't expect him to be banging in goals from his first game back," he said. "He might do that. If he does, that's all well and good. But he might need time to readjust to playing in the Premiership, it might take him a while to get back to his best.
"Michael's a goalscorer and that's what he will want to do. He has had a glimpse of what Alan achieved last season and from that he will understand what this club is all about. He will be relishing it. He will understand what it means to be a Newcastle player and to score goals here, and he will be looking forward to it. But I fear for him a bit. People must give him time."
In Owen's absence, Obafemi Martins has shouldered the burden alone. The Nigerian's performances have been mixed, although 17 goals is an encouraging return from a player in his first season in the Premiership.
"I think he struggled to wear the number nine shirt at the beginning," said Ferdinand. "That would be a big burden for any player after what Alan achieved in it, but I think he has got over that. He's a different player to Alan.
"People were used to seeing Alan up there, putting himself about, and Martins is not that player. But he can put the ball in the net from the most amazing positions, and he has scored some amazing goals.
"It has taken people time to realise that and understand it but he has shown what he can do and he's still young. I think he will be a great acquisition."
Like Shearer, Ferdinand is a man with managerial ambitions. He has just completed a League Managers' Association course and is preparing to start his coaching badges. "It's something I'm looking at - I just have to hope I have a name big enough to help me get a job somewhere when the time comes," he said. "I've enjoyed the BBC work and it has kept me involved in football from a distance. I didn't want to jump straight back in. But I'm starting to get the itch again."
The suggestion that a Ferdinand-Shearer double act would be a formidable one brings the trademark smile. Teamwork will be a vital ingredient in Ferdinand's next sporting venture, although football will not feature.
A man addicted to speed - Ferdinand flies helicopters in his spare time - he will take part in next year's Le Mans 24-hour race, driving in a team that will also include John Barnes and Luther Blissett. Team Windrush, the event's first all-black outfit, will commemorate the UK landing of immigrants from Jamaica almost 60 years ago but, although he is relishing the challenge, a man with his sights fixed on a future in football is not planning to make motorsport a new career.
"It will be a challenge, but when you come out of football, that's what you need, you're always looking for challenges," he added. "It's strange when you stop playing. Football has been your life for 20 years or more but it stops and you're twiddling your thumbs and getting under your wife's feet.
"I'm looking forward to it but I'm also looking forward to getting back into football." IC Newcastle
[Wish there was some re QPR, but nice that people at Newcastle feel about Les Ferdinand, in a similar way that people at QPR are do]
Ferdinand's still feeling at home - Apr 21 2007
By Paul Gilder, The Journal
His immediate ambitions might lie in motor racing, but football is still the sport Les Ferdinand knows best. Paul Gilder met the former Gallowgate favourite.
It was lunchtime on Thursday, and from his seat in the lavish first-floor bar at The Malmaison, a relaxed Les Ferdinand surveyed the panoramic scene that stretched out before him through gleaming glass.
Almost a decade has passed since the 40-year departed St James's Park, yet his surroundings were familiar. So vivid are the memories, so fond the thoughts, that looking at Newcastle's Quayside again felt like a homecoming for the likeable Londoner.
"As soon as I cross the Tyne Bridge, it feels like that," explained Ferdinand, who returned to Tyneside to speak at a dinner organised in his honour by the Sports Management Partnership at a football ground he graced for two memorable seasons.
"It's always nice to come back - it brings back such great memories and the people are always so welcoming. I like the warmth and the gratitude and the understanding that, when I was here, I did the best I could. It's nice that people still feel like this about me."
Few players have been more popular than Ferdinand in recent times for good reason. A man renowned for his unassuming nature and good humour scored 50 goals in 84 games for Newcastle, although when he considers his commendable career in the North-East, there are aspects to rue.
"When Alan Shearer was coming to the end last year, he said he had no regrets," said a man who remains close to his one-time team-mate - a colleague in a different sphere these days, with both having decided to lend their expertise to the BBC. "I wish I could say that about my time here, but I can't. The biggest regret in my career is that I didn't stay at Newcastle for longer than I did.
"The time I spent here was the best period in my career, I thoroughly enjoyed playing for the club, and I thoroughly enjoyed being in Newcastle. I had a great time, a great life, a great couple of years. It's just unfortunate that the time was so short."
When Ferdinand joined Tottenham in 1997, he was not alone in his regret. United supporters mourned his departure and whilst it is conjecture, had he spent more than one season in partnership with Shearer, the Gallowgate faithful might not still be awaiting their first silverware since 1969.
The pair were reunited - albeit in a limited fashion - during Shearer's spine-tingling testimonial last summer and the experience reminded Ferdinand that, while honours have proved elusive, passion remains intact on Tyneside.
"People talk about Old Trafford and the Emirates Stadium and both are great grounds but I always tell them `You go and experience St James's Park when it's jumping and you will realise it's a special place'," he said. "For me, it's the best stadium in the world, the best atmosphere and I loved playing there. Everyone supports the club and understands what it's all about. It gets under people's skin.
"I remember coming here with QPR and wondering what it would be like to run out at St James's week in, week out. I was fortunate enough to find out."
Newcastle supporters have had little to shout about this season but as Glenn Roeder's team prepare to host Chelsea, Ferdinand believes that could soon change. "This is where Chelsea's title challenge could end," he said. "I think Newcastle could beat them."
Ferdinand was at St James's Park last season to watch United overcome Jose Mourinho's men and, although broadcasting commitments mean he will be unable to attend tomorrow's match, he will monitor events from afar. Of particular interest will be Roeder's striking selection.
Michael Owen will not feature, although the 27-year-old is nearing full fitness and could make his comeback at Reading on April 30. Having experienced the extent to which Newcastle supporters celebrate goalscorers, Ferdinand knows Owen will be relishing his return, although he has urged caution.
"I just hope people don't expect him to be banging in goals from his first game back," he said. "He might do that. If he does, that's all well and good. But he might need time to readjust to playing in the Premiership, it might take him a while to get back to his best.
"Michael's a goalscorer and that's what he will want to do. He has had a glimpse of what Alan achieved last season and from that he will understand what this club is all about. He will be relishing it. He will understand what it means to be a Newcastle player and to score goals here, and he will be looking forward to it. But I fear for him a bit. People must give him time."
In Owen's absence, Obafemi Martins has shouldered the burden alone. The Nigerian's performances have been mixed, although 17 goals is an encouraging return from a player in his first season in the Premiership.
"I think he struggled to wear the number nine shirt at the beginning," said Ferdinand. "That would be a big burden for any player after what Alan achieved in it, but I think he has got over that. He's a different player to Alan.
"People were used to seeing Alan up there, putting himself about, and Martins is not that player. But he can put the ball in the net from the most amazing positions, and he has scored some amazing goals.
"It has taken people time to realise that and understand it but he has shown what he can do and he's still young. I think he will be a great acquisition."
Like Shearer, Ferdinand is a man with managerial ambitions. He has just completed a League Managers' Association course and is preparing to start his coaching badges. "It's something I'm looking at - I just have to hope I have a name big enough to help me get a job somewhere when the time comes," he said. "I've enjoyed the BBC work and it has kept me involved in football from a distance. I didn't want to jump straight back in. But I'm starting to get the itch again."
The suggestion that a Ferdinand-Shearer double act would be a formidable one brings the trademark smile. Teamwork will be a vital ingredient in Ferdinand's next sporting venture, although football will not feature.
A man addicted to speed - Ferdinand flies helicopters in his spare time - he will take part in next year's Le Mans 24-hour race, driving in a team that will also include John Barnes and Luther Blissett. Team Windrush, the event's first all-black outfit, will commemorate the UK landing of immigrants from Jamaica almost 60 years ago but, although he is relishing the challenge, a man with his sights fixed on a future in football is not planning to make motorsport a new career.
"It will be a challenge, but when you come out of football, that's what you need, you're always looking for challenges," he added. "It's strange when you stop playing. Football has been your life for 20 years or more but it stops and you're twiddling your thumbs and getting under your wife's feet.
"I'm looking forward to it but I'm also looking forward to getting back into football." IC Newcastle
How Various Ex-QPR's Did Yesterday
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Jamie Cureton got the third goal for amazing Colchester in their 3-1 win at home to Sunderland. Cureton is now the Division's leading goalscorer with 23 goals (chopra with 22 - and he got sent off Saturday...) Team
Danny Shittu came on in the 82 minute for Watford who drew 1-1 and thus are now relegated (meaning QPR won't get the reported 500,000 pounds "Watford staying up" bonus). Clarke Carlisle played the entire game. - Team
Peter Crouch played for the First hour in Liverpool's 2-0 win versus Wigan. Team
Kevin Gallen came on as late substitute for Ian Holloway's Plymouth and made the injury time goal for Barry Hayles. Team
Matt Rose and Terell Forbes oplayed in Yeovil's 2-1 win against Rotherham (who had Justin Cochrane playing for them). Rose went off after 42 minutes.
Team
Dean Wilkins' Brighton lost 2-1 to Swansea. Zesh Rehman played the entire game. Nick Ward came on in the 65th minute. Team
Ian Evatt played in Blackpool's 2-1 win at Cheltenham. Marcus Bean was not in the 16. Team
At Bradford, Richard Edghill (who was in last week's "Team of the Week")played but the team lost at home to Orient and are in big relegation trouble. Team
Simon Royce played in Gillingham's 3-2 win against (almost Gianni Paladi's) Port Vale. Team
Chris Day remained on the bench as Millwall lost 4-2 Huddersfield Team
Martin Allen's MK Dons won 2-1 at Stockport. Bankole in goal. No Harper on the Bench
Team
On Loan Sean Thomas, was out with a back injury, so wasn't in the Bristol City 16. Bristol City have just signed another goalie on loan: Everton's John Ruddy Team
Barnet lost 5-0 to Grimsby. Richard Graham on the bench. Team
And Wycombe with Tommy Doherty out for the season, lost 3-2 at Darlington. Team
NON LEAGUE
Dennis Oli played for Grays Athletic in their 0-0 draw against Tony Scully's Crawley - Team
Tony Roberts in Dagenham's 1-1 draw versus Weymouth - Team
Jamie Cureton got the third goal for amazing Colchester in their 3-1 win at home to Sunderland. Cureton is now the Division's leading goalscorer with 23 goals (chopra with 22 - and he got sent off Saturday...) Team
Danny Shittu came on in the 82 minute for Watford who drew 1-1 and thus are now relegated (meaning QPR won't get the reported 500,000 pounds "Watford staying up" bonus). Clarke Carlisle played the entire game. - Team
Peter Crouch played for the First hour in Liverpool's 2-0 win versus Wigan. Team
Kevin Gallen came on as late substitute for Ian Holloway's Plymouth and made the injury time goal for Barry Hayles. Team
Matt Rose and Terell Forbes oplayed in Yeovil's 2-1 win against Rotherham (who had Justin Cochrane playing for them). Rose went off after 42 minutes.
Team
Dean Wilkins' Brighton lost 2-1 to Swansea. Zesh Rehman played the entire game. Nick Ward came on in the 65th minute. Team
Ian Evatt played in Blackpool's 2-1 win at Cheltenham. Marcus Bean was not in the 16. Team
At Bradford, Richard Edghill (who was in last week's "Team of the Week")played but the team lost at home to Orient and are in big relegation trouble. Team
Simon Royce played in Gillingham's 3-2 win against (almost Gianni Paladi's) Port Vale. Team
Chris Day remained on the bench as Millwall lost 4-2 Huddersfield Team
Martin Allen's MK Dons won 2-1 at Stockport. Bankole in goal. No Harper on the Bench
Team
On Loan Sean Thomas, was out with a back injury, so wasn't in the Bristol City 16. Bristol City have just signed another goalie on loan: Everton's John Ruddy Team
Barnet lost 5-0 to Grimsby. Richard Graham on the bench. Team
And Wycombe with Tommy Doherty out for the season, lost 3-2 at Darlington. Team
NON LEAGUE
Dennis Oli played for Grays Athletic in their 0-0 draw against Tony Scully's Crawley - Team
Tony Roberts in Dagenham's 1-1 draw versus Weymouth - Team
Saturday, April 21, 2007
QPR's Manager John Gregory's Post Match Comments
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"...Jones sees red at Chopra dismissalApr 21 2007 - icWales
"...QPR manager John Gregory paid tribute to his players after a 1-0 victory over Cardiff ensured their survival in the Coca-Cola Championship.
Dexter Blackstock’s first-half header from Lee Cook’s cross gave Rangers their fourth win in five matches.
It ended any lingering fears of relegation, while Cardiff’s play-off hopes are now all but over.
“The players at QPR have been under pressure from the very first game – since before I came here,” said Gregory.
“They’ve constantly been trying to get out of the relegation zone and have shown unbelievable character, determination, courage and resolve.
“More than anything, a spirit in the dressing room is what has got us out of trouble.
" am absolutely delighted for everyone at this football club. I just want to celebrate now and I want there to be a real party atmosphere for the last game of te season against Stoke.
“Celebrating not being relegated might seem strange to people on the outside but this club has been through so much in the last year or so.”
Gregory hailed the impact of the players he has signed since taking over from Gary Waddock in September, when Rangers were bottom of the table and seemingly heading into League One.
Gregory said: “The day we signed Danny Cullip was the day this club started moving forward. The likes of Adam Bolder and Lee Camp have also been absolutely magnificent.
“We had too many losers at this club but we’ve got them off our backs and the lads who stayed here have been tremendous.” - IC Wales
QPR Official Site - JG Speaks
TEAR JERKER
An emotional John Gregory was close to tears as the reality of Championship safety finally hit home.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk after the R's 1-0 victory against Cardiff City, the Rangers gaffer waxed lyrical about his players.
