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Kilburn Times Provides Views of Nick Ward, Gareth Ainsworth and John Gregory
Kilburn Times/Ben Kosky - Casualty Ward stays hopeful
26 September 2007
FORGOTTEN man Nick Ward believes he can still carve out a career at Loftus Road - but admits he is open to offers elsewhere.
Three goals in the last six games says plenty about the QPR midfield's lack of creative output this season, yet the Australian playmaker seems to be a long way from the first-team reckoning.
Ward has never been afforded a run in the side since John Gregory took over as manager and he was loaned to Brighton for the entire second half of last season.
"I think it can still work out for me at QPR," the 22-year-old midfielder told the Times. "But, if not, I want to stay in Europe. If an opportunity comes up in January I'll look at it.
"I haven't had a good chat with the gaffer yet - when I have spoken to him I don't get a lot out of him and I really don't know whether I'm in his plans or not.
"Since John Gregory's been at the club, he's never played me in central midfield, not once. People can say what they like about me as a player but the fact is I've never played in my preferred position."Gregory has tended to deploy Ward in one of Rangers' problem slots, on the right of midfield, or even as an emergency striker in the Carling Cup defeat by Leyton Orient.
But, apart from a substitute appearance against Cardiff four days later, the Rs boss has left Ward out of his squad on every occasion this season and was happy to let him sign for Brescia during the summer.
Ward admitted: "I'd have liked to go to Italy - I went there for a couple of weeks and the football side of things went well, but there were issues with money and stuff like that and the move fell through.
"I came back a lot sharper and feeling more positive, then I played in a couple of games for QPR and felt I did well. But that was it."
The silver lining for Ward during his struggle to catch Gregory's eye is that he has retained his place in the Australian under-23 squad as they bid to qualify for next year's Olympic Games.
Despite taking some criticism from Australian Football Federation chiefs at the time of his move from Perth Glory, Ward played - and scored - in the under-23s' 3-0 win over Lebanon earlier this month.
He added: "I think my form has been good with the Australian team. The coach, Graham Arnold, was very happy with me and said I was looking back to my best after losing my way a bit last year.
"But I'm not planning to go back to the A-League at this stage. It's just a matter of getting my head down and making the most of my chance when it comes. Kilburn Times
Gareth Ainsworth/Kilburn Times - September 2007
IT'S unusual for a 34-year-old to get butterflies before a match - but I felt as nervous on Saturday as I did when I was 18!
After being out injured for five months, I felt as if I was a youngster again, itching for my first chance to impress. It was a last-minute decision by the gaffer to put me in at the start - he told me to blast it and see how long I could go.
Coming off at half-time was partly because I'd run out of breath, partly because I'd turned my ankle going up for a header with Dan Shittu. I would have carried on with some strapping, but the gaffer said 'you've done what I needed you to, now sit and watch the rest of the game'.
It felt fantastic to be part of a good team performance. I thought Danny Cullip was outstanding, Adam Bolder had probably his best game of the season, and a few of the lads looked more positive than they have of late.
It would have been nice to have scored on my return and I won't make any excuses for the chance I missed. I didn't know it at the time, but I was relieved to hear later I'd been flagged offside.
Maybe I need to turn the sat nav on in my boots before our next game, at West Brom on Sunday.
West Brom are renowned for being a good passing side, but we gave them a right old game up there last season.
It was one of the first games where we really started to feel like a team and, if we give anything like the performance we gave against Watford, the result is no foregone conclusion.
After that we go to Layer Road and, having missed the game there last season, it'll be my first time there since my Lincoln days.
I don't think it's changed much but, just because their ground isn't the best, doesn't mean we'll take Colchester lightly. They've lost a few players and staff - some to us - but they'll still be a difficult team to beat.
Finally, there's been a lot of speculation about the gaffer's position recently and I think that's inevitable when there's been a takeover of the club.
The stories about financial uncertainty get superceded by rumours about players or the manager being replaced.
All I can say, as the senior pro at QPR, is that every one of the players is 100 per cent behind John Gregory. He's built a great family here and everyone wants to do well for each other.
We can - and will - only do our best and, as long as you do that, you can hold your head high whatever happens. Kilburn Times
Kilburn Times - Forming a queue for the Rs
26 September 2007 - By Jonny Weeks
HAD John Gregory looked over his shoulder towards the director's box on Saturday, he would have noticed a gaggle of unemployed managers seemingly queuing for his job.
Ex-Chelsea boss Gianluca Vialli, former Wimbledon and Sheffield United manager Dave Bassett and the highly-rated Martin Allen all watched from the stands as Rangers earned a battling point against table-topping Watford.
But Gregory, after a year in the hotseat at Loftus Road, says rumour over the tenability of his position doesn't trouble him one bit.
"I didn't look at the director's box - I was only looking at the pitch," was his tempestuous post-match rebuttal.
"I don't worry about the speculation. I worry more for my players because they're the ones who have to go out there and get on with it on the pitch.
"They're the ones that have got the most difficult job. I think it's been a little bit unsettling for some of them.
"But there's no pressure on me at all. I'm just the manager."
Gregory drew parallels with the sacking of Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho last week, laying the entire blame for the self-styled Special One's departure at the feet of the media.
"You're always looking for blood," he said. "You guys killed Mourinho.
"But it does not bother me one bit what the media say about me. Just leave my boys alone."
During Saturday's 1-1 draw with the Hornets - easily the most entertaining match of the season - Gregory's men came from a goal down to claim their first home point of the season.
New owners Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone were not at Loftus Road to witness the display.
But Gregory says the motor racing moguls have made contact to discuss the future of the club - perhaps an indication that the manager's head is not yet on the chopping block - and he expects more extensive dialogue in October.
"We've discussed the direction we'd like to go in," he said.
"But obviously they [Briatore and Ecclestone] are extremely busy with Formula One at the moment.
"I think that will tail off in the next month when I'm sure they will spend a little bit more time here at the club."
Unless Rangers take something from their next game, Sunday's visit to West Brom, Gregory's record this season will be equal to or worse than last year's start, which prompted the club to remove Gary Waddock from the manager's role...
Kilburn Times
Also:
QPR Official Site MIKELE MISSES OUT
Mikele Leigertwood will miss the trip to the Hawthorns on Sunday, after being shown a red card in the 1-1 draw against Watford last weekend.
Leigertwood, who will serve a one match suspension, was booked on the stroke of half-time and then received a second yellow card for a foul 10 minutes from time.
Speaking about the incident, R's gaffer John Gregory said: "Mikele made two fouls throughout the match.
"The referee could have easily let him off, but he was too quick to blow the whistle over the 90 minutes and unfortunately we'll lose Mikele for one match as a result."
Despite his sending off, Leigertwood - who joined the R's on the eve of the transfer deadline from Sheffield United - is enjoying life in W12.
And the 24 year-old central midfielder, who bagged an early contender for goal of the season with a stunning strike at the Walkers Stadium, is convinced the R's will soon start climbing the league table.
"It's only a matter of time before we start winning games," he told www.qpr.co.uk.
"We've created decent chances in our last three fixtures and once we stick the ball in the back of the net, we look a different side, as we showed against Leicester and Watford in the closing stages.
"A scrappy 1-0 would suit us down to the ground at the moment." QPR
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
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
The Fall and Rise of Mark Bosnich
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The Telegraph (Australia)September 27
Bad boy Bosnich is back - By David Davutovic
THE last time Mark Bosnich saved a shot competitively, 30,000 people were watching.
This week, when he finally donned the gloves again, six years on, there were barely 30 spectators and it was raining so hard the game only just went ahead.
But for Bosnich, none of that matters. Finally, after so many comebacks as brief as they were hyped, the one-time Manchester United star, now 35, is putting in the hard yards and, with no fanfare, could be serious about a return to the game.
Monday's return couldn't have been less glamorous - a friendly between Queens Park Rangers, with whom Bosnich has trained for the past few months, and League Two side Barnet.
With exquisite irony, the match was at QPR's training ground near Heathrow - the very turf where Bosnich used to train with Chelsea until his career imploded in 2002 - and only came because QPR's reserve keeper fell ill.
But according to Nick Ward, Bosnich's fellow Australian in QPR's slice of west London, Bosnich deserves every opportunity.
"He's going really well, he's got it together and he's pretty keen on playing again," Ward said yesterday, who scored QPR's opener in the 2-0 win.
"He wants to do it for himself as much as anything. But even if he doesn't play, he's fit and healthy and stable, which is the main thing."
Ward is stunned by Bosnich's progress since joining the Loftus Road club for pre-season in July and believes he's lost as much as 20kg.
"I remember his first day at training, we were running and he couldn't do it - he was walking," Ward recalled. "He was probably 120kg when he started and now he's probably about 100kg.
"He was massive when he came in but he's been training his a... off and he's still got it. Now he's running around no problems and he's really flying - he's lost so much weight and he's loving it."
Ward was only a young attacker when Bosnich was at his brilliant best, but the Olyroo regular believes the former Premiership star can play professionally again.
"He's still got that shot-stopping ability and his positioning is great," Ward said.
"It was his first game in four years and he did well, kept a clean sheet and made some good saves. He's got a lot of offers to do TV and coaching - I'm sure he could coach."
No one has ever doubted Bosnich's ability. Socceroos goalkeeping coach Tony Franken was Sydney Croatia's No. 1 when the "teenage sensation" was coming through the ranks and has been associated with Bosnich on and off throughout his career.
"We (the Socceroos) were playing New Zealand - they had a free kick 25 yards out and the players went to set a wall" Franken recalled.
"Bosnich said, 'get away, I don't want a wall. If they beat me from 25 yards I may as well give it away'."
Franken has watched Bosnich's rise - and fall - as closely as anyone. One of his earliest memories was making way for 15-year-old Bosnich in a 'state of origin' match in the 1980s.
He was also the keeper coach when Bosnich played his last game for the Socceroos in 2000 against Hungary. Even then, Bosnich's life was on a steep downward spiral.
When Alex Ferguson signed him at Manchester United for the second time, many judges predicted he would take the next step and become the world's best gloveman.
After a solid debut season as Peter Schmeichel's successor, he was eventually relegated to No. 3.
He spectacularly fell out with Fergie and in 2001 switched to Chelsea as third choice.
Bosnich was still earning almost $90,000-a-week and many believe the money and lavish London lifestyle sucked in a renowned party boy.
While Australian fans were excited as Bosnich's breakthrough at Chelsea came just months before the World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, they were unaware he was a mess off the field.
He tested positive to cocaine in 2002 and the nine-month suspension spelled the end of his career.
Bosnich later made some startling confessions about his rock-star lifestyle. "There was a stage where I got up to 10g (of cocaine) a day when I was really down in the dumps," he revealed in 2004. "I have got an addictive personality. The most important thing is to get back into good habits and shelve the bad ones."
Many of Bosnich's closest companions in Australia have not heard from him in years.
But Ward recently passed on a cheerio from Bosnich to his former teammate and coach Franken at an Olyroos camp, who is delighted "Bozza" has his life back in order.
"It's fantastic. All the negative stuff has been well documented so it's great for Mark to be training again and playing" Franken said.
"Along with Schwarzer, he's arguably the best keeper we've produced. He's a natural keeper.
"At Aston Villa he was in the top two or three keepers in the Premiership - he was absolutely world-class."
Ward has socialised with Bosnich and says has been an utterly positive influence on his life.
"He's even helped me out heaps - he's a loud character in the dressingroom but he's always trying to help out," Ward said.
Player agent Leo Karis knows Bosnich better than most, having managed him for seven years.
"He's the most determined and single-minded person I've ever met. I learnt that if he sets his mind to something he will do it," Karis said.
Which is why, even after all the false dawns, you can't rule out a Bozza return."
Telegraph (Australia)
The Telegraph (Australia)September 27
Bad boy Bosnich is back - By David Davutovic
THE last time Mark Bosnich saved a shot competitively, 30,000 people were watching.
This week, when he finally donned the gloves again, six years on, there were barely 30 spectators and it was raining so hard the game only just went ahead.
But for Bosnich, none of that matters. Finally, after so many comebacks as brief as they were hyped, the one-time Manchester United star, now 35, is putting in the hard yards and, with no fanfare, could be serious about a return to the game.
Monday's return couldn't have been less glamorous - a friendly between Queens Park Rangers, with whom Bosnich has trained for the past few months, and League Two side Barnet.
With exquisite irony, the match was at QPR's training ground near Heathrow - the very turf where Bosnich used to train with Chelsea until his career imploded in 2002 - and only came because QPR's reserve keeper fell ill.
But according to Nick Ward, Bosnich's fellow Australian in QPR's slice of west London, Bosnich deserves every opportunity.
"He's going really well, he's got it together and he's pretty keen on playing again," Ward said yesterday, who scored QPR's opener in the 2-0 win.
"He wants to do it for himself as much as anything. But even if he doesn't play, he's fit and healthy and stable, which is the main thing."
Ward is stunned by Bosnich's progress since joining the Loftus Road club for pre-season in July and believes he's lost as much as 20kg.
"I remember his first day at training, we were running and he couldn't do it - he was walking," Ward recalled. "He was probably 120kg when he started and now he's probably about 100kg.
"He was massive when he came in but he's been training his a... off and he's still got it. Now he's running around no problems and he's really flying - he's lost so much weight and he's loving it."
Ward was only a young attacker when Bosnich was at his brilliant best, but the Olyroo regular believes the former Premiership star can play professionally again.
"He's still got that shot-stopping ability and his positioning is great," Ward said.
"It was his first game in four years and he did well, kept a clean sheet and made some good saves. He's got a lot of offers to do TV and coaching - I'm sure he could coach."
No one has ever doubted Bosnich's ability. Socceroos goalkeeping coach Tony Franken was Sydney Croatia's No. 1 when the "teenage sensation" was coming through the ranks and has been associated with Bosnich on and off throughout his career.
"We (the Socceroos) were playing New Zealand - they had a free kick 25 yards out and the players went to set a wall" Franken recalled.
"Bosnich said, 'get away, I don't want a wall. If they beat me from 25 yards I may as well give it away'."
Franken has watched Bosnich's rise - and fall - as closely as anyone. One of his earliest memories was making way for 15-year-old Bosnich in a 'state of origin' match in the 1980s.
He was also the keeper coach when Bosnich played his last game for the Socceroos in 2000 against Hungary. Even then, Bosnich's life was on a steep downward spiral.
When Alex Ferguson signed him at Manchester United for the second time, many judges predicted he would take the next step and become the world's best gloveman.
After a solid debut season as Peter Schmeichel's successor, he was eventually relegated to No. 3.
He spectacularly fell out with Fergie and in 2001 switched to Chelsea as third choice.
Bosnich was still earning almost $90,000-a-week and many believe the money and lavish London lifestyle sucked in a renowned party boy.
While Australian fans were excited as Bosnich's breakthrough at Chelsea came just months before the World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, they were unaware he was a mess off the field.
He tested positive to cocaine in 2002 and the nine-month suspension spelled the end of his career.
Bosnich later made some startling confessions about his rock-star lifestyle. "There was a stage where I got up to 10g (of cocaine) a day when I was really down in the dumps," he revealed in 2004. "I have got an addictive personality. The most important thing is to get back into good habits and shelve the bad ones."
Many of Bosnich's closest companions in Australia have not heard from him in years.
But Ward recently passed on a cheerio from Bosnich to his former teammate and coach Franken at an Olyroos camp, who is delighted "Bozza" has his life back in order.
"It's fantastic. All the negative stuff has been well documented so it's great for Mark to be training again and playing" Franken said.
"Along with Schwarzer, he's arguably the best keeper we've produced. He's a natural keeper.
"At Aston Villa he was in the top two or three keepers in the Premiership - he was absolutely world-class."
Ward has socialised with Bosnich and says has been an utterly positive influence on his life.
"He's even helped me out heaps - he's a loud character in the dressingroom but he's always trying to help out," Ward said.
Player agent Leo Karis knows Bosnich better than most, having managed him for seven years.
"He's the most determined and single-minded person I've ever met. I learnt that if he sets his mind to something he will do it," Karis said.
Which is why, even after all the false dawns, you can't rule out a Bozza return."
Telegraph (Australia)
Brazil's Ze Maria For QPR?
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Various messageboard hints suggest....
Eurosport - September 26 - Blades drop Ze Maria bid
"Sheffield United drop their interest in former Brazil wing back Ze Maria after failing to agree personal terms with the player. The 34-year-old was available following a stint at Levante and is still linked with a move to the Championship to QPR. EuroSport
BBC - Blades pull out of Ze Maria deal
Sheffield United will not be signing Brazilian midfielder Ze Maria after talks with his agent broke down.
The 34-year-old former Inter Milan, Parma and Perugia defender had a one-week trial with the Blades after leaving Spanish side Levante.
"Negotiations were ongoing and it appeared we'd reach an agreement," boss Bryan Robson told the club website. "But talks have broken down, the player will not be joining us and I will be focusing on targets elsewhere."
