-
Millwall Official Site - Double boost
"...QPR have agreed to allow right-back Marcus Bignot to extend his loan at The Den until Saturday 9th February.
Marcus, drafted in as emergency cover following injuries to Richard Shaw and Danny Senda, was originally due to return to Loftus Road on 8th December.
However, with 13 players still on the treatment table, boss Kenny Jackett is keen to keep the experienced defender here for a further two months. Millwall
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
Monday, November 26, 2007
1966 Medal for QPR's Ron Springett
-
The Guardian - Non-playing 1966 winners to get medals
Paul Kelso in Durban Monday November 26, 2007
The non-playing members of England's 1966 World Cup final squad, including Jimmy Greaves, Peter Bonetti and Jimmy Armfield, will finally receive winners' medals following a rule change adopted by Fifa.
The former sports minister Richard Caborn has led a campaign to have the contribution of the whole squad recognised. Since 1978 all squad members have received winners' medals and yesterday Sepp Blatter, the Fifa president, said all squad members of winning teams from before then - or their families - would also receive medals. The ruling means 122 players from squads between 1930 and 1974 will receive gold medals. Brazil's Pele will get a third medal, for the 1962 final which he missed due to injury.
"Richard Caborn brought it up by saying 'It's not right that only the 11 players got a medal'," Blatter said. "I believe that it is right we will go through our history records and reproduce medals and we will give those medals to all those who have been in the squad and not just those who were on the field of play. It's justice for all those players, and for those that have died we will give the medal to their families."
The Football Association's director of communications, Adrian Bevington, said: "We are absolutely delighted. This is something we have been in contact with Fifa about and there's a real feeling in England that the other squad members should receive a medal."
England's 1966 World Cup final reserves were Greaves, John Connolly, Ron Springett, Bonetti, Armfield, Gerry Byrne, Ron Flowers, Norman Hunter, Terry Paine, Ian Callaghan and George Eastham. The Guardian
QPR Official Site - Ron Springett's Response -OVER THE MOON'
Former R's goalkeeper Ron Springett is to receive a World Cup winners medal for the part he played in England's 1966 triumph.
FIFA ruled over the weekend that the non-playing members of England's 1966 World Cup winning squad will receive retrospective medals for the achievement.
Springett, who was then playing for Sheffield Wednesday, expressed his delight at the news, commenting: "I'm over the moon.
"I heard a couple of months ago that it might be on the cards and now it's come to light.
"It's 41 years on, but I couldn't be more chuffed."
The move by world football's governing body follows calls from the Football Association and 2018 World Cup bid ambassador Richard Caborn.
Caborn, who will ask FIFA President Sepp Blatter to present the medals to the surviving England squad members at Wembley Stadium, said: "It's great news.
"I really welcome this for the England players, and I'm pleased too that it means Pele will get a third gold medal.
"I am going to ask Mr Blatter to give the medals at a special presentation ceremony at the new Wembley Stadium."
Springett, who made 143 appearances for the R's during two spells in W12, has great memories of the day itself.
"I remember Alf (Ramsey) wanted us all to be down by the dug-out at the final whistle, so we were chaperoned down ten minutes before the end of normal time," Springett told www.qpr.co.uk.
"We got to the lift in good time, but it broke down and by the time we got pitch-side the Germans had equalised.
"We watched extra time from the dug-out with the rest of the backroom staff and were on the pitch when the final whistle went.
"It was great being down there, but not being able to climb up the Royal steps with the rest of the lads, to share in the adulation, was a bit disappointing.
"Thankfully now we'll get our chance to have a medal to show for our efforts..." QPR
The Guardian - Non-playing 1966 winners to get medals
Paul Kelso in Durban Monday November 26, 2007
The non-playing members of England's 1966 World Cup final squad, including Jimmy Greaves, Peter Bonetti and Jimmy Armfield, will finally receive winners' medals following a rule change adopted by Fifa.
The former sports minister Richard Caborn has led a campaign to have the contribution of the whole squad recognised. Since 1978 all squad members have received winners' medals and yesterday Sepp Blatter, the Fifa president, said all squad members of winning teams from before then - or their families - would also receive medals. The ruling means 122 players from squads between 1930 and 1974 will receive gold medals. Brazil's Pele will get a third medal, for the 1962 final which he missed due to injury.
"Richard Caborn brought it up by saying 'It's not right that only the 11 players got a medal'," Blatter said. "I believe that it is right we will go through our history records and reproduce medals and we will give those medals to all those who have been in the squad and not just those who were on the field of play. It's justice for all those players, and for those that have died we will give the medal to their families."
The Football Association's director of communications, Adrian Bevington, said: "We are absolutely delighted. This is something we have been in contact with Fifa about and there's a real feeling in England that the other squad members should receive a medal."
England's 1966 World Cup final reserves were Greaves, John Connolly, Ron Springett, Bonetti, Armfield, Gerry Byrne, Ron Flowers, Norman Hunter, Terry Paine, Ian Callaghan and George Eastham. The Guardian
QPR Official Site - Ron Springett's Response -OVER THE MOON'
Former R's goalkeeper Ron Springett is to receive a World Cup winners medal for the part he played in England's 1966 triumph.
FIFA ruled over the weekend that the non-playing members of England's 1966 World Cup winning squad will receive retrospective medals for the achievement.
Springett, who was then playing for Sheffield Wednesday, expressed his delight at the news, commenting: "I'm over the moon.
"I heard a couple of months ago that it might be on the cards and now it's come to light.
"It's 41 years on, but I couldn't be more chuffed."
The move by world football's governing body follows calls from the Football Association and 2018 World Cup bid ambassador Richard Caborn.
Caborn, who will ask FIFA President Sepp Blatter to present the medals to the surviving England squad members at Wembley Stadium, said: "It's great news.
"I really welcome this for the England players, and I'm pleased too that it means Pele will get a third gold medal.
"I am going to ask Mr Blatter to give the medals at a special presentation ceremony at the new Wembley Stadium."
Springett, who made 143 appearances for the R's during two spells in W12, has great memories of the day itself.
"I remember Alf (Ramsey) wanted us all to be down by the dug-out at the final whistle, so we were chaperoned down ten minutes before the end of normal time," Springett told www.qpr.co.uk.
"We got to the lift in good time, but it broke down and by the time we got pitch-side the Germans had equalised.
"We watched extra time from the dug-out with the rest of the backroom staff and were on the pitch when the final whistle went.
"It was great being down there, but not being able to climb up the Royal steps with the rest of the lads, to share in the adulation, was a bit disappointing.
"Thankfully now we'll get our chance to have a medal to show for our efforts..." QPR
Marking QPR's First League Championship Title
-
QPR's 1967 Triumph has been well commemorated. And among the anniversaries that could be being marked this season: The Fourtieth Anniversary of QPR's 1967/1968 Division Two Promotion, under Alec Stock; the thirty-fifth anniversary of QPR's 1972/73 promotion, under Gordon Jago; and the quarter-century mark since the club won the Division Two Championship, under Terry Venables.
There is one additional anniversary: The sixtieth Anniversary of QPR's First League promotion - and the first time they left the old Division 3 South: The 1947/1948 Season.
In 1947-1948, QPR under the managership Dave Mangall (who managed QPR from 1944- 1952)and playing at Loftus Road, won the Divisional Championship after 28 years of trying and went on to play in Division Two for their first time in their history. (They lasted four years in that division, before relegation put them down for another 15 years until 1966/67)
1947/1948 Table
and QPR's 1947/1948 Results The club also had a great cup run reaching the Quarter Finals before losing in the replay at Derby. (Again, this was their best cup year till it was equalled in 1969/70)
See 1948 Video of QPR vs Derby
1948 Programme
QPR had Reg Allen in goal (who went on to join Manchester United for a record 10,000 pound fee and play for England. Among the other players that season: Top scorer Hatton with 25 goals from 41 games; Durrant 12 goals from 27 games; Boxshall 13 goals from 23 games; Bert Adinall 2 goals from 3 games; George Smith 38 games; George Powell 29 games and Ivor Powell 47 games;
From "The Official History of Queens Park Rangers FC" (@2000)
"Rangers made two costly signings. They paid their record fee of 2,000 for George Smith the Brentford center-half and the same figure to Wolverhampton Wonderers for Fred Ramscar.
"...Gates had increased dramatically during the season with over 450,000 people watching the home league games...This increased revenue enabled the club to make a very important purchase, that of thee freehold of the ground together with the thirty-nine houses adjoining in Ellersie and Loftus Roads. The cost of £26,250 was met by the issue of shares...."
1947-1948: DIVISION 3 SOUTH
P W D L F A Pts
Queens Park Rangers 42 26 9 7 74 37 61
Bournemouth 42 24 9 9 76 35 57
Walsall 42 21 9 12 70 40 51
Ipswich Town 42 23 3 16 67 61 49
Swansea Town 42 18 12 12 70 52 48
Notts County 42 19 8 15 68 59 46
Bristol City 42 18 7 17 77 65 43
Port Vale 42 16 11 15 63 54 43
Southend 42 15 13 14 51 58 43
Reading 42 15 11 16 56 58 41
Exeter City 42 15 11 16 55 63 41
Newport County 42 14 13 15 61 73 41
Crystal Palace 42 13 13 16 49 49 39
Northampton Town 42 14 11 17 58 72 39
Watford 42 14 10 18 57 79 38
Swindon Town 42 10 16 16 41 46 36
Leyton Orient 42 13 10 19 51 73 36
Torquay United 42 11 13 18 63 62 35
Aldershot 42 10 15 17 45 67 35
Bristol Rovers 42 13 8 21 71 75 34
Norwich City 42 13 8 21 61 76 34
Brighton & Hove Albion 42 11 12 19 43 73 34
QPR's 1947/1948 Results
QPR's 1967 Triumph has been well commemorated. And among the anniversaries that could be being marked this season: The Fourtieth Anniversary of QPR's 1967/1968 Division Two Promotion, under Alec Stock; the thirty-fifth anniversary of QPR's 1972/73 promotion, under Gordon Jago; and the quarter-century mark since the club won the Division Two Championship, under Terry Venables.