"There were a lot of negative moments throughout the season, but the lads have been first class.
"It's been really hard work and I'm absolutely knackered, but it's all been worthwhile.
"The drive, commitment, passion and team spirit amongst this group of players is something else - I've never known anything like it in all my time in football.''
Gregory added: "Two wins and two clean sheets against a Cardiff side with one of the best striker's in the division is an outstanding feat.''
The R's gaffer paid a special tribute to Danny Cullip, who despite missing the Bluebirds' fixture with a groin injury, was heralded as the major reason for the R's staying up.
"The day we signed Danny Cullip was the day everyone believed we could stay up.
"His impact since he arrived at the Football Club has been quite amazing. He's a first-class professional and he's had a real galvanising effect.
"They all deserve credit though, from the lads I've signed to the one's I've inherited.''
QPR
"...Jones sees red at Chopra dismissalApr 21 2007 - icWales
"...QPR manager John Gregory paid tribute to his players after a 1-0 victory over Cardiff ensured their survival in the Coca-Cola Championship.
Dexter Blackstock’s first-half header from Lee Cook’s cross gave Rangers their fourth win in five matches.
It ended any lingering fears of relegation, while Cardiff’s play-off hopes are now all but over.
“The players at QPR have been under pressure from the very first game – since before I came here,” said Gregory.
“They’ve constantly been trying to get out of the relegation zone and have shown unbelievable character, determination, courage and resolve.
“More than anything, a spirit in the dressing room is what has got us out of trouble.
" am absolutely delighted for everyone at this football club. I just want to celebrate now and I want there to be a real party atmosphere for the last game of te season against Stoke.
“Celebrating not being relegated might seem strange to people on the outside but this club has been through so much in the last year or so.”
Gregory hailed the impact of the players he has signed since taking over from Gary Waddock in September, when Rangers were bottom of the table and seemingly heading into League One.
Gregory said: “The day we signed Danny Cullip was the day this club started moving forward. The likes of Adam Bolder and Lee Camp have also been absolutely magnificent.
“We had too many losers at this club but we’ve got them off our backs and the lads who stayed here have been tremendous.” - IC Wales
QPR Official Site - JG Speaks
TEAR JERKER
An emotional John Gregory was close to tears as the reality of Championship safety finally hit home.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk after the R's 1-0 victory against Cardiff City, the Rangers gaffer waxed lyrical about his players.
"There were a lot of negative moments throughout the season, but the lads have been first class.
"It's been really hard work and I'm absolutely knackered, but it's all been worthwhile.
"The drive, commitment, passion and team spirit amongst this group of players is something else - I've never known anything like it in all my time in football.''
Gregory added: "Two wins and two clean sheets against a Cardiff side with one of the best striker's in the division is an outstanding feat.''
The R's gaffer paid a special tribute to Danny Cullip, who despite missing the Bluebirds' fixture with a groin injury, was heralded as the major reason for the R's staying up.
"The day we signed Danny Cullip was the day everyone believed we could stay up.
"His impact since he arrived at the Football Club has been quite amazing. He's a first-class professional and he's had a real galvanising effect.
"They all deserve credit though, from the lads I've signed to the one's I've inherited.''
QPR
QPR Beat Cardiff and Guarantee Championship Football Next Season
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QPR Beat Cardiff 1-0 (Blackstock)...
SPORTING LIFE LEAGUE TABLE
Coventry 44 53 -15 45 1-2 FT v Sheff Wed
QPR 44 52 -12 53 1-0 FT v Cardiff
Leicester 44 50 -13 47 1-0 FT v Preston
Barnsley 44 50 -24 53 2-0 FT v Crystal Palace
Hull 44 46 -16 49 1-1 FT v Stoke
Leeds 44 45 -24 45 0-1 FT v Southampton
Southend 44 42 -28 45 1-2 FT v Plymouth
Luton 44 37 -25 50
League Table
QPR OFFICIAL SITE MATCH REPORT
Rangers guaranteed their Championship status thanks to Dexter Blackstock's first half header.
The golden-boy of the Loftus Road terraces nodded home his 14th goal of the season in the 23rd minute, as John Gregory's men picked up their fourth win in five outings.
The victory, coupled with Leeds United failing to win on their travels, confirmed Rangers' place in the second tier of English football for another season.
In a first period dominated by the hosts, Blackstock went one step closer to reaching his goals target for the season when he leapt above a static Cardiff defence to head home Lee Cook's centre.
The Bluebirds improved after the break, but victory was no less than the R's deserved and with other results going in their favour, the party was just starting at W12.
Gregory welcomed back Cook to the starting XI, with Jimmy Smith making way.
Inspirational defender Danny Cullip missed out with a groin injury, so Pat Kanyuka was handed a rare start at the heart of the R's defence.
Top-scorer Michael Chopra led the Bluebirds frontline and it was he who created the first opportunity of the afternoon inside the opening 60 seconds.
After Adam Bolder sent the Cardiff striker sprawling to ground, the former Newcastle player curled a sublime 25-yard free-kick inches wide of Lee Camp's left hand post, with the keeper seemingly beaten all ends up.
Play soon switched to the other end and after the ball ricocheted into the path of Steve Lomas, his six-yard effort was somehow kept out by the covering Roger Johnson.
Marc Nygaard seemed to destined to pounce from close range, but a moments hesitancy from the Danish front-man proved costly and chance was gone.
After a somewhat nervy opening, the R's were enjoying the lion's share of possession and when Nygaard flicked on into the path of Dexter Blackstock, the R's top-scorer kicked at thin air from eight-yards.
The pressure was relentless and when Bolder's rampaging raid into the penalty area ended with him going to ground under Stephen McPhail's challenge, the home crowd were convinced referee Mr Thorpe would award a spot-kick.
Unbelievably, the decision was not forthcoming, much to the angst of Bolder and midfield partner Lomas, who immediately ran to the match official voicing their disappointment.
Cardiff custodian David Forde was being forced to work overtime, tipping Kevin McNaughton's ill-timed deflection around the post in the 14th minute.
Rangers were encamped in the Cardiff half and the frustrations clearly got the better of Chopra, who picked up a 19th minute booking for a late lunge on Bolder.
The breakthrough the R's fast start fully warranted arrived midway through the half.
True to form this season, Cook provided the all-important assist, flighting an inviting in-swinging ball into the heart of the six-yard box, which Blackstock headed home in style.
It was no less than the hosts deserved and the fact the returning Cook - missing for the previous three matches with a knee injury - played a part, only served to underline his importance to the R's side.
In a tactical switch by Gregory, Cook and Martin Rowlands swapped flanks and when the former sent Nygaard through down the right channel, only an untimely slip prevented the R's from creating yet another opportunity.
The change was only a temporary one though, with the two players reverting to their regular wide berths as the half neared a conclusion.
The R's nearly paid the ultimate price for switching off on the stroke of half-time though, when Willo Flood's cut-back from a quickly taken free-kick flashed across the six-yard box and beyond the outstretched boot of the on-rushing Steven Thompson.
The Bluebirds made a promising start to the second half, with the otherwise quiet Chopra firing a volley straight at Camp from 18-yards, before Joe Ledley's effort from an acute angle was hacked to safety by Damion Stewart.
With the sun beating down on Loftus Road, Cardiff full-back Kerrea Gilbert was lucky not to pick up a second booking in as many minutes for a late lunge on Nygaard.
He soon made way for Paul Parry and from their very next attack, Sampsa Timoska and Marcus Bignot combined to thwart the substitute from close range.
If the R's were by far the better team in the first half, the same could not be said in the second period. Yet despite enjoying the majority of possession, time and time again Cardiff failed to breach a resilient Rangers rearguard, who shone despite the absence of regulars Cullip and Michael Mancienne.
A flurry of late bookings failed to take the shine off the R's performance and with results from elsewhere filtering through, the atmosphere at full-time reached fever pitch.
QPR: Camp, Bignot, Bolder, Rowlands (Smith 70), Lomas, Cook, Kanyuka, Stewart, Timoska, Nygaard, Blackstock (Furlong 83).
Subs: Cole, Milanese, Bailey.
Scorers: Blackstock 22
Bookings: Bolder 67, Bignot 87, Cook 90
Red Cards:
Cardiff City: Forde, Gilbert (Parry 56), McNaughton, Whittingham, Chopra, Thompson (Feeney 71), McPhail, Johnson, Flood (Blake 74), Ledley, Gunter.
Subs: Alexander, Green.
Scorers:
Bookings: Chopra 19, Gilbert 53, Ledley 90
Red Cards:
Referee: Mr M Thorpe
Attendance: 12, 710
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
SPORTING LIFE
QPR v Cardiff
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Dexter Blackstock handed QPR a half-time lead over Cardiff as John Gregory's side went in search of their third straight home win in the Coca-Cola Championship.
Rangers dominated the opening period at Loftus Road against a City side now well adrift of the play-off pack after enduring a six-game winless streak.
Blackstock headed the opener midway through the first half as Rangers looked set to extend their recent renaissance.
Lee Cook returned to the QPR starting line-up after recovering from a medial knee ligament problem while Cardiff were still without the suspended Simon Walton and Ricardo Scimeca, who is waiting to find out whether his season is over following a recurrence of groin and stomach problems.
The Hoops have found some level of consistency at precisely the right time to ease clear of the drop zone and appeared determined to build on back-to-back home wins over Preston and Luton in the opening stages.
The evergreen Steve Lomas fired goalward from close range in the sixth minute but Roger Johnson was on hand to punt the ball away to safety while Patrick Kanyuka steered a tame header over from the edge of the penalty area five minutes later as the hosts pushed for an opener.
A fine save from City goalkeeper David Forde denied Blackstock's rasping 12-yard drive shortly and Adam Bolder blazed wide from distance before the home side deservedly opened the scoring with 23 minutes gone.
Cook made in-roads down the right flank and whipped in a cross which Blackstock rose powerfully to meet and head high past Forde to take his tally for the season to 14 goals in all competitions.
The former Southampton striker, signed by Rangers for £275,000 last August, has now scored five goals in his last six games and City struggled to deal with his trademark pace and power.
Peter Whittingham created Cardiff's only noteworthy chance of the half but he failed to trouble goalkeeper Lee Camp from 25 yards. Sporting Life
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - PRE-MATCH COOK RETURNS
After a three match absence due to injury, Lee Cook returns to the R's starting XI for the crucial clash with Cardiff City.
The R's wing-wizard was forced from the fray with a knee injury against Preston North End on April 3rd, but having come through a full week's training unscathed, he takes his place on the left hand side of the Hoops midfield.
Martin Rowlands, Adam Bolder and Steve Lomas complete the midfield quartet, while top-scorer Dexter Blackstock is joined in attack by Marc Nygaard.
Lee Camp starts in goal for the R's, behind a back four minus the inspirational Danny Cullip. The former Nottingham Forest defender misses out with a groin injury and is replaced by Pat Kanyuka.
Club Captain Marcus Bignot lines up at left back, in a back four which also includes Sampsa Timoska and Damion Stewart.
In a late change to the advertised match officials, Mick Thorpe replaces Uriah Rennie.
QPR: Camp, Bignot, Bolder, Rowlands, Lomas, Cook, Kanyuka, Stewart, Timoska, Nygaard, Blackstock.
Subs: Cole, Milanese, Bailey, Furlong, Smith.
Cardiff City: Forde, Gilbert, McNaughton, Whittingham, Chopra, Thompson, McPhail, Johnson, Flood, Ledley, Gunter.
Subs: Alexander, Parry, Green, Feeney, Blake.
Starting Line Up
QPR Beat Cardiff 1-0 (Blackstock)...
SPORTING LIFE LEAGUE TABLE
Coventry 44 53 -15 45 1-2 FT v Sheff Wed
QPR 44 52 -12 53 1-0 FT v Cardiff
Leicester 44 50 -13 47 1-0 FT v Preston
Barnsley 44 50 -24 53 2-0 FT v Crystal Palace
Hull 44 46 -16 49 1-1 FT v Stoke
Leeds 44 45 -24 45 0-1 FT v Southampton
Southend 44 42 -28 45 1-2 FT v Plymouth
Luton 44 37 -25 50
League Table
QPR OFFICIAL SITE MATCH REPORT
Rangers guaranteed their Championship status thanks to Dexter Blackstock's first half header.
The golden-boy of the Loftus Road terraces nodded home his 14th goal of the season in the 23rd minute, as John Gregory's men picked up their fourth win in five outings.
The victory, coupled with Leeds United failing to win on their travels, confirmed Rangers' place in the second tier of English football for another season.
In a first period dominated by the hosts, Blackstock went one step closer to reaching his goals target for the season when he leapt above a static Cardiff defence to head home Lee Cook's centre.
The Bluebirds improved after the break, but victory was no less than the R's deserved and with other results going in their favour, the party was just starting at W12.
Gregory welcomed back Cook to the starting XI, with Jimmy Smith making way.
Inspirational defender Danny Cullip missed out with a groin injury, so Pat Kanyuka was handed a rare start at the heart of the R's defence.
Top-scorer Michael Chopra led the Bluebirds frontline and it was he who created the first opportunity of the afternoon inside the opening 60 seconds.
After Adam Bolder sent the Cardiff striker sprawling to ground, the former Newcastle player curled a sublime 25-yard free-kick inches wide of Lee Camp's left hand post, with the keeper seemingly beaten all ends up.
Play soon switched to the other end and after the ball ricocheted into the path of Steve Lomas, his six-yard effort was somehow kept out by the covering Roger Johnson.