After leaving Levante during the summer, Ze Maria had recently been linked with a return to Italy with Lazio. He can play at right-back or on the right wing and has won 43 caps for Brazil in total. BBC
The Daily Mail a week ago:
Daily Mail September 18, 2007 - "...QPR move for Brazil defender
QPR are closing in on Brazil defender Ze Maria after a delay in his move to Sheffield United. Bramall Lane boss Bryan Robson was impressed with the 34-year-old after giving him a trial and wants Ze Maria to sign an incentive-laden contract. But QPR are in the hunt and hope to open talks today. Daily Mail
Bryan Robson on De Maria last week:
Sheffield United Official Site - September 17: Boss confident of Ze Maria deal
Bryan Robson is confident a deal can be done to bring Brazilian Ze Maria to Bramall Lane. ... Robson confirmed on Monday: "We are talking to his agents at the moment, negotiations are on going but we are confident a deal can be done. We may have some more news on Tuesday or Wednesday.
"I've been pleased with Ze Maria's composure and his passing, I think he's got a good attitude and he is impressive by the club. He's shown that he is willing to work hard and that's good news." Sheffield United Official Site
Various messageboard hints suggest....
Eurosport - September 26 - Blades drop Ze Maria bid
"Sheffield United drop their interest in former Brazil wing back Ze Maria after failing to agree personal terms with the player. The 34-year-old was available following a stint at Levante and is still linked with a move to the Championship to QPR. EuroSport
BBC - Blades pull out of Ze Maria deal
Sheffield United will not be signing Brazilian midfielder Ze Maria after talks with his agent broke down.
The 34-year-old former Inter Milan, Parma and Perugia defender had a one-week trial with the Blades after leaving Spanish side Levante.
"Negotiations were ongoing and it appeared we'd reach an agreement," boss Bryan Robson told the club website. "But talks have broken down, the player will not be joining us and I will be focusing on targets elsewhere."
After leaving Levante during the summer, Ze Maria had recently been linked with a return to Italy with Lazio. He can play at right-back or on the right wing and has won 43 caps for Brazil in total. BBC
The Daily Mail a week ago:
Daily Mail September 18, 2007 - "...QPR move for Brazil defender
QPR are closing in on Brazil defender Ze Maria after a delay in his move to Sheffield United. Bramall Lane boss Bryan Robson was impressed with the 34-year-old after giving him a trial and wants Ze Maria to sign an incentive-laden contract. But QPR are in the hunt and hope to open talks today. Daily Mail
Bryan Robson on De Maria last week:
Sheffield United Official Site - September 17: Boss confident of Ze Maria deal
Bryan Robson is confident a deal can be done to bring Brazilian Ze Maria to Bramall Lane. ... Robson confirmed on Monday: "We are talking to his agents at the moment, negotiations are on going but we are confident a deal can be done. We may have some more news on Tuesday or Wednesday.
"I've been pleased with Ze Maria's composure and his passing, I think he's got a good attitude and he is impressive by the club. He's shown that he is willing to work hard and that's good news." Sheffield United Official Site
Blackstock and Bircham Offer Their Views
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Dexter Blackstock on Icons.com
"Dexter Blackstock looks ahead to next week's game against West Brom and explains how QPR have been coming to terms with the tragic death of team-mate Ray Jones.
"This is a very difficult week for us. We faced league-leaders Watford last Saturday and now it's West Brom on Sunday.
"The good thing is that we seem to raise our game against the better sides and against Watford I thought we put in a decent performance, possibly enough to win the game.
"I think the way we played against Watford has given the whole squad a boost and we've trained really well this week. We can take that sort of attitude into Sunday's game and if we can get a result at the Hawthorns that can really get our season going. It ended 3-3 there last year and we battled hard for that result.
"It has been a difficult time for everyone at the club and I don’t think you can underestimate the impact of what happened to Ray Jones has had. Everyone has tried to come to terms with it in their own way."
To read the full interview please go to: http://www.icons.com/blackstock/diary.html
Ex-QPR's Marc Bircham on Icons.com
"Marc Bircham says Yeovil can reap the benefits of being League One's underdogs as he explains why he could be the new Jonathan Ross...
"I can't tell you how good it was to be on the bench for the away game at Brighton at the weekend. Just being part of the match day atmosphere is something I love.
"I'm happy to be just about available for the starting line-up as we have a lot of big games coming up, starting with Forest this weekend.
"Forest are at the opposite end of the spectrum from Yeovil. They are a massive club and the pressure is on them to perform and do great things. I think their players feel that pressure.
"With Yeovil, most people don't really expect us to be where we are, never mind pushing for promotion. We are constantly being underestimated and we're happy with that. We can just keep going on and surprising people."
For the full interview, please go to: http://www.icons.com/bircham/diary.html
Dexter Blackstock on Icons.com
"Dexter Blackstock looks ahead to next week's game against West Brom and explains how QPR have been coming to terms with the tragic death of team-mate Ray Jones.
"This is a very difficult week for us. We faced league-leaders Watford last Saturday and now it's West Brom on Sunday.
"The good thing is that we seem to raise our game against the better sides and against Watford I thought we put in a decent performance, possibly enough to win the game.
"I think the way we played against Watford has given the whole squad a boost and we've trained really well this week. We can take that sort of attitude into Sunday's game and if we can get a result at the Hawthorns that can really get our season going. It ended 3-3 there last year and we battled hard for that result.
"It has been a difficult time for everyone at the club and I don’t think you can underestimate the impact of what happened to Ray Jones has had. Everyone has tried to come to terms with it in their own way."
To read the full interview please go to: http://www.icons.com/blackstock/diary.html
Ex-QPR's Marc Bircham on Icons.com
"Marc Bircham says Yeovil can reap the benefits of being League One's underdogs as he explains why he could be the new Jonathan Ross...
"I can't tell you how good it was to be on the bench for the away game at Brighton at the weekend. Just being part of the match day atmosphere is something I love.
"I'm happy to be just about available for the starting line-up as we have a lot of big games coming up, starting with Forest this weekend.
"Forest are at the opposite end of the spectrum from Yeovil. They are a massive club and the pressure is on them to perform and do great things. I think their players feel that pressure.
"With Yeovil, most people don't really expect us to be where we are, never mind pushing for promotion. We are constantly being underestimated and we're happy with that. We can just keep going on and surprising people."
For the full interview, please go to: http://www.icons.com/bircham/diary.html
Ex-QPR Birthdays
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Former QPR Defender, Kenny Sansom Turns 49. Born September 26, 1958. Sansom was signed by Trevor Francis from Jim Smith's Newcastle in the summer of 1989 (basically in a swop for Wayne Fereday). He was sold to Coventry almost two years later, in March 1991. Sansom hit his prime before coming to QPR with Crystal Palace and Arsenal (and England). Sansom was the trade when Clive Allen left Arsenal for Crystal Palace after only a few weeks (and before playing a game) Sansom See also Sansom/Wikipedia
Tomorrow is the birthday of former QPR defensive Midfielder, John Delve. Delve, 54: Born September 27, 1953. A "Home grown" player was given his debut by Gordon Jago in December 1972 at Luton, Delve was a defensive midfielder who along with another home-grown youngster, John Beck, seemed to be the perennial substitute for much of our 1972/1973 season. For the next couple of season, Delve and Beck were QPR midfield back ups -especially to Gerry Francis - either when Francis was injured, or if Francis played forward (as he did a couple of times when Stan Bowles was suspended!). Delve joned Plymouth in July 1974.
Former QPR Defender, Kenny Sansom Turns 49. Born September 26, 1958. Sansom was signed by Trevor Francis from Jim Smith's Newcastle in the summer of 1989 (basically in a swop for Wayne Fereday). He was sold to Coventry almost two years later, in March 1991. Sansom hit his prime before coming to QPR with Crystal Palace and Arsenal (and England). Sansom was the trade when Clive Allen left Arsenal for Crystal Palace after only a few weeks (and before playing a game) Sansom See also Sansom/Wikipedia
Tomorrow is the birthday of former QPR defensive Midfielder, John Delve. Delve, 54: Born September 27, 1953. A "Home grown" player was given his debut by Gordon Jago in December 1972 at Luton, Delve was a defensive midfielder who along with another home-grown youngster, John Beck, seemed to be the perennial substitute for much of our 1972/1973 season. For the next couple of season, Delve and Beck were QPR midfield back ups -especially to Gerry Francis - either when Francis was injured, or if Francis played forward (as he did a couple of times when Stan Bowles was suspended!). Delve joned Plymouth in July 1974.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Q&A With Former QPR Director & Legal Counsel Nick De Marco
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Courtesy of the WeAreRangersBoys Website (www.wearetherangersboys.com ) Interview with QPR's Former Director and continuing Legal Advisor (at least according to Saturday's programme), Nick De Marco
WE ARE RANGERS BOYS -Q&A With Nick De Marco
"I would like to thank Nick De Marco for given up his time for this interview
Nick De Marco Interview..
(Q) Some people have labelled the accusation that you are not a True QPR Fan?
(a) My first game was back in 1978, when QPR played Liverpool at home. We lost 2 -1 I think, it was the first game of the season as I remember, and some great players were at the club, Bowles, Francis and Phil Parkes for example. I used to go to school locally in Hammersmith and I was around 11 years old at the time. We used to go as a group of kids to all the home matches standing behind the goal in the loft. As kids going alone we could not go to away games except a few (I remember Watford, Luton, West ham and Chelsea).
(Q) What happened when you left school?
When I was 16, I left school and didn’t really go to many matches, but always followed the club in the papers with results each week. I missed the premiership years and returned about the same time I began to earn a steady income as a barrister during the season we got promoted. I bought my first season ticket the following season.
(Q) You are a Sports lawyer, what was you first case?
I did a case for Swindon Town way before Bill Power was director. In fact, it was in regards to, Razor Ruddock who at the time was on an enormous wage and the club wanted to end his contract. I negotiated between the player and the club, in order a settlement could be reached. Then, David Davies who was at QPR instructed me for a case, not actually knowing I was QPR fan and then I thought I should get involved with the club offering free advice, when I could
(Q) When did the real involvement in the club, start?
I had written to Mark Devlin offering free help and advice. I did not get a reply. I try to always take my dad to the first home game of the season and thought I would try and speak to Mark then, but he was on holiday. Incidentally it was the day of the gun incident at Loftus Road, when I was sitting nearby where all the commotion at the ground was taking place. A couple of weeks later, I wrote to Gianni to offer to help the club and he phone me back and our relationship grew from that point.
(Q) Any involvement in the court case?
No, I am not a criminal lawyer. The crown prosecution service controlled the case. Neither Gianni nor his friends had any access to lawyers or could instruct the CPS lawyers. The CPS is independent. I went for the first few days of the trial, as I knew how distraught Gianni had become over what happened that day. The job of any defence lawyer, is to dissect the evidence of a prosecution witness, Lots of allegations were made, to be fair any defence lawyers would do that, it’s their job and I would have done the same in their position.
(Q) What Role Did You Then Play At the Club?
I built a friendship with Gianni and was able to offer free legal advice- this could be anything from contractual employment details, to players- catering suppliers etc. I advised on the ABC Loan and helped look at ways to get out of it. I was at the club as a non-executive director/giving advice. At no time did I have vote or receive any money or anything like that. Gianni has said I saved the club hundreds of thousands of pounds and that was at a time the club could not afford to throw money at lawyers.
(Q) Have you been involved in the recent takeover?
Yes, it’s been a very stressful time. During the run up dealing with QPR took up at least 2 days a week of my time. I was not the only one; Kevin Steele has done enormous work regarding the takeover. We were able to give time and advice. We had also been involved, in many meetings with other potential investors leading up to the takeover from Flavio Briartore and Bernie Ecclestone. None of the previous business meetings got to an advanced stage, as no one wanted to come up with any money. The only people, who were really genuinely interested, are the ones that Gianni has brought to the club. Frankly, many before that, were just a complete waste of time. Bill Power did show some interest and has also helped us out. Everyone understands he is a very strong QPR fan, and if he wasn’t at Swindon Town things may have been different.
It is my understanding the new board plan a substantial commitment to the club. If the ABC loan has not already been paid when you publish this interview, I can assure you they have a professional firm of solicitors who will be dealing with this issue and it is definitely in the process of being replaced.
(Q) Can we discuss you Splitting the LSA
How? Were you a member of the LSA before?>
I joined on the LSA coach on the trip to Southampton; early in that season we drew 1-1. This was before meeting Gianni. I would always write on various message board websites, The Official, Rivals and LSA. I thought I could have rational debate, you might disagree, but at the end of the day we are all QPR supporters. I often defended Gianni and in return I got insults, but that was pretty much part and parcel of a message board. I got the sense many posters had a sense of bigotry, comments like “go back to Italy you Pizza man” were just way over the top.
Anyway, I was never one of these particularly active LSA members; Paul Finney and Steve Russell had recruited me. We had no problems-we disagreed a lot, but that was that. Leading members of the LSA left the LSA because of a daily campaign against Gianni on the message board. That’s what spilt the LSA. I didn’t even know these people when they left and formed friends of QPR. I renewed my membership with the QPR 1st supporters club with no problems, but when I tried to renew with the LSA it caused a huge fuss. I was invited to go and see John Reid and Tommy Collins. I thought it was a bit over the top but I went and answered their questions. The committee agreed I should be able to renew my membership, but this lead to Paul Finney and Steve Russell resigning and forming a new group. It’s obvious too most people that the same people spilt the LSA twice, I just happened to be the catalyst the second time they did so. I got the feeling they would only be in a group if everyone agreed with them.
(Q) What Is The Future Of QPR and How Stressful has Recent Times Been?
Well, it’s been very stressful. The fact Gianni Paladini has managed to stave off administration has been a miracle. He brought major investors into the club, when it was needed. He managed to attract the Monaco Consortium who invested large amounts into the club. He also brought in Dunga, who is now the national coach for Brazil. Now, when the Monaco money ran out, he has managed to bring in even bigger investors. Bigger than anyone expected. Since the Monaco people were unable to put more money into the club last November, we have all been living on a knife-edge, borrowing from one hand to pay another. It’s easy to criticise but the goal to keep the club afloat and attract new investors was successfully reached.
I don’t think it has yet sunk in with most of us how important this new investment really is. For the last ten years we have either been facing, in, or not far off administration. For a large part of the decade we have had a crippling loan many thought we could never get rid of. Even if we managed to somehow get up in the Premiership, none of us thought we had the money to stay up beyond a first season. All that has now changed. We are entering a new era.
Of course nobody should get carried away. It’s about steady growth. The first priority is putting the club on a secure financial footing and getting rid of the ABC loan. But that priority, however difficult it seemed before, is easy now. We can turn our attention to the football and the goal of promotion to the premiership within the next 4 years.
(Q) What about the further 1.3 ABC Million loan taken out this year?
This was one of the hardest decisions, to borrow extra money to stop us going into administration. We knew how unpopular it would be with supporters, but it was the only lender we could turn to (because ABC had security over the ground already). We needed to keep the club alive to buy time to do a deal with new investors. Had we not made that difficult and unpopular decision we would not be where we are today. The deal was struck with lawyers and representatives of the ABC Corporation.
(Q) Some people Say Gianni should leave now?
Well, he kept us out of administration, no other chairman in QPR history has managed to secure such an investor to this club and if the new owners held little regard for him, he would have gone already. He has managed to bring in to the club investors who will set this club on a secure financial footing. The potential we have is enormous, though it’s a results business and we need to start winning football matches. The new investors know how well Gianni did keeping the club going in impossible circumstances without money, why would they want to get rid of him now?
(Q) One Last Question, are you glad we won’t be supporting QPRAFC?
I am sure all those people who said they would set up AFC QPR or criticised Gianni and the Board will be delighted we are now in this position, whatever our disagreements. We all love QPR. People feel very strongly about their Club. We need to put those divisions behind us. Everyone has a right to their own opinion but at last we can look forward to financial security of the club we all support and hopefully move forward together. That’s what is important
Copy and pasted with permission
Courtesy of the WeAreRangersBoys Website (www.wearetherangersboys.com ) Interview with QPR's Former Director and continuing Legal Advisor (at least according to Saturday's programme), Nick De Marco
WE ARE RANGERS BOYS -Q&A With Nick De Marco
"I would like to thank Nick De Marco for given up his time for this interview
Nick De Marco Interview..
(Q) Some people have labelled the accusation that you are not a True QPR Fan?
(a) My first game was back in 1978, when QPR played Liverpool at home. We lost 2 -1 I think, it was the first game of the season as I remember, and some great players were at the club, Bowles, Francis and Phil Parkes for example. I used to go to school locally in Hammersmith and I was around 11 years old at the time. We used to go as a group of kids to all the home matches standing behind the goal in the loft. As kids going alone we could not go to away games except a few (I remember Watford, Luton, West ham and Chelsea).
(Q) What happened when you left school?
When I was 16, I left school and didn’t really go to many matches, but always followed the club in the papers with results each week. I missed the premiership years and returned about the same time I began to earn a steady income as a barrister during the season we got promoted. I bought my first season ticket the following season.
(Q) You are a Sports lawyer, what was you first case?
I did a case for Swindon Town way before Bill Power was director. In fact, it was in regards to, Razor Ruddock who at the time was on an enormous wage and the club wanted to end his contract. I negotiated between the player and the club, in order a settlement could be reached. Then, David Davies who was at QPR instructed me for a case, not actually knowing I was QPR fan and then I thought I should get involved with the club offering free advice, when I could
(Q) When did the real involvement in the club, start?