There is one additional anniversary: The sixtieth Anniversary of QPR's First League promotion - and the first time they left the old Division 3 South: The 1947/1948 Season.
In 1947-1948, QPR under the managership Dave Mangall (who managed QPR from 1944- 1952)and playing at Loftus Road, won the Divisional Championship after 28 years of trying and went on to play in Division Two for their first time in their history. (They lasted four years in that division, before relegation put them down for another 15 years until 1966/67)
1947/1948 Table
and QPR's 1947/1948 Results The club also had a great cup run reaching the Quarter Finals before losing in the replay at Derby. (Again, this was their best cup year till it was equalled in 1969/70)
See 1948 Video of QPR vs Derby
1948 Programme
QPR had Reg Allen in goal (who went on to join Manchester United for a record 10,000 pound fee and play for England. Among the other players that season: Top scorer Hatton with 25 goals from 41 games; Durrant 12 goals from 27 games; Boxshall 13 goals from 23 games; Bert Adinall 2 goals from 3 games; George Smith 38 games; George Powell 29 games and Ivor Powell 47 games;
From "The Official History of Queens Park Rangers FC" (@2000)
"Rangers made two costly signings. They paid their record fee of 2,000 for George Smith the Brentford center-half and the same figure to Wolverhampton Wonderers for Fred Ramscar.
"...Gates had increased dramatically during the season with over 450,000 people watching the home league games...This increased revenue enabled the club to make a very important purchase, that of thee freehold of the ground together with the thirty-nine houses adjoining in Ellersie and Loftus Roads. The cost of £26,250 was met by the issue of shares...."
1947-1948: DIVISION 3 SOUTH
P W D L F A Pts
Queens Park Rangers 42 26 9 7 74 37 61
Bournemouth 42 24 9 9 76 35 57
Walsall 42 21 9 12 70 40 51
Ipswich Town 42 23 3 16 67 61 49
Swansea Town 42 18 12 12 70 52 48
Notts County 42 19 8 15 68 59 46
Bristol City 42 18 7 17 77 65 43
Port Vale 42 16 11 15 63 54 43
Southend 42 15 13 14 51 58 43
Reading 42 15 11 16 56 58 41
Exeter City 42 15 11 16 55 63 41
Newport County 42 14 13 15 61 73 41
Crystal Palace 42 13 13 16 49 49 39
Northampton Town 42 14 11 17 58 72 39
Watford 42 14 10 18 57 79 38
Swindon Town 42 10 16 16 41 46 36
Leyton Orient 42 13 10 19 51 73 36
Torquay United 42 11 13 18 63 62 35
Aldershot 42 10 15 17 45 67 35
Bristol Rovers 42 13 8 21 71 75 34
Norwich City 42 13 8 21 61 76 34
Brighton & Hove Albion 42 11 12 19 43 73 34
QPR's 1947/1948 Results
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Fracesco Coco - Supposedly No Salzburg Interest
-
Francesco Coco has reportedly been training with QPR for the past couple of weeks. Earlier this week, there were reports in the Austrian press that Red Bull Salzburg - managed by Coco's former Italian manager, Giovanni Trapattoni - were interested.
For what it's worth - and given translation difficulties ! - this supposed Salzburg interest has been denied by Trapattoni.
[See Also earlier reports re Coco/QPR and Coco and Salzburg
Web Translation No Coco for Salzburg
Giovanni Trapattoni wants nothing of an interest in Francesco Coco know. The Italians for the Mister is not an issue.
Francesco Coco is on the wish list of Red Bull Salzburg.
On Monday rumors made the rounds that Red Bull Salzburg interested in Francesco Coco. As already reported, would have 17-fache Italian team players already unterschriftsreifen contract.
He must, however, between the English club, Queens Park Rangers, and the Red Bulls. . This is reported by the Italian daily newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport in its Monday edition.
Trapattoni: "There is no Coco" These were rumors of Salzburg's chief coach Giovanni Trapattoni on Thursday be nipped in the bud. "There is no Coco," Trap said in his unique way of expression. „ "I speak about new players only with the club and not with any media. Francesco Coco for Salzburg is not an issue at all. "
According Trapattoni is a newspaper hoax. " "He was probably only come into play so that he will be interesting again for the various clubs," said the Italian football professor. Actually, Coco last summer has ended his career before it has now become a comeback decision..."
. Translation from German
In German "Kein Coco für Salzburg - Giovanni Trapattoni will nichts von einem Interesse an Francesco Coco wissen. Der Italiener ist für den Mister kein Thema."
Report
Francesco Coco has reportedly been training with QPR for the past couple of weeks. Earlier this week, there were reports in the Austrian press that Red Bull Salzburg - managed by Coco's former Italian manager, Giovanni Trapattoni - were interested.
For what it's worth - and given translation difficulties ! - this supposed Salzburg interest has been denied by Trapattoni.
[See Also earlier reports re Coco/QPR and Coco and Salzburg
Web Translation No Coco for Salzburg
Giovanni Trapattoni wants nothing of an interest in Francesco Coco know. The Italians for the Mister is not an issue.
Francesco Coco is on the wish list of Red Bull Salzburg.
On Monday rumors made the rounds that Red Bull Salzburg interested in Francesco Coco. As already reported, would have 17-fache Italian team players already unterschriftsreifen contract.
He must, however, between the English club, Queens Park Rangers, and the Red Bulls. . This is reported by the Italian daily newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport in its Monday edition.
Trapattoni: "There is no Coco" These were rumors of Salzburg's chief coach Giovanni Trapattoni on Thursday be nipped in the bud. "There is no Coco," Trap said in his unique way of expression. „ "I speak about new players only with the club and not with any media. Francesco Coco for Salzburg is not an issue at all. "
According Trapattoni is a newspaper hoax. " "He was probably only come into play so that he will be interesting again for the various clubs," said the Italian football professor. Actually, Coco last summer has ended his career before it has now become a comeback decision..."
. Translation from German
In German "Kein Coco für Salzburg - Giovanni Trapattoni will nichts von einem Interesse an Francesco Coco wissen. Der Italiener ist für den Mister kein Thema."
Report
Ex-QPRs Doing Well This Weekend
-
At least some of them!
Dennis Oli scored twice for Gillingham who beat Hartlepool 2-1. Also playing for Gillingham: Simon Royce and Lee Griffiths. Adam Miller came on a sub for Griffiths. Another ex-QPR, Aaron Brown was a non-playing sub. Match Report
Danny Shittu Scored twice for Watford in their 3-2 loss at Barnsley - Match Report
Kevin Gallen came on as a second half substitute, but didn't score as MK Dons lost 1-2 at home. Match Report
Jamie Cureton scored for Glen Roeder's Norwich against Ian Dowie's Coventry. Match Report
Mcleod stayed on the bench for Colchester; Dougie Freedman stayed on the bench for Crystal Palace: Palace won 2-1. Report
Clarke Carlisle played in Burnley's 0-0 draw vs Stoke - Report
Tony Roberts played in Dagenham's 1-1 draw
Kenny Jackett's Millwall with Bignot on loan and Chris Day on the bench, got their first victory beating Yeovil 2-1. Yeovil had Forbes and Rose starting, and Cochrane on the bench.Match Report
Contrary to expectations, Dominic Shimmin did not play and was not on the bench for Bournemouth who lost 0-3 at home to Oldham - Match Report
No Ian Evatt in Blackpool's team that lost 1-0 to Southampton - Match Report
No Paul Furlong for Luton in their 1-0 win - Report
Tommy Doherty not quite yet match fit for Wycombe.
Of course, Ian Holloway in his first game as manager of Leicester won at Bristol City. Post Match Comments
Victory for Plymouth Caretaker manager, Tim Breacker against Sheffield United- Breacker's post-match comments Breacker unsure if he staying; going to Leicester or what - Breacker's comments
And in Ireland, Alan McDonald's Glentoran won, 2-1 against Newry, to stay top - Match Report
At least some of them!
Dennis Oli scored twice for Gillingham who beat Hartlepool 2-1. Also playing for Gillingham: Simon Royce and Lee Griffiths. Adam Miller came on a sub for Griffiths. Another ex-QPR, Aaron Brown was a non-playing sub. Match Report
Danny Shittu Scored twice for Watford in their 3-2 loss at Barnsley - Match Report
Kevin Gallen came on as a second half substitute, but didn't score as MK Dons lost 1-2 at home. Match Report
Jamie Cureton scored for Glen Roeder's Norwich against Ian Dowie's Coventry. Match Report
Mcleod stayed on the bench for Colchester; Dougie Freedman stayed on the bench for Crystal Palace: Palace won 2-1. Report
Clarke Carlisle played in Burnley's 0-0 draw vs Stoke - Report
Tony Roberts played in Dagenham's 1-1 draw
Kenny Jackett's Millwall with Bignot on loan and Chris Day on the bench, got their first victory beating Yeovil 2-1. Yeovil had Forbes and Rose starting, and Cochrane on the bench.Match Report
Contrary to expectations, Dominic Shimmin did not play and was not on the bench for Bournemouth who lost 0-3 at home to Oldham - Match Report
No Ian Evatt in Blackpool's team that lost 1-0 to Southampton - Match Report
No Paul Furlong for Luton in their 1-0 win - Report
Tommy Doherty not quite yet match fit for Wycombe.