Marc Nygaard seemed to destined to pounce from close range, but a moments hesitancy from the Danish front-man proved costly and chance was gone.
After a somewhat nervy opening, the R's were enjoying the lion's share of possession and when Nygaard flicked on into the path of Dexter Blackstock, the R's top-scorer kicked at thin air from eight-yards.
The pressure was relentless and when Bolder's rampaging raid into the penalty area ended with him going to ground under Stephen McPhail's challenge, the home crowd were convinced referee Mr Thorpe would award a spot-kick.
Unbelievably, the decision was not forthcoming, much to the angst of Bolder and midfield partner Lomas, who immediately ran to the match official voicing their disappointment.
Cardiff custodian David Forde was being forced to work overtime, tipping Kevin McNaughton's ill-timed deflection around the post in the 14th minute.
Rangers were encamped in the Cardiff half and the frustrations clearly got the better of Chopra, who picked up a 19th minute booking for a late lunge on Bolder.
The breakthrough the R's fast start fully warranted arrived midway through the half.
True to form this season, Cook provided the all-important assist, flighting an inviting in-swinging ball into the heart of the six-yard box, which Blackstock headed home in style.
It was no less than the hosts deserved and the fact the returning Cook - missing for the previous three matches with a knee injury - played a part, only served to underline his importance to the R's side.
In a tactical switch by Gregory, Cook and Martin Rowlands swapped flanks and when the former sent Nygaard through down the right channel, only an untimely slip prevented the R's from creating yet another opportunity.
The change was only a temporary one though, with the two players reverting to their regular wide berths as the half neared a conclusion.
The R's nearly paid the ultimate price for switching off on the stroke of half-time though, when Willo Flood's cut-back from a quickly taken free-kick flashed across the six-yard box and beyond the outstretched boot of the on-rushing Steven Thompson.
The Bluebirds made a promising start to the second half, with the otherwise quiet Chopra firing a volley straight at Camp from 18-yards, before Joe Ledley's effort from an acute angle was hacked to safety by Damion Stewart.
With the sun beating down on Loftus Road, Cardiff full-back Kerrea Gilbert was lucky not to pick up a second booking in as many minutes for a late lunge on Nygaard.
He soon made way for Paul Parry and from their very next attack, Sampsa Timoska and Marcus Bignot combined to thwart the substitute from close range.
If the R's were by far the better team in the first half, the same could not be said in the second period. Yet despite enjoying the majority of possession, time and time again Cardiff failed to breach a resilient Rangers rearguard, who shone despite the absence of regulars Cullip and Michael Mancienne.
A flurry of late bookings failed to take the shine off the R's performance and with results from elsewhere filtering through, the atmosphere at full-time reached fever pitch.
QPR: Camp, Bignot, Bolder, Rowlands (Smith 70), Lomas, Cook, Kanyuka, Stewart, Timoska, Nygaard, Blackstock (Furlong 83).
Subs: Cole, Milanese, Bailey.
Scorers: Blackstock 22
Bookings: Bolder 67, Bignot 87, Cook 90
Red Cards:
Cardiff City: Forde, Gilbert (Parry 56), McNaughton, Whittingham, Chopra, Thompson (Feeney 71), McPhail, Johnson, Flood (Blake 74), Ledley, Gunter.
Subs: Alexander, Green.
Scorers:
Bookings: Chopra 19, Gilbert 53, Ledley 90
Red Cards:
Referee: Mr M Thorpe
Attendance: 12, 710
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
SPORTING LIFE
QPR v Cardiff
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Dexter Blackstock handed QPR a half-time lead over Cardiff as John Gregory's side went in search of their third straight home win in the Coca-Cola Championship.
Rangers dominated the opening period at Loftus Road against a City side now well adrift of the play-off pack after enduring a six-game winless streak.
Blackstock headed the opener midway through the first half as Rangers looked set to extend their recent renaissance.
Lee Cook returned to the QPR starting line-up after recovering from a medial knee ligament problem while Cardiff were still without the suspended Simon Walton and Ricardo Scimeca, who is waiting to find out whether his season is over following a recurrence of groin and stomach problems.
The Hoops have found some level of consistency at precisely the right time to ease clear of the drop zone and appeared determined to build on back-to-back home wins over Preston and Luton in the opening stages.
The evergreen Steve Lomas fired goalward from close range in the sixth minute but Roger Johnson was on hand to punt the ball away to safety while Patrick Kanyuka steered a tame header over from the edge of the penalty area five minutes later as the hosts pushed for an opener.
A fine save from City goalkeeper David Forde denied Blackstock's rasping 12-yard drive shortly and Adam Bolder blazed wide from distance before the home side deservedly opened the scoring with 23 minutes gone.
Cook made in-roads down the right flank and whipped in a cross which Blackstock rose powerfully to meet and head high past Forde to take his tally for the season to 14 goals in all competitions.
The former Southampton striker, signed by Rangers for £275,000 last August, has now scored five goals in his last six games and City struggled to deal with his trademark pace and power.
Peter Whittingham created Cardiff's only noteworthy chance of the half but he failed to trouble goalkeeper Lee Camp from 25 yards. Sporting Life
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - PRE-MATCH COOK RETURNS
After a three match absence due to injury, Lee Cook returns to the R's starting XI for the crucial clash with Cardiff City.
The R's wing-wizard was forced from the fray with a knee injury against Preston North End on April 3rd, but having come through a full week's training unscathed, he takes his place on the left hand side of the Hoops midfield.
Martin Rowlands, Adam Bolder and Steve Lomas complete the midfield quartet, while top-scorer Dexter Blackstock is joined in attack by Marc Nygaard.
Lee Camp starts in goal for the R's, behind a back four minus the inspirational Danny Cullip. The former Nottingham Forest defender misses out with a groin injury and is replaced by Pat Kanyuka.
Club Captain Marcus Bignot lines up at left back, in a back four which also includes Sampsa Timoska and Damion Stewart.
In a late change to the advertised match officials, Mick Thorpe replaces Uriah Rennie.
QPR: Camp, Bignot, Bolder, Rowlands, Lomas, Cook, Kanyuka, Stewart, Timoska, Nygaard, Blackstock.
Subs: Cole, Milanese, Bailey, Furlong, Smith.
Cardiff City: Forde, Gilbert, McNaughton, Whittingham, Chopra, Thompson, McPhail, Johnson, Flood, Ledley, Gunter.
Subs: Alexander, Parry, Green, Feeney, Blake.
Starting Line Up
Cardiff vs QPR - Cardiff Views & Preparations
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CHANGE OF REFEREE - Cardiff Official Site
CHANGE OF REF
Queens Park Rangers v Cardiff City has seen a change of referee with Uri Rennie stepping down and now Mick Thorpe will take control.
Thorpe from Suffolk like Uri will be in charge of the Bluebirds for the first time this season. Spookily enough the last game he officiated with us was a 1-0 defeat to yes you guessed it QPR in December of 2005 with Marc Nygard getting the winner.
The last game Mick took control of was at Selhurst Park where Crystal Palace drew 2-2 with Wolves. The man in black produced three yellow cards and 1 red card with Mark Little getting an early bath - Cardiff
Forde: I'll be staying Ninian No 1 Apr 21 2007
Steve Tucker, Western Mail
CARDIFF CITY goalkeepers Neil Alexander and David Forde played a round of golf together recently.
It was Alexander who took the win, but that is the only thing he will be taking off the Irishman for now, with Forde insisting the Bluebirds' No 1 jersey is most certainly not up for grabs.
Forde, who joined Cardiff from Derry City in January, has now established himself as first choice for the Bluebirds after Alexander failed to agree a new contract at Ninian Park and made it clear he was set to move on this summer.
But, despite having supplanted Alexander in the side, Forde insists there is no friction between the pair.
"Myself and Neil get on fine. He's spot on and there's no animosity between us at all," said 27-year-old Forde.
"Obviously I'm delighted to get in the first team. When I first arrived at the club that was my aim, and I didn't expect it to happen so quickly.
"I thought I wouldn't get my chance until next season, but it's been great already to have played four games for the club.
"To get the last few games of the season also gives me that headstart over any one who comes in over the summer."
It has been a tough start for Forde in the first team, with the Bluebirds picking up a draw and two defeats in their last three outings while shipping five goals.
It has all contrived to sink City to 11th position with the play-offs all but out of reach following a season which promised much.
"Of course there's disappointment amongst the lads. To think we were so close, but yet so far," said Forde. "But they are still reasonably confident of finishing the season quite high."
And Forde is still not ruling anything out as Cardiff go into their last three fixtures.
Forde added, "We've still got a chance. If we can get a result against QPR and other results go our way, then we'll still have two games left after that.
"The lads still want it, particularly after recent results didn't go our way. We want to win the last few games.
"My season has just started now a couple of weeks ago. I want to end the season on a high and that means keeping a clean sheet against QPR and helping the side get a win."
Cardiff manger Dave Jones admitted he has not been following today's opponents too closely.
"I haven't taken much interest in whether QPR are safe or not. I've been totally wrapped up in what's been going on at Cardiff City," said Jones, whose side have not won in six games.
"I know they've lost a couple of players, the loan players have gone back. I'm sure John Gregory will want to get them as safe as he can without going to the last game. So it's going to be a tough one, as they always are. I've not come across one easy game yet."
Ahead of today's fixture Jones insists his players are in good spirits, although injuries mean he will need to rejig the side which drew 1-1 with Stoke at Ninian Park last time out.
Skipper Darren Purse looks set to miss out after aggravating a calf injury. Midfielder Riccy Scimeca could still be absent with a groin problem, while Glenn Loovens may not play another game this season as his foot problem drags on.
It means Kevin McNaughton could move to the centre of defence, with Welsh international Joe Ledley dropping to full-back after two games in midfield.
Teenager Chris Gunter should slot in at right-back while Willo Flood may get a start in midfield.
"The lads are in good fettle, obviously a bit disappointed, but you have to keep going right to the death," said Jones.
"It doesn't matter if you mathematically can do it or mathematically you can't do it. They get paid to do this and are professionals.
"Training's been going fine. It's been going well, everyone at this football club wants to do well. The season's not over yet.
"But, if we do fall short, it just means we're not quite ready for it this season. It means that next year we have to be stronger."
This week has been filled with speculation over which players will face the axe at Ninian Park after Jones admitted he was considering a major culling of his squad over the summer.
The Bluebirds' boss said he would use the next three games to take time to consider his options.
"Everyone has their opinions on who should stay and who should go, but we'll wait until the end of the season and assess the areas where we think we can get stronger," added Jones.
"We'll see what we can do differently and how we can become better, that's how any club grows.
"There's people out of contract who will be moving on who are now being watched by other clubs so they'll be performing.
"The people who've got contracts here who think they are safe still have to perform.
"To be not performing now shows lack of character, so why would you want them in the club? Every body is playing for their futures at this club."
QPR v Cardiff City - your at-a-glance guide
QPR: Probable: Camp, Bignot, Cullip, Stewart, Timoska, Bolder, Rowlands, Lomas, Moore, Blackstock, Smith. Subs: Cole, Nygaard, Kanyuka, Idiakez, Furlong.
Player to watch - Dexter Blackstock: One of the few players finding the net regularly for Rangers this season, with 13 strikes to his name so far.
Cardiff City: Possible: Forde, Gunter, Johnson, McNaughton, Ledley, Parry, Flood, McPhail, Whittingham, Chopra, Thompson. Subs: Feeney, Alexander, Blake, Gilbert, Green.
Player to watch - Michael Chopra: Can the 22-goal striker end the season as the Championship's top-scorer? You wouldn't bet against it.
Referee: Uriah Rennie (Yorkshire).
Form guide: QPR have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six at Loftus Road. Cardiff have lost four and drawn two of their last six aways.
Bookies' odds: QPR 6-5, Cardiff 7-4, draw 9-4 (Ladbrokes).
Steve Tucker's verdict: Rangers will want another win to ensure safety, while Cardiff will want to salvage some pride. 2-2 draw. IC Wales
Rangers can relax - Apr 20 2007
Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo
The feeling among QPR players is that one win will secure safety from relegation.
In reality, though, they are probably safe already.
Rangers are a team who blow hot and cold.
John Gregory, pictured, has made big changes since being appointed manager in late September.
Only three players from back then are still first team regulars - Dexter Blackstock, Paul Furlong and Damian Stewart.
Gregory has already been offered a new contract and will be staying in charge next season.
Stories that Chris Coleman, having been axed by Fulham, would take over at QPR next season were always way off the mark.
Another story which the nationals used extensively was that Sam Hammam was buying into QPR.
It's true Rangers need cash, but that rumour started when Hammam was spotted in the directors' box at a game.
The truth of that one is that Hammam lives close to Loftus Road and asked if he could pop along.
The chairman, Gianna Paladini, welcomed Hammam along for the one game. No more. IC Wales
CARDIFF OFFICIAL SITE
Stephen McPhail is looking to see Cardiff build on their last game against Stoke, both in terms of the result and the performance at QPR this Saturday.
"Last weekend was disappointing," he admitted. "The result didn't go our way but I thought we played a lot better than they did. We tried to play our best football, but there were chances we could have taken to get the three points."
After missing a few vital chances in the game, Cardiff's saving grace was perhaps down to a near miss by Stoke, a point echoed by the playmaker who said, "We had a lot of chances, a lot of possession, and a lot of crosses.They just didn't seem to be going in.When Stoke missed, we were chasing the game at that stage. That miss gave us a chance to get back in the game and luckily Chops was there to step up."