I had written to Mark Devlin offering free help and advice. I did not get a reply. I try to always take my dad to the first home game of the season and thought I would try and speak to Mark then, but he was on holiday. Incidentally it was the day of the gun incident at Loftus Road, when I was sitting nearby where all the commotion at the ground was taking place. A couple of weeks later, I wrote to Gianni to offer to help the club and he phone me back and our relationship grew from that point.
(Q) Any involvement in the court case?
No, I am not a criminal lawyer. The crown prosecution service controlled the case. Neither Gianni nor his friends had any access to lawyers or could instruct the CPS lawyers. The CPS is independent. I went for the first few days of the trial, as I knew how distraught Gianni had become over what happened that day. The job of any defence lawyer, is to dissect the evidence of a prosecution witness, Lots of allegations were made, to be fair any defence lawyers would do that, it’s their job and I would have done the same in their position.
(Q) What Role Did You Then Play At the Club?
I built a friendship with Gianni and was able to offer free legal advice- this could be anything from contractual employment details, to players- catering suppliers etc. I advised on the ABC Loan and helped look at ways to get out of it. I was at the club as a non-executive director/giving advice. At no time did I have vote or receive any money or anything like that. Gianni has said I saved the club hundreds of thousands of pounds and that was at a time the club could not afford to throw money at lawyers.
(Q) Have you been involved in the recent takeover?
Yes, it’s been a very stressful time. During the run up dealing with QPR took up at least 2 days a week of my time. I was not the only one; Kevin Steele has done enormous work regarding the takeover. We were able to give time and advice. We had also been involved, in many meetings with other potential investors leading up to the takeover from Flavio Briartore and Bernie Ecclestone. None of the previous business meetings got to an advanced stage, as no one wanted to come up with any money. The only people, who were really genuinely interested, are the ones that Gianni has brought to the club. Frankly, many before that, were just a complete waste of time. Bill Power did show some interest and has also helped us out. Everyone understands he is a very strong QPR fan, and if he wasn’t at Swindon Town things may have been different.
It is my understanding the new board plan a substantial commitment to the club. If the ABC loan has not already been paid when you publish this interview, I can assure you they have a professional firm of solicitors who will be dealing with this issue and it is definitely in the process of being replaced.
(Q) Can we discuss you Splitting the LSA
How? Were you a member of the LSA before?>
I joined on the LSA coach on the trip to Southampton; early in that season we drew 1-1. This was before meeting Gianni. I would always write on various message board websites, The Official, Rivals and LSA. I thought I could have rational debate, you might disagree, but at the end of the day we are all QPR supporters. I often defended Gianni and in return I got insults, but that was pretty much part and parcel of a message board. I got the sense many posters had a sense of bigotry, comments like “go back to Italy you Pizza man” were just way over the top.
Anyway, I was never one of these particularly active LSA members; Paul Finney and Steve Russell had recruited me. We had no problems-we disagreed a lot, but that was that. Leading members of the LSA left the LSA because of a daily campaign against Gianni on the message board. That’s what spilt the LSA. I didn’t even know these people when they left and formed friends of QPR. I renewed my membership with the QPR 1st supporters club with no problems, but when I tried to renew with the LSA it caused a huge fuss. I was invited to go and see John Reid and Tommy Collins. I thought it was a bit over the top but I went and answered their questions. The committee agreed I should be able to renew my membership, but this lead to Paul Finney and Steve Russell resigning and forming a new group. It’s obvious too most people that the same people spilt the LSA twice, I just happened to be the catalyst the second time they did so. I got the feeling they would only be in a group if everyone agreed with them.
(Q) What Is The Future Of QPR and How Stressful has Recent Times Been?
Well, it’s been very stressful. The fact Gianni Paladini has managed to stave off administration has been a miracle. He brought major investors into the club, when it was needed. He managed to attract the Monaco Consortium who invested large amounts into the club. He also brought in Dunga, who is now the national coach for Brazil. Now, when the Monaco money ran out, he has managed to bring in even bigger investors. Bigger than anyone expected. Since the Monaco people were unable to put more money into the club last November, we have all been living on a knife-edge, borrowing from one hand to pay another. It’s easy to criticise but the goal to keep the club afloat and attract new investors was successfully reached.
I don’t think it has yet sunk in with most of us how important this new investment really is. For the last ten years we have either been facing, in, or not far off administration. For a large part of the decade we have had a crippling loan many thought we could never get rid of. Even if we managed to somehow get up in the Premiership, none of us thought we had the money to stay up beyond a first season. All that has now changed. We are entering a new era.
Of course nobody should get carried away. It’s about steady growth. The first priority is putting the club on a secure financial footing and getting rid of the ABC loan. But that priority, however difficult it seemed before, is easy now. We can turn our attention to the football and the goal of promotion to the premiership within the next 4 years.
(Q) What about the further 1.3 ABC Million loan taken out this year?
This was one of the hardest decisions, to borrow extra money to stop us going into administration. We knew how unpopular it would be with supporters, but it was the only lender we could turn to (because ABC had security over the ground already). We needed to keep the club alive to buy time to do a deal with new investors. Had we not made that difficult and unpopular decision we would not be where we are today. The deal was struck with lawyers and representatives of the ABC Corporation.
(Q) Some people Say Gianni should leave now?
Well, he kept us out of administration, no other chairman in QPR history has managed to secure such an investor to this club and if the new owners held little regard for him, he would have gone already. He has managed to bring in to the club investors who will set this club on a secure financial footing. The potential we have is enormous, though it’s a results business and we need to start winning football matches. The new investors know how well Gianni did keeping the club going in impossible circumstances without money, why would they want to get rid of him now?
(Q) One Last Question, are you glad we won’t be supporting QPRAFC?
I am sure all those people who said they would set up AFC QPR or criticised Gianni and the Board will be delighted we are now in this position, whatever our disagreements. We all love QPR. People feel very strongly about their Club. We need to put those divisions behind us. Everyone has a right to their own opinion but at last we can look forward to financial security of the club we all support and hopefully move forward together. That’s what is important
Copy and pasted with permission
Flashback: The Day The Chairman Threatened Legal Action Against The Fan Magazine
-
One Year Ago Today...
September 25, 2006 - QPR Official Site - Club Statement
Statement by Gianni Paladini on the recent edition of 'A Kick Up The Rs:'
The publication 'A Kick Up The Rs' has recently published a deeply misleading, inaccurate and scandalous article about myself and Queens Park Rangers FC.
A number of serious allegations have been made in that publication which are not true. The publication failed to contact myself or anyone else at the Club to verify their allegations.
Considering the seriousness of the allegations, I have been reluctantly forced to take legal action. The matter is now in the hands of my solicitors.
I expect a comprehensive retraction and apology from the publication for publishing these falsehoods. If they are not prepared to provide that, the matter will be dealt with by the courts.
I am sorry it must come to this, but in order for me to be able to defend myself from such blatant and hurtful untruths, I have no alternative than to take this action.
I shall make no further comment on this matter until either the apology and retraction has been received or legal proceedings are concluded." Official Site
In response two QPR Fan Groups Issued Statements
QPR1st - September 27th Statement - AKUTR's and The Club - September 27, 2006
"QPR1st supports the right of supporters to express their views in a variety of ways including fanzines and message boards.
We acknowledge that the Club also has the right to challenge what it considers to be unfair or inaccurate comments in fanzines through the official site, the programme, fans forums or by requesting a 'right to reply' within the fanzines themeselves.
Nevertheless fanzines have limited resources with which to defend themselves against legal action and therefore 'threats to sue' can be perceived as an act of intimidation. We would urge the Club to withdraw such threats and to seek to redress what they regard as a wrong through other less confrontational means. The Trust would be happy to act as a mediator between the Club and AKUTRs in the belief that QPR is at its strongest when it is united" QPR1st
LSA SECRETARY'S STATEMENT - September 29, 2006
The LSA offers wholehearted support for Dave Thomas and AKUTR's right to freedom of speech. We deplore the actions of the club in taking legal action which could kill off one of the most respected fanzines in England.
AKUTR's has played a crucial role in keeping our club alive in difficult times and we would be poorer without it.
We agree that a right of reply should be given to the club to answer the points raised in the last issue. We would be happy to play a role in ensuring that these matters are dealt with without recourse to legal action against one of the most respected supporters of our beloved club.
However if the club pursues with legal action against Dave we will offer wholehearted support in any manner we deem fit, including publishing material and raising a financial fighting fund to defend AKUTR's in court.
JOHN REID SECRETARY LSA - LSA Site
This was followed by
October 13: QPR OFFICIAL Site - Paladini at the October 12 Fan Forum
".....GP on AKUTR'S: I didn't take this man to court. People think I take people to court because the coffee is too cold. ....The magazine, I never said I would take them to court, I wanted a chance to respond to serious things that were said about me in that magazine, he never had the decency to get in touch with me for a discussion and my side, I'm talking about the journalist here not the man who edits the magazine. If you don't do anything about this, you're guilty. The allegations he made against me are wrong. If they are true then I shouldn't be the chairman. If they are right I'd resign tomorrow.." (QPR Official Site)
On October 26, 2006 on QPR's official site was termed:
"An Apology" from AKUTRs - AKUTRs Statement-
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - AN APOLOGY
The Editor and proprietor of the fanzine 'A Kick Up The R's' today agreed to publish the following retraction and apology to QPR Chairman, Gianni Paladini:
In the September edition of the newsletter 'A Kick Up the R's', we published a series of articles by Cos Atiolis about Mr Paladini, the Chairman of Queen's Park Rangers football club.
In these articles we falsely suggested that Mr Paladini was involved in fraud, corruption, malpractice and dishonesty, and made a number of other serious false, misleading and defamatory statements about him.
We now fully accept that there is no truth whatsoever in these allegations and we are extremely sorry for the distress and embarrassment caused by the articles.
The newsletter containing the articles has been withdrawn from sale and we have offered Mr Paladini a full right of reply to the articles, which will appear in the next edition.
Paladini said: "I am delighted that the fanzine has withdrawn the untrue and unfair allegations it made against me, and that it was possible to resolve this without legal action.
"Although everyone has a right to free speech, and I welcome constructive criticism, I take my professional reputation very seriously and will not stand by whilst I am accused falsely.
"I find these allegations distressing, not just because they damage me, but also because of the distress they cause to my family and to QPR fans.
"I would never want to fall out with any of our fans. The way to move this club forward is to be united.
"Fortunately, AKUTRs has accepted there was no truth to the serious allegations it published and has retracted them. I will be exercising a full right to reply in the December edition, and I hope that is then the end of the matter."
QPR Official Site
[Subsequently writing in AKUTRs, AKUTRs Editor Dave Thomas offered a somewhat different version of how the apology came to be written and published and how Chairman Paladini never offered AKUTRs his demanded response] The December issue of AKUTRs (#200)was published - without any reply from Paladini.
In a piece/editorial in that AKUTRs (AKUTRs #200), entitled "Gianni Paladini v AKUTRs," editor Dave Thomas reported on the process in which the apology/retraction was demanded and discussions/"negotiations" between Thomas and Paladini (and solicitors) was conducted; and the fact that at AKUTRs publication deadline (November 20), no Paladini response had been forthcoming - or in fact any response/communication from Paladini and/or solicitor since the end of October.]
However, Paladini ended up never writing that reply. Meeting with the QPR Fan group, QPR1st in early January 2007, QPR1st reported "QPR1st Full QPR1st report on their January 7, 2007 meeting with Chairman Paladini
"[Paladini] was asked about what was happening regarding his right to reply in the fanzine? His reply was that “he wished to thank the editor of the fanzine for his response; that never before had he personally received such an apology; it was an honourable thing; that because the reply in his fanzine was sufficient, he had decided to leave his right to reply, preferring to let sleeping dogs lie”.
He asked if we would put his response in our report, to which we agreed..." QPR1st
One Year Ago Today...
September 25, 2006 - QPR Official Site - Club Statement
Statement by Gianni Paladini on the recent edition of 'A Kick Up The Rs:'
The publication 'A Kick Up The Rs' has recently published a deeply misleading, inaccurate and scandalous article about myself and Queens Park Rangers FC.
A number of serious allegations have been made in that publication which are not true. The publication failed to contact myself or anyone else at the Club to verify their allegations.
Considering the seriousness of the allegations, I have been reluctantly forced to take legal action. The matter is now in the hands of my solicitors.
I expect a comprehensive retraction and apology from the publication for publishing these falsehoods. If they are not prepared to provide that, the matter will be dealt with by the courts.
I am sorry it must come to this, but in order for me to be able to defend myself from such blatant and hurtful untruths, I have no alternative than to take this action.
I shall make no further comment on this matter until either the apology and retraction has been received or legal proceedings are concluded." Official Site
In response two QPR Fan Groups Issued Statements
QPR1st - September 27th Statement - AKUTR's and The Club - September 27, 2006
"QPR1st supports the right of supporters to express their views in a variety of ways including fanzines and message boards.
We acknowledge that the Club also has the right to challenge what it considers to be unfair or inaccurate comments in fanzines through the official site, the programme, fans forums or by requesting a 'right to reply' within the fanzines themeselves.
Nevertheless fanzines have limited resources with which to defend themselves against legal action and therefore 'threats to sue' can be perceived as an act of intimidation. We would urge the Club to withdraw such threats and to seek to redress what they regard as a wrong through other less confrontational means. The Trust would be happy to act as a mediator between the Club and AKUTRs in the belief that QPR is at its strongest when it is united" QPR1st
LSA SECRETARY'S STATEMENT - September 29, 2006
The LSA offers wholehearted support for Dave Thomas and AKUTR's right to freedom of speech. We deplore the actions of the club in taking legal action which could kill off one of the most respected fanzines in England.
AKUTR's has played a crucial role in keeping our club alive in difficult times and we would be poorer without it.
We agree that a right of reply should be given to the club to answer the points raised in the last issue. We would be happy to play a role in ensuring that these matters are dealt with without recourse to legal action against one of the most respected supporters of our beloved club.
However if the club pursues with legal action against Dave we will offer wholehearted support in any manner we deem fit, including publishing material and raising a financial fighting fund to defend AKUTR's in court.
JOHN REID SECRETARY LSA - LSA Site
This was followed by
October 13: QPR OFFICIAL Site - Paladini at the October 12 Fan Forum
".....GP on AKUTR'S: I didn't take this man to court. People think I take people to court because the coffee is too cold. ....The magazine, I never said I would take them to court, I wanted a chance to respond to serious things that were said about me in that magazine, he never had the decency to get in touch with me for a discussion and my side, I'm talking about the journalist here not the man who edits the magazine. If you don't do anything about this, you're guilty. The allegations he made against me are wrong. If they are true then I shouldn't be the chairman. If they are right I'd resign tomorrow.." (QPR Official Site)
On October 26, 2006 on QPR's official site was termed:
"An Apology" from AKUTRs - AKUTRs Statement-
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - AN APOLOGY
The Editor and proprietor of the fanzine 'A Kick Up The R's' today agreed to publish the following retraction and apology to QPR Chairman, Gianni Paladini:
In the September edition of the newsletter 'A Kick Up the R's', we published a series of articles by Cos Atiolis about Mr Paladini, the Chairman of Queen's Park Rangers football club.
In these articles we falsely suggested that Mr Paladini was involved in fraud, corruption, malpractice and dishonesty, and made a number of other serious false, misleading and defamatory statements about him.
We now fully accept that there is no truth whatsoever in these allegations and we are extremely sorry for the distress and embarrassment caused by the articles.
The newsletter containing the articles has been withdrawn from sale and we have offered Mr Paladini a full right of reply to the articles, which will appear in the next edition.
Paladini said: "I am delighted that the fanzine has withdrawn the untrue and unfair allegations it made against me, and that it was possible to resolve this without legal action.
"Although everyone has a right to free speech, and I welcome constructive criticism, I take my professional reputation very seriously and will not stand by whilst I am accused falsely.
"I find these allegations distressing, not just because they damage me, but also because of the distress they cause to my family and to QPR fans.
"I would never want to fall out with any of our fans. The way to move this club forward is to be united.
"Fortunately, AKUTRs has accepted there was no truth to the serious allegations it published and has retracted them. I will be exercising a full right to reply in the December edition, and I hope that is then the end of the matter."
QPR Official Site
[Subsequently writing in AKUTRs, AKUTRs Editor Dave Thomas offered a somewhat different version of how the apology came to be written and published and how Chairman Paladini never offered AKUTRs his demanded response] The December issue of AKUTRs (#200)was published - without any reply from Paladini.
In a piece/editorial in that AKUTRs (AKUTRs #200), entitled "Gianni Paladini v AKUTRs," editor Dave Thomas reported on the process in which the apology/retraction was demanded and discussions/"negotiations" between Thomas and Paladini (and solicitors) was conducted; and the fact that at AKUTRs publication deadline (November 20), no Paladini response had been forthcoming - or in fact any response/communication from Paladini and/or solicitor since the end of October.]
However, Paladini ended up never writing that reply. Meeting with the QPR Fan group, QPR1st in early January 2007, QPR1st reported "QPR1st Full QPR1st report on their January 7, 2007 meeting with Chairman Paladini
"[Paladini] was asked about what was happening regarding his right to reply in the fanzine? His reply was that “he wished to thank the editor of the fanzine for his response; that never before had he personally received such an apology; it was an honourable thing; that because the reply in his fanzine was sufficient, he had decided to leave his right to reply, preferring to let sleeping dogs lie”.