Of course, Ian Holloway in his first game as manager of Leicester won at Bristol City. Post Match Comments
Victory for Plymouth Caretaker manager, Tim Breacker against Sheffield United- Breacker's post-match comments Breacker unsure if he staying; going to Leicester or what - Breacker's comments
And in Ireland, Alan McDonald's Glentoran won, 2-1 against Newry, to stay top - Match Report
QPR vs Sheffield Wednesday - Additional Match Reports
-
UPDATED:
Mirror - Dave Lewis - QPR 0-0 Sheff Wed
At the end of a bleak week for English football, down in a small corner of west London there was a sign of what Italian ingenuity might offer were Fabio Capello installed as the Three Lions' new boss.
Queens Park Rangers boss Luigi De Canio is no Capello - far from it.
But after just four games in charge at Loftus Road, the man who counts Napoli and Udinese among 11 clubs on his coaching resume has bid arrivederci to the long ball and opted for technique over toil.
While Rangers remain in the bottom three of the Championship - they are playing with a purpose and poise straight from the Serie A academy of the football sciences.
And by this measure alone they will surely soon be ascending into calmer seas. Only the woodwork - four times - and the goalkeeping heroics of the Owls' Lee Grant and his opposite number Lee Camp kept this scoreless.
And on an afternoon cold enough to give an Eskimo hypothermia, there were smiles on the faces of fans - and both coaches.
"I just want everybody to enjoy it here, the players the fans," said De Canio, whose faltering English still needs the aid of an interpreter.
"We won't be in the bottom three for long."
After a week also memorable for Scott Carson's entry into the bloopers yearbook, there was a reminder from his brethren that English keepers can excel under fire.
After denying Scott Sinclair and Dexter Blackstock with breathtaking stops, former England Under-21 keeper Grant said: "I felt for Scott.
"He's a very good goalkeeper who didn't deserve that. He has done brilliantly at Villa and he'll bounce back."
The boardroom unrest which pre-empted the sudden exit of chairman Dave Allen four days ago did nothing to dampen Wednesday's ability to continue their drive away from trouble.
Akpo Sodje and Burton O'Brien were left to curse the woodwork, while Sinclair, on loan from Chelsea until December, hit the post for Rangers and Mikele Leigertwood headed against the bar. Mirror
The People - Sinclair a bright spark for Luigi - QPR 0 Sheff Weds 0 -By Dave Lewis
Rangers remain trapped in the bottom three after a match that was goalless but never soulless.
Luigi De Canio's men, with just one defeat in eight games, did everything but score and on this evidence will soon be climbing the table.
So will the cash-strapped Owls. They were rocked by the surprise resignation of chairman Dave Allen two days ago but still look good enough to continue their climb away from the danger zone.
Resplendent in orange, Wednesday looked like Holland in disguise. But that was where the similarity ended as Brian Laws' side are more gritty than they are gripping.
Yet only the underside of the crossbar prevented the visitors from taking the lead through Akpo Sodje's header after just six minutes.
Darting dangerman Scott Sinclair, on loan from Chelsea, was the Rangers catalyst as they turned up the tempo just before the break.
The teenager hit a post with a rasping left-footer after a brilliantly turning American Frankie Simek.
Then Dexter Blackstock, back from a seven-week injury absence, sent a header against the Owls' bar.
The woodwork was shaken again by Wednesday's Burton O'Brien on the hour - before Sinclair brought a stunning save from Lee Grant with 17 minutes left.
Qpr: Camp 7 - *MANCIENNE 8, Barker 6, Stewart 6, Malcolm 5 (Timoska, 65mins,5) - Sinclair 7, Leigertwood 7, Buzsaky 7, Rowlands 6 - Vine 6, Blackstock 6 (Nygaard, 83mins).
Sheff Wed: Grant 6 - Simek 5, M Johnson 5, Hinds 6, Spurr 6 - *J JOHNSON 8 (Small, 80mins), Watson 6, Folly 6, O'Brien 5 ~ Sodje 7 (Burton, 57mins, 6), Tudgay 6. Ref: J Beeby 6. The People
QPR's De Canio magic works wonders
Luigi De Canio has given a kiss of life to a Rangers club that was stricken by internal politics and heading for relegation.
After Scott Sinclair hit the post and had another effort saved by Lee Grant, manager De Canio said: "I was impressed by Scott but in a match like this I said well done to everyone."
Wednesday hit the woodwork twice and boss Brian Laws said: "It was an excellent match. We've put our nightmare start behind us." Mail
Mail - QPR's Grant denies great Scott
Scott Sinclair should have scored at least one goal from an afternoon of brilliant attacking football.
The Rangers forward, on loan from Chelsea, once again showed great acceleration and shooting power. He twice went desperately close, first hitting the foot of the post and then being denied by the athleticism of Wednesday goalkeeper Lee Grant.
This was as good as it gets for the Championship, a superb match between two teams with different agendas — Wednesday to make the play-offs — Rangers simply to survive. On this evidence, they will both achieve their targets.
Wednesday hit the woodwork twice, first from Akpo Sodje's sixth-minute header and then when substitute Burton O'Brien curled the ball against the angle on the hour. Mail
See Also: Earlier Compilation of Reports and Comments re QPR vs Sheffield Wednesday
UPDATED:
Mirror - Dave Lewis - QPR 0-0 Sheff Wed
At the end of a bleak week for English football, down in a small corner of west London there was a sign of what Italian ingenuity might offer were Fabio Capello installed as the Three Lions' new boss.
Queens Park Rangers boss Luigi De Canio is no Capello - far from it.
But after just four games in charge at Loftus Road, the man who counts Napoli and Udinese among 11 clubs on his coaching resume has bid arrivederci to the long ball and opted for technique over toil.
While Rangers remain in the bottom three of the Championship - they are playing with a purpose and poise straight from the Serie A academy of the football sciences.
And by this measure alone they will surely soon be ascending into calmer seas. Only the woodwork - four times - and the goalkeeping heroics of the Owls' Lee Grant and his opposite number Lee Camp kept this scoreless.
And on an afternoon cold enough to give an Eskimo hypothermia, there were smiles on the faces of fans - and both coaches.
"I just want everybody to enjoy it here, the players the fans," said De Canio, whose faltering English still needs the aid of an interpreter.
"We won't be in the bottom three for long."
After a week also memorable for Scott Carson's entry into the bloopers yearbook, there was a reminder from his brethren that English keepers can excel under fire.
After denying Scott Sinclair and Dexter Blackstock with breathtaking stops, former England Under-21 keeper Grant said: "I felt for Scott.
"He's a very good goalkeeper who didn't deserve that. He has done brilliantly at Villa and he'll bounce back."
The boardroom unrest which pre-empted the sudden exit of chairman Dave Allen four days ago did nothing to dampen Wednesday's ability to continue their drive away from trouble.
Akpo Sodje and Burton O'Brien were left to curse the woodwork, while Sinclair, on loan from Chelsea until December, hit the post for Rangers and Mikele Leigertwood headed against the bar. Mirror
The People - Sinclair a bright spark for Luigi - QPR 0 Sheff Weds 0 -By Dave Lewis
Rangers remain trapped in the bottom three after a match that was goalless but never soulless.
Luigi De Canio's men, with just one defeat in eight games, did everything but score and on this evidence will soon be climbing the table.
So will the cash-strapped Owls. They were rocked by the surprise resignation of chairman Dave Allen two days ago but still look good enough to continue their climb away from the danger zone.
Resplendent in orange, Wednesday looked like Holland in disguise. But that was where the similarity ended as Brian Laws' side are more gritty than they are gripping.
Yet only the underside of the crossbar prevented the visitors from taking the lead through Akpo Sodje's header after just six minutes.
Darting dangerman Scott Sinclair, on loan from Chelsea, was the Rangers catalyst as they turned up the tempo just before the break.
The teenager hit a post with a rasping left-footer after a brilliantly turning American Frankie Simek.
Then Dexter Blackstock, back from a seven-week injury absence, sent a header against the Owls' bar.
The woodwork was shaken again by Wednesday's Burton O'Brien on the hour - before Sinclair brought a stunning save from Lee Grant with 17 minutes left.
Qpr: Camp 7 - *MANCIENNE 8, Barker 6, Stewart 6, Malcolm 5 (Timoska, 65mins,5) - Sinclair 7, Leigertwood 7, Buzsaky 7, Rowlands 6 - Vine 6, Blackstock 6 (Nygaard, 83mins).
Sheff Wed: Grant 6 - Simek 5, M Johnson 5, Hinds 6, Spurr 6 - *J JOHNSON 8 (Small, 80mins), Watson 6, Folly 6, O'Brien 5 ~ Sodje 7 (Burton, 57mins, 6), Tudgay 6. Ref: J Beeby 6. The People
QPR's De Canio magic works wonders
Luigi De Canio has given a kiss of life to a Rangers club that was stricken by internal politics and heading for relegation.