Although the play-offs have been written off by many, Cardiff are not ruled out completely. Dave Jones and the lads are still in it, but it's going to be a tall order with more than a few favours required. McPhail continued, "Its six points now, which as you said is a big ask with only three games to go; but as long as we've got a chance we'll keep going and try and do it."
After a recent drought in goal scoring, Chopra's last minute goal put an end to this.As well as this, Cardiff have made a much deserved comeback after being thought of as dead and buried.
He said, "Chop's got back into goal scoring last Saturday and hopefully can keep going from here and get a few more. It was disappointing to not take all three points last weekend, but Dave was happy with the way we approached the game, especially the second half, where we put it to them and showed our character.
"Of course, the test of character continues at QPR this Saturday as the lads all want to end the season as strong as possible. We all know that the worst thing in the world would be to find out we could have made it with three wins as teams above us messed up.
"On top of that it's a case of being professional and showing everyone that our minds are on the job until the last minute of the last game. We'll want to go out with a bang no matter what happens around us - CArdiff
CHANGE OF REFEREE - Cardiff Official Site
CHANGE OF REF
Queens Park Rangers v Cardiff City has seen a change of referee with Uri Rennie stepping down and now Mick Thorpe will take control.
Thorpe from Suffolk like Uri will be in charge of the Bluebirds for the first time this season. Spookily enough the last game he officiated with us was a 1-0 defeat to yes you guessed it QPR in December of 2005 with Marc Nygard getting the winner.
The last game Mick took control of was at Selhurst Park where Crystal Palace drew 2-2 with Wolves. The man in black produced three yellow cards and 1 red card with Mark Little getting an early bath - Cardiff
Forde: I'll be staying Ninian No 1 Apr 21 2007
Steve Tucker, Western Mail
CARDIFF CITY goalkeepers Neil Alexander and David Forde played a round of golf together recently.
It was Alexander who took the win, but that is the only thing he will be taking off the Irishman for now, with Forde insisting the Bluebirds' No 1 jersey is most certainly not up for grabs.
Forde, who joined Cardiff from Derry City in January, has now established himself as first choice for the Bluebirds after Alexander failed to agree a new contract at Ninian Park and made it clear he was set to move on this summer.
But, despite having supplanted Alexander in the side, Forde insists there is no friction between the pair.
"Myself and Neil get on fine. He's spot on and there's no animosity between us at all," said 27-year-old Forde.
"Obviously I'm delighted to get in the first team. When I first arrived at the club that was my aim, and I didn't expect it to happen so quickly.
"I thought I wouldn't get my chance until next season, but it's been great already to have played four games for the club.
"To get the last few games of the season also gives me that headstart over any one who comes in over the summer."
It has been a tough start for Forde in the first team, with the Bluebirds picking up a draw and two defeats in their last three outings while shipping five goals.
It has all contrived to sink City to 11th position with the play-offs all but out of reach following a season which promised much.
"Of course there's disappointment amongst the lads. To think we were so close, but yet so far," said Forde. "But they are still reasonably confident of finishing the season quite high."
And Forde is still not ruling anything out as Cardiff go into their last three fixtures.
Forde added, "We've still got a chance. If we can get a result against QPR and other results go our way, then we'll still have two games left after that.
"The lads still want it, particularly after recent results didn't go our way. We want to win the last few games.
"My season has just started now a couple of weeks ago. I want to end the season on a high and that means keeping a clean sheet against QPR and helping the side get a win."
Cardiff manger Dave Jones admitted he has not been following today's opponents too closely.
"I haven't taken much interest in whether QPR are safe or not. I've been totally wrapped up in what's been going on at Cardiff City," said Jones, whose side have not won in six games.
"I know they've lost a couple of players, the loan players have gone back. I'm sure John Gregory will want to get them as safe as he can without going to the last game. So it's going to be a tough one, as they always are. I've not come across one easy game yet."
Ahead of today's fixture Jones insists his players are in good spirits, although injuries mean he will need to rejig the side which drew 1-1 with Stoke at Ninian Park last time out.
Skipper Darren Purse looks set to miss out after aggravating a calf injury. Midfielder Riccy Scimeca could still be absent with a groin problem, while Glenn Loovens may not play another game this season as his foot problem drags on.
It means Kevin McNaughton could move to the centre of defence, with Welsh international Joe Ledley dropping to full-back after two games in midfield.
Teenager Chris Gunter should slot in at right-back while Willo Flood may get a start in midfield.
"The lads are in good fettle, obviously a bit disappointed, but you have to keep going right to the death," said Jones.
"It doesn't matter if you mathematically can do it or mathematically you can't do it. They get paid to do this and are professionals.
"Training's been going fine. It's been going well, everyone at this football club wants to do well. The season's not over yet.
"But, if we do fall short, it just means we're not quite ready for it this season. It means that next year we have to be stronger."
This week has been filled with speculation over which players will face the axe at Ninian Park after Jones admitted he was considering a major culling of his squad over the summer.
The Bluebirds' boss said he would use the next three games to take time to consider his options.
"Everyone has their opinions on who should stay and who should go, but we'll wait until the end of the season and assess the areas where we think we can get stronger," added Jones.
"We'll see what we can do differently and how we can become better, that's how any club grows.
"There's people out of contract who will be moving on who are now being watched by other clubs so they'll be performing.
"The people who've got contracts here who think they are safe still have to perform.
"To be not performing now shows lack of character, so why would you want them in the club? Every body is playing for their futures at this club."
QPR v Cardiff City - your at-a-glance guide
QPR: Probable: Camp, Bignot, Cullip, Stewart, Timoska, Bolder, Rowlands, Lomas, Moore, Blackstock, Smith. Subs: Cole, Nygaard, Kanyuka, Idiakez, Furlong.
Player to watch - Dexter Blackstock: One of the few players finding the net regularly for Rangers this season, with 13 strikes to his name so far.
Cardiff City: Possible: Forde, Gunter, Johnson, McNaughton, Ledley, Parry, Flood, McPhail, Whittingham, Chopra, Thompson. Subs: Feeney, Alexander, Blake, Gilbert, Green.
Player to watch - Michael Chopra: Can the 22-goal striker end the season as the Championship's top-scorer? You wouldn't bet against it.
Referee: Uriah Rennie (Yorkshire).
Form guide: QPR have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six at Loftus Road. Cardiff have lost four and drawn two of their last six aways.
Bookies' odds: QPR 6-5, Cardiff 7-4, draw 9-4 (Ladbrokes).
Steve Tucker's verdict: Rangers will want another win to ensure safety, while Cardiff will want to salvage some pride. 2-2 draw. IC Wales
Rangers can relax - Apr 20 2007
Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo
The feeling among QPR players is that one win will secure safety from relegation.
In reality, though, they are probably safe already.
Rangers are a team who blow hot and cold.
John Gregory, pictured, has made big changes since being appointed manager in late September.
Only three players from back then are still first team regulars - Dexter Blackstock, Paul Furlong and Damian Stewart.
Gregory has already been offered a new contract and will be staying in charge next season.
Stories that Chris Coleman, having been axed by Fulham, would take over at QPR next season were always way off the mark.
Another story which the nationals used extensively was that Sam Hammam was buying into QPR.
It's true Rangers need cash, but that rumour started when Hammam was spotted in the directors' box at a game.
The truth of that one is that Hammam lives close to Loftus Road and asked if he could pop along.
The chairman, Gianna Paladini, welcomed Hammam along for the one game. No more. IC Wales
CARDIFF OFFICIAL SITE
Stephen McPhail is looking to see Cardiff build on their last game against Stoke, both in terms of the result and the performance at QPR this Saturday.
"Last weekend was disappointing," he admitted. "The result didn't go our way but I thought we played a lot better than they did. We tried to play our best football, but there were chances we could have taken to get the three points."
After missing a few vital chances in the game, Cardiff's saving grace was perhaps down to a near miss by Stoke, a point echoed by the playmaker who said, "We had a lot of chances, a lot of possession, and a lot of crosses.They just didn't seem to be going in.When Stoke missed, we were chasing the game at that stage. That miss gave us a chance to get back in the game and luckily Chops was there to step up."
Although the play-offs have been written off by many, Cardiff are not ruled out completely. Dave Jones and the lads are still in it, but it's going to be a tall order with more than a few favours required. McPhail continued, "Its six points now, which as you said is a big ask with only three games to go; but as long as we've got a chance we'll keep going and try and do it."
After a recent drought in goal scoring, Chopra's last minute goal put an end to this.As well as this, Cardiff have made a much deserved comeback after being thought of as dead and buried.
He said, "Chop's got back into goal scoring last Saturday and hopefully can keep going from here and get a few more. It was disappointing to not take all three points last weekend, but Dave was happy with the way we approached the game, especially the second half, where we put it to them and showed our character.
"Of course, the test of character continues at QPR this Saturday as the lads all want to end the season as strong as possible. We all know that the worst thing in the world would be to find out we could have made it with three wins as teams above us messed up.
"On top of that it's a case of being professional and showing everyone that our minds are on the job until the last minute of the last game. We'll want to go out with a bang no matter what happens around us - CArdiff
Ex-QPR's Clarke Carlisle on Problems Overcome
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Ex-QPR News: Clarke Carlisle. (Of course the person you think he might be thanking, was his QPR manager at the time, Ian Holloway. And perhaps stop referring to him as "the ex-Leeds man."! )
The Times - Carlisle a bright spark after defeating demons Dean Jones
Clarke Carlisle, the Watford defender, will not let relegation affect him if his side’s fate is decided this afternoon. Failure to win their home game against Manchester City will consign the Hertfordshire club to the Coca-Cola Championship next season.
However, Carlisle has suffered far more difficult issues in his personal life and is able to keep his career in perspective. In August 2003, while playing for Queens Park Rangers, Carlisle was admitted to the Sporting Chance Clinic because of alcohol problems.
Three and a half years on, his dream to play in the Barclays Premiership has been achieved and although he may not tally more than six top-flight matches by the end of this campaign, he is still happy. “I could be doing a million jobs,” he said. “But I’m not, I have played Premiership football and an FA Cup semi-final this season. I thank God for that. There are lots of incidents in life that help you keep things in perspective. Losing in football is not like losing a leg. I go into work with a smile on my face.”
During his spare time, Carlisle, 27, enjoys watching quiz programmes and is an avid viewer of Countdown. Four years ago, just before his alcohol problems began, he won the television show, Britain’s Brainiest Footballer, against the likes of Alan Brazil and Malcolm MacDonald, the former players.
But the most impressive thing about him is his gratitude towards those who have helped him. “I still work for Sporting Chance and I offer my time to them as much as possible,” he said. “It resurrected me and my football career, so for me not to give anything back would be arrogant and disrespectful. The Times
SKY SPORTS - Carlisle thankful for chance
By James Pearson - Created on 20 Apr 2007
Watford defender Clarke Carlisle is delighted to have his Premiership chance after overcoming a number of problems.
The former Leeds stopper battled against an alcohol problem back in 2003 and has endured an injury-hit campaign this time around.
A thigh injury has kept Carlisle on the sidelines for much of the season, but after spending a month with Luton he has now featured twice for The Hornets in England's top-flight.
"At the time of my problems, I didn't know what to expect," he admitted. "I didn't even know whether there would be football to come back to.
"It has been a long time, and a heck of a journey, with a lot of things for me to learn along the way.
"But I believe that, having come through those problems, I have the tools to deal with the situation Watford are in, and with having been injured for most of the season - Sky Sports
The SUN - Clarke booster for Hornets
By BEN KINSELLA - April 21, 2007
CLARKE CARLISLE aims to help Watford cope with their relegation heartache if they go down today.
The Hornets will drop out of the Premiership should they fail to beat Manchester City at Vicarage Road.
Defender Carlisle hit rock-bottom at QPR in 2003 as he was admitted to Tony Adams’ Sporting Chance clinic with booze problems.
A year later he joined Leeds and started to put his life in order.
Carlisle, 27, said: “Losing in football is not like losing a leg.
“I go in with a smile on my face and try to keep the lads upbeat.
“There are more important things than relegation but you don’t want it on your CV.
“Coming through my problems has given me the tools to deal with situations like the one we’re in.”
Carlisle was crowned Britain’s Brainiest Footballer on a quiz show and the only thing he is addicted to these days is a daily dose of Carol Vorderman.
He added: “I love Countdown. Carol Vorderman’s the thinking man’s crumpet — but don’t tell my wife!” The Sun
Watford OFFICIAL SITE
ESSON LEARNT FOR CARLISLE
THE 3-1 loss at Ewood Park on Wednesday has put even more pressure on the Golden Boys ahead of tomorrow's (Saturday's) encounter with Manchester City."It was a long journey home" confesses Clarke Carlisle, "It was a disappointing evening definitely."
"We didn't start bright enough, not least myself. I feel I was at fault for the first two goals. It's a sharp lesson to learn; if you make errors in this division, you get punished."
Carlisle added: "I've got to learn that lesson very quickly and, as a team, we've got to learn to start brighter and make sure we are on top of our game because when you are two nil down or you get a goal back, as we did, and then to concede quickly then you're fighting an uphill struggle."
The ex-Leeds man could be forgiven for the blame he has taken the burden of.
After all, Blackburn was only his third game back after injury and a loan spell at Luton so he has not had the rest of the squad's time to adjust to the rigours of the top flight.
"The first game against Portsmouth, the intensity was completely different. You have to be concentrating for the full 95 minutes.
"There are no breathers when the ball goes out of play, its back in straight away. At a freekick, if you turn your back, they're on the ball playing" explains Carlisle.
"Even when you're attacking you have to make sure every thing is locked in because in seconds they're in your box having an effort at goal.