He asked if we would put his response in our report, to which we agreed..." QPR1st
Ex-QPR in Championship Team of the Week...Steffan Moore on Getting a QPR Chance
-
UPDATE: £650,000 initial fee set for ex-QPR loanee, Leon Best.
BBC - Tribunal sets fee for Best move
Coventry City have been ordered to pay Southampton an initial fee of £650,000 for striker Leon Best by a tribunal...The figure was set by the Professional Game Compensation Committee.
Notts County will receive a proportion of the fee, as part of the sell-on clause agreed when Best left Meadow Lane as a 17-year-old in July 2004.
Saints may also receive further payments based on appearances, and a further sum if Coventry win promotion to the Premier League during Best's initial contract which runs until 2010.
The south coast club will also receive a sell-on fee of 20% of any surplus above the figure of £650,000 if he moves on from the Ricoh Arena.
Best scored four goals in 19 first-team appearances during his three-year spell with Southampton, while also netting 15 times in 50 appearances during loan spells at QPR, Sheffield Wednesday, Bournemouth and Yeovil..." BBC
Congratulations to Burnley's Clarke Carlisle who makes this week's Championship Team of the Week. (Also in the Team of the week, Colchester's Mark Yeates, who once almost joined QPR on loan.) In League One's Team of the Week, Nottingham Forest's Junior Agogo made it (also with a brief QPR spell) and in League Two's Team of the Week, Macclesfield's Richard Edghill (again with QPR experience).
Daily Mail - September 24
When I get Moore of a run, the goals should flow - QPR saviour's pledge
Stefan Moore is enjoying a new lease of life after granting Queens Park Rangers manager John Gregory a reprieve with his equaliser against leaders Watford on Saturday.
Gregory is believed to have been told he would be dismissed if Rangers lost and his 12-month reign looked to be coming to a close as they trailed to an Adam Johnson goal while out-of-work managers Gianluca Vialli, Micky Adams, Dave Bassett and Gerry
That was until Moore, who worked under Gregory at Aston Villa, saved the day with a 59th-minute strike to earn a 1-1 draw.
"It was nice to get involved and get another appearance under my belt," said Moore, after netting only his third goal in 36 games for QPR.
"I have been in and out of the team and I have never really had a proper run." Mail
Luton Official Site - BOSS SINGS FURLONG PRAISE
Luton boss Kevin Blackwell sang the praises of veteran striker Paul Furlong as he notched his fifth goal of the season against Port Vale.
The 38-year-old displayed his clinical finishing inside the area to sweep home a corner from David Bell.
Furlong, who was released by QPR in the summer, was one of nine summer signings made by Blackwell and the Luton boss believes the striker has become a real success story at Kenilworth Road.
Blackwell said: "His hold up play is so good. Because it is good it allows the three midfield players to get forward.
"It was a quality display from Paul and I have been saying for many weeks now that he is a tremendous acquisition for this Club.
"I don't think people understand the role that he plays, but today people have seen quality hold up play. He also took his goal superbly..." Luton
Fee for Ex-QPR youth player Giles Coke Agreed
BBC - Tribunal sets fee for Coke switch
Giles Coke - Northampton have been ordered to pay Mansfield a package worth up to £70,000 for 21-year-old midfielder Giles Coke.
The Stags are entitled to a fee because Coke is and under 24.
But it has been decided by a tribunal that £15,000 will be paid immediately, with another £15,000 payable in October and a further £7,500 in January 2008.
Another £40,000 will be paid dependant on appearances with £10,000 payable after 10, 20, 30 and 40 games and there is also a 20% sell on clause.
Coke joined the Cobblers on a two-year deal in July after rejecting a new contract with Mansfield. BBC
He started his career as a trainee at QPR, had a spell at Kingstonian and then joined Mansfield in March 2005.
UPDATE: £650,000 initial fee set for ex-QPR loanee, Leon Best.
BBC - Tribunal sets fee for Best move
Coventry City have been ordered to pay Southampton an initial fee of £650,000 for striker Leon Best by a tribunal...The figure was set by the Professional Game Compensation Committee.
Notts County will receive a proportion of the fee, as part of the sell-on clause agreed when Best left Meadow Lane as a 17-year-old in July 2004.
Saints may also receive further payments based on appearances, and a further sum if Coventry win promotion to the Premier League during Best's initial contract which runs until 2010.
The south coast club will also receive a sell-on fee of 20% of any surplus above the figure of £650,000 if he moves on from the Ricoh Arena.
Best scored four goals in 19 first-team appearances during his three-year spell with Southampton, while also netting 15 times in 50 appearances during loan spells at QPR, Sheffield Wednesday, Bournemouth and Yeovil..." BBC
Congratulations to Burnley's Clarke Carlisle who makes this week's Championship Team of the Week. (Also in the Team of the week, Colchester's Mark Yeates, who once almost joined QPR on loan.) In League One's Team of the Week, Nottingham Forest's Junior Agogo made it (also with a brief QPR spell) and in League Two's Team of the Week, Macclesfield's Richard Edghill (again with QPR experience).
Daily Mail - September 24
When I get Moore of a run, the goals should flow - QPR saviour's pledge
Stefan Moore is enjoying a new lease of life after granting Queens Park Rangers manager John Gregory a reprieve with his equaliser against leaders Watford on Saturday.
Gregory is believed to have been told he would be dismissed if Rangers lost and his 12-month reign looked to be coming to a close as they trailed to an Adam Johnson goal while out-of-work managers Gianluca Vialli, Micky Adams, Dave Bassett and Gerry
That was until Moore, who worked under Gregory at Aston Villa, saved the day with a 59th-minute strike to earn a 1-1 draw.
"It was nice to get involved and get another appearance under my belt," said Moore, after netting only his third goal in 36 games for QPR.
"I have been in and out of the team and I have never really had a proper run." Mail
Luton Official Site - BOSS SINGS FURLONG PRAISE
Luton boss Kevin Blackwell sang the praises of veteran striker Paul Furlong as he notched his fifth goal of the season against Port Vale.
The 38-year-old displayed his clinical finishing inside the area to sweep home a corner from David Bell.
Furlong, who was released by QPR in the summer, was one of nine summer signings made by Blackwell and the Luton boss believes the striker has become a real success story at Kenilworth Road.
Blackwell said: "His hold up play is so good. Because it is good it allows the three midfield players to get forward.
"It was a quality display from Paul and I have been saying for many weeks now that he is a tremendous acquisition for this Club.
"I don't think people understand the role that he plays, but today people have seen quality hold up play. He also took his goal superbly..." Luton
Fee for Ex-QPR youth player Giles Coke Agreed
BBC - Tribunal sets fee for Coke switch
Giles Coke - Northampton have been ordered to pay Mansfield a package worth up to £70,000 for 21-year-old midfielder Giles Coke.
The Stags are entitled to a fee because Coke is and under 24.
But it has been decided by a tribunal that £15,000 will be paid immediately, with another £15,000 payable in October and a further £7,500 in January 2008.
Another £40,000 will be paid dependant on appearances with £10,000 payable after 10, 20, 30 and 40 games and there is also a 20% sell on clause.
Coke joined the Cobblers on a two-year deal in July after rejecting a new contract with Mansfield. BBC
He started his career as a trainee at QPR, had a spell at Kingstonian and then joined Mansfield in March 2005.
Monday, September 24, 2007
QPR with Bosnich in Goal Defeat Barnet - QPR & Barnet Perspectives
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UPDATE: September 25: The Daily Mail
Bosnich training with QPR in bid to relaunch his career
Mark Bosnich is training at QPR in an attempt to re-launch his career. Under-fire boss John Gregory managed the Australian keeper at Aston Villa a decade ago and oversaw his transfer to Manchester United in 1999 Mail
[NB: Bosnich has actually been training with QPR for the past couple of months.]
QPR Official Site - BEES STUNG
First half goals from Nicky Ward and Ben Sahar helped Rangers ease to a comfortable 2-0 victory in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Barnet.
Ward opened the scoring in the sixth minute when he latched on to Kieron St Aimie's pull-back, before firing home from 15 yards.
The lead was doubled eight minutes later when Ward turned provider. The Australian found Sahar with a neat through-ball and the Chelsea loanee did the rest, finishing with aplomb past the advancing Barnet custodian.
The duo both went close to adding to the R's goal haul, as the hosts orchestrated proceedings at Harlington.
QPR: Bosnich, Trialist, Bignot, Curtis, Shimmin, Rehman, St Aimie (Arthur, 68), Bailey, Ward (Rose, 75), Sahar, Baidoo (Coyne, 46)
Subs Not Used: O'Brien. QPR
Barnet Official Site - Squad Members Get Valuable Exercise
Assistant manager Ian Hendon took three and a half hours to get to the QPR training ground near Heathrow in rain-lashed weather ... and his side were two down in the first 10 minutes or so against a side boasting several of the host side's first team regulars in a behind-closed-doors game.
The Bees fielded four PROTEC youngsters who impressed in last week's game against Barnet U18s alongside squad players who did not start at Chesterfield. They failed to score against QPR goalkeeper Mark Bosnich.
Hendon reports: "Both Joe O'Cearuill and James Cole did well. Liam Hatch did a bit better than last time. Ashley Carew, too, did well.
"Although it took all that time to get across London, referee Dermot Gallagher started promptly at 11.30 a.m. - and we were two down almost after getting out of the cars and before we got a grip. After that we did alright, particularly the two lads at the back, and Rangers rarely looked like scoring again. To be fair, we didn't create much either".
The Bees beat QPR on a previous visit last month, as fully reported on www.barnetfc.com. Today's game was not covered by a professional journalist because of the disparaging and negative reaction to last week's report on the game against Barnet U18s.
These matches are purely designed to allow members of the Barnet squad who do not play at the weekend 90 minutes football. Dennis Signy Barnet
UPDATE: September 25: The Daily Mail
Bosnich training with QPR in bid to relaunch his career
Mark Bosnich is training at QPR in an attempt to re-launch his career. Under-fire boss John Gregory managed the Australian keeper at Aston Villa a decade ago and oversaw his transfer to Manchester United in 1999 Mail
[NB: Bosnich has actually been training with QPR for the past couple of months.]
QPR Official Site - BEES STUNG
First half goals from Nicky Ward and Ben Sahar helped Rangers ease to a comfortable 2-0 victory in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Barnet.
Ward opened the scoring in the sixth minute when he latched on to Kieron St Aimie's pull-back, before firing home from 15 yards.
The lead was doubled eight minutes later when Ward turned provider. The Australian found Sahar with a neat through-ball and the Chelsea loanee did the rest, finishing with aplomb past the advancing Barnet custodian.
The duo both went close to adding to the R's goal haul, as the hosts orchestrated proceedings at Harlington.
QPR: Bosnich, Trialist, Bignot, Curtis, Shimmin, Rehman, St Aimie (Arthur, 68), Bailey, Ward (Rose, 75), Sahar, Baidoo (Coyne, 46)
Subs Not Used: O'Brien. QPR
Barnet Official Site - Squad Members Get Valuable Exercise
Assistant manager Ian Hendon took three and a half hours to get to the QPR training ground near Heathrow in rain-lashed weather ... and his side were two down in the first 10 minutes or so against a side boasting several of the host side's first team regulars in a behind-closed-doors game.
The Bees fielded four PROTEC youngsters who impressed in last week's game against Barnet U18s alongside squad players who did not start at Chesterfield. They failed to score against QPR goalkeeper Mark Bosnich.
Hendon reports: "Both Joe O'Cearuill and James Cole did well. Liam Hatch did a bit better than last time. Ashley Carew, too, did well.
"Although it took all that time to get across London, referee Dermot Gallagher started promptly at 11.30 a.m. - and we were two down almost after getting out of the cars and before we got a grip. After that we did alright, particularly the two lads at the back, and Rangers rarely looked like scoring again. To be fair, we didn't create much either".
The Bees beat QPR on a previous visit last month, as fully reported on www.barnetfc.com. Today's game was not covered by a professional journalist because of the disparaging and negative reaction to last week's report on the game against Barnet U18s.
These matches are purely designed to allow members of the Barnet squad who do not play at the weekend 90 minutes football. Dennis Signy Barnet
Two Ex-QPR Birthdays
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Two former QPR Defenders and one former forward: Matt Rose, Rufus Brevett and Dean Coney.
Matt Rose Turns 32. Born September 24, 1975
Spent ten seasons with QPR before being released to join Yeovil. The unluckily often-injured Rose has played some 200+ games. Rose was signed for 500,000 pounds from Arsenal by Stuart Houston in the summmer of 1997. Rose See also: Matt Rose Remembered
Rufus Brevett Turns 38 - Born September 24, 1969
Signed by Don Howe from Doncaster Rovers in March 1991, (around the same time that QPR also signed defenders Peacock and Tillson.) Brevett played almost 150 games for QPR before being sold to Fulham in January 1998 (in what generally came to be seen as a bad move by QPR!). Recently became 'Sporting Director' at Swindon after the club's takeover. Brevett See also: Wikipedia/Brevett
And a Recent Birthday: Striker, Dean Coney who turned 44 - Born September 18, 1963. Coney was signed by Jim Smith from Fulham (along with Paul Parker). After a year, joined Norwich. See Wikipedia/Coney
Two former QPR Defenders and one former forward: Matt Rose, Rufus Brevett and Dean Coney.
Matt Rose Turns 32. Born September 24, 1975
Spent ten seasons with QPR before being released to join Yeovil. The unluckily often-injured Rose has played some 200+ games. Rose was signed for 500,000 pounds from Arsenal by Stuart Houston in the summmer of 1997. Rose See also: Matt Rose Remembered
Rufus Brevett Turns 38 - Born September 24, 1969
Signed by Don Howe from Doncaster Rovers in March 1991, (around the same time that QPR also signed defenders Peacock and Tillson.) Brevett played almost 150 games for QPR before being sold to Fulham in January 1998 (in what generally came to be seen as a bad move by QPR!). Recently became 'Sporting Director' at Swindon after the club's takeover. Brevett See also: Wikipedia/Brevett
And a Recent Birthday: Striker, Dean Coney who turned 44 - Born September 18, 1963. Coney was signed by Jim Smith from Fulham (along with Paul Parker). After a year, joined Norwich. See Wikipedia/Coney
Vialli's Time at Watford
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With press speculation about John Gregory possibly being replaced and one of the possibilities being mentioned is Gianluca Vialli, Vialli's last English managerial experience: In May, 2001, Watford appointed Vialli as their manager. Just over a year later, after one season, Watford fired Vialli. See also, Wikipedia/Vialli
4thegame - May 2, 2001 - Watford appoint Vialli as boss
Gianluca Vialli is the new boss of Watford.
He replaces Graham Taylor at the First Division club. Taylor is to step down at the end of the season.
Vialli returns to management in England after losing his job at Chelsea earlier in the season.
Former Chelsea boss Gianluca Vialli has been confirmed as the new manager of Watford.
The Italian will take over at the end of the season when Graham Taylor retires.
The Hornets represent Vialli''s first job in management since his unexpected exit at Stamford Bridge eight months ago.
The 1995 world player of the year was sacked by chairman Ken Bates on September 12 after just five games of the new Premiership season.
He paid the ultimate price for a failure to bring the championship back to the Blues amid a growing stream of tales of unrest inside the dressing room.
First Division Watford now give Vialli the perfect opportunity to prove his old boss wrong.
He would seemingly now be better equipped to handle the challenge, too.
In his short sabbatical, Vialli has sought to better himself as a manager, embarking on a Uefa coaching course in an attempt to improve his motivational and man-management skills.
The first test of his new skills would be a stiff one - returning the Hornets to the Premiership.
In his last season in charge, Taylor has been unable to take Watford to the play-offs in their first season after relegation from the Premiership at the end of the 1999-2000 campaign.
Fans would hope, however, that a high-profile and popular figure such as Vialli would attract greater talent to the club, and he could even look to friends at his old club Chelsea to join him in his new role. forthegame
BCC - Friday, 14 June, 2002, Watford sack Vialli
Vialli could not turn Watford's fortunes around
First Division Watford have terminated the contract of manager Gianluca Vialli.
Everyone's gutted about him leaving.... clubs don't give their managers enough time to achieve anything
Midfielder Gavin Mahon
He had only been in charge for one season, but it was a disappointing year, with the Hornets finishing in 14th place.
"I am very disappointed by the decision of the club, especially as my work at Watford was still in its early stages," Vialli said in a statement.
"I have been co-operative towards the club and they have tried to bring the best coaching staff to assist me.
"I also wish to record my thanks to the fans for their continuous support."
Financial crisis
Despite several high-profile signings, including Ramon Vega and Stephen Hughes, the ex-Chelsea boss could not improve Watford's fortunes on the pitch.
And in the wake of ITV Digital's collapse, the club now faces major financial problems and is looking to make big cutbacks.
Plans for a new stand have been put on hold and the club has already released five players, including veteran captain Filippo Galli to ease the crisis.
But Hornets midfielder Gavin Mahon said of his manager's dismissal: "Clubs don't give their managers enough time to achieve anything - maybe they can't now.