After Scott Sinclair hit the post and had another effort saved by Lee Grant, manager De Canio said: "I was impressed by Scott but in a match like this I said well done to everyone."
Wednesday hit the woodwork twice and boss Brian Laws said: "It was an excellent match. We've put our nightmare start behind us." Mail
Mail - QPR's Grant denies great Scott
Scott Sinclair should have scored at least one goal from an afternoon of brilliant attacking football.
The Rangers forward, on loan from Chelsea, once again showed great acceleration and shooting power. He twice went desperately close, first hitting the foot of the post and then being denied by the athleticism of Wednesday goalkeeper Lee Grant.
This was as good as it gets for the Championship, a superb match between two teams with different agendas — Wednesday to make the play-offs — Rangers simply to survive. On this evidence, they will both achieve their targets.
Wednesday hit the woodwork twice, first from Akpo Sodje's sixth-minute header and then when substitute Burton O'Brien curled the ball against the angle on the hour. Mail
See Also: Earlier Compilation of Reports and Comments re QPR vs Sheffield Wednesday
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Reports and Comments on QPR's Draw Against Sheffield Wednesday
-
QPR 0 Sheffield Wednesday 0
Championship Bottom Six
Colchester17 17
C Palace 17 17
Blackpool 16 16
QPR 16 16
Preston 17 15
Norwich 17 12
Sporting Life - LAWS HAILS GRANT By Andy Sims, PA Sport
Sheffield Wednesday manager Brian Laws saluted an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Lee Grant after his side shared the points in a hugely entertaining goalless draw with QPR.
In a week when English goalkeeping has been under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, Grant and Rangers counterpart Lee Camp were in superb form as both sides poured forward.
"It was a magnificent performance from Lee Grant," said Laws.
"In fact both goalkeepers did well. Lee has given some encouragement to everyone by showing just what a good goalkeeper he can be."
Grant pulled off point-blank stops from Scott Sinclair and Rowan Vine, and another stunning full-length save from Chelsea youngster Sinclair kept Wednesday in the game after the break.
As well as Grant's heroics the woodwork - four times - ensured the points were shared in a pulsating Coca-Cola Championship clash.
Akpo Sodje rattled the crossbar for Wednesday while Sinclair and Mikele Leigertwood hit the woodwork for Rangers in the first half.
And although Rangers bossed the second period, Wednesday's Burton O'Brien came closest to breaking the deadlock when his shot cannoned off the crossbar.
"It was one of the most entertaining 0-0 games I've ever seen," added Laws.
"It was end to end and you couldn't have asked for more from either team. We were on top in the first half and QPR were better in the second. I think it would have been a crying shame if one team had lost.
"QPR are on the up, it's a difficult place, a tight ground and a small pitch. They'll be nowhere near the bottom at the end of the season."
Wednesday are now unbeaten in five games, in stark contrast to their horrific start to the season when they lost their first six.
Chairman Dave Allen kept faith with Laws then, although he has since lost patience with the boardroom discontent and resigned this week.
Laws is solely focused on events on the pitch, however, and added: "We had a bad start but now we want to dissolve those memories.
"But we also need to remember how easily it can change if we're not prepared to work hard for each other."
Rangers manager Luigi De Canio cannot have seen too many 0-0 draws packed with so much goalmouth action during his days in Italy.
The west Londoners remain in the bottom three but De Canio is confident they will climb the table sooner rather than later.
"All that was missing was a goal. When the goals come the table will look different," he said
"I'm happy that the work we are doing in training is working. The boys are happier and the fans are happier. It was a far better game than a 0-0 draw.
"Lee Camp is a very good goalkeeper, but I thought the Sheffield Wednesday keeper had more chances to show what he could do today." Sporting Life
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - WE DESERVED MORE'
Gigi De Canio believes Rangers were 'desperately unlucky' not to register maximum points against in-form Sheffield Wednesday at Loftus Road.
The R's were denied by the woodwork on three occasions and saw Owls goalkeeper Lee Grant produce a string of fantastic saves as Rangers turned the screw in the second half.
"We deserved to win the game," De Canio told www.qpr.co.uk.
"With the exception of the first 10-15 minutes, we created chance after chance until the final whistle.
"I like my teams to play attacking football and it's my job to teach the players that style of play."
De Canio continued: "Obviously we need to start winning games, but I couldn't really ask anything more of the players today.
"We showed again that regardless of our league position, we can match our opponents and we out-played Sheffield for long periods.
"Grant was the difference, as was (Julian) Speroni against Crystal Palace a few weeks ago - but hopefully we won't come up against goalkeepers of their calibre every week.
"The positives far outweigh the negatives though and I'm happy with the direction we are heading in." QPR
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY - Laws Praises Grant's Heroics
Wednesday manager, Brian Laws was satisfied to come away from Queens Park Rangers with a point on Saturday after a pulsating 0-0 draw at Loftus Road.
The game saw both sides hit the frame of the goal twice but Owls goalkeeper Lee Grant was in fine form to pull off a string of excellent saves to keep the scores level, particularly in the second half.
"That was a marvellous performance by Lee Grant today. I thought both keepers did well," Laws said. "It was a performance which gives encouragement to everybody and shows what a good goalkeeper Lee Grant can be.
"That was one of the most entertaining 0-0 games I have ever seen. It was end to end, both teams are on the up, both teams wanted to win the game and we could not ask for any more. It was a great game to watch and I am sure the supporters enjoyed it.
"I thought we were by far the better team in the first half and QPR were the better team in the second half but I thought there were a lot of good points to come from the game. I think it would have been a crying shame if either team had won because they both deserved a point," the Owls boss insisted.
With the resignation of club chairman, Dave Allen, on the eve of the trip to Queens Park Rangers, Laws stressed that it was vital for everybody to pull together and get behind the players as Wednesday go into the home fixture against in-form Barnsley on Tuesday evening at Hillsborough.
"The result keeps our run going and leads us into a local derby game against Barnsley on Tuesday evening. Hopefully we will have a huge gate because you have seen that our supporters are magnificent again today, from start to finish. We need to drive forward and focus on everything we do on the pitch."
Asked how he was dealing with Allen's resignation, Laws said: "We can't make those decisions because they are out of our hands so we have to refocus and move on. The most important thing is that we all pull in the right direction.
"There is going to be a lot of talk and a lot of things happening off the field, the directors will be meeting to discuss a way forward and we are there to support the board and the players. We have to focus on what the players can affect and that is what happens on the pitch." Sheffield Wednesday
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
Quite how this match finished goalless will remain a mystery for a long time to come.
Following on from the draw at Crystal Palace prior to the international break, Rangers yet again dominated a Championship fixture, but were left with only a point to show for their efforts.
Missed chances, fantastic saves and the intervention of the woodwork on no less than four separate occasions turned a potential goal-fest into a stalemate.
Akpo Sodje headed against the bar in the opening exchanges, before Rangers rattled the woodwork twice in as many minutes before the break.
Scott Sinclair fired an effort off the post, before Mikele Leigertwood's header bounced back off the bar, with the Owls defence all at sea.
The theme continued in the second period, with Burton O'Brien smashing a stunning effort off the stanchion, while at the other end, Sinclair was denied on no fewer than three occasions by the outstanding Grant.
The Rangers starting XI showed two changes from the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace a fortnight ago.
Luigi De Canio handed a home debut to Derby County loanee Bob Malcolm, while Dexter Blackstock returned form a seven week injury absence to partner Rowan Vine in attack.
Owls boss Brian Laws opted for the front-pairing of Sodje and Marcus Tudgay, for a Wednesday side unbeaten in six matches.
On a bitterly cold afternoon in W12, it was the industrious visitors who created the first chance on seven minutes.
Yoann Folly's near post corner kick was glanced on by Sodje, who saw his effort bounce off the underside of the crossbar.
Damion Stewart was in the right place at the right time to clear the danger, as Rangers escaped unpunished.
The one-way traffic continued, with Tudgay seeing his goal-bound effort deflected wide, as the Owls set up camp in the Rangers half.
Wednesday's pressure was relentless, with the lively Sodje racing on to Frankie Simek's 13th minute through ball, rounding Malcolm, only to fire straight into the arms of the grateful Lee Camp.
Play quickly switched to the other end, with Vine sending Sinclair clean through.
Lee Grant darted from his line to meet the Chelsea loanee head on and it proved to be the right decision, as the teenager fired straight into his midriff.
Buoyed by that opportunity, Rangers were on the attack again moments later.
Martin Rowlands' neat reverse pass found Vine, who took one to set before slotting past Grant. The Birmingham front-man wheeled away to celebrate, only to see the referee's assistant flag for offside.
The R's were well on top by now and Vine brought the best out of Grant with a fearsome 25-yard strike after linking up well with Blackstock; before Buzsaky sent a dipping volley inches over the crossbar.
Akos Buzsaky continued to impress in the heart of the R's midfield and when Blackstock teed the Hungarian up on the edge of the box, the new darling of the Loftus Road terraces jinked one way and then the other, evading challenge after challenge, before seeing his shot diverted wide.
Buzsaky played provider on the stroke of half-time, spraying an audacious pass into the path of Sinclair, who bore down on goal before smashing a fearsome right footed drive off foot of the post.
From the resultant corner kick, Leigertwood's looping header bounced back off the crossbar, before being hacked to safety by the desperate Wednesday defence.