"The levels of concentration and application are far beyond anything I've experienced before."
However the centre half is determined to make the most of it and enjoy his time in the top flight.
"But it's brilliant, you know, you're pushing yourself to your limits as a player and I'm relishing that.
"I'm going to work with a smile on my face, trying to keep the lads upbeat about the situation that we're in, and when I get my chance I'm trying to take it."
After the hype surrounding the FA Cup semi final focus now firmly turns to the rigours of the Premiership and a must-win game with Manchester City at Vicarage Road tomorrow (Saturday).
"We are going to approach the game on Saturday with the same application and focus that we have every game this season.
"Until it is mathematically impossible we are not relegated and we are going to go out and try to win that game all guns blazing."
With so much pressure about which teams will stay up and who will go down, it must be easy to feel the pressure but Carlisle, who has come through adversity before, is an expert in this situation, "We have to maintain our focus. Our goal is to win that game and we will approach it in that manner."
Watford Official Site
Ex-QPR News: Clarke Carlisle. (Of course the person you think he might be thanking, was his QPR manager at the time, Ian Holloway. And perhaps stop referring to him as "the ex-Leeds man."! )
The Times - Carlisle a bright spark after defeating demons Dean Jones
Clarke Carlisle, the Watford defender, will not let relegation affect him if his side’s fate is decided this afternoon. Failure to win their home game against Manchester City will consign the Hertfordshire club to the Coca-Cola Championship next season.
However, Carlisle has suffered far more difficult issues in his personal life and is able to keep his career in perspective. In August 2003, while playing for Queens Park Rangers, Carlisle was admitted to the Sporting Chance Clinic because of alcohol problems.
Three and a half years on, his dream to play in the Barclays Premiership has been achieved and although he may not tally more than six top-flight matches by the end of this campaign, he is still happy. “I could be doing a million jobs,” he said. “But I’m not, I have played Premiership football and an FA Cup semi-final this season. I thank God for that. There are lots of incidents in life that help you keep things in perspective. Losing in football is not like losing a leg. I go into work with a smile on my face.”
During his spare time, Carlisle, 27, enjoys watching quiz programmes and is an avid viewer of Countdown. Four years ago, just before his alcohol problems began, he won the television show, Britain’s Brainiest Footballer, against the likes of Alan Brazil and Malcolm MacDonald, the former players.
But the most impressive thing about him is his gratitude towards those who have helped him. “I still work for Sporting Chance and I offer my time to them as much as possible,” he said. “It resurrected me and my football career, so for me not to give anything back would be arrogant and disrespectful. The Times
SKY SPORTS - Carlisle thankful for chance
By James Pearson - Created on 20 Apr 2007
Watford defender Clarke Carlisle is delighted to have his Premiership chance after overcoming a number of problems.
The former Leeds stopper battled against an alcohol problem back in 2003 and has endured an injury-hit campaign this time around.
A thigh injury has kept Carlisle on the sidelines for much of the season, but after spending a month with Luton he has now featured twice for The Hornets in England's top-flight.
"At the time of my problems, I didn't know what to expect," he admitted. "I didn't even know whether there would be football to come back to.
"It has been a long time, and a heck of a journey, with a lot of things for me to learn along the way.
"But I believe that, having come through those problems, I have the tools to deal with the situation Watford are in, and with having been injured for most of the season - Sky Sports
The SUN - Clarke booster for Hornets
By BEN KINSELLA - April 21, 2007
CLARKE CARLISLE aims to help Watford cope with their relegation heartache if they go down today.
The Hornets will drop out of the Premiership should they fail to beat Manchester City at Vicarage Road.
Defender Carlisle hit rock-bottom at QPR in 2003 as he was admitted to Tony Adams’ Sporting Chance clinic with booze problems.
A year later he joined Leeds and started to put his life in order.
Carlisle, 27, said: “Losing in football is not like losing a leg.
“I go in with a smile on my face and try to keep the lads upbeat.
“There are more important things than relegation but you don’t want it on your CV.
“Coming through my problems has given me the tools to deal with situations like the one we’re in.”
Carlisle was crowned Britain’s Brainiest Footballer on a quiz show and the only thing he is addicted to these days is a daily dose of Carol Vorderman.
He added: “I love Countdown. Carol Vorderman’s the thinking man’s crumpet — but don’t tell my wife!” The Sun
Watford OFFICIAL SITE
ESSON LEARNT FOR CARLISLE
THE 3-1 loss at Ewood Park on Wednesday has put even more pressure on the Golden Boys ahead of tomorrow's (Saturday's) encounter with Manchester City."It was a long journey home" confesses Clarke Carlisle, "It was a disappointing evening definitely."
"We didn't start bright enough, not least myself. I feel I was at fault for the first two goals. It's a sharp lesson to learn; if you make errors in this division, you get punished."
Carlisle added: "I've got to learn that lesson very quickly and, as a team, we've got to learn to start brighter and make sure we are on top of our game because when you are two nil down or you get a goal back, as we did, and then to concede quickly then you're fighting an uphill struggle."
The ex-Leeds man could be forgiven for the blame he has taken the burden of.
After all, Blackburn was only his third game back after injury and a loan spell at Luton so he has not had the rest of the squad's time to adjust to the rigours of the top flight.
"The first game against Portsmouth, the intensity was completely different. You have to be concentrating for the full 95 minutes.
"There are no breathers when the ball goes out of play, its back in straight away. At a freekick, if you turn your back, they're on the ball playing" explains Carlisle.
"Even when you're attacking you have to make sure every thing is locked in because in seconds they're in your box having an effort at goal.
"The levels of concentration and application are far beyond anything I've experienced before."
However the centre half is determined to make the most of it and enjoy his time in the top flight.
"But it's brilliant, you know, you're pushing yourself to your limits as a player and I'm relishing that.
"I'm going to work with a smile on my face, trying to keep the lads upbeat about the situation that we're in, and when I get my chance I'm trying to take it."
After the hype surrounding the FA Cup semi final focus now firmly turns to the rigours of the Premiership and a must-win game with Manchester City at Vicarage Road tomorrow (Saturday).
"We are going to approach the game on Saturday with the same application and focus that we have every game this season.
"Until it is mathematically impossible we are not relegated and we are going to go out and try to win that game all guns blazing."
With so much pressure about which teams will stay up and who will go down, it must be easy to feel the pressure but Carlisle, who has come through adversity before, is an expert in this situation, "We have to maintain our focus. Our goal is to win that game and we will approach it in that manner."
Watford Official Site
Friday, April 20, 2007
Flashback Six Years: QPR Relegated
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Tomorrow, April 21, 2007, QPR will hopefully defeat Cardiff and make absolutely certain their remaining in the English Championship. Flashback six years ago, to one of the worst moments in QPR memory: QPR's relegation back to the old "Third Division" (in 2001 called the Second Division; and now called League 1) was made certain with a 2-1 loss at Huddersfield. QPR were under the recently-appointed Ian Holloway. (And of course, off the field, the club was in some considerable turmoil, with the Chairman selling up and the club going into Administration - having just fought off a merger with Wimbledon.)
The QPR team on that sad, sad day: Harper, Baraclough, Ready, Plummer, Perry, Knight, Bignot, Peacock, Darlington, Crouch, Thomson. Subs: Bull, Wardley, Paquette, Kulcsar, Kiwomya. - Bignot is the only one still playing for QPR (and he left and returned)
April 21, 2001
BBC - Saturday, 21 April, 2001, Huddersfield 2-1 QPR
Striker Delroy Facey's injury-time tap-in condemned QPR to Second Division football next season.
Facey picked up his 10th goal of the season in the fourth minute of stoppage time after Andy Booth's shot was parried straight to him by the visitors' keeper Lee Harper.
Facey, who turns 21 on Sunday, wheeled away in celebration knowing that his goal also helped the Terriers in their own fight against relegation.
Huddersfield took the lead on 33 minutes when Dean Gorre's low, 18-yard drive took a deflection off Ian Baraclough, leaving Harper stranded.
Action-packed
Rangers hit back on 43 minutes when Marcus Bignot's long ball down the right was expertly controlled by Andy Thomson, who then lobbed advancing keeper Nico Vaesen from 10 yards.
In an action-packed first half, Huddersfield had three shots cleared off the line by Mark Perry (twice) and then Baraclough.
Andy Booth struck a fierce shot goalwards after rounding Harper on nine minutes, but Perry, at full stretch, denied the recent recruit from Sheffield Wednesday.
Booth turned provider on 28 minutes with a fine left-wing cross which Simon Baldry thumped goalwards only to see Perry block the effort.
Sterile second half
Town's Chris Lucketti followed up but Baraclough stuck his leg out and blocked the ball before Karl Ready hacked the ball to safety.
At the other end, 6ft 6in striker Peter Crouch seemed certain to put Rangers ahead on three minutes but he mishit a shot into the ground and saw the ball balloon high over Vaesen's right-hand upright despite having only the big Belgian to beat from just six yards.
The second period was a sterile non-event in which neither side produced much of note.
QPR substitute Chris Kiwomya had a late goal ruled out for offside, and Huddersfield's best chance came on 74 minutes when Lucketti headed unmarked straight at Harper from a Baldry free-kick.
Facey's winning touch was a cruel blow on a hard working QPR side who matched Huddersfield stride for stride in an evenly balanced game.
The visiting players collapsed on the floor at the final whistle knowing that they were certain to be relegated.
Huddersfield: Vaesen, Heary, Lucketti, Jenkins, Baldry, Armstrong, Gorre, Holland, Thornley, Booth, Facey. Subs: Margetson, Gray, Moses, Irons, Gallen.
QPR: Harper, Baraclough, Ready, Plummer, Perry, Knight, Bignot, Peacock, Darlington, Crouch, Thomson. Subs: Bull, Wardley, Paquette, Kulcsar, Kiwomya.
Referee: A Bates (Stoke on Trent). BBC
OTHER RESULTS THAT DAY
Sunday review
Preston 3-2 Watford
Saturday review
Bolton 1-0 Norwich
Burnley 0-0 Birmingham
Gills 1-2 West Brom
Grimsby 0-1 Sheff Utd
Huddersfield 2-1 QPR
Portsmouth 1-1 Fulham
Sheff Wed 2-1 Barnsley
Stockport 3-0 Crewe
Tranmere 1-1 C Palace
Wimbledon 2-1 Forest
Wolves 0-0 Blackburn
Tomorrow, April 21, 2007, QPR will hopefully defeat Cardiff and make absolutely certain their remaining in the English Championship. Flashback six years ago, to one of the worst moments in QPR memory: QPR's relegation back to the old "Third Division" (in 2001 called the Second Division; and now called League 1) was made certain with a 2-1 loss at Huddersfield. QPR were under the recently-appointed Ian Holloway. (And of course, off the field, the club was in some considerable turmoil, with the Chairman selling up and the club going into Administration - having just fought off a merger with Wimbledon.)
The QPR team on that sad, sad day: Harper, Baraclough, Ready, Plummer, Perry, Knight, Bignot, Peacock, Darlington, Crouch, Thomson. Subs: Bull, Wardley, Paquette, Kulcsar, Kiwomya. - Bignot is the only one still playing for QPR (and he left and returned)
April 21, 2001
BBC - Saturday, 21 April, 2001, Huddersfield 2-1 QPR
Striker Delroy Facey's injury-time tap-in condemned QPR to Second Division football next season.
Facey picked up his 10th goal of the season in the fourth minute of stoppage time after Andy Booth's shot was parried straight to him by the visitors' keeper Lee Harper.
Facey, who turns 21 on Sunday, wheeled away in celebration knowing that his goal also helped the Terriers in their own fight against relegation.
Huddersfield took the lead on 33 minutes when Dean Gorre's low, 18-yard drive took a deflection off Ian Baraclough, leaving Harper stranded.
Action-packed
Rangers hit back on 43 minutes when Marcus Bignot's long ball down the right was expertly controlled by Andy Thomson, who then lobbed advancing keeper Nico Vaesen from 10 yards.
In an action-packed first half, Huddersfield had three shots cleared off the line by Mark Perry (twice) and then Baraclough.
Andy Booth struck a fierce shot goalwards after rounding Harper on nine minutes, but Perry, at full stretch, denied the recent recruit from Sheffield Wednesday.
Booth turned provider on 28 minutes with a fine left-wing cross which Simon Baldry thumped goalwards only to see Perry block the effort.
Sterile second half
Town's Chris Lucketti followed up but Baraclough stuck his leg out and blocked the ball before Karl Ready hacked the ball to safety.
At the other end, 6ft 6in striker Peter Crouch seemed certain to put Rangers ahead on three minutes but he mishit a shot into the ground and saw the ball balloon high over Vaesen's right-hand upright despite having only the big Belgian to beat from just six yards.
The second period was a sterile non-event in which neither side produced much of note.
QPR substitute Chris Kiwomya had a late goal ruled out for offside, and Huddersfield's best chance came on 74 minutes when Lucketti headed unmarked straight at Harper from a Baldry free-kick.
Facey's winning touch was a cruel blow on a hard working QPR side who matched Huddersfield stride for stride in an evenly balanced game.
The visiting players collapsed on the floor at the final whistle knowing that they were certain to be relegated.
Huddersfield: Vaesen, Heary, Lucketti, Jenkins, Baldry, Armstrong, Gorre, Holland, Thornley, Booth, Facey. Subs: Margetson, Gray, Moses, Irons, Gallen.
QPR: Harper, Baraclough, Ready, Plummer, Perry, Knight, Bignot, Peacock, Darlington, Crouch, Thomson. Subs: Bull, Wardley, Paquette, Kulcsar, Kiwomya.