"Vialli only had one year to bring success to Watford. But the television money going changed all that. It's sad."
Vialli's 18 months of woe
2000: Sacked in September by Chelsea as Ken Bates seeks "a change of direction"
2001: Goes on Uefa coaching course and takes over at Watford in May
2002:Hornets finish 14th in D1 in May and Vialli is sacked as manager in June
"Everyone's gutted about him leaving. It's very sad news and I have no bad words to say about him.
"I understand the club has to cut back and there are a lot of clubs in the same situation because everyone is struggling to survive.
"Vialli brought me to the club and now he's gone, so where do we stand as players?"
Mass exodus
Vialli's dismissal follows the departure of other members of his coaching team.
First-team coach Ray Wilkins, fitness coach Giovanni Vaglini, club doctor Ian Beasley and masseur John Kelly left Vicarage Road earlier in the week.
With chairman Elton John also resigning last month, ending his 25-year association with the club, Watford clearly face a turbulent few weeks before their opening fixture of the new season, on 10 August, away at Leicester - BBC
BBC - Monday 17th June 2002 - Turmoil at Vicarage Road
Watford have issued a statement giving their reasons for sacking manager Gianluca Vialli and other members of staff.
Chief Executive Tim Shaw has put most of the blame on ITV Digital and he has also confirmed that Ray Lewington will take temporary charge for the time being.
Mr Shaw says that the departure of Vialli and others has been a result of the collapse of ITV Digital as cuts have had to be made in order to ensure future financial stability.
The club have been denied what was a future guaranteed income of £2m a year and he says that the frustration and anger of the fans should be directed at Carlton and Granada, who have failed to meet their legal obligations.
Mr Shaw says they simply couldn't afford to keep Vialli as manager and they are trying to come to an agreement with him in terms of the termination of his contract.
Lewington has taken over as Caretaker Manager and Mr Shaw says the club wish to interview a number of candidates for the vacant manager's position.
Mr Shaw also refutes claims that Vialli's departure was timed to coincide with the World Cup. He says last week happened to be the week when all the players and staff were back at the club.
Nine players have been asked to take a cut in wages and he is very encouraged by their response. He added that these were the worst times he had ever known for the club....>> BBC
BBC Friday, 7 February, 2003 Vialli sues Watford
Vialli has been negotiating a settlement for months
Gianluca Vialli has issued court proceedings after his sacking by Watford last June.
The Hornets tore up Vialli's three-year contract with two years left to run after a disappointing season in which wage costs at Vicarage Road soared and the team finished a lowly 14th in Division One.
Vialli has been negotiating a settlement for months, but the former Chelsea manager's decision to go to court could not come at a worse time for the club.
Watford narrowly avoided slipping into administration this season by forcing their players and staff to accept a 12% wage deferral and raising funds via a share issue.
But manager Ray Lewington held a sunshine summit with his coaching staff in Portugal this week to decide how to further reduce the size of the Watford squad for next season.
Watford admit Vialli error
Lewington is resigned to working with less players and will not have the money to keep several who are out of contract this summer unless Watford win promotion to the Premiership.
But he discussed where the axe could fall with assistant Terry Burton on a four-day training camp ahead of a crunch meeting with the Watford board in a month's time when he will learn his long-term budget.
Lewington said: "We know what we'd like to do but the crunch will come when the board tell us what we can do. There will be wastage.
"There will be players coming to the end of their contract that we won't sign even if the money is right. We have to prioritise our needs and we've used the Portugal trip to do that.
"But a lot will depend on the money we are given. I can talk until I'm blue in the face but if the club can't afford to do what I want to do it's pointless." BBC
Watford and Vialli - A Watford Fans Site Perspective
The perspective re Vialli of the now-defunct, but very interesting Watford Fan Site, Blind, Stupid and Desperate
Blind, Stupid and Desperate - I
Blind, Stupid and Desperate - II
Blind, Stupid and Desperate - III
Blind, Stupid and Desperate - IV
Blind, Stupid and Desperate - V
Blind, Stupid and Desperate - Axing Vialli
With press speculation about John Gregory possibly being replaced and one of the possibilities being mentioned is Gianluca Vialli, Vialli's last English managerial experience: In May, 2001, Watford appointed Vialli as their manager. Just over a year later, after one season, Watford fired Vialli. See also, Wikipedia/Vialli
4thegame - May 2, 2001 - Watford appoint Vialli as boss
Gianluca Vialli is the new boss of Watford.
He replaces Graham Taylor at the First Division club. Taylor is to step down at the end of the season.
Vialli returns to management in England after losing his job at Chelsea earlier in the season.
Former Chelsea boss Gianluca Vialli has been confirmed as the new manager of Watford.
The Italian will take over at the end of the season when Graham Taylor retires.
The Hornets represent Vialli''s first job in management since his unexpected exit at Stamford Bridge eight months ago.
The 1995 world player of the year was sacked by chairman Ken Bates on September 12 after just five games of the new Premiership season.
He paid the ultimate price for a failure to bring the championship back to the Blues amid a growing stream of tales of unrest inside the dressing room.
First Division Watford now give Vialli the perfect opportunity to prove his old boss wrong.
He would seemingly now be better equipped to handle the challenge, too.
In his short sabbatical, Vialli has sought to better himself as a manager, embarking on a Uefa coaching course in an attempt to improve his motivational and man-management skills.
The first test of his new skills would be a stiff one - returning the Hornets to the Premiership.
In his last season in charge, Taylor has been unable to take Watford to the play-offs in their first season after relegation from the Premiership at the end of the 1999-2000 campaign.
Fans would hope, however, that a high-profile and popular figure such as Vialli would attract greater talent to the club, and he could even look to friends at his old club Chelsea to join him in his new role. forthegame
BCC - Friday, 14 June, 2002, Watford sack Vialli
Vialli could not turn Watford's fortunes around
First Division Watford have terminated the contract of manager Gianluca Vialli.
Everyone's gutted about him leaving.... clubs don't give their managers enough time to achieve anything
Midfielder Gavin Mahon
He had only been in charge for one season, but it was a disappointing year, with the Hornets finishing in 14th place.
"I am very disappointed by the decision of the club, especially as my work at Watford was still in its early stages," Vialli said in a statement.
"I have been co-operative towards the club and they have tried to bring the best coaching staff to assist me.
"I also wish to record my thanks to the fans for their continuous support."
Financial crisis
Despite several high-profile signings, including Ramon Vega and Stephen Hughes, the ex-Chelsea boss could not improve Watford's fortunes on the pitch.
And in the wake of ITV Digital's collapse, the club now faces major financial problems and is looking to make big cutbacks.
Plans for a new stand have been put on hold and the club has already released five players, including veteran captain Filippo Galli to ease the crisis.
But Hornets midfielder Gavin Mahon said of his manager's dismissal: "Clubs don't give their managers enough time to achieve anything - maybe they can't now.
"Vialli only had one year to bring success to Watford. But the television money going changed all that. It's sad."
Vialli's 18 months of woe
2000: Sacked in September by Chelsea as Ken Bates seeks "a change of direction"
2001: Goes on Uefa coaching course and takes over at Watford in May
2002:Hornets finish 14th in D1 in May and Vialli is sacked as manager in June
"Everyone's gutted about him leaving. It's very sad news and I have no bad words to say about him.
"I understand the club has to cut back and there are a lot of clubs in the same situation because everyone is struggling to survive.
"Vialli brought me to the club and now he's gone, so where do we stand as players?"
Mass exodus
Vialli's dismissal follows the departure of other members of his coaching team.
First-team coach Ray Wilkins, fitness coach Giovanni Vaglini, club doctor Ian Beasley and masseur John Kelly left Vicarage Road earlier in the week.
With chairman Elton John also resigning last month, ending his 25-year association with the club, Watford clearly face a turbulent few weeks before their opening fixture of the new season, on 10 August, away at Leicester - BBC
BBC - Monday 17th June 2002 - Turmoil at Vicarage Road
Watford have issued a statement giving their reasons for sacking manager Gianluca Vialli and other members of staff.
Chief Executive Tim Shaw has put most of the blame on ITV Digital and he has also confirmed that Ray Lewington will take temporary charge for the time being.
Mr Shaw says that the departure of Vialli and others has been a result of the collapse of ITV Digital as cuts have had to be made in order to ensure future financial stability.
The club have been denied what was a future guaranteed income of £2m a year and he says that the frustration and anger of the fans should be directed at Carlton and Granada, who have failed to meet their legal obligations.
Mr Shaw says they simply couldn't afford to keep Vialli as manager and they are trying to come to an agreement with him in terms of the termination of his contract.
Lewington has taken over as Caretaker Manager and Mr Shaw says the club wish to interview a number of candidates for the vacant manager's position.
Mr Shaw also refutes claims that Vialli's departure was timed to coincide with the World Cup. He says last week happened to be the week when all the players and staff were back at the club.
Nine players have been asked to take a cut in wages and he is very encouraged by their response. He added that these were the worst times he had ever known for the club....>> BBC
BBC Friday, 7 February, 2003 Vialli sues Watford
Vialli has been negotiating a settlement for months
Gianluca Vialli has issued court proceedings after his sacking by Watford last June.
The Hornets tore up Vialli's three-year contract with two years left to run after a disappointing season in which wage costs at Vicarage Road soared and the team finished a lowly 14th in Division One.
Vialli has been negotiating a settlement for months, but the former Chelsea manager's decision to go to court could not come at a worse time for the club.
Watford narrowly avoided slipping into administration this season by forcing their players and staff to accept a 12% wage deferral and raising funds via a share issue.
But manager Ray Lewington held a sunshine summit with his coaching staff in Portugal this week to decide how to further reduce the size of the Watford squad for next season.
Watford admit Vialli error
Lewington is resigned to working with less players and will not have the money to keep several who are out of contract this summer unless Watford win promotion to the Premiership.
But he discussed where the axe could fall with assistant Terry Burton on a four-day training camp ahead of a crunch meeting with the Watford board in a month's time when he will learn his long-term budget.
Lewington said: "We know what we'd like to do but the crunch will come when the board tell us what we can do. There will be wastage.
"There will be players coming to the end of their contract that we won't sign even if the money is right. We have to prioritise our needs and we've used the Portugal trip to do that.
"But a lot will depend on the money we are given. I can talk until I'm blue in the face but if the club can't afford to do what I want to do it's pointless." BBC
Watford and Vialli - A Watford Fans Site Perspective
The perspective re Vialli of the now-defunct, but very interesting Watford Fan Site, Blind, Stupid and Desperate
Blind, Stupid and Desperate - I
Blind, Stupid and Desperate - II
Blind, Stupid and Desperate - III
Blind, Stupid and Desperate - IV
Blind, Stupid and Desperate - V
Blind, Stupid and Desperate - Axing Vialli
QPR, John Gregory and The Future
-
The Times - Gregory’s hard times over with QPR in fast lane again
The manager can put his credit card away with an affluent new ownership team in place to pick up the bills instead - Kaveh Solhekol
Where do you start? John Gregory has been the manager of Queens Park Rangers for 12 months but he already feels ten years older than he did last September. As a football reporter you get used to asking questions that you already know the answer to, but Gregory has a lot to get off his chest.
QPR nearly went out of business before Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore bought the Coca-Cola Championship club for £14 million three weeks ago, and there have been plenty of mornings during the past year when Gregory has looked in the mirror and wondered whether he could carry on. Last month, one of his star strikers died in a car crash, in February his players hit the headlines for kung-fu fighting with the China Olympic team and the threat of administration and relegation have been haunting him nearly every day.
“We couldn’t pay our hotel bills on away trips so I had to get my credit card card out,” Gregory said. “That’s how bad things were before Bernie and Flavio arrived.”
As well as dipping into his own pocket, Gregory had to dismantle the club’s scouting system - “what’s the point of having scouts when you don’t have the money to buy anyone”, he said – and get rid of half his first-team squad. Just when he thought things could not get any worse, the photocopier in his office broke down last Christmas. When he tried to get it fixed, he was told that it would be impossible because the last repair bill was six months overdue.
“That was scratching the surface of the problems here,” Gregory said. “When I arrived the whole place had relegation written all over it. There was no love. No one cared. The players hated Saturdays. Twenty of them were injured because they didn’t want to play and they didn’t want to be associated with our problems.”
Showing demoralised players the door was the least of his problems. When he tried to sign replacements – on free transfers – he discovered that word had spread about the club’s financial problems and that players were reluctant to sign on the dotted line when their contracts might not be worth the paper that they were written on. “It was bloody hard,” Gregory, who played for QPR from 1981 to 1985, said. “I had to tell the players that we signed that everything was wonderful here. They kept telling me that they had heard that we were close to administration but I’d say no, no, no, where did you hear that? That was three years ago, everything is fine now, of course you’ll get paid next month.”
While Gregory demonstrated his ability to be economical with the truth, Gianni Paladini, the chairman, rang up everyone he could think of to try to raise funds to keep the club going. When Paladini rang Gregory and told him that Ecclestone, the Formula One ringmaster and one of the richest men in Britain, and Briatore, the managing director of the Renault Formula One team, wanted to buy the club, he could hardly believe what he was hearing. “I told Gianni he was living in a fantasy world when he mentioned their names,” Gregory said. “I told him to ring me back when he had sobered up. He was trying to convince me that they were coming but I refused to believe it until the deal was signed, sealed and delivered – what has happened is beyond our wildest dreams.”
At a meeting with Gregory last week, the new owners explained what was expected of him. He would be given money to spend in the transfer window in January, but in the meantime QPR had to start winning games. Unfortunately for Gregory, his team have not won this season, leading to speculation that he would be replaced by somebody with a higher profile, such as Gianluca Vialli, the former Chelsea manager. “I’ve been given no guarantees about my future,” Gregory said. “I was just told to carry on doing my job and to prepare the team as best as I can.”
Even if the worst comes to the worst and the club’s new owners opt for a quick fix and show him the door, Gregory has at least repaired some of the damage done to his reputation after his acrimonious departure from Derby County in March 2003. “The allegations against my role in transfers started when I left Aston Villa five years ago,” Gregory said. “Then Derby threw allegations at me which I proved were totally false and I won my case against them for unfair dismissal. I got paid a seven-figure sum in compensation. You don’t get that if you are guilty of anything.”
The photocopier in his office is fixed now and new scouts are being employed, but one thing Gregory cannot change is what happened on August 25, when Ray Jones, the club’s highly rated 18-year-old striker, died in a car crash in East London. “I’ve lost a few friends in the past but to lose one of your players was unbelievably difficult,” he said. “We had to go and bury one of our teammates – that was really tough.”
As his voice trails off, Gregory glances at the tape machine recording our conversation. “I’m sure you’ve got enough in there,” he said. More than enough, John. More than enough. The Times
Telegraph - Vultures circle over John Gregory at QPR - By Sam Green
Flavio Briatore is renowned for his love of fast cars, glamorous women and exotic locations. The prospect of trips to Hartlepool, Walsall and Yeovil will not excite the new QPR owner's palate.
This should be of major concern to manager John Gregory, who has presided over a winless start to the season that has left Rangers second from bottom. A scan of the directors' box on Saturday suggested he was a dead man walking. Gianluca Vialli and Martin Allen were the latest potential replacements to enjoy QPR's hospitality after Micky Adams last Tuesday.
It was hard not to feel some sympathy for Gregory. What other profession allows the vultures to circle its vulnerable quite so blatantly?
But the man himself was simmering with defiance after his team's gutsy display. "I don't worry about it, there's no pressure on me at all," Gregory said. "It doesn't bother me. You lot can say what you like."
Aidy Boothroyd, whose Watford side remain top, expressed his sympathy in his own idiosyncratic way. "You've got to be stupid to do this job first of all," he said. "If you win a lot of games, you know there's a fall coming, and if you're not winning, you're under pressure. So you can't really win. Unless you're winning."
There was no paucity of drama on the pitch — "It could have been a 7-6," said Boothroyd — but when on-loan Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson headed Watford in front after the break you feared a QPR collapse. However, 10 minutes later Stefan Moore crashed home a deserved equaliser.
Briatore, the managing director of Renault's Formula One team, and Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One's commercial rights holder, paid £14 million for QPR and have already spoken to the players.
"They said all they have ever done in their lives is win and they expect the same here," said Moore. And that, for Gregory, is the bottom line....
Telegraph
Independent - QPR 1 Watford 1: Gregory feels the pressure By Andrew Warshaw
A first home point of the season may not be enough to keep John Gregory in the job of Queen's Park Rangers manager. Rumours persist that the Renault team principal Flavio Briatore and his partner at Loftus Road, the Formula One rights holder Bernie Ecclestone, are considering a new face. Four prospective candidates, including Gianluca Vialli and Martin Allen, were in the directors' box on Saturday.
No one would deny that Gregory's players did their best, fully deserving to hold the Championship leaders. The man himself says he is unfazed by the speculation but it is clear he is getting rattled. "It doesn't bother me one bit," he said. "I worry more for my players because they're the ones who have to go out there and perform. It has maybe been a little bit unsettling for some of them.
"I just get on with the job. I don't care what the media say about me ... just leave my players alone. You lot killed [Jose] Mourinho, you loved and welcomed him for the first 18 months, then people turned on him when he started winning everything. You were always looking for blood."
Gregory stressed how the recent death of the 18-year-old England youth international Ray Jones in a car accident had "hit the dressing room really badly".