The attacking nature of the match continued on the resumption, with O'Brien stinging the palms of Camp, before Vine's searching cross was deflected wide via the outstretched leg of Richard Hinds.
Vine went close again in the 50th minute, running from deep inside his own half before exchanging passes with Sinclair.
Grant was again in the right place to save his effort though, this time tipping the ball round his right hand post for a corner.
Remarkably, Wednesday struck the woodwork again on the hour.
Gifted time and space out wide, O'Brien - after being set up by Tudgay - unleashed a powerful curling effort, which had Camp beaten all ends up. Thankfully for the hosts, the frame of the goal again denied the visitors.
Chris Barker's roaming run and cross found Sinclair on the edge of the six-yard box in the 65th minute, but yet again Grant was there to deny the R's, flinging himself full stretch to his right.
The Sinclair versus Grant battle continued apace as the clock ticked down, with the latter pulling off his best save of the match 17 minutes from time, as the tricky winger fired low and hard to the goalkeeper's right.
QPR: Camp, Barker, Stewart, Mancienne, Blackstock (Nygaard 82), Buzsaky, Rowlands, Malcolm (Timoska 65), Vine, Leigertwood, Sinclair.
Subs: Cole, Bolder, Ainsworth.
Bookings: Malcolm 15
Sheffield Wednesday: Grant, Hinds, Tudgay, O'Brien, Watson, Simek, J Johnson (Small 80), M Johnson, Sodje (Burton 57), Folly, Spurr.
Subs: Lunt, Esajas, Beevers.
Bookings: Small 88
Referee: Mr R J Beeby
Attendance: 15, 241 QPR
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY OFFICIAL SITE
The only thing missing was goals at Loftus Road as QPR and Wednesday fought out a thrilling Championship encounter.
Both sides rattled the woodwork twice and came close on numerous other occasions but amazingly the game finished without either side having registered.
Brian Laws made one change to the side that thumped Southampton before the last international break. Glenn Whelan failed to shake off the hip injury picked up on Republic of Ireland 'B' duty so Frenchman Yoann Folly slotted into the engine room.
After a purposeful start from the visitors, during which Rangers struggled to get the ball out of their own half, SWFC almost took the lead with six minutes on the clock. Folly swung over a peach of a corner and Akpo Sodje lost his marker to smack a header against the crossbar. Three more flag kicks followed in as many minutes as the Owls took a form grip on the early throes of the game.
Marcus Tudgay came close with a snapshot that was deflected wide for yet another corner before Burton O'Brien shot high and wide from 25 yards.
Tudgay asked a lot of Sodje with an overhit feed down the right flank but the latter showed Chris Barker a clean pair of heels to fire in an angled drive gratefully gobbled up by Lee Camp.
Rangers showed intent of their own on the 15-minute mark when Dexter Blackstock burst through on goal and looked to be heading for a one-on-one with Lee Grant. But the danger was thwarted by Jermaine Johnson, who sprinted back to aid the Owls defence with a crucial clearance at the last.
The hosts had the ball in the back of the net two minutes later but the QPR fans' celebrations were short-lived as Rowan Vine's low shot was ruled out for offside.
Having seen Wednesday fail to capitalise on their early domination, Rangers grew more and more into the contest. Martin Rowlands whipped a cross across goal that Grant was relieved to see fizz away from the danger zone and Vine's vicious drive from distance forced the Owls keeper into a fine fingertip save.
Vine was felled on the edge of the area on 33 minutes but Rowlands' curling effort failed to trouble Grant. At the other end, Sodje almost sent Jermaine Johnson scampering clear with a throughball that just lacked the required pace.
Akos Buzsaky cut inside the penalty area and eyed an opening but Tommy Spurr deflected the Hungarian's effort wide for a corner. A minute later, Scott Sinclair forced a block tackle from Frank Simek in a mirror image move across the field.
Sinclair tormented Simek with a jinking run that ended with the on-loan winger striking the foot of the post and incredibly, Rangers hit the woodwork again moments later when Grant failed to collect Rowlands' corner and Blackstock nodded onto the bar.
Players and fans alike were grateful for the half time breather and the only shock was that somehow, the opening period had finished goalless.
The second half continued where the first left off and Jermaine Johnson forced a corner inside the first minute, Camp tipping his angled cross-shot safely over the crossbar.
Undaunted, Rangers raced upfield and after combining well with Sinclair, dangerman Vine struck a powerful shot that Grant saved acrobatically diving to his right.
Wednesday were first to make a change, bringing on Deon Burton in place of Sodje close to the hour. But it was sidekick Tudgay who proved influential in carving the next chance for the Owls, finding O'Brien in space down the right for the Scot to move inside and curl a beauty that thudded against Camp's crossbar.
Next it was QPR's' turn to threaten as Barker fed Sinclair in the Wednesday box. But Grant came to the rescue, parrying the Chelsea man's effort to safety from close range.
The Owls custodian then denied Blackstock with the save of the match, springing across his goal to keep out the striker's strong shot following an intelligent pass from Vine.
The end-to-end nature of the game continued and Tudgay brushed the wrong side of the net after breaking free inside the left of the penalty area.
With eight minutes to go, Sinclair outpaced substitute Wade Small to advance menacingly on Grant but his prodded effort cleared the Owls bar.
A late goal would have proved harsh on Wednesday - the same could be said of Rangers too - and as referee Beeby called time on a thoroughly entertaining capital encounter, both sides had proved worthy of a point. Sheffield Wednesday
YORKSHIRE POST
An INSPIRED performance from Wednesday goalkeeper Lee Grant ensured the points were shared in a pulsating Coca-Cola Championship clash.
Akpo Sodje rattled the crossbar for Wednesday while Scott Sinclair and Mikele Leigertwood hit the woodwork for Rangers in the first half.
And although Rangers bossed the second period, Wednesday's Burton O'Brien came closest to breaking the deadlock when his shot cannoned off the crossbar.
The hosts soon took control and squandered a glorious chance to take the lead in the 14th minute when Rowan Vine's pass put Sinclair one-on-one with Grant, the Owls keeper saving his low shot.
Moments later Vine had the ball in the net, but his celebrations were thwarted by a linesman's flag, before Martin Rowlandsfizzed the ball across the six-yard box with no-one able to apply the finishing touch.
Grant then tipped over a rasping drive from Vine and Akos Buzsaky volleyed wide with Rangers by now well on top.
Buzsaky conjured up a superb piece of skill in the 37th minute, dancing into the Wednesday area and leaving Steve Watson for dead before his shot was blocked by O'Brien.
But on the hour mark it was Wednesday who came agonisingly close once more, when O'Brien was left in acres of space on the left to send a curling shot past Camp and onto the crossbar.
At the other end, Chris Barker crossed for Sinclair, only for Grant to come to the Owls rescue again with a superb block.
Rowlands and Buszaky sent late free-kicks over Grant's crossbar as Wednesday held on for a point. Yorkshire Post
QPR 0 Sheffield Wednesday 0
Championship Bottom Six
Colchester17 17
C Palace 17 17
Blackpool 16 16
QPR 16 16
Preston 17 15
Norwich 17 12
Sporting Life - LAWS HAILS GRANT By Andy Sims, PA Sport
Sheffield Wednesday manager Brian Laws saluted an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Lee Grant after his side shared the points in a hugely entertaining goalless draw with QPR.
In a week when English goalkeeping has been under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, Grant and Rangers counterpart Lee Camp were in superb form as both sides poured forward.
"It was a magnificent performance from Lee Grant," said Laws.
"In fact both goalkeepers did well. Lee has given some encouragement to everyone by showing just what a good goalkeeper he can be."
Grant pulled off point-blank stops from Scott Sinclair and Rowan Vine, and another stunning full-length save from Chelsea youngster Sinclair kept Wednesday in the game after the break.
As well as Grant's heroics the woodwork - four times - ensured the points were shared in a pulsating Coca-Cola Championship clash.
Akpo Sodje rattled the crossbar for Wednesday while Sinclair and Mikele Leigertwood hit the woodwork for Rangers in the first half.
And although Rangers bossed the second period, Wednesday's Burton O'Brien came closest to breaking the deadlock when his shot cannoned off the crossbar.
"It was one of the most entertaining 0-0 games I've ever seen," added Laws.
"It was end to end and you couldn't have asked for more from either team. We were on top in the first half and QPR were better in the second. I think it would have been a crying shame if one team had lost.
"QPR are on the up, it's a difficult place, a tight ground and a small pitch. They'll be nowhere near the bottom at the end of the season."
Wednesday are now unbeaten in five games, in stark contrast to their horrific start to the season when they lost their first six.
Chairman Dave Allen kept faith with Laws then, although he has since lost patience with the boardroom discontent and resigned this week.
Laws is solely focused on events on the pitch, however, and added: "We had a bad start but now we want to dissolve those memories.
"But we also need to remember how easily it can change if we're not prepared to work hard for each other."
Rangers manager Luigi De Canio cannot have seen too many 0-0 draws packed with so much goalmouth action during his days in Italy.
The west Londoners remain in the bottom three but De Canio is confident they will climb the table sooner rather than later.
"All that was missing was a goal. When the goals come the table will look different," he said
"I'm happy that the work we are doing in training is working. The boys are happier and the fans are happier. It was a far better game than a 0-0 draw.