Referee: A Bates (Stoke on Trent). BBC
OTHER RESULTS THAT DAY
Sunday review
Preston 3-2 Watford
Saturday review
Bolton 1-0 Norwich
Burnley 0-0 Birmingham
Gills 1-2 West Brom
Grimsby 0-1 Sheff Utd
Huddersfield 2-1 QPR
Portsmouth 1-1 Fulham
Sheff Wed 2-1 Barnsley
Stockport 3-0 Crewe
Tranmere 1-1 C Palace
Wimbledon 2-1 Forest
Wolves 0-0 Blackburn
Cardiff Preview of QPR Game
-
CARDIFF OFFICIAL SITE
RANGERS NOT YET SAFE
This Saturday's opponents Queen's Park Rangers are currently just four points clear of the relegation zone with three matches left - against us at Loftus Road on Saturday, away to Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 28th, and then at home to Stoke City in their final match on May 6th.
Rangers have shown improved form since mid-March with four wins, two draws and two defeats including last Saturday's 2-1 reverse at Sunderland. They will be without former Bluebirds winger Gareth Ainsworth on Saturday - a leg injury against Luton on Easter Monday against Luton Town kept him out last weekend, while on-loan midfielder Inigo Idiakez played his final game for Rangers as substitute at Sunderland last weekend before returning to Southampton.
Although Dexter Blackstock did not score last Saturday, he has been in good form in recent weeks with four goals in his previous four matches, while midfielder Martin Rowlands was back in the line-up last weekend in place of Ainsworth, and scored from the penalty spot at Sunderland.
Rangers, who finished in 21st place last season, eight points clear of the bottom three, currently average 12,766 for home Championship games, and their largest attendance of the season so far is 15,188 for the 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday on March 10th.
We will be looking to avoid a Championship "double" against us this weekend - Rangers were 1-0 winners at Ninian Park on November 17th with a goal from substitute Ray Jones.
Our last two visits to Loftus Road have ended in 1-0 defeats via goals from Marc Nygaard and Danny Shittu - our last away victory coming the year of our promotion to the Championship when Robert Earnshaw bagged three with Andy Campbell getting a last minute fourth in a 4-0 win. Cardiff Official
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - PREVIEW BLUEBIRDS
Cardiff City supporters will probably be glad to see the back of Queens Park Rangers this season.
For it was the R's who instigated their rapid mid-season decline in November, when a last-gasp Ray Jones goal dealt the then table-toppers a huge blow in their quest for an automatic promotion place.
After a flying start to the campaign, Dave Jones' side have struggled in the second half of the season.
The statistics don't lie and it appears that when star-man Michael Chopra fails to hit the back of the net, Cardiff fail to fire.
Indeed, it's no coincidence that the former Newcastle front-man's goal drought around the turn of the year - which saw him fail to net in seven matches in all competitions - coincided with the Bluebirds' sudden decline in form.
If truth be known, they've struggled ever since and at the time of writing, six points currently separate them from the fourth and final play-off spot.
Jones bemoaned his side's failure to make that extra push for the Premiership after two Easter defeats hammered their play-off hopes.
"We're up there, but it's disappointing to be just short," he said after the 2-0 defeat at Burnley.
"We've come a long way in a short time, people forget that. We're a brand new team, rebuilding with a lot of kids.
"But I wish we had the determination to push on, that's where we're short. Some players may not get this chance again."
The Bluebirds have three games left - but all hope of a play-off place appears to have faded after the stalemate with Stoke City last weekend.
Top scorer (league goals only): Michael CHOPRA 22
Last league game:
Cardiff City 1, Stoke City 1.
Coca Cola Championship.
April 14th 2007.
Cardiff City: Forde, McNaughton, Purse (Gilbert 79), Johnson, Gunter, Whittingham, McPhail, Parry (Flood 60), Ledley, Chopra, Thompson.
Subs Not Used: Alexander, Feeney, Blake.
Bluebirds gaffer Dave Jones: "I thought we deserved a point as we had most of the possession, but we must believe in the way we play.
"We are a young side and we have to think that the younger players will learn from their mistakes quickly.
"But if I don't think they will reach the level I require I won't hesitate to shift them out and bring new players in, this club will continue to grow."
Superhoopsbet.co.uk match odds:
QPR 11/10
Cardiff City 2/1
Draw 12/5
Hot-shot Michael Chopra
Star Man: Michael CHOPRA
A scorer of 22 goals in all competitions so far this season, Michael Chopra is widely regarded as England's brightest prospect outside the top-flight.
After falling down the pecking order at Newcastle United, the Geordie ace joined the Bluebirds in June 2006 for an initial fee of £500,000.
The 23 year-old - who has been capped at England Under-21 level - is already being touted for senior honours in the not too distant future.
Head to head: QPR wins: 22
Cardiff wins: 20
Draws: 9
Last league meeting:
Cardiff City 0, Queens Park Rangers 1 (Jones).
Coca Cola Championship.
November 17th 2006.
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
THE REF - CARDIFF OFFICIAL SITE "Middle Man"
Our referee this Saturday afternoon at QPR is none other than Uriah Rennie.
The Premiership official has taken charge of thirty nine games this season, eleven of them in the Championship. From his thirty nine games to date he has shown one hundred and twenty three yellow cards plus five reds, the last coming to Jamie Forresterof League Two outfit Lincoln City in their 3-1 loss to Notts County in February.
Although this will be the first time in 2006/07 that he will referee Cardiff, Rennie has conducted a QPR match - their 2-1 home loss to Sunderland at the end of November.
The last time we saw him stand in the middle was our 3-1 home loss to Watford last season. Prior connections stretch back to our Division Two Promotion year and an away win at Colchester.
According to Wikipedia, standing at over 6 ft 2 in tall and weighing 16 stone (100 kg), Rennie practices both kick-boxing and aikido. Keith Hackett, head of the Professional Game Match Officials Board has described him as "the fittest referee we have ever seen on the national and world scene."
In short, don't mess with the ref. Cardiff
See Also: Hammanless Cardiff Visit Loftus Road
CARDIFF OFFICIAL SITE
RANGERS NOT YET SAFE
This Saturday's opponents Queen's Park Rangers are currently just four points clear of the relegation zone with three matches left - against us at Loftus Road on Saturday, away to Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 28th, and then at home to Stoke City in their final match on May 6th.
Rangers have shown improved form since mid-March with four wins, two draws and two defeats including last Saturday's 2-1 reverse at Sunderland. They will be without former Bluebirds winger Gareth Ainsworth on Saturday - a leg injury against Luton on Easter Monday against Luton Town kept him out last weekend, while on-loan midfielder Inigo Idiakez played his final game for Rangers as substitute at Sunderland last weekend before returning to Southampton.
Although Dexter Blackstock did not score last Saturday, he has been in good form in recent weeks with four goals in his previous four matches, while midfielder Martin Rowlands was back in the line-up last weekend in place of Ainsworth, and scored from the penalty spot at Sunderland.
Rangers, who finished in 21st place last season, eight points clear of the bottom three, currently average 12,766 for home Championship games, and their largest attendance of the season so far is 15,188 for the 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday on March 10th.
We will be looking to avoid a Championship "double" against us this weekend - Rangers were 1-0 winners at Ninian Park on November 17th with a goal from substitute Ray Jones.
Our last two visits to Loftus Road have ended in 1-0 defeats via goals from Marc Nygaard and Danny Shittu - our last away victory coming the year of our promotion to the Championship when Robert Earnshaw bagged three with Andy Campbell getting a last minute fourth in a 4-0 win. Cardiff Official
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - PREVIEW BLUEBIRDS
Cardiff City supporters will probably be glad to see the back of Queens Park Rangers this season.
For it was the R's who instigated their rapid mid-season decline in November, when a last-gasp Ray Jones goal dealt the then table-toppers a huge blow in their quest for an automatic promotion place.
After a flying start to the campaign, Dave Jones' side have struggled in the second half of the season.
The statistics don't lie and it appears that when star-man Michael Chopra fails to hit the back of the net, Cardiff fail to fire.
Indeed, it's no coincidence that the former Newcastle front-man's goal drought around the turn of the year - which saw him fail to net in seven matches in all competitions - coincided with the Bluebirds' sudden decline in form.
If truth be known, they've struggled ever since and at the time of writing, six points currently separate them from the fourth and final play-off spot.
Jones bemoaned his side's failure to make that extra push for the Premiership after two Easter defeats hammered their play-off hopes.
"We're up there, but it's disappointing to be just short," he said after the 2-0 defeat at Burnley.
"We've come a long way in a short time, people forget that. We're a brand new team, rebuilding with a lot of kids.
"But I wish we had the determination to push on, that's where we're short. Some players may not get this chance again."
The Bluebirds have three games left - but all hope of a play-off place appears to have faded after the stalemate with Stoke City last weekend.
Top scorer (league goals only): Michael CHOPRA 22
Last league game:
Cardiff City 1, Stoke City 1.
Coca Cola Championship.
April 14th 2007.
Cardiff City: Forde, McNaughton, Purse (Gilbert 79), Johnson, Gunter, Whittingham, McPhail, Parry (Flood 60), Ledley, Chopra, Thompson.
Subs Not Used: Alexander, Feeney, Blake.
Bluebirds gaffer Dave Jones: "I thought we deserved a point as we had most of the possession, but we must believe in the way we play.
"We are a young side and we have to think that the younger players will learn from their mistakes quickly.
"But if I don't think they will reach the level I require I won't hesitate to shift them out and bring new players in, this club will continue to grow."
Superhoopsbet.co.uk match odds:
QPR 11/10
Cardiff City 2/1
Draw 12/5
Hot-shot Michael Chopra
Star Man: Michael CHOPRA
A scorer of 22 goals in all competitions so far this season, Michael Chopra is widely regarded as England's brightest prospect outside the top-flight.
After falling down the pecking order at Newcastle United, the Geordie ace joined the Bluebirds in June 2006 for an initial fee of £500,000.
The 23 year-old - who has been capped at England Under-21 level - is already being touted for senior honours in the not too distant future.
Head to head: QPR wins: 22
Cardiff wins: 20
Draws: 9
Last league meeting:
Cardiff City 0, Queens Park Rangers 1 (Jones).
Coca Cola Championship.
November 17th 2006.
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
THE REF - CARDIFF OFFICIAL SITE "Middle Man"
Our referee this Saturday afternoon at QPR is none other than Uriah Rennie.
The Premiership official has taken charge of thirty nine games this season, eleven of them in the Championship. From his thirty nine games to date he has shown one hundred and twenty three yellow cards plus five reds, the last coming to Jamie Forresterof League Two outfit Lincoln City in their 3-1 loss to Notts County in February.
Although this will be the first time in 2006/07 that he will referee Cardiff, Rennie has conducted a QPR match - their 2-1 home loss to Sunderland at the end of November.
The last time we saw him stand in the middle was our 3-1 home loss to Watford last season. Prior connections stretch back to our Division Two Promotion year and an away win at Colchester.
According to Wikipedia, standing at over 6 ft 2 in tall and weighing 16 stone (100 kg), Rennie practices both kick-boxing and aikido. Keith Hackett, head of the Professional Game Match Officials Board has described him as "the fittest referee we have ever seen on the national and world scene."
In short, don't mess with the ref. Cardiff
See Also: Hammanless Cardiff Visit Loftus Road
Thursday, April 19, 2007
American-Based Soccer Writer Looks at QPR and Compares to MLS
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Plenderleith: MLS Beats the English Style
By Ian Plenderleith
USSoccerPlayers (April 19, 2007) -- At what level could Major League Soccer teams compete in England? The lower Premier League? The second or third division?
Having grown up in England, but lived in the US for almost a decade, it's a question I'm often asked, but now dread to hear. It's almost like asking how the Lakers would fare against the Red Sox.
Having just spent a short time in the UK, however, the inclination to compare the soccer in MLS with what I witnessed at three professional games in England has become impossible to resist. But it's not the perceived difference in standard that interests me. It's the difference in style.
In terms of atmosphere, tradition, passion and wit, attending a game in England, in the lower leagues at least, continues to be a more exciting and enjoyable game-day experience than it is in most MLS stadiums. But these established staples can not paper over the fact that many of these games are horrible to watch.
On March 31, I was at Queens Park Rangers versus West Bromwich Albion, in "The Championship" (that is, division two). QPR were just above the relegation zone, while West Brom were looking to enter the playoffs, with hopes of regaining the Premier League spot they lost last season. So with both teams having something to play for, I was expecting a reasonably good game for my $44 (the cheapest ticket, just three rows up from the touchline).
The first half yielded no goals, and little action, with the two sides hammering long balls forward, which were either dealt with easily by the central defenders, or bounced into touch. It may have been the jetlag, or it may have been the tactics, but I briefly fell asleep in a football stadium for the first time in my life. At halftime I declared to my two friends it was the worst half of soccer I'd ever seen, and they looked surprised. Maybe they're used to it.
With both sides needing points, perhaps halftime would see a change in approach. Indeed, West Brom tried the revolutionary doctrine of passing the ball along the ground, and scored. Rangers responded with more long balls and high crosses. They brought on striker Dexter Blackstock, who responded by heading a cross home with his first touch. See, if you just bang the ball in enough times, eventually someone will get on the end of one. This was broadly the philosophy of former England manager Graham Taylor, who found that what worked well at club level, didn't pan out in the international game.