The veteran Gareth Ainsworth inspired his team-mates and when he went off at half-time Rangers missed his drive and motivation. Still, it was his replacement, Stefan Moore, who earned a point, drilling home a rebound after Dexter Blackstock's looping header came back off the bar.
That cancelled out Adam Johnson's close-range effort and, although Rangers played the last nine minutes with 10 men after Mikele Leigertwood was sent off for a second yellow card, Watford could not capitalise.
Watford's manager, Adrian Boothroyd, said: "We've learnt lessons and the players have got themselves off the floor [after relegation] but many teams have set a pace and not gone up."
Rangers' players have met their new owners. "They will obviously bring funds to the club, which will help everyone," Moore said. "They want us to have a winning mentality and we all want to be part of it." Whether that will include Gregory remains to be seen. Independent
The Guardian - Gregory looks nervously over his shoulder as Vialli waits in the wings - James Callow at Loftus Road
Forgive John Gregory his paranoia. The Queens Park Rangers manager had already had to come to terms with the arrival of ambitious new owners and his team's poor form, and on Saturday his position was further undermined by the presence of Gianluca Vialli only yards behind him in the stand.
Martin Allen, recently freed from his contract with Leicester City, also sat among the directors as his former club battled with the division's leaders, but it was Vialli, whose success at Chelsea was followed by an erratic stint with Watford, who caused the more speculation.
Gregory joked "Has Vialli been in yet?" at his post-match press conference. He had not, but the incumbent's position is under review by Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone - the formula one impresarios and new owners - and it seems they have begun their succession planning. A source close to Vialli said he was at the game as a guest of Briatore in a personal, not professional capacity. The source added that the Italian would consider the job if it became available but there had been no discussions yet.
In Briatore and Ecclestone, who had watched as Rangers lurched to a 2-0 defeat by Plymouth last week, Gregory has employers who are both unaccustomed to and intolerant of failure, and he expects to learn his fate in the next few weeks.
"I've not spoken to them much," he said. "When I have seen them we have discussed the direction that we want the club to go in but they are extremely busy with formula one and when that tails off I'm sure they'll spend more time here."
When that time comes, Gregory will hope to have banked several more performances of the calibre of this one. After falling behind to Adam Johnson's 49th-minute goal, Stefan Moore fired in Dexter Blackstock's rebounded shot 10 minutes later to hand Rangers their first home point of the season, and it might easily been three had they converted any of a clutch of first-half chances.
"The players were outstanding today. People who aren't connected to QPR would never believe what the lads went through when they lost one of their team-mates," said Gregory of the recent death in a car crash of the young striker Ray Jones. "They had to overcome that and I think they have done. Watford are top of the league but there really wasn't anything between the two teams and I think we should have won the game."
On a day where flamboyance was confined to the Loftus Road directors' box, Rangers relied upon energy and emotion to carry them through, with Adam Bolder and Danny Cullip outstanding, not least when Mikele Leigertwood's 81st-minute dismissal left them short-handed.
Watford were more calculating, even if Aidy Boothroyd's series of equations for once failed to add up. "We dropped ourselves in it. We got in good positions and then we let ourselves down. I certainly expected a better performance, but the important thing when you're not playing well is that you pick up points," he said.
In Marlon King, Darius Henderson and Nathan Ellington he has three coveted strikers, but arguably Boothroyd himself is the team's star. His enduring presence has given the club sufficient credibility to lure this game's outstanding player, Johnson, on a three-month loan from Middlesbrough. Johnson's goal, a far-post header, was unbecoming of a winger whose deft skills set him apart from his team-mates.
Watford missed that kind of guile in their short Premiership stint but according to Boothroyd this side has far more to offer. "We weren't disciplined enough today, but we will be. It's a very young team and I don't think we'll see the best of us until we get to February."
Whether Gregory has the security to plan so far forward is another matter.
Man of the match: Adam Johnson
Redolent of a bygone age, the on-loan Middlesbrough academy winger barely fills his shirt and at times he lacks urgency, but he moves with deceptive speed and his jinking left foot has the ability to mesmerise defenders.
Best moment: His corner gave Dan Shittu a clear sight of goal and one weaving run left QPR grasping air. Guardian
MIRROR - GREGORY'S BIG FIGHT - Press 'killed' Jose, rages QPR boss
By Michael Martin
Good old John Gregory. Not for him the placid, philosophical approach to impending doom favoured by the likes of Martin Jol.
Not for him the unflappable civility of Wenger, Eriksson and Co.
When cornered by the baying press pack on Saturday afternoon, you could see the fear and loathing in Gregory's eyes as he came out fighting in true British bulldog style.
The QPR boss (below) would reportedly have been sacked had his side lost to league leaders Watford - and the presence of high-profile jobseekers Martin Allen and Gianluca Vialli in the directors' box would hardly have set his mind at ease.
However the response Gregory got from his players suggests there could be life in the old dog yet.
And the manager's performance post-match suggests that, if he goes, he will not be going quietly.
Amid lavish praise for his players there were claims that the media "killed" former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, as well as some gnomic utterances about the Bernie Ecclestone-Flavio Briatore regime now in charge at Loftus Road.
Gregory snarled: "You lot can say what you like. I don't give a s***. It does not bother me one bit - but just leave my lads alone.
"You lot have killed Mourinho. You loved him and welcomed him for the first 18 months, he was writing copy for you right, left and centre.
"Then you turned on him when he started winning everything.
Everything that went on at Chelsea - the media could smell blood and the media should take some responsibility.
"I didn't see anyone in the directors' box - I was facing the pitch. I've not spoken to the new board too much.
"When I have seen them we have discussed the direction we want the club to go in, but they are busy with Formula One.
"When that tails off I'm sure they will spend more time here.
The players were outstanding, 100 per cent committed. You people who are not connected with QPR would not have any idea what those players went through when Ray Jones died last month.
"It hit this club like you would never believe and it hit most of the people in my dressing room.
They had to overcome that, which they have."
Gregory's side had to face adversity on the pitch too. Gareth Ainsworth, in his first game back after breaking his leg, was a breath of fresh air in the first half but lasted only 45 minutes. And four minutes after the break Watford took the lead.
Marlon King's looping cross was hooked back across goal by Tommy Smith, leaving Adam Johnson with the simple task of nodding it over the line.
The visiting fans chanted "Bye bye John Gregory" but their gloating was premature... Mirror
The Times - Gregory’s hard times over with QPR in fast lane again
The manager can put his credit card away with an affluent new ownership team in place to pick up the bills instead - Kaveh Solhekol
Where do you start? John Gregory has been the manager of Queens Park Rangers for 12 months but he already feels ten years older than he did last September. As a football reporter you get used to asking questions that you already know the answer to, but Gregory has a lot to get off his chest.
QPR nearly went out of business before Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore bought the Coca-Cola Championship club for £14 million three weeks ago, and there have been plenty of mornings during the past year when Gregory has looked in the mirror and wondered whether he could carry on. Last month, one of his star strikers died in a car crash, in February his players hit the headlines for kung-fu fighting with the China Olympic team and the threat of administration and relegation have been haunting him nearly every day.
“We couldn’t pay our hotel bills on away trips so I had to get my credit card card out,” Gregory said. “That’s how bad things were before Bernie and Flavio arrived.”
As well as dipping into his own pocket, Gregory had to dismantle the club’s scouting system - “what’s the point of having scouts when you don’t have the money to buy anyone”, he said – and get rid of half his first-team squad. Just when he thought things could not get any worse, the photocopier in his office broke down last Christmas. When he tried to get it fixed, he was told that it would be impossible because the last repair bill was six months overdue.
“That was scratching the surface of the problems here,” Gregory said. “When I arrived the whole place had relegation written all over it. There was no love. No one cared. The players hated Saturdays. Twenty of them were injured because they didn’t want to play and they didn’t want to be associated with our problems.”
Showing demoralised players the door was the least of his problems. When he tried to sign replacements – on free transfers – he discovered that word had spread about the club’s financial problems and that players were reluctant to sign on the dotted line when their contracts might not be worth the paper that they were written on. “It was bloody hard,” Gregory, who played for QPR from 1981 to 1985, said. “I had to tell the players that we signed that everything was wonderful here. They kept telling me that they had heard that we were close to administration but I’d say no, no, no, where did you hear that? That was three years ago, everything is fine now, of course you’ll get paid next month.”
While Gregory demonstrated his ability to be economical with the truth, Gianni Paladini, the chairman, rang up everyone he could think of to try to raise funds to keep the club going. When Paladini rang Gregory and told him that Ecclestone, the Formula One ringmaster and one of the richest men in Britain, and Briatore, the managing director of the Renault Formula One team, wanted to buy the club, he could hardly believe what he was hearing. “I told Gianni he was living in a fantasy world when he mentioned their names,” Gregory said. “I told him to ring me back when he had sobered up. He was trying to convince me that they were coming but I refused to believe it until the deal was signed, sealed and delivered – what has happened is beyond our wildest dreams.”
At a meeting with Gregory last week, the new owners explained what was expected of him. He would be given money to spend in the transfer window in January, but in the meantime QPR had to start winning games. Unfortunately for Gregory, his team have not won this season, leading to speculation that he would be replaced by somebody with a higher profile, such as Gianluca Vialli, the former Chelsea manager. “I’ve been given no guarantees about my future,” Gregory said. “I was just told to carry on doing my job and to prepare the team as best as I can.”
Even if the worst comes to the worst and the club’s new owners opt for a quick fix and show him the door, Gregory has at least repaired some of the damage done to his reputation after his acrimonious departure from Derby County in March 2003. “The allegations against my role in transfers started when I left Aston Villa five years ago,” Gregory said. “Then Derby threw allegations at me which I proved were totally false and I won my case against them for unfair dismissal. I got paid a seven-figure sum in compensation. You don’t get that if you are guilty of anything.”
The photocopier in his office is fixed now and new scouts are being employed, but one thing Gregory cannot change is what happened on August 25, when Ray Jones, the club’s highly rated 18-year-old striker, died in a car crash in East London. “I’ve lost a few friends in the past but to lose one of your players was unbelievably difficult,” he said. “We had to go and bury one of our teammates – that was really tough.”
As his voice trails off, Gregory glances at the tape machine recording our conversation. “I’m sure you’ve got enough in there,” he said. More than enough, John. More than enough. The Times
Telegraph - Vultures circle over John Gregory at QPR - By Sam Green
Flavio Briatore is renowned for his love of fast cars, glamorous women and exotic locations. The prospect of trips to Hartlepool, Walsall and Yeovil will not excite the new QPR owner's palate.
This should be of major concern to manager John Gregory, who has presided over a winless start to the season that has left Rangers second from bottom. A scan of the directors' box on Saturday suggested he was a dead man walking. Gianluca Vialli and Martin Allen were the latest potential replacements to enjoy QPR's hospitality after Micky Adams last Tuesday.
It was hard not to feel some sympathy for Gregory. What other profession allows the vultures to circle its vulnerable quite so blatantly?
But the man himself was simmering with defiance after his team's gutsy display. "I don't worry about it, there's no pressure on me at all," Gregory said. "It doesn't bother me. You lot can say what you like."
Aidy Boothroyd, whose Watford side remain top, expressed his sympathy in his own idiosyncratic way. "You've got to be stupid to do this job first of all," he said. "If you win a lot of games, you know there's a fall coming, and if you're not winning, you're under pressure. So you can't really win. Unless you're winning."
There was no paucity of drama on the pitch — "It could have been a 7-6," said Boothroyd — but when on-loan Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson headed Watford in front after the break you feared a QPR collapse. However, 10 minutes later Stefan Moore crashed home a deserved equaliser.
Briatore, the managing director of Renault's Formula One team, and Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One's commercial rights holder, paid £14 million for QPR and have already spoken to the players.
"They said all they have ever done in their lives is win and they expect the same here," said Moore. And that, for Gregory, is the bottom line....
Telegraph
Independent - QPR 1 Watford 1: Gregory feels the pressure By Andrew Warshaw
A first home point of the season may not be enough to keep John Gregory in the job of Queen's Park Rangers manager. Rumours persist that the Renault team principal Flavio Briatore and his partner at Loftus Road, the Formula One rights holder Bernie Ecclestone, are considering a new face. Four prospective candidates, including Gianluca Vialli and Martin Allen, were in the directors' box on Saturday.
No one would deny that Gregory's players did their best, fully deserving to hold the Championship leaders. The man himself says he is unfazed by the speculation but it is clear he is getting rattled. "It doesn't bother me one bit," he said. "I worry more for my players because they're the ones who have to go out there and perform. It has maybe been a little bit unsettling for some of them.
"I just get on with the job. I don't care what the media say about me ... just leave my players alone. You lot killed [Jose] Mourinho, you loved and welcomed him for the first 18 months, then people turned on him when he started winning everything. You were always looking for blood."
Gregory stressed how the recent death of the 18-year-old England youth international Ray Jones in a car accident had "hit the dressing room really badly".
The veteran Gareth Ainsworth inspired his team-mates and when he went off at half-time Rangers missed his drive and motivation. Still, it was his replacement, Stefan Moore, who earned a point, drilling home a rebound after Dexter Blackstock's looping header came back off the bar.
That cancelled out Adam Johnson's close-range effort and, although Rangers played the last nine minutes with 10 men after Mikele Leigertwood was sent off for a second yellow card, Watford could not capitalise.
Watford's manager, Adrian Boothroyd, said: "We've learnt lessons and the players have got themselves off the floor [after relegation] but many teams have set a pace and not gone up."
Rangers' players have met their new owners. "They will obviously bring funds to the club, which will help everyone," Moore said. "They want us to have a winning mentality and we all want to be part of it." Whether that will include Gregory remains to be seen. Independent
The Guardian - Gregory looks nervously over his shoulder as Vialli waits in the wings - James Callow at Loftus Road
Forgive John Gregory his paranoia. The Queens Park Rangers manager had already had to come to terms with the arrival of ambitious new owners and his team's poor form, and on Saturday his position was further undermined by the presence of Gianluca Vialli only yards behind him in the stand.
Martin Allen, recently freed from his contract with Leicester City, also sat among the directors as his former club battled with the division's leaders, but it was Vialli, whose success at Chelsea was followed by an erratic stint with Watford, who caused the more speculation.
Gregory joked "Has Vialli been in yet?" at his post-match press conference. He had not, but the incumbent's position is under review by Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone - the formula one impresarios and new owners - and it seems they have begun their succession planning. A source close to Vialli said he was at the game as a guest of Briatore in a personal, not professional capacity. The source added that the Italian would consider the job if it became available but there had been no discussions yet.
In Briatore and Ecclestone, who had watched as Rangers lurched to a 2-0 defeat by Plymouth last week, Gregory has employers who are both unaccustomed to and intolerant of failure, and he expects to learn his fate in the next few weeks.
"I've not spoken to them much," he said. "When I have seen them we have discussed the direction that we want the club to go in but they are extremely busy with formula one and when that tails off I'm sure they'll spend more time here."
When that time comes, Gregory will hope to have banked several more performances of the calibre of this one. After falling behind to Adam Johnson's 49th-minute goal, Stefan Moore fired in Dexter Blackstock's rebounded shot 10 minutes later to hand Rangers their first home point of the season, and it might easily been three had they converted any of a clutch of first-half chances.
"The players were outstanding today. People who aren't connected to QPR would never believe what the lads went through when they lost one of their team-mates," said Gregory of the recent death in a car crash of the young striker Ray Jones. "They had to overcome that and I think they have done. Watford are top of the league but there really wasn't anything between the two teams and I think we should have won the game."
On a day where flamboyance was confined to the Loftus Road directors' box, Rangers relied upon energy and emotion to carry them through, with Adam Bolder and Danny Cullip outstanding, not least when Mikele Leigertwood's 81st-minute dismissal left them short-handed.
Watford were more calculating, even if Aidy Boothroyd's series of equations for once failed to add up. "We dropped ourselves in it. We got in good positions and then we let ourselves down. I certainly expected a better performance, but the important thing when you're not playing well is that you pick up points," he said.
In Marlon King, Darius Henderson and Nathan Ellington he has three coveted strikers, but arguably Boothroyd himself is the team's star. His enduring presence has given the club sufficient credibility to lure this game's outstanding player, Johnson, on a three-month loan from Middlesbrough. Johnson's goal, a far-post header, was unbecoming of a winger whose deft skills set him apart from his team-mates.
Watford missed that kind of guile in their short Premiership stint but according to Boothroyd this side has far more to offer. "We weren't disciplined enough today, but we will be. It's a very young team and I don't think we'll see the best of us until we get to February."
Whether Gregory has the security to plan so far forward is another matter.
Man of the match: Adam Johnson
Redolent of a bygone age, the on-loan Middlesbrough academy winger barely fills his shirt and at times he lacks urgency, but he moves with deceptive speed and his jinking left foot has the ability to mesmerise defenders.
Best moment: His corner gave Dan Shittu a clear sight of goal and one weaving run left QPR grasping air. Guardian
MIRROR - GREGORY'S BIG FIGHT - Press 'killed' Jose, rages QPR boss
By Michael Martin
Good old John Gregory. Not for him the placid, philosophical approach to impending doom favoured by the likes of Martin Jol.