"Lee Camp is a very good goalkeeper, but I thought the Sheffield Wednesday keeper had more chances to show what he could do today." Sporting Life
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - WE DESERVED MORE'
Gigi De Canio believes Rangers were 'desperately unlucky' not to register maximum points against in-form Sheffield Wednesday at Loftus Road.
The R's were denied by the woodwork on three occasions and saw Owls goalkeeper Lee Grant produce a string of fantastic saves as Rangers turned the screw in the second half.
"We deserved to win the game," De Canio told www.qpr.co.uk.
"With the exception of the first 10-15 minutes, we created chance after chance until the final whistle.
"I like my teams to play attacking football and it's my job to teach the players that style of play."
De Canio continued: "Obviously we need to start winning games, but I couldn't really ask anything more of the players today.
"We showed again that regardless of our league position, we can match our opponents and we out-played Sheffield for long periods.
"Grant was the difference, as was (Julian) Speroni against Crystal Palace a few weeks ago - but hopefully we won't come up against goalkeepers of their calibre every week.
"The positives far outweigh the negatives though and I'm happy with the direction we are heading in." QPR
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY - Laws Praises Grant's Heroics
Wednesday manager, Brian Laws was satisfied to come away from Queens Park Rangers with a point on Saturday after a pulsating 0-0 draw at Loftus Road.
The game saw both sides hit the frame of the goal twice but Owls goalkeeper Lee Grant was in fine form to pull off a string of excellent saves to keep the scores level, particularly in the second half.
"That was a marvellous performance by Lee Grant today. I thought both keepers did well," Laws said. "It was a performance which gives encouragement to everybody and shows what a good goalkeeper Lee Grant can be.
"That was one of the most entertaining 0-0 games I have ever seen. It was end to end, both teams are on the up, both teams wanted to win the game and we could not ask for any more. It was a great game to watch and I am sure the supporters enjoyed it.
"I thought we were by far the better team in the first half and QPR were the better team in the second half but I thought there were a lot of good points to come from the game. I think it would have been a crying shame if either team had won because they both deserved a point," the Owls boss insisted.
With the resignation of club chairman, Dave Allen, on the eve of the trip to Queens Park Rangers, Laws stressed that it was vital for everybody to pull together and get behind the players as Wednesday go into the home fixture against in-form Barnsley on Tuesday evening at Hillsborough.
"The result keeps our run going and leads us into a local derby game against Barnsley on Tuesday evening. Hopefully we will have a huge gate because you have seen that our supporters are magnificent again today, from start to finish. We need to drive forward and focus on everything we do on the pitch."
Asked how he was dealing with Allen's resignation, Laws said: "We can't make those decisions because they are out of our hands so we have to refocus and move on. The most important thing is that we all pull in the right direction.
"There is going to be a lot of talk and a lot of things happening off the field, the directors will be meeting to discuss a way forward and we are there to support the board and the players. We have to focus on what the players can affect and that is what happens on the pitch." Sheffield Wednesday
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
Quite how this match finished goalless will remain a mystery for a long time to come.
Following on from the draw at Crystal Palace prior to the international break, Rangers yet again dominated a Championship fixture, but were left with only a point to show for their efforts.
Missed chances, fantastic saves and the intervention of the woodwork on no less than four separate occasions turned a potential goal-fest into a stalemate.
Akpo Sodje headed against the bar in the opening exchanges, before Rangers rattled the woodwork twice in as many minutes before the break.
Scott Sinclair fired an effort off the post, before Mikele Leigertwood's header bounced back off the bar, with the Owls defence all at sea.
The theme continued in the second period, with Burton O'Brien smashing a stunning effort off the stanchion, while at the other end, Sinclair was denied on no fewer than three occasions by the outstanding Grant.
The Rangers starting XI showed two changes from the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace a fortnight ago.
Luigi De Canio handed a home debut to Derby County loanee Bob Malcolm, while Dexter Blackstock returned form a seven week injury absence to partner Rowan Vine in attack.
Owls boss Brian Laws opted for the front-pairing of Sodje and Marcus Tudgay, for a Wednesday side unbeaten in six matches.
On a bitterly cold afternoon in W12, it was the industrious visitors who created the first chance on seven minutes.
Yoann Folly's near post corner kick was glanced on by Sodje, who saw his effort bounce off the underside of the crossbar.
Damion Stewart was in the right place at the right time to clear the danger, as Rangers escaped unpunished.
The one-way traffic continued, with Tudgay seeing his goal-bound effort deflected wide, as the Owls set up camp in the Rangers half.
Wednesday's pressure was relentless, with the lively Sodje racing on to Frankie Simek's 13th minute through ball, rounding Malcolm, only to fire straight into the arms of the grateful Lee Camp.
Play quickly switched to the other end, with Vine sending Sinclair clean through.
Lee Grant darted from his line to meet the Chelsea loanee head on and it proved to be the right decision, as the teenager fired straight into his midriff.
Buoyed by that opportunity, Rangers were on the attack again moments later.
Martin Rowlands' neat reverse pass found Vine, who took one to set before slotting past Grant. The Birmingham front-man wheeled away to celebrate, only to see the referee's assistant flag for offside.
The R's were well on top by now and Vine brought the best out of Grant with a fearsome 25-yard strike after linking up well with Blackstock; before Buzsaky sent a dipping volley inches over the crossbar.
Akos Buzsaky continued to impress in the heart of the R's midfield and when Blackstock teed the Hungarian up on the edge of the box, the new darling of the Loftus Road terraces jinked one way and then the other, evading challenge after challenge, before seeing his shot diverted wide.
Buzsaky played provider on the stroke of half-time, spraying an audacious pass into the path of Sinclair, who bore down on goal before smashing a fearsome right footed drive off foot of the post.
From the resultant corner kick, Leigertwood's looping header bounced back off the crossbar, before being hacked to safety by the desperate Wednesday defence.
The attacking nature of the match continued on the resumption, with O'Brien stinging the palms of Camp, before Vine's searching cross was deflected wide via the outstretched leg of Richard Hinds.
Vine went close again in the 50th minute, running from deep inside his own half before exchanging passes with Sinclair.
Grant was again in the right place to save his effort though, this time tipping the ball round his right hand post for a corner.
Remarkably, Wednesday struck the woodwork again on the hour.
Gifted time and space out wide, O'Brien - after being set up by Tudgay - unleashed a powerful curling effort, which had Camp beaten all ends up. Thankfully for the hosts, the frame of the goal again denied the visitors.
Chris Barker's roaming run and cross found Sinclair on the edge of the six-yard box in the 65th minute, but yet again Grant was there to deny the R's, flinging himself full stretch to his right.
The Sinclair versus Grant battle continued apace as the clock ticked down, with the latter pulling off his best save of the match 17 minutes from time, as the tricky winger fired low and hard to the goalkeeper's right.
QPR: Camp, Barker, Stewart, Mancienne, Blackstock (Nygaard 82), Buzsaky, Rowlands, Malcolm (Timoska 65), Vine, Leigertwood, Sinclair.
Subs: Cole, Bolder, Ainsworth.
Bookings: Malcolm 15
Sheffield Wednesday: Grant, Hinds, Tudgay, O'Brien, Watson, Simek, J Johnson (Small 80), M Johnson, Sodje (Burton 57), Folly, Spurr.
Subs: Lunt, Esajas, Beevers.
Bookings: Small 88
Referee: Mr R J Beeby
Attendance: 15, 241 QPR
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY OFFICIAL SITE
The only thing missing was goals at Loftus Road as QPR and Wednesday fought out a thrilling Championship encounter.
Both sides rattled the woodwork twice and came close on numerous other occasions but amazingly the game finished without either side having registered.
Brian Laws made one change to the side that thumped Southampton before the last international break. Glenn Whelan failed to shake off the hip injury picked up on Republic of Ireland 'B' duty so Frenchman Yoann Folly slotted into the engine room.
After a purposeful start from the visitors, during which Rangers struggled to get the ball out of their own half, SWFC almost took the lead with six minutes on the clock. Folly swung over a peach of a corner and Akpo Sodje lost his marker to smack a header against the crossbar. Three more flag kicks followed in as many minutes as the Owls took a form grip on the early throes of the game.
Marcus Tudgay came close with a snapshot that was deflected wide for yet another corner before Burton O'Brien shot high and wide from 25 yards.
Tudgay asked a lot of Sodje with an overhit feed down the right flank but the latter showed Chris Barker a clean pair of heels to fire in an angled drive gratefully gobbled up by Lee Camp.
Rangers showed intent of their own on the 15-minute mark when Dexter Blackstock burst through on goal and looked to be heading for a one-on-one with Lee Grant. But the danger was thwarted by Jermaine Johnson, who sprinted back to aid the Owls defence with a crucial clearance at the last.
The hosts had the ball in the back of the net two minutes later but the QPR fans' celebrations were short-lived as Rowan Vine's low shot was ruled out for offside.
Having seen Wednesday fail to capitalise on their early domination, Rangers grew more and more into the contest. Martin Rowlands whipped a cross across goal that Grant was relieved to see fizz away from the danger zone and Vine's vicious drive from distance forced the Owls keeper into a fine fingertip save.
Vine was felled on the edge of the area on 33 minutes but Rowlands' curling effort failed to trouble Grant. At the other end, Sodje almost sent Jermaine Johnson scampering clear with a throughball that just lacked the required pace.
Akos Buzsaky cut inside the penalty area and eyed an opening but Tommy Spurr deflected the Hungarian's effort wide for a corner. A minute later, Scott Sinclair forced a block tackle from Frank Simek in a mirror image move across the field.