Encouraged by a suddenly animated crowd, QPR then won a penalty, which they missed. Albion, continuing to attempt some fluent football through their midfielders Jason Koumas and Jonathan Greening, scored a deserved, and nicely worked, game-winner with four minutes to go. QPR fans, however, felt they'd been desperately unlucky -- if only we'd scored that penalty, we might have won! They applauded their team generously at the end. Way too generously, in my view, but then I'm not a QPR fan. And I appreciate that it was preferable to booing them off the pitch. They did, after all, run and run and run.
But what about the technique? The game was extremely fast, and the players so fit that they barely had the time or the space to do anything with the ball other than hurriedly whack it upfield. Footballing philosophies have not kept pace with advances in body training and diet. And such is the financial pressure on clubs nowadays, that results have become way more important than entertainment. While the same top four teams, fat on Champions League and other revenues, dominate the top positions in the Premier League season after season, the rest of the professional sphere struggles just to keep them within sight, both financially and on the field.
A week later I had the misfortune to see a game two tiers lower -- Lincoln City against Stockport County in "League 2" (that is, fourth division, at a slightly less extortionate $34). Even with each side having a player red-carded early on (a tall centerback and a tall center forward, giving me false hope that space would open up, and high balls would be abandoned), it was the same formula as the week before.
Lincoln has a small, skilful striker called Jamie Forrester, who spent the whole game, until he was substituted, trying to reach balls aimed over his head. The much taller defender behind him won the ball every single time. His replacement, a young loan player called Junior Mendes, showed some nice skill on the ball right after coming on, and was then clattered by a Stockport defender for his troubles. The defender was only cautioned, while Mendes limped around ineffectively for the rest of the game. Score: 0-0.
Now, I realize I might have been unlucky in seeing two poor games (and a third two days later, but I'll spare you the details), and I'm not about to deny that there are matches up and down England every week with variant thrill levels. But if you've watched coverage of non-Premier League games on Setanta Sports, you'll know that the tedious, long ball game is far from an unusual event in soccer's self-appointed home. Frankly, I'd choose MLS ahead of this nihilistic dross any day of the week.
It astounds me that so many US-based fans still revere English soccer and turn their noses up at MLS as a somehow inferior product. It's not that I necessarily believe that, kick for kick, MLS offers a better standard of play compared with most English teams. But at least it's here, and either in your city or coming to a city near you (or the suburb of a city near you). Instead of moaning about it without watching it, get down to the stadium and moan about it there. At least you'll be making some noise.
I swooned at Manchester United's performance against Roma on TV last week as much as the next armchair fan, but Manchester United are no longer what English soccer is about (even if I saw couple of Stockport players encouragingly, but clumsily, try to execute Cristiano Ronaldo-style stepovers). For every nine-man passing move at Old Trafford, there are a thousand wasted punts at Loftus Road, Sincil Bank and all the other grounds of the country's four pro divisions.
So returning to MLS, and all the problems it still encounters on a weekly basis in providing a spectacle that will attract fans to its grounds, it's at least nice, in general, to see teams whose goalkeepers mostly roll the ball out on the ground, and who try to build play from the back with the old twin virtues of pass and move.
As West Brom found, patience can pay off.
Ian Plenderleith is MLS Editor of USSoccerPlayers.com. Contact him at: iplenderleith@usnstpa.com Article
About the Author - Bio
Plenderleith: MLS Beats the English Style
By Ian Plenderleith
USSoccerPlayers (April 19, 2007) -- At what level could Major League Soccer teams compete in England? The lower Premier League? The second or third division?
Having grown up in England, but lived in the US for almost a decade, it's a question I'm often asked, but now dread to hear. It's almost like asking how the Lakers would fare against the Red Sox.
Having just spent a short time in the UK, however, the inclination to compare the soccer in MLS with what I witnessed at three professional games in England has become impossible to resist. But it's not the perceived difference in standard that interests me. It's the difference in style.
In terms of atmosphere, tradition, passion and wit, attending a game in England, in the lower leagues at least, continues to be a more exciting and enjoyable game-day experience than it is in most MLS stadiums. But these established staples can not paper over the fact that many of these games are horrible to watch.
On March 31, I was at Queens Park Rangers versus West Bromwich Albion, in "The Championship" (that is, division two). QPR were just above the relegation zone, while West Brom were looking to enter the playoffs, with hopes of regaining the Premier League spot they lost last season. So with both teams having something to play for, I was expecting a reasonably good game for my $44 (the cheapest ticket, just three rows up from the touchline).
The first half yielded no goals, and little action, with the two sides hammering long balls forward, which were either dealt with easily by the central defenders, or bounced into touch. It may have been the jetlag, or it may have been the tactics, but I briefly fell asleep in a football stadium for the first time in my life. At halftime I declared to my two friends it was the worst half of soccer I'd ever seen, and they looked surprised. Maybe they're used to it.
With both sides needing points, perhaps halftime would see a change in approach. Indeed, West Brom tried the revolutionary doctrine of passing the ball along the ground, and scored. Rangers responded with more long balls and high crosses. They brought on striker Dexter Blackstock, who responded by heading a cross home with his first touch. See, if you just bang the ball in enough times, eventually someone will get on the end of one. This was broadly the philosophy of former England manager Graham Taylor, who found that what worked well at club level, didn't pan out in the international game.
Encouraged by a suddenly animated crowd, QPR then won a penalty, which they missed. Albion, continuing to attempt some fluent football through their midfielders Jason Koumas and Jonathan Greening, scored a deserved, and nicely worked, game-winner with four minutes to go. QPR fans, however, felt they'd been desperately unlucky -- if only we'd scored that penalty, we might have won! They applauded their team generously at the end. Way too generously, in my view, but then I'm not a QPR fan. And I appreciate that it was preferable to booing them off the pitch. They did, after all, run and run and run.
But what about the technique? The game was extremely fast, and the players so fit that they barely had the time or the space to do anything with the ball other than hurriedly whack it upfield. Footballing philosophies have not kept pace with advances in body training and diet. And such is the financial pressure on clubs nowadays, that results have become way more important than entertainment. While the same top four teams, fat on Champions League and other revenues, dominate the top positions in the Premier League season after season, the rest of the professional sphere struggles just to keep them within sight, both financially and on the field.
A week later I had the misfortune to see a game two tiers lower -- Lincoln City against Stockport County in "League 2" (that is, fourth division, at a slightly less extortionate $34). Even with each side having a player red-carded early on (a tall centerback and a tall center forward, giving me false hope that space would open up, and high balls would be abandoned), it was the same formula as the week before.
Lincoln has a small, skilful striker called Jamie Forrester, who spent the whole game, until he was substituted, trying to reach balls aimed over his head. The much taller defender behind him won the ball every single time. His replacement, a young loan player called Junior Mendes, showed some nice skill on the ball right after coming on, and was then clattered by a Stockport defender for his troubles. The defender was only cautioned, while Mendes limped around ineffectively for the rest of the game. Score: 0-0.
Now, I realize I might have been unlucky in seeing two poor games (and a third two days later, but I'll spare you the details), and I'm not about to deny that there are matches up and down England every week with variant thrill levels. But if you've watched coverage of non-Premier League games on Setanta Sports, you'll know that the tedious, long ball game is far from an unusual event in soccer's self-appointed home. Frankly, I'd choose MLS ahead of this nihilistic dross any day of the week.
It astounds me that so many US-based fans still revere English soccer and turn their noses up at MLS as a somehow inferior product. It's not that I necessarily believe that, kick for kick, MLS offers a better standard of play compared with most English teams. But at least it's here, and either in your city or coming to a city near you (or the suburb of a city near you). Instead of moaning about it without watching it, get down to the stadium and moan about it there. At least you'll be making some noise.
I swooned at Manchester United's performance against Roma on TV last week as much as the next armchair fan, but Manchester United are no longer what English soccer is about (even if I saw couple of Stockport players encouragingly, but clumsily, try to execute Cristiano Ronaldo-style stepovers). For every nine-man passing move at Old Trafford, there are a thousand wasted punts at Loftus Road, Sincil Bank and all the other grounds of the country's four pro divisions.
So returning to MLS, and all the problems it still encounters on a weekly basis in providing a spectacle that will attract fans to its grounds, it's at least nice, in general, to see teams whose goalkeepers mostly roll the ball out on the ground, and who try to build play from the back with the old twin virtues of pass and move.
As West Brom found, patience can pay off.
Ian Plenderleith is MLS Editor of USSoccerPlayers.com. Contact him at: iplenderleith@usnstpa.com Article
About the Author - Bio
Royce Joins Gillingham
-
With QPR not yet safe, and the possibility remaining of Camp being recalled by Derby and the always-present possibility of an injury to Camp, it's a slightly "bold" move by QPR. - Especially if QPR should "somehow" lose to Cardiff on Saturday.
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - ROYCE JOINS GILLS
Goalkeeper Simon Royce has joined League One outfit Gillingham on an emergency loan deal.
The 35 year-old custodian - who has fallen down the pecking order since Lee Camp's arrival in W12 - will remain with Ronnie Jepson's side until the end of the campaign.
The Gills were given special dispensation by the Football League to approach Royce, after Romain Larrieu was recalled by Plymouth Argyle.
Larrieu was originally due to stay at the Priestfield Stadium until after Saturday's match against Port Vale, but Argyle boss Ian Holloway wants him for the last three games of the season as he assesses his squad for next term. QPR
GILLINGHAM OFFICIAL SITE -ROYCE JOINS GILLS
Goalkeeper Simon Royce has joined League One outfit Gillingham on an emergency loan deal.
The 35 year-old custodian - who has fallen down the pecking order since Lee Camp's arrival in W12 - will remain with Ronnie Jepson's side until the end of the campaign.
The Gills were given special dispensation by the Football League to approach Royce, after Romain Larrieu was recalled by Plymouth Argyle.
Larrieu was originally due to stay at the Priestfield Stadium until after Saturday's match against Port Vale, but Argyle boss Ian Holloway wants him for the last three games of the season as he assesses his squad for next term.
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~1013158,00.html">QPR Official Site
GILLINGHAM OFFICIAL SITE - Gills Make Emergency Signing
Gillingham have signed experienced keeper Simon Royce on an emergency loan until the end of the season.
With injury to Kelvin Jack and loanee keeper Romain Larrieu being recalled early by Plymouth, the Gills were without a senior keeper on their books ahead of the match against Port Vale on Saturday.
With this in mind, The Football League has granted the club special dispensation to make the signing, which allows Royce to move to Priestfield from QPR.
The 35-year-old, who has also had permanent spells with Southend, Charlton and Leicester City in his career, has made 20 appearances for Rangers in the Championship this season. Gillingham
With QPR not yet safe, and the possibility remaining of Camp being recalled by Derby and the always-present possibility of an injury to Camp, it's a slightly "bold" move by QPR. - Especially if QPR should "somehow" lose to Cardiff on Saturday.
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - ROYCE JOINS GILLS
Goalkeeper Simon Royce has joined League One outfit Gillingham on an emergency loan deal.
The 35 year-old custodian - who has fallen down the pecking order since Lee Camp's arrival in W12 - will remain with Ronnie Jepson's side until the end of the campaign.
The Gills were given special dispensation by the Football League to approach Royce, after Romain Larrieu was recalled by Plymouth Argyle.
Larrieu was originally due to stay at the Priestfield Stadium until after Saturday's match against Port Vale, but Argyle boss Ian Holloway wants him for the last three games of the season as he assesses his squad for next term. QPR
GILLINGHAM OFFICIAL SITE -ROYCE JOINS GILLS
Goalkeeper Simon Royce has joined League One outfit Gillingham on an emergency loan deal.
The 35 year-old custodian - who has fallen down the pecking order since Lee Camp's arrival in W12 - will remain with Ronnie Jepson's side until the end of the campaign.
The Gills were given special dispensation by the Football League to approach Royce, after Romain Larrieu was recalled by Plymouth Argyle.
Larrieu was originally due to stay at the Priestfield Stadium until after Saturday's match against Port Vale, but Argyle boss Ian Holloway wants him for the last three games of the season as he assesses his squad for next term.
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~1013158,00.html">QPR Official Site
GILLINGHAM OFFICIAL SITE - Gills Make Emergency Signing
Gillingham have signed experienced keeper Simon Royce on an emergency loan until the end of the season.
With injury to Kelvin Jack and loanee keeper Romain Larrieu being recalled early by Plymouth, the Gills were without a senior keeper on their books ahead of the match against Port Vale on Saturday.
With this in mind, The Football League has granted the club special dispensation to make the signing, which allows Royce to move to Priestfield from QPR.
The 35-year-old, who has also had permanent spells with Southend, Charlton and Leicester City in his career, has made 20 appearances for Rangers in the Championship this season. Gillingham
QPR's Season Tickets Prices & Declining Attendances
-
TEAMTALK - Rangers announce ticket cuts
QPR have slashed season-ticket prices in an attempt to bring back fans to Loftus Road for the 2007/08 campaign.
After the prices of many season tickets were raised in the summer of 2005, Rangers saw their average attendance dip from 16,056 in the 2004-05 campaign to 13,441 in 2005/06.
With two home matches remaining this term, the average attendance at Loftus Road for games in all competitions stands at 12,292, and chairman Gianni Paladini has announced "a 10% discount in cost for the price of an annual season ticket for adults, young adults between 16 and 21, and senior citizens".
Paladini continued: "It is when assessing our finances for the forthcoming season that we have to think long and hard with regard to the pricing of our season tickets.
"A nationwide campaign to reduce the price of season tickets and match-day ticket prices has been a success throughout the country, and we would like to think we have played our part, too."
Adults who renew their season tickets before May 31 would pay £463 for a seat in the South Africa Road stand, as opposed to £514 for the same time in 2006.