Not for him the unflappable civility of Wenger, Eriksson and Co.
When cornered by the baying press pack on Saturday afternoon, you could see the fear and loathing in Gregory's eyes as he came out fighting in true British bulldog style.
The QPR boss (below) would reportedly have been sacked had his side lost to league leaders Watford - and the presence of high-profile jobseekers Martin Allen and Gianluca Vialli in the directors' box would hardly have set his mind at ease.
However the response Gregory got from his players suggests there could be life in the old dog yet.
And the manager's performance post-match suggests that, if he goes, he will not be going quietly.
Amid lavish praise for his players there were claims that the media "killed" former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, as well as some gnomic utterances about the Bernie Ecclestone-Flavio Briatore regime now in charge at Loftus Road.
Gregory snarled: "You lot can say what you like. I don't give a s***. It does not bother me one bit - but just leave my lads alone.
"You lot have killed Mourinho. You loved him and welcomed him for the first 18 months, he was writing copy for you right, left and centre.
"Then you turned on him when he started winning everything.
Everything that went on at Chelsea - the media could smell blood and the media should take some responsibility.
"I didn't see anyone in the directors' box - I was facing the pitch. I've not spoken to the new board too much.
"When I have seen them we have discussed the direction we want the club to go in, but they are busy with Formula One.
"When that tails off I'm sure they will spend more time here.
The players were outstanding, 100 per cent committed. You people who are not connected with QPR would not have any idea what those players went through when Ray Jones died last month.
"It hit this club like you would never believe and it hit most of the people in my dressing room.
They had to overcome that, which they have."
Gregory's side had to face adversity on the pitch too. Gareth Ainsworth, in his first game back after breaking his leg, was a breath of fresh air in the first half but lasted only 45 minutes. And four minutes after the break Watford took the lead.
Marlon King's looping cross was hooked back across goal by Tommy Smith, leaving Adam Johnson with the simple task of nodding it over the line.
The visiting fans chanted "Bye bye John Gregory" but their gloating was premature... Mirror
Sunday, September 23, 2007
'Snippet' re QPR's Shares
-
Sunday Mirror - IT'S NOT NICE TO SHARE - David James 23/09/2007 More The Mole
Delighted Qpr shareholders wait with bated breath to see if the purchase of their club by Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone is going to lead them to the promised land of the Premier League.
The only concern until now has not been the dilution of their shares to give the Formula One boys a working majority but why, now the deal is done, the small investors need to sell their shares for just one penny a share?
Surely it's better to hold on to the shares because they might be worth much more soon - if Rangers make it to the land of milk and honey! Sunday Mirror
[Thanks to the person who kindly pointed this item out to me.]
Sunday Mirror - IT'S NOT NICE TO SHARE - David James 23/09/2007 More The Mole
Delighted Qpr shareholders wait with bated breath to see if the purchase of their club by Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone is going to lead them to the promised land of the Premier League.
The only concern until now has not been the dilution of their shares to give the Formula One boys a working majority but why, now the deal is done, the small investors need to sell their shares for just one penny a share?
Surely it's better to hold on to the shares because they might be worth much more soon - if Rangers make it to the land of milk and honey! Sunday Mirror
[Thanks to the person who kindly pointed this item out to me.]
How Ex-QPRs Did Yesterday
-
Paul Jones joins Bognor....Danny Shittu played for Watford against QPR...Clarke Carlisle got an injury time equalizer for Burnley at Bristol City...Paul Furlong scored for Luton as they beat Port Vale 2-1.... Mark Bircham was on the subs bench for Yeovil (didn't come on) as they won 2-1 at Dean Wilkins' Brighton... Matt Rose wasn't in the squad; presumably injured... Kevin Gallen was Not in the MK Dons squad that won yesterday. Tony Roberts let in a goal as Dagenham drew 1-1... Gary Waddock's Aldershot won 4-3 yesterday and are top of the Division.... Ian Holloway's Plymouth lost 3-2 at Stoke.... Blackpool's Ian Evatt went off after 24 mins in their 2-2 draw with Colchester.... Peter Crouch came on as a late sub for Liverpool, as the team drew 0-0 at home to Birmingham... Lee Cook is still out injured for Fulham ....Chris Day was on the Subs bench for Millwall as they drew 0-0 vs Crewe... Trevor Sinclair played the first 75 minutes for Cardiff as they drew 2-2 at home to Preston.... Jamie Cureton played the first 68 minutes as Norwich lost 2-0 at Wolves.... Ian Dowie's Coventry lost again: 1-4 at Ipswich... Dougie Freedman came on a second half sub for Crystal Palace as they beat Sheffield United 3-2.
BBC - Bognor sign ex-Wales keeper Jones
Wales goalkeeping coach Paul Jones has joined non-League side Bognor Town on a short-term deal.
The 40-year-old, who has won 50 caps for Wales, was released by Queen's Park Rangers in May and has not played competitive football since.
Welsh Premiership champions The New Saints wanted Jones to join them for their Champions League campaign but he rejected that overture.
Now he has agreed to play for the Rocks in the Blue Square Conference South.
Jones made his Bognor debut in last week's 3-1 home loss to Bath City, with his new team then losing to a last-minute goal in Saturday's trip to Thurrock.
BBC
Paul Jones joins Bognor....Danny Shittu played for Watford against QPR...Clarke Carlisle got an injury time equalizer for Burnley at Bristol City...Paul Furlong scored for Luton as they beat Port Vale 2-1.... Mark Bircham was on the subs bench for Yeovil (didn't come on) as they won 2-1 at Dean Wilkins' Brighton... Matt Rose wasn't in the squad; presumably injured... Kevin Gallen was Not in the MK Dons squad that won yesterday. Tony Roberts let in a goal as Dagenham drew 1-1... Gary Waddock's Aldershot won 4-3 yesterday and are top of the Division.... Ian Holloway's Plymouth lost 3-2 at Stoke.... Blackpool's Ian Evatt went off after 24 mins in their 2-2 draw with Colchester.... Peter Crouch came on as a late sub for Liverpool, as the team drew 0-0 at home to Birmingham... Lee Cook is still out injured for Fulham ....Chris Day was on the Subs bench for Millwall as they drew 0-0 vs Crewe... Trevor Sinclair played the first 75 minutes for Cardiff as they drew 2-2 at home to Preston.... Jamie Cureton played the first 68 minutes as Norwich lost 2-0 at Wolves.... Ian Dowie's Coventry lost again: 1-4 at Ipswich... Dougie Freedman came on a second half sub for Crystal Palace as they beat Sheffield United 3-2.
BBC - Bognor sign ex-Wales keeper Jones
Wales goalkeeping coach Paul Jones has joined non-League side Bognor Town on a short-term deal.
The 40-year-old, who has won 50 caps for Wales, was released by Queen's Park Rangers in May and has not played competitive football since.
Welsh Premiership champions The New Saints wanted Jones to join them for their Champions League campaign but he rejected that overture.
Now he has agreed to play for the Rocks in the Blue Square Conference South.
Jones made his Bognor debut in last week's 3-1 home loss to Bath City, with his new team then losing to a last-minute goal in Saturday's trip to Thurrock.
BBC
Additional QPR-Watford Match Reports
-
OBSERVER - Jason Thomas
".....Watford, the Championship leaders, also had to settle for a draw after being ahead at QPR. The point - QPR's first of the season at home - will have been particularly welcome for their manager John Gregory. QPR, who had Mikele Leigertwood sent off near the end, certainly showed the 'strength of character' which Gregory had said he was looking for. None more so than their goalkeeper Leo Camp, their best player. Obsever
Sunday Mirror - Football: Shadow over Gregory can't faze Rangers
Mike Allen At Loftus Road 23/09/2007
John GREGORY's job as Rangers boss hung by a thread last night as his side earned a battling draw with Championship leaders Watford at Loftus Road.
Rangers are the only team in the League without a win this season and he will not have been encouraged by the appearance of ex-Ranger Martin Allen and former
Watford and Chelsea boss Gianluca Vialli in the directors' box. Rangers were hampered by the second half dismissal of Mikele Leigertwood, but did little else wrong and were given a standing ovation off the pitch after Stefan Moore cancelled out Adam Johnson's goal, but it may be too little too late for Gregory.
Rangers have not always provided the sort of application they showed yesterday which would persuade new owners Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone that Gregory is the man to fulfil their ambitious plans to return Premiership football to Loftus Road.
A defiant Gregory said: "I am extremely proud of the players, they were outstanding. "I worry more for the players than me.
There's pressure on them to perform, I'm just the manager, although it has been a little unsettling for them.
"Anyone not connected with the club has no idea what the players went through when Ray Jones died a couple of weeks ago.
"They have had to overcome it and refocus on the job, which has taken time."
Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd offered Gregory his support and said: "A few days ago Jose Mourinho wasn't a very good manager, but now he's God because he's gone. So if you are a manager the best thing is to be out of work because you get nice things written about you."
Lee Williamson, Danny Shittu and Tommy Smith all went close for Watford before the break and Dexter Blackstock and Gareth Ainsworth missed glorious opportunities for Rangers as both teams drew a blank despite decent approach play....
HOW THEY RATED Qpr Camp 8; Cullip 6, D Stewart 7, Timoska 6, Barker 6; Ainsworth 6 (Moore 7), Bolder 6, Leigertwood 6, Rowlands; Nardiello 6 (Ephraim 7), Blackstock 5.
Manager Gregory 7
Watford Poom 6; Doyley 6, Shittu 6, DeMerit 6 (Mariappa 6), J Stewart 6; Smith 6 (McAnuff 6), Mahon 7, Williamson 6, Johnson 7; King 6, Henderson 7 (Ellington 6).
Manager Boothroyd 7
Referee K Hill 7
MAN OF THE MATCH Lee Camp Late saves may have saved his manager's job
Sunday Mirror
WATFORD OBSERVER
A BELOW-PAR Watford had to settle for a point after being held to a 1-1 draw at Queens Park Rangers this afternoon (Saturday).
After a very lively opening in which both sides could, and perhaps should, have scored, the Hornets made the breakthrough minutes after the restart when on-loan Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson headed home a Tommy Smith cross.
However, Watford were unable to build on this goal and were pegged back when substitute Stefan Moore capitalised from close range after a Dexter Blackstock header had rebounded off the bar.
The visitors were handed the numerical advantage with nine minutes left when Mikele Leigertwood was dismissed for a second yellow card, but they were unable to find a way through Rangers' stubborn rearguard..... Watford Observer
The PEOPLE -MOORE TIME FOR GREGORY - By Jack Steggles
Stefan Moore came off the bench to grab the goal that could keep Rangers boss John Gregory in his job just a little longer.
With Rangers still seeking their first win this season, the presence of Martin Allen and Gianluca Vialli in the directors' box must worry Gregory.
But the players showed they are still behind their manager with a battling display against the top dogs....
Qpr: *CAMP 8 - Timoska 7, Cullip 7, D Stewart 6, Barker 6 - Ainsworth 5 (Moore, 45mins, 7), Boulder 6, Leigertwood 5, Rowlands 5 - Nardiello 6 (Ephraim, 40mins, 5), Blackstock 6.
Watford: Poom 6 - Doyley 6, Shittu 6, DeMerit 7 (Mariappa, 45mins, 6), J Stewart 6 - Smith 6 (McAnuff, 73mins), Mahon 6, Williamson 6, *JOHNSON 8 - King 7, Henderson 6 (Ellington, 73mins). Ref: K Hill 6. People
Telegraph QPR (0) 1 Watford (0) 1 - (By Andrew Warshaw)
If John Gregory is on his way out of Queen Park Rangers, after a year as manager, he could not have asked much more from his struggling team yesterday, writes Andrew Warshaw.
A goal behind early in the second half, Rangers scored a deserved equaliser against the Championship pacesetters, picking up their first home point of the season despite playing the last 10 minutes a man short after Mikele Leigertword was sent off for a second book able offence.
Rumours that Gregory is on the verge of being ousted by QPR's new regime of Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone were fuelled by the appearance of no fewer than four prospective candidates in the directors' box.
They included former Chelsea manager Gianluca Vialli and Martin Allen, most recently of Leicester.
But Gregory refused to be drawn on his future preferring to dwell on the way his team have recovered from the recent death of team-mate Ray Jones, tragically killed in a car accident.
"Those not connected with this club cannot appreciate what the players have been through," said Gregory. "It hit everyone in the dressing room so badly and they have had to refocus on their job. I can't worry about all the speculation, it's been more unsettling for the players."
Dexter Blackstock missed two first-half sitters for Rangers but in a thoroughly open game Watford were just as profligate until Adam Johnson, on loan from Middlesbrough, couldn't miss.
Just as Rangers were in danger of losing their way, Blackstock's looping header came back off the bar and substitute Stefan Moore netted the rebound.Telegraph
See Also Earlier QPR-Watford Match Reports and Comments
OBSERVER - Jason Thomas
".....Watford, the Championship leaders, also had to settle for a draw after being ahead at QPR. The point - QPR's first of the season at home - will have been particularly welcome for their manager John Gregory. QPR, who had Mikele Leigertwood sent off near the end, certainly showed the 'strength of character' which Gregory had said he was looking for. None more so than their goalkeeper Leo Camp, their best player. Obsever
Sunday Mirror - Football: Shadow over Gregory can't faze Rangers
Mike Allen At Loftus Road 23/09/2007
John GREGORY's job as Rangers boss hung by a thread last night as his side earned a battling draw with Championship leaders Watford at Loftus Road.
Rangers are the only team in the League without a win this season and he will not have been encouraged by the appearance of ex-Ranger Martin Allen and former
Watford and Chelsea boss Gianluca Vialli in the directors' box. Rangers were hampered by the second half dismissal of Mikele Leigertwood, but did little else wrong and were given a standing ovation off the pitch after Stefan Moore cancelled out Adam Johnson's goal, but it may be too little too late for Gregory.
Rangers have not always provided the sort of application they showed yesterday which would persuade new owners Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone that Gregory is the man to fulfil their ambitious plans to return Premiership football to Loftus Road.
A defiant Gregory said: "I am extremely proud of the players, they were outstanding. "I worry more for the players than me.
There's pressure on them to perform, I'm just the manager, although it has been a little unsettling for them.
"Anyone not connected with the club has no idea what the players went through when Ray Jones died a couple of weeks ago.
"They have had to overcome it and refocus on the job, which has taken time."
Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd offered Gregory his support and said: "A few days ago Jose Mourinho wasn't a very good manager, but now he's God because he's gone. So if you are a manager the best thing is to be out of work because you get nice things written about you."
Lee Williamson, Danny Shittu and Tommy Smith all went close for Watford before the break and Dexter Blackstock and Gareth Ainsworth missed glorious opportunities for Rangers as both teams drew a blank despite decent approach play....
HOW THEY RATED Qpr Camp 8; Cullip 6, D Stewart 7, Timoska 6, Barker 6; Ainsworth 6 (Moore 7), Bolder 6, Leigertwood 6, Rowlands; Nardiello 6 (Ephraim 7), Blackstock 5.
Manager Gregory 7
Watford Poom 6; Doyley 6, Shittu 6, DeMerit 6 (Mariappa 6), J Stewart 6; Smith 6 (McAnuff 6), Mahon 7, Williamson 6, Johnson 7; King 6, Henderson 7 (Ellington 6).
Manager Boothroyd 7
Referee K Hill 7
MAN OF THE MATCH Lee Camp Late saves may have saved his manager's job
Sunday Mirror
WATFORD OBSERVER
A BELOW-PAR Watford had to settle for a point after being held to a 1-1 draw at Queens Park Rangers this afternoon (Saturday).
After a very lively opening in which both sides could, and perhaps should, have scored, the Hornets made the breakthrough minutes after the restart when on-loan Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson headed home a Tommy Smith cross.
However, Watford were unable to build on this goal and were pegged back when substitute Stefan Moore capitalised from close range after a Dexter Blackstock header had rebounded off the bar.
The visitors were handed the numerical advantage with nine minutes left when Mikele Leigertwood was dismissed for a second yellow card, but they were unable to find a way through Rangers' stubborn rearguard..... Watford Observer
The PEOPLE -MOORE TIME FOR GREGORY - By Jack Steggles
Stefan Moore came off the bench to grab the goal that could keep Rangers boss John Gregory in his job just a little longer.
With Rangers still seeking their first win this season, the presence of Martin Allen and Gianluca Vialli in the directors' box must worry Gregory.
But the players showed they are still behind their manager with a battling display against the top dogs....
Qpr: *CAMP 8 - Timoska 7, Cullip 7, D Stewart 6, Barker 6 - Ainsworth 5 (Moore, 45mins, 7), Boulder 6, Leigertwood 5, Rowlands 5 - Nardiello 6 (Ephraim, 40mins, 5), Blackstock 6.
Watford: Poom 6 - Doyley 6, Shittu 6, DeMerit 7 (Mariappa, 45mins, 6), J Stewart 6 - Smith 6 (McAnuff, 73mins), Mahon 6, Williamson 6, *JOHNSON 8 - King 7, Henderson 6 (Ellington, 73mins). Ref: K Hill 6. People
Telegraph QPR (0) 1 Watford (0) 1 - (By Andrew Warshaw)
If John Gregory is on his way out of Queen Park Rangers, after a year as manager, he could not have asked much more from his struggling team yesterday, writes Andrew Warshaw.