Sinclair tormented Simek with a jinking run that ended with the on-loan winger striking the foot of the post and incredibly, Rangers hit the woodwork again moments later when Grant failed to collect Rowlands' corner and Blackstock nodded onto the bar.
Players and fans alike were grateful for the half time breather and the only shock was that somehow, the opening period had finished goalless.
The second half continued where the first left off and Jermaine Johnson forced a corner inside the first minute, Camp tipping his angled cross-shot safely over the crossbar.
Undaunted, Rangers raced upfield and after combining well with Sinclair, dangerman Vine struck a powerful shot that Grant saved acrobatically diving to his right.
Wednesday were first to make a change, bringing on Deon Burton in place of Sodje close to the hour. But it was sidekick Tudgay who proved influential in carving the next chance for the Owls, finding O'Brien in space down the right for the Scot to move inside and curl a beauty that thudded against Camp's crossbar.
Next it was QPR's' turn to threaten as Barker fed Sinclair in the Wednesday box. But Grant came to the rescue, parrying the Chelsea man's effort to safety from close range.
The Owls custodian then denied Blackstock with the save of the match, springing across his goal to keep out the striker's strong shot following an intelligent pass from Vine.
The end-to-end nature of the game continued and Tudgay brushed the wrong side of the net after breaking free inside the left of the penalty area.
With eight minutes to go, Sinclair outpaced substitute Wade Small to advance menacingly on Grant but his prodded effort cleared the Owls bar.
A late goal would have proved harsh on Wednesday - the same could be said of Rangers too - and as referee Beeby called time on a thoroughly entertaining capital encounter, both sides had proved worthy of a point. Sheffield Wednesday
YORKSHIRE POST
An INSPIRED performance from Wednesday goalkeeper Lee Grant ensured the points were shared in a pulsating Coca-Cola Championship clash.
Akpo Sodje rattled the crossbar for Wednesday while Scott Sinclair and Mikele Leigertwood hit the woodwork for Rangers in the first half.
And although Rangers bossed the second period, Wednesday's Burton O'Brien came closest to breaking the deadlock when his shot cannoned off the crossbar.
The hosts soon took control and squandered a glorious chance to take the lead in the 14th minute when Rowan Vine's pass put Sinclair one-on-one with Grant, the Owls keeper saving his low shot.
Moments later Vine had the ball in the net, but his celebrations were thwarted by a linesman's flag, before Martin Rowlandsfizzed the ball across the six-yard box with no-one able to apply the finishing touch.
Grant then tipped over a rasping drive from Vine and Akos Buzsaky volleyed wide with Rangers by now well on top.
Buzsaky conjured up a superb piece of skill in the 37th minute, dancing into the Wednesday area and leaving Steve Watson for dead before his shot was blocked by O'Brien.
But on the hour mark it was Wednesday who came agonisingly close once more, when O'Brien was left in acres of space on the left to send a curling shot past Camp and onto the crossbar.
At the other end, Chris Barker crossed for Sinclair, only for Grant to come to the Owls rescue again with a superb block.
Rowlands and Buszaky sent late free-kicks over Grant's crossbar as Wednesday held on for a point. Yorkshire Post
QPR Vs Sheffield Wednesday-Today's Teams: Malcolm Debuts & Blackstock Returns
-
QPR: Camp, Barker, Stewart, Mancienne, Blackstock, Buzsaky, Rowlands, Malcolm, Vine, Leigertwood, Sinclair.
Subs: Cole, Bolder, Ainsworth, Timoska, Nygaard.
Sheffield Wednesday: Grant, Hinds, Tudgay, O'Brien, Watson, Simek, J Johnson, M Johnson, Sodje, Folly, Spurr.
Subs: Lunt, Burton, Esajas, Beevers, Small.
QPR: Camp, Barker, Stewart, Mancienne, Blackstock, Buzsaky, Rowlands, Malcolm, Vine, Leigertwood, Sinclair.
Subs: Cole, Bolder, Ainsworth, Timoska, Nygaard.
Sheffield Wednesday: Grant, Hinds, Tudgay, O'Brien, Watson, Simek, J Johnson, M Johnson, Sodje, Folly, Spurr.
Subs: Lunt, Burton, Esajas, Beevers, Small.
Update re Dominic Shimmin, Tommy Doherty, Tommy Williams and Adam Miller
-
Shimmin's chance to shine - By Neil Perrett/Daily Echo/Dorset Echo -
BOSS Kevin Bond is hoping new Cherries loan signing Dominic Shimmin will start to realise his potential during his stay at Dean Court.
The 20-year-old QPR defender will link up with Bond's squad at the start of next week after joining Cherries initially until January.
Shimmin, who progressed through the ranks at Arsenal, has been restricted to a handful of appearances for QPR due to a series of minor injuries.
Bond told the Daily Echo: "He's got a great deal of promise and, as of yet, hasn't fulfilled it so we're going to give him the opportunity to try to do that. He's certainly got a bit of pedigree having started his career at Arsenal before QPR paid money for him.
"He probably hasn't done as well as he would have liked and some of that maybe down to him and some down to the stop-start situation he's had with injury.
"We are going to have a look at him and he is going to have a look at us before both parties reassess the situation in January." Daily Echo/Dorset Echo
re Tommy Doherty This is Local London
" [Wycombe] WANDERERS will train at Aston Villa today as they prepare for tomorrow's League Two clash against promotion rivals Darlington....The match has also come two weeks too early for last year's Player of the Year Tommy Doherty. He sparkled again for the reserves on Tuesday but Lambert will resist the temptation to bring him back too soon after four months on the treatement table with appendix and calf problems...
This is Local London
Wycombe Official Site -WILLIAMS STAYING PUT
By Alan Parry Wanderers today confirmed that they have rejected an approach from League Two rivals Peterborough United to sign Tom Williams.
Blues boss Paul Lambert told wwfc.com: "Peterborough asked us if they could take Tom, initially on loan, but we said no. He remains a Wycombe player and will be training with the rest of the squad tomorrow. He will be considered for selection for our game at Darlington on Saturday."
Peterborough's official web site published a story saying that Williams was due to sign for the Posh, where he has had two spells earlier in his career. The story said that the deal fell through because Wycombe "insisted on certain stipulations that were not acceptable to (manager) Darren Ferguson."
Said Lambert: "We weren't interested in the deal proposed by Peterborough and that's the end of the matter." Wycombe
Ex-QPR, Adam Miller, now at Gillingham:
Gillingham Official Site - ADAM MILLER
Midfielder Adam Miller also joins from Stevenage on a loan with a view to a permanent deal and explains that he is looking forward to being back in the Football League: "Mark Stimson spoke to Peter Taylor on Monday. Peter Taylor pulled me in and had a chat with me. The bid officially went in on Wednesday and things progressed from there. Things were sorted on Thursday after lots of phone calls. Luckily enough, it went through in the nick of time.
"The standard doesn't really faze me if I am honest. I played for Queens Park Rangers in the Championship before I joined Stevenage. The technical side of things will be better and you'll be punished quicker at critical times in the game. The quality and end product is a major factor but as fitness goes, the Conference is a fit league with a lot of young lads trying to prove people wrong as they look to get into the Football League.
"I am a midfielder that looks to get on the ball at every opportunity. I try to make things happen and create things for the team. When I get the ball, if I am faced up to the defence, I try to slip people in and create things. I'll also try to chip in with the odd goal here and there. That is always nice."
"Just don't call me a gyppo like everyone else does! I love it when fans back me and I cannot wait to get going. I get a good vibe off the fans and I get more from my game; I love it."
With several new faces joining the club at once, Miller believes this may help the players settle quickly: "I'd say it will help me. Everyone in non-league knows each other really well. The players that I am mixing with now from the non-league, they are known players and we get on well. It is a massive help. We've had our first day of training and as soon as I walked in the dressing room, I was in there with lads that I know. It makes things comfortable and it doesn't feel like I'm making a step up. It's more of a feeling that I am still at that level off the pitch. Being comfortable is important so I can settle down quickly and get on with enjoying my football.
"Training went really well and it was a good laugh. The lads already here have been welcoming and they seem like a good bunch. The training methods are pretty similar to what I have become used to after Mark Stimson's time at Stevenage. It is the comfort factor of knowing the boys, knowing the coaching staff and their system and most importantly knowing what the managers wants from me. It is nice knowing what he wants and what I can give him."
With 30 games still remaining, Miller admits that the side need to focus on keeping Priestfield a fortress whilst trying to pick up points on the road to climb the table: "First and foremost, we need to get an amazing club out of the position where we are right now. In my mind, it is a false position. We shouldn't be where we are. My initial goal is to get some results together to push us up the league as soon as possible. We can then see where we are and take it from there. There are about 30 games left and at any level of football, if you put a run together, who knows where it will take you? I've seen Crewe play and they've shot up the table and I can see no reason why with Mark Stimson, the players that he has brought in and the concepts he believes in, I can't see why we cannot go on a ten game run of wins and draws. That'll push us up the table.
"At home, you want a good base and make it your fortress; that is great. Away from home, you need to pick up points. We got a 1-1 draw at Swansea, that is an amazing result down there. You need to come away from away games with a point as a minimum. I don't think it will get to the seasoned pros here as they've seen these things, the difficult times, and they've had to deal with the ups and downs at other times in their careers. With the confidence our players have got, it is not a massive hole to get out of. As long as we do it the right way in training on Monday to Friday, take that into the game on a Saturday and we can get out of the negative position we are in right now..." Gillingham
Shimmin's chance to shine - By Neil Perrett/Daily Echo/Dorset Echo -
BOSS Kevin Bond is hoping new Cherries loan signing Dominic Shimmin will start to realise his potential during his stay at Dean Court.