Teamtalk
April 18th QPR Announcement re Season Tickets
SEASON TICKETS
Chairman Gianni Paladini has today issued the following statement with regard to Season Ticket prices for the 2007/08 campaign.
Dear Supporter,
As the Coca Cola Championship campaign reaches its conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your fantastic support this season and needless to say, I look forward to seeing you all in the 2007/08 campaign.
It is when assessing our finances for the forthcoming season that we have to think long and hard with regard to the pricing of our Season Tickets.
A nationwide campaign to reduce the price of Season Tickets and Match Day Ticket Prices, in an attempt to bring back the masses to the Beautiful Game, has been a success up and down the country and we'd like to think we've played our part too.
With the help of our many supporters groups, the club is delighted to announce a 10% discount in cost for the price of an annual Season Ticket for adults, young adults 16-21 (formerly students) and senior citizens (over 60's).
Furthermore, in line with our aim to attract the supporters of tomorrow to Loftus Road, Kids under-8 will still be able to attend matches for free, while Juniors under 16 (with proof of age) will pay a reduced rate of £70.
Current Season Ticket Holders will have until Thursday 31st May to renew their tickets and additionally, fans can take advantage of our Direct Debit Facility which runs over a ten month period.
Remember that Season Tickets remain excellent value when compared to the cost of buying tickets on a match by match basis and I sincerely hope this year we are able to welcome more supporters back to Loftus Road.
In line with Government Legislation and Football League guidelines, there will be a NO SMOKING policy throughout the whole stadium as from 1st July 2007.
Finally, I would once again like to thank you all for your continued support.
Come on you R's!
Gianni Paladini
Chairman
*Click TICKETS 2007/08 to download a spreadsheet with all the relevant Season Ticket details.
QPR Announcement
[NB: As a poster on one of the QPR Messageboards notes, The QPR statement says "Current Season Ticket Holders will have until Thursday 31st May to renew their tickets." At the meeting with fan representatives last week, the Chairman declared "...There will be an early bird offer up until the end of June." - QPR Official Site]
TEAMTALK - Rangers announce ticket cuts
QPR have slashed season-ticket prices in an attempt to bring back fans to Loftus Road for the 2007/08 campaign.
After the prices of many season tickets were raised in the summer of 2005, Rangers saw their average attendance dip from 16,056 in the 2004-05 campaign to 13,441 in 2005/06.
With two home matches remaining this term, the average attendance at Loftus Road for games in all competitions stands at 12,292, and chairman Gianni Paladini has announced "a 10% discount in cost for the price of an annual season ticket for adults, young adults between 16 and 21, and senior citizens".
Paladini continued: "It is when assessing our finances for the forthcoming season that we have to think long and hard with regard to the pricing of our season tickets.
"A nationwide campaign to reduce the price of season tickets and match-day ticket prices has been a success throughout the country, and we would like to think we have played our part, too."
Adults who renew their season tickets before May 31 would pay £463 for a seat in the South Africa Road stand, as opposed to £514 for the same time in 2006.
Teamtalk
April 18th QPR Announcement re Season Tickets
SEASON TICKETS
Chairman Gianni Paladini has today issued the following statement with regard to Season Ticket prices for the 2007/08 campaign.
Dear Supporter,
As the Coca Cola Championship campaign reaches its conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your fantastic support this season and needless to say, I look forward to seeing you all in the 2007/08 campaign.
It is when assessing our finances for the forthcoming season that we have to think long and hard with regard to the pricing of our Season Tickets.
A nationwide campaign to reduce the price of Season Tickets and Match Day Ticket Prices, in an attempt to bring back the masses to the Beautiful Game, has been a success up and down the country and we'd like to think we've played our part too.
With the help of our many supporters groups, the club is delighted to announce a 10% discount in cost for the price of an annual Season Ticket for adults, young adults 16-21 (formerly students) and senior citizens (over 60's).
Furthermore, in line with our aim to attract the supporters of tomorrow to Loftus Road, Kids under-8 will still be able to attend matches for free, while Juniors under 16 (with proof of age) will pay a reduced rate of £70.
Current Season Ticket Holders will have until Thursday 31st May to renew their tickets and additionally, fans can take advantage of our Direct Debit Facility which runs over a ten month period.
Remember that Season Tickets remain excellent value when compared to the cost of buying tickets on a match by match basis and I sincerely hope this year we are able to welcome more supporters back to Loftus Road.
In line with Government Legislation and Football League guidelines, there will be a NO SMOKING policy throughout the whole stadium as from 1st July 2007.
Finally, I would once again like to thank you all for your continued support.
Come on you R's!
Gianni Paladini
Chairman
*Click TICKETS 2007/08 to download a spreadsheet with all the relevant Season Ticket details.
QPR Announcement
[NB: As a poster on one of the QPR Messageboards notes, The QPR statement says "Current Season Ticket Holders will have until Thursday 31st May to renew their tickets." At the meeting with fan representatives last week, the Chairman declared "...There will be an early bird offer up until the end of June." - QPR Official Site]
Gone-Back-to-Southampton Idiakez Talks re QPR and Possible Return
-
[From a couple of days ago: QPR's on loan from Southampton Spanish midfielder Inigo Idiakez]
Skysports - April 17, 2007 R's return appeals to Idiakez
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 17 Apr 2007
The veteran midfielder was due to spend the rest of the season on loan at Loftus Road, but has been summoned back to St Mary's.
He made five appearances during his stint with QPR and has not discounted the possibility of linking up with John Gregory's side again.
"They made me feel very, very good, very comfortable, so it's a bit disappointing to go back to Southampton," Idiakez told the club's official website.
"I have friends here, the dressing room is amazing.
"If they invest some money and sign good players, we'll see what happens, but maybe, we'll see.
"You never know in football."
Idiakez joined Southampton in a £250,000 deal from Derby County last August and has scored once in 13 appearances for the play-off hopefuls Skysports
[From a couple of days ago: QPR's on loan from Southampton Spanish midfielder Inigo Idiakez]
Skysports - April 17, 2007 R's return appeals to Idiakez
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 17 Apr 2007
The veteran midfielder was due to spend the rest of the season on loan at Loftus Road, but has been summoned back to St Mary's.
He made five appearances during his stint with QPR and has not discounted the possibility of linking up with John Gregory's side again.
"They made me feel very, very good, very comfortable, so it's a bit disappointing to go back to Southampton," Idiakez told the club's official website.
"I have friends here, the dressing room is amazing.
"If they invest some money and sign good players, we'll see what happens, but maybe, we'll see.
"You never know in football."
Idiakez joined Southampton in a £250,000 deal from Derby County last August and has scored once in 13 appearances for the play-off hopefuls Skysports
This Weekend's Crucial Games
-
QPR of course play Cardiff at Loftus Road.
The other crucial games this weekend, April 21:
Barnsley at HOME to Crystal Palace
Leeds AWAY to Southampton
Hull AWAY to Stoke
Leicester AWAY to Preston
Southend AWAY to Plymouth
TABLE
Played Goal Difference Points
QPR 43 -13 49
Leicester 43 -14 47
Barnsley 43 -26 47
Hull 43 -16 45
Leeds 43 -23 45
Southend 43 -27 42
Luton 43 -24 37
OTHER REMAINING FIXTURES
Saturday, 28 April 2007
Wolves vs QPR
Barnsley v Leicester
Cardiff v Hull
Leeds v Ipswich
Southend v Luton
Sunday, 06 May 2007
QPR vs Stoke
Derby v Leeds
Hull v Plymouth
Leicester v Wolverhampton
Luton v Sunderland
Southampton v Southend
West Brom v Barnsley
Championship Relegation: Past Seasons Points Total For Relegated Bottom Three Teams-
PAST DECADE FINAL TABLES for Relegated Teams-
2005/06
Queens Park Rangers 46 12 14 20 50 65 50
Crewe Alexandra 46 9 15 22 57 86 42
Millwall 46 8 16 22 35 62 40
Brighton & Hove Albion 46 7 17 22 39 71 38
2004-2005
Crewe Alexandra 46 12 14 20 66 86 50
Gillingham 46 12 14 20 45 66 50
Nottingham Forest 46 9 17 20 42 66 44
Rotherham United 46 5 14 27 35 69 29
2003-2004
Gillingham 46 14 9 23 48 67 51
Walsall 46 13 12 21 45 65 51
Bradford City 46 10 6 30 38 69 36
Wimbledon 46 8 5 33 41 89 29
2002/03
Stoke City 46 12 14 20 45 69 50
Sheffield Wednesday 46 10 16 20 56 73 46
Brighton & Hove Albion 46 11 12 23 49 67 45
Grimsby Town 46 9 12 25 48 85 39
2001/02
Sheffield Wednesday 46 12 14 20 49 71 50
Rotherham United 46 10 19 17 52 66 49
Crewe Alexandra 46 12 13 21 47 76 49
Barnsley 46 11 15 20 59 86 48
Stockport County 46 6 8 32 42
2000/01
Crystal Palace 46 12 13 21 57 70 49
Huddersfield Town 46 11 15 20 48 57 48
Queens Park Rangers 46 7 19 20 45 75 40
Tranmere Rovers 46 9 11 26 46 77 38
1999/00
West Bromwich Albion 46 10 19 17 43 60 49
Walsall 46 11 13 22 52 77 46
Port Vale 46 7 15 24 48 69 36
Swindon Town 46 8 12 26 38 77 36
1998/99
Portsmouth 46 11 14 21 57 73 47
Queens Park Rangers 46 12 11 23 52 61 47
Port Vale 46 13 8 25 45 75 47
Bury 46 10 17 19 35 60 47
Oxford United 46 10 14 22 48 71 44
Bristol City 46 9 15 22 57 80 42
1997/98
Queens Park Rangers 46 10 19 17 51 63 49
Manchester City 46 12 12 22 56 57 48
Stoke City 46 11 13 22 44 74 46
Reading 46 11 9 26 39 78 42
1996/97
Bradford City 46 12 12 22 47 72 48
Grimsby Town 46 11 13 22 60 81 46
Oldham Athletic 46 10 13 23 51 66 43
Southend United 46 8 15 23 42 86 39
Final Tables
QPR of course play Cardiff at Loftus Road.
The other crucial games this weekend, April 21:
Barnsley at HOME to Crystal Palace
Leeds AWAY to Southampton
Hull AWAY to Stoke
Leicester AWAY to Preston
Southend AWAY to Plymouth
TABLE
Played Goal Difference Points
QPR 43 -13 49
Leicester 43 -14 47
Barnsley 43 -26 47
Hull 43 -16 45
Leeds 43 -23 45
Southend 43 -27 42
Luton 43 -24 37
OTHER REMAINING FIXTURES
Saturday, 28 April 2007
Wolves vs QPR
Barnsley v Leicester
Cardiff v Hull
Leeds v Ipswich
Southend v Luton
Sunday, 06 May 2007
QPR vs Stoke
Derby v Leeds
Hull v Plymouth
Leicester v Wolverhampton
Luton v Sunderland
Southampton v Southend
West Brom v Barnsley
Championship Relegation: Past Seasons Points Total For Relegated Bottom Three Teams-
PAST DECADE FINAL TABLES for Relegated Teams-
2005/06
Queens Park Rangers 46 12 14 20 50 65 50
Crewe Alexandra 46 9 15 22 57 86 42
Millwall 46 8 16 22 35 62 40
Brighton & Hove Albion 46 7 17 22 39 71 38
2004-2005
Crewe Alexandra 46 12 14 20 66 86 50
Gillingham 46 12 14 20 45 66 50
Nottingham Forest 46 9 17 20 42 66 44
Rotherham United 46 5 14 27 35 69 29
2003-2004
Gillingham 46 14 9 23 48 67 51
Walsall 46 13 12 21 45 65 51
Bradford City 46 10 6 30 38 69 36
Wimbledon 46 8 5 33 41 89 29
2002/03
Stoke City 46 12 14 20 45 69 50
Sheffield Wednesday 46 10 16 20 56 73 46
Brighton & Hove Albion 46 11 12 23 49 67 45
Grimsby Town 46 9 12 25 48 85 39
2001/02
Sheffield Wednesday 46 12 14 20 49 71 50
Rotherham United 46 10 19 17 52 66 49
Crewe Alexandra 46 12 13 21 47 76 49
Barnsley 46 11 15 20 59 86 48
Stockport County 46 6 8 32 42
2000/01
Crystal Palace 46 12 13 21 57 70 49
Huddersfield Town 46 11 15 20 48 57 48
Queens Park Rangers 46 7 19 20 45 75 40
Tranmere Rovers 46 9 11 26 46 77 38
1999/00
West Bromwich Albion 46 10 19 17 43 60 49
Walsall 46 11 13 22 52 77 46
Port Vale 46 7 15 24 48 69 36
Swindon Town 46 8 12 26 38 77 36
1998/99
Portsmouth 46 11 14 21 57 73 47
Queens Park Rangers 46 12 11 23 52 61 47
Port Vale 46 13 8 25 45 75 47
Bury 46 10 17 19 35 60 47
Oxford United 46 10 14 22 48 71 44
Bristol City 46 9 15 22 57 80 42
1997/98
Queens Park Rangers 46 10 19 17 51 63 49
Manchester City 46 12 12 22 56 57 48
Stoke City 46 11 13 22 44 74 46
Reading 46 11 9 26 39 78 42
1996/97
Bradford City 46 12 12 22 47 72 48
Grimsby Town 46 11 13 22 60 81 46
Oldham Athletic 46 10 13 23 51 66 43
Southend United 46 8 15 23 42 86 39
Final Tables
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