A goal behind early in the second half, Rangers scored a deserved equaliser against the Championship pacesetters, picking up their first home point of the season despite playing the last 10 minutes a man short after Mikele Leigertword was sent off for a second book able offence.
Rumours that Gregory is on the verge of being ousted by QPR's new regime of Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone were fuelled by the appearance of no fewer than four prospective candidates in the directors' box.
They included former Chelsea manager Gianluca Vialli and Martin Allen, most recently of Leicester.
But Gregory refused to be drawn on his future preferring to dwell on the way his team have recovered from the recent death of team-mate Ray Jones, tragically killed in a car accident.
"Those not connected with this club cannot appreciate what the players have been through," said Gregory. "It hit everyone in the dressing room so badly and they have had to refocus on their job. I can't worry about all the speculation, it's been more unsettling for the players."
Dexter Blackstock missed two first-half sitters for Rangers but in a thoroughly open game Watford were just as profligate until Adam Johnson, on loan from Middlesbrough, couldn't miss.
Just as Rangers were in danger of losing their way, Blackstock's looping header came back off the bar and substitute Stefan Moore netted the rebound.Telegraph
See Also Earlier QPR-Watford Match Reports and Comments
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Post-Match Comments & Reports re QPR - Watford
-
QPR's home draw with Watford means that they're equal bottom with Shefield Wednesday (with QPR having a game in hand, and still looking for their first victory since April)
Hear: Audio of Gregory's Post Match Comments - Gregory's Comments - BBC
QPR Official Site WE DESERVED MORE
John Gregory hailed the performance of his side after the 1-1 draw with league leaders Watford at Loftus Road.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, the Rangers gaffer said: "We were a few players short today, so god knows what we'd have done to them with a full squad. We were fantastic and deserved the win.
"The players were all first class - each and every one of them stood up to be counted and I'm so proud of them.
"Watford are a difficult side to play against and we matched them across the 90 minutes."
Gregory responded to on-going speculation about his future, saying: "People talk about pressure but there's no pressure on me at all.
"All the pressure is on the players and today they responded in style.
"They were magnificent - Cullip, Bolder and Ainsworth were inspirational. Sampsa was exceptional on his first start of the season and I saw the real Mikele before he received the red card.
"The referee lost it a bit in the second half. He was too quick to blow his whistle and he should have awarded us a penalty in the closing stages when Dexter was dragged to ground.
"All in all I'm pleased with the performance, but I think we deserved the three points." QPR
SPORTING LIFE
John Gregory admitted some of his players may have been affected by speculation about his future following the 1-1 draw at home to Coca-Cola Championship leaders Watford.
Stefan Moore's equaliser saved Rangers from a fifth consecutive home defeat and may have kept the under-pressure Gregory in a job.
Former Chelsea boss Gianluca Vialli and ex-QPR player Martin Allen, who have both been linked with the Loftus Road hot-seat, watched the game from the directors' box.
"I don't worry about it all," said Gregory.
"I worry more for my players because they're the ones who have to go out there and perform.
"It has maybe been a little bit unsettling for some of them.
"It doesn't bother me one bit though. I just get on with the job. I don't care what the media say about me - just leave my players alone."
Gregory continued: "I'm extremely proud of my players. They gave me everything, which they always have done.
"People not connected with QPR cannot understand how the death of Ray Jones affected my players. They've had to overcome that and focus on their job.
"Today, they dealt with a very strong Watford side and you couldn't see much difference between the teams. I think we should have won the game."
Watford went ahead when Tommy Smith pounced after Chris Barker's hesitation and pulled the ball back for an unmarked Adam Johnson to score from close range.
But Rangers replied with an equaliser on 59 minutes. Moore followed up to slam home the loose ball after his cross had been headed against the bar by Dexter Blackstock.
QPR played the last 10 minutes a man short after Mikele Leigertwood was sent off for a second bookable offence following a foul on Lloyd Doyley.
Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd said: "It was a very open game - too open for my liking. I was disappointed by the way we defended while we were attacking at times.
"We didn't keep QPR locked in when we were going forward and were then having to run 60 or 70 yards to rescue situations.
"I'm also very disappointed with the chances we missed in the first half and I think QPR will feel the same about the chances they missed.
"I felt there was a chance to go for it after the sending off and we threw men forward, but Lee Camp produced a great save near the end.
"Loftus Road is always a difficult place to come and I'm sure QPR will turn the corner and that John Gregory will get them organised.
"Looking at that game, you probably wouldn't know which team was top of the table and which was near the bottom. That's the nature of the Championship." Sporting Life
Watford Official Site - BOOTHROYD HAILS HIS KING
MARLON King was picked out by Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd for special praise at Queens Park Rangers today, as the Hornets toiled to gain a valuable point in the west London sun.
Speaking of the fans' favourite King, the manager said: "I thought Marlon King was terrific today, his contribution was absolutely outstanding.
"If leaving him out against Cardiff did the trick then I'm delighted as he was stupendous today. The work that he did, the way he pulled other people around and but for Lee Camp's acrobatics he could have had two or three goals."
Moments after the scoring draw at Loftus Road Boothroyd then gave this reaction to his sides' point: "It was tough, an entertaining game for the neutral and it could have been 4-3 at half-time.
"To be honest though I'm disappointed, we thought we had enough to get something more from the game, the chances were there but we didn't capitalise upon them and we gave away silly fouls and too much of the ball to them, too often.
"That's what you get, you draw games when you don't do what you've got to."
Despite the low scoring nature of the fixture both sides had opportunity to bag a hat full of goals, which Boothroyd was only too aware of.
"It was a very open game. For me the most important thing when you are attacking is that you get your defending right and we didn't do that today.
"We were counter-attacked far too often today on our own attacks, but there you go. We are going to have games like that this year when don't perform at our best at the end of a very, very long week."
That week has seen wins over Southampton and Cardiff and added to today's draw Boothroyd concluded that it hadn't been a bad week after all's said and done.
"Of course it's not a bad week, we just want to win. The thing I have said all along is that if we're at it, all eleven of us every game, then there will be very few teams if any that can live with us in this league.
"We're disappointed we've not got more out of it but fair play to QPR, they could have won the game easily as well."
Having seen Rangers drop to ten men in the closing stages Boothroyd was also frustrated to see his change in tactics fail to pay dividends.
"Playing against ten men you should take advantage of it, but we know how to deal with it, we know what to do, but we still got counter-attacked.
"We went for the game and went to win it by playing 2-4-4 and shoved bid Dan [Shittu] up to try and get the winner, today it just didn't happen."
Watford added another scorer to their seasonal list in the shape of loanee Adam Johnson and Boothroyd was pleased to see another fresh face notching.
"The more people we can get scoring the better, as long as we are scoring and not relying on one person."
Finally Boothroyd confirmed that defender Jay DeMerit was taken off as a precautionary measure following injury in midweek against Cardiff.
"He took a very nasty blow to the calf, a six-studded present from Wales. He was struggling to make the game but got through bit because that's the type of guy he is.
"He just started to cramp up in the second half when he came out early so I thought it best not to risk him as we need him fit for a longer period." Watford
BBC - QPR 1-1 Watford
Lee Camp was QPR's hero against Watford at Loftus Road
Keeper Lee Camp produced a heroic display to earn 10-man QPR a point against Championship leaders Watford.
Watford took the lead after 49 minutes when Lee Williamson picked out Adam Johnson to rise high and head home.
QPR were level within 10 minutes when Stefan Moore turned in a rebound after Dexter Blackstock struck the post.
Mikele Leigertwood was sent off with nine minutes left for a second yellow card, but Camp denied Marlon King and Nathan Ellington as QPR held on.
QPR boss John Gregory:
"I'm extremely proud of my players. They gave me everything, which they always have done.
"People not connected with QPR cannot understand how the death of Ray Jones affected my players. They've had to overcome that and focus on their job.
"They dealt with a very strong Watford side and you couldn't see much difference between the teams. I think we should have won the game."
Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd:
"It was a very open game - too open for my liking. I was disappointed by the way we defended while we were attacking at times.
"I'm also very disappointed with the chances we missed in the first half and I think QPR will feel the same about the chances they missed.
"Loftus Road is always a difficult place to come and I'm sure QPR will turn the corner and that John Gregory will get them organised." BBC
Watford Vital Football
"Q.P.R - occasionally known as 'Quarter pound of rubbish`. Off the field it probably should be more than 'Quarter Pound` as the roof leaked, the food ran out and the stewards objected to fans standing in the back row. On the field though, John Gregory`s men impressive but crucially, failed to convert their chances..." Watford Vital Football
MAIL - Gregory feels the pressure - BY MICK COLLINS -
The result of this game, the rumours suggested, would decide John Gregory's immediate managerial future. If that is the case, time will tell how patient Rangers' new majority shareholders, Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone, are.
Stefan Moore scored Rangers' first home goal of the season when netting from 10 yards, cancelling out Adam Johnson's close-range header for Watford and earning Rangers their first home point of the campaign. However, Mikele Leigertwood's red card for a second booking meant Rangers did not go all out for the win.
The presence of four potential managers — Gianluca Vialli, Dave Bassett, Gerry Francis and Martin Allen— in the directors' box will only pile the pressure on Gregory. Mail
Vital Football - QPR Game Statistics - Vital Football
See Also: Earlier QPR-Watford Match Reports
QPR's home draw with Watford means that they're equal bottom with Shefield Wednesday (with QPR having a game in hand, and still looking for their first victory since April)
Hear: Audio of Gregory's Post Match Comments - Gregory's Comments - BBC
QPR Official Site WE DESERVED MORE
John Gregory hailed the performance of his side after the 1-1 draw with league leaders Watford at Loftus Road.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, the Rangers gaffer said: "We were a few players short today, so god knows what we'd have done to them with a full squad. We were fantastic and deserved the win.
"The players were all first class - each and every one of them stood up to be counted and I'm so proud of them.
"Watford are a difficult side to play against and we matched them across the 90 minutes."
Gregory responded to on-going speculation about his future, saying: "People talk about pressure but there's no pressure on me at all.
"All the pressure is on the players and today they responded in style.
"They were magnificent - Cullip, Bolder and Ainsworth were inspirational. Sampsa was exceptional on his first start of the season and I saw the real Mikele before he received the red card.
"The referee lost it a bit in the second half. He was too quick to blow his whistle and he should have awarded us a penalty in the closing stages when Dexter was dragged to ground.
"All in all I'm pleased with the performance, but I think we deserved the three points." QPR
SPORTING LIFE
John Gregory admitted some of his players may have been affected by speculation about his future following the 1-1 draw at home to Coca-Cola Championship leaders Watford.
Stefan Moore's equaliser saved Rangers from a fifth consecutive home defeat and may have kept the under-pressure Gregory in a job.
Former Chelsea boss Gianluca Vialli and ex-QPR player Martin Allen, who have both been linked with the Loftus Road hot-seat, watched the game from the directors' box.
"I don't worry about it all," said Gregory.
"I worry more for my players because they're the ones who have to go out there and perform.
"It has maybe been a little bit unsettling for some of them.
"It doesn't bother me one bit though. I just get on with the job. I don't care what the media say about me - just leave my players alone."
Gregory continued: "I'm extremely proud of my players. They gave me everything, which they always have done.
"People not connected with QPR cannot understand how the death of Ray Jones affected my players. They've had to overcome that and focus on their job.
"Today, they dealt with a very strong Watford side and you couldn't see much difference between the teams. I think we should have won the game."
Watford went ahead when Tommy Smith pounced after Chris Barker's hesitation and pulled the ball back for an unmarked Adam Johnson to score from close range.
But Rangers replied with an equaliser on 59 minutes. Moore followed up to slam home the loose ball after his cross had been headed against the bar by Dexter Blackstock.
QPR played the last 10 minutes a man short after Mikele Leigertwood was sent off for a second bookable offence following a foul on Lloyd Doyley.
Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd said: "It was a very open game - too open for my liking. I was disappointed by the way we defended while we were attacking at times.
"We didn't keep QPR locked in when we were going forward and were then having to run 60 or 70 yards to rescue situations.
"I'm also very disappointed with the chances we missed in the first half and I think QPR will feel the same about the chances they missed.
"I felt there was a chance to go for it after the sending off and we threw men forward, but Lee Camp produced a great save near the end.
"Loftus Road is always a difficult place to come and I'm sure QPR will turn the corner and that John Gregory will get them organised.
"Looking at that game, you probably wouldn't know which team was top of the table and which was near the bottom. That's the nature of the Championship." Sporting Life
Watford Official Site - BOOTHROYD HAILS HIS KING
MARLON King was picked out by Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd for special praise at Queens Park Rangers today, as the Hornets toiled to gain a valuable point in the west London sun.
Speaking of the fans' favourite King, the manager said: "I thought Marlon King was terrific today, his contribution was absolutely outstanding.
"If leaving him out against Cardiff did the trick then I'm delighted as he was stupendous today. The work that he did, the way he pulled other people around and but for Lee Camp's acrobatics he could have had two or three goals."
Moments after the scoring draw at Loftus Road Boothroyd then gave this reaction to his sides' point: "It was tough, an entertaining game for the neutral and it could have been 4-3 at half-time.
"To be honest though I'm disappointed, we thought we had enough to get something more from the game, the chances were there but we didn't capitalise upon them and we gave away silly fouls and too much of the ball to them, too often.
"That's what you get, you draw games when you don't do what you've got to."
Despite the low scoring nature of the fixture both sides had opportunity to bag a hat full of goals, which Boothroyd was only too aware of.
"It was a very open game. For me the most important thing when you are attacking is that you get your defending right and we didn't do that today.
"We were counter-attacked far too often today on our own attacks, but there you go. We are going to have games like that this year when don't perform at our best at the end of a very, very long week."
That week has seen wins over Southampton and Cardiff and added to today's draw Boothroyd concluded that it hadn't been a bad week after all's said and done.
"Of course it's not a bad week, we just want to win. The thing I have said all along is that if we're at it, all eleven of us every game, then there will be very few teams if any that can live with us in this league.
"We're disappointed we've not got more out of it but fair play to QPR, they could have won the game easily as well."
Having seen Rangers drop to ten men in the closing stages Boothroyd was also frustrated to see his change in tactics fail to pay dividends.
"Playing against ten men you should take advantage of it, but we know how to deal with it, we know what to do, but we still got counter-attacked.
"We went for the game and went to win it by playing 2-4-4 and shoved bid Dan [Shittu] up to try and get the winner, today it just didn't happen."
Watford added another scorer to their seasonal list in the shape of loanee Adam Johnson and Boothroyd was pleased to see another fresh face notching.
"The more people we can get scoring the better, as long as we are scoring and not relying on one person."
Finally Boothroyd confirmed that defender Jay DeMerit was taken off as a precautionary measure following injury in midweek against Cardiff.
"He took a very nasty blow to the calf, a six-studded present from Wales. He was struggling to make the game but got through bit because that's the type of guy he is.
"He just started to cramp up in the second half when he came out early so I thought it best not to risk him as we need him fit for a longer period." Watford
BBC - QPR 1-1 Watford
Lee Camp was QPR's hero against Watford at Loftus Road
Keeper Lee Camp produced a heroic display to earn 10-man QPR a point against Championship leaders Watford.
Watford took the lead after 49 minutes when Lee Williamson picked out Adam Johnson to rise high and head home.
QPR were level within 10 minutes when Stefan Moore turned in a rebound after Dexter Blackstock struck the post.
Mikele Leigertwood was sent off with nine minutes left for a second yellow card, but Camp denied Marlon King and Nathan Ellington as QPR held on.
QPR boss John Gregory:
"I'm extremely proud of my players. They gave me everything, which they always have done.
"People not connected with QPR cannot understand how the death of Ray Jones affected my players. They've had to overcome that and focus on their job.
"They dealt with a very strong Watford side and you couldn't see much difference between the teams. I think we should have won the game."
Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd:
"It was a very open game - too open for my liking. I was disappointed by the way we defended while we were attacking at times.
"I'm also very disappointed with the chances we missed in the first half and I think QPR will feel the same about the chances they missed.
"Loftus Road is always a difficult place to come and I'm sure QPR will turn the corner and that John Gregory will get them organised." BBC
Watford Vital Football
"Q.P.R - occasionally known as 'Quarter pound of rubbish`. Off the field it probably should be more than 'Quarter Pound` as the roof leaked, the food ran out and the stewards objected to fans standing in the back row. On the field though, John Gregory`s men impressive but crucially, failed to convert their chances..." Watford Vital Football
MAIL - Gregory feels the pressure - BY MICK COLLINS -
The result of this game, the rumours suggested, would decide John Gregory's immediate managerial future. If that is the case, time will tell how patient Rangers' new majority shareholders, Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone, are.
Stefan Moore scored Rangers' first home goal of the season when netting from 10 yards, cancelling out Adam Johnson's close-range header for Watford and earning Rangers their first home point of the campaign. However, Mikele Leigertwood's red card for a second booking meant Rangers did not go all out for the win.
The presence of four potential managers — Gianluca Vialli, Dave Bassett, Gerry Francis and Martin Allen— in the directors' box will only pile the pressure on Gregory. Mail
Vital Football - QPR Game Statistics - Vital Football
See Also: Earlier QPR-Watford Match Reports
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