The 20-year-old QPR defender will link up with Bond's squad at the start of next week after joining Cherries initially until January.
Shimmin, who progressed through the ranks at Arsenal, has been restricted to a handful of appearances for QPR due to a series of minor injuries.
Bond told the Daily Echo: "He's got a great deal of promise and, as of yet, hasn't fulfilled it so we're going to give him the opportunity to try to do that. He's certainly got a bit of pedigree having started his career at Arsenal before QPR paid money for him.
"He probably hasn't done as well as he would have liked and some of that maybe down to him and some down to the stop-start situation he's had with injury.
"We are going to have a look at him and he is going to have a look at us before both parties reassess the situation in January." Daily Echo/Dorset Echo
re Tommy Doherty This is Local London
" [Wycombe] WANDERERS will train at Aston Villa today as they prepare for tomorrow's League Two clash against promotion rivals Darlington....The match has also come two weeks too early for last year's Player of the Year Tommy Doherty. He sparkled again for the reserves on Tuesday but Lambert will resist the temptation to bring him back too soon after four months on the treatement table with appendix and calf problems...
This is Local London
Wycombe Official Site -WILLIAMS STAYING PUT
By Alan Parry Wanderers today confirmed that they have rejected an approach from League Two rivals Peterborough United to sign Tom Williams.
Blues boss Paul Lambert told wwfc.com: "Peterborough asked us if they could take Tom, initially on loan, but we said no. He remains a Wycombe player and will be training with the rest of the squad tomorrow. He will be considered for selection for our game at Darlington on Saturday."
Peterborough's official web site published a story saying that Williams was due to sign for the Posh, where he has had two spells earlier in his career. The story said that the deal fell through because Wycombe "insisted on certain stipulations that were not acceptable to (manager) Darren Ferguson."
Said Lambert: "We weren't interested in the deal proposed by Peterborough and that's the end of the matter." Wycombe
Ex-QPR, Adam Miller, now at Gillingham:
Gillingham Official Site - ADAM MILLER
Midfielder Adam Miller also joins from Stevenage on a loan with a view to a permanent deal and explains that he is looking forward to being back in the Football League: "Mark Stimson spoke to Peter Taylor on Monday. Peter Taylor pulled me in and had a chat with me. The bid officially went in on Wednesday and things progressed from there. Things were sorted on Thursday after lots of phone calls. Luckily enough, it went through in the nick of time.
"The standard doesn't really faze me if I am honest. I played for Queens Park Rangers in the Championship before I joined Stevenage. The technical side of things will be better and you'll be punished quicker at critical times in the game. The quality and end product is a major factor but as fitness goes, the Conference is a fit league with a lot of young lads trying to prove people wrong as they look to get into the Football League.
"I am a midfielder that looks to get on the ball at every opportunity. I try to make things happen and create things for the team. When I get the ball, if I am faced up to the defence, I try to slip people in and create things. I'll also try to chip in with the odd goal here and there. That is always nice."
"Just don't call me a gyppo like everyone else does! I love it when fans back me and I cannot wait to get going. I get a good vibe off the fans and I get more from my game; I love it."
With several new faces joining the club at once, Miller believes this may help the players settle quickly: "I'd say it will help me. Everyone in non-league knows each other really well. The players that I am mixing with now from the non-league, they are known players and we get on well. It is a massive help. We've had our first day of training and as soon as I walked in the dressing room, I was in there with lads that I know. It makes things comfortable and it doesn't feel like I'm making a step up. It's more of a feeling that I am still at that level off the pitch. Being comfortable is important so I can settle down quickly and get on with enjoying my football.
"Training went really well and it was a good laugh. The lads already here have been welcoming and they seem like a good bunch. The training methods are pretty similar to what I have become used to after Mark Stimson's time at Stevenage. It is the comfort factor of knowing the boys, knowing the coaching staff and their system and most importantly knowing what the managers wants from me. It is nice knowing what he wants and what I can give him."
With 30 games still remaining, Miller admits that the side need to focus on keeping Priestfield a fortress whilst trying to pick up points on the road to climb the table: "First and foremost, we need to get an amazing club out of the position where we are right now. In my mind, it is a false position. We shouldn't be where we are. My initial goal is to get some results together to push us up the league as soon as possible. We can then see where we are and take it from there. There are about 30 games left and at any level of football, if you put a run together, who knows where it will take you? I've seen Crewe play and they've shot up the table and I can see no reason why with Mark Stimson, the players that he has brought in and the concepts he believes in, I can't see why we cannot go on a ten game run of wins and draws. That'll push us up the table.
"At home, you want a good base and make it your fortress; that is great. Away from home, you need to pick up points. We got a 1-1 draw at Swansea, that is an amazing result down there. You need to come away from away games with a point as a minimum. I don't think it will get to the seasoned pros here as they've seen these things, the difficult times, and they've had to deal with the ups and downs at other times in their careers. With the confidence our players have got, it is not a massive hole to get out of. As long as we do it the right way in training on Monday to Friday, take that into the game on a Saturday and we can get out of the negative position we are in right now..." Gillingham
Hogan Ephraim For QPR?
-
Neil Warnock: What I've Learnt This Week - The Independent
....4. Transfer frustration
"I've spent the last two weeks in the office on the telephone, trying to bring in new players. It was all fruitless. I had six or seven offers in but clubs want to hang on to them over the Christmas period. I'll just have to bite the bullet. I don't want to sign anybody just for the sake of it, I'll have to be patient, hang in there for five weeks, and get the right ones in January. We did sign one player....
Against that success has to be set a disappointment this week when I tried to bring in Hogan Ephraim, a young lad at West Ham. We had him at the training ground on Wednesday and he and his agent, Paul Goddard, the old Hammers and QPR player, said they'd let me know. I was aware Colchester and QPR were also after him. Well, I'm still waiting for the call. It looks like he's decided to go to QPR, which is his right, but I just think it is so disrespectful when someone doesn't even give you a call. For me that's just bad manners. The Independent
Neil Warnock: What I've Learnt This Week - The Independent
....4. Transfer frustration
"I've spent the last two weeks in the office on the telephone, trying to bring in new players. It was all fruitless. I had six or seven offers in but clubs want to hang on to them over the Christmas period. I'll just have to bite the bullet. I don't want to sign anybody just for the sake of it, I'll have to be patient, hang in there for five weeks, and get the right ones in January. We did sign one player....
Against that success has to be set a disappointment this week when I tried to bring in Hogan Ephraim, a young lad at West Ham. We had him at the training ground on Wednesday and he and his agent, Paul Goddard, the old Hammers and QPR player, said they'd let me know. I was aware Colchester and QPR were also after him. Well, I'm still waiting for the call. It looks like he's decided to go to QPR, which is his right, but I just think it is so disrespectful when someone doesn't even give you a call. For me that's just bad manners. The Independent
Friday, November 23, 2007
QPR Indirectly Responsible for Holloway Departure?
-
From Ian Holloway's BBC Column:
"... I didn't realise how much a blow losing Akos Buzsaky to QPR was until I knew of Leicester's interest. And all I could think of then was would I have lost him if I was at Leicester?
I can assure you if he had the ground and the training facilities they've got here he would not have left. And that's no disrespect to Plymouth. We had to take the money, which was a good deal for a player who was out of contract the next summer.
The longer I thought about it - and particularly it being my old club QPR he went to - the more my heart was aching and breaking.
BBC - Holloway column
...THE LEICESTER MOVE
It's a big change, big decision, massive bit of luck. A life-changing thing really.
Luckily for me I met Milan Mandaric the night after I resigned and by the following morning he was obviously sold on the little muppet!
The size of this club and the possibility of spending some money was too big a lure for a man, who didn't even know he had the job.
I am the biggest trier you've ever seen. That's all I've ever done in my life. I was absolutely crap at the start of my career and I tried so hard I ended up playing in the Premiership. And I'm proud of that.
WHY I LEFT PLYMOUTH
Life's about relationships. I had a fantastic one at Plymouth and I understand I will have broken some hearts but it was breaking my heart that I might not have the opportunity to spend all that money.
If you look at my management career, the lack of money has made all my players go to other clubs.
I didn't realise how much a blow losing Akos Buzsaky to QPR was until I knew of Leicester's interest. And all I could think of then was would I have lost him if I was at Leicester?
I can assure you if he had the ground and the training facilities they've got here he would not have left. And that's no disrespect to Plymouth. We had to take the money, which was a good deal for a player who was out of contract the next summer.
The longer I thought about it - and particularly it being my old club QPR he went to - the more my heart was aching and breaking.
The last time we played and got the win which took us seventh, we had 11,000 in the ground. I just wanted everyone to believe and come to the ground because then the chairman would have got more confidence.
Unfortunately I can only tell you what my chairman thinks about and I can't blame him - he's an accountant!
But I don't want anyone to blame him because he's worked his socks off for that football club, he loves it. And he's never going to have to switch allegiance.
MESSAGE TO PLYMOUTH FANS
I still love the area. The town and the people were absolutely magnificent and if I broke all their hearts, I'm sorry, because I loved my time there.
My decision to go was taken as a professional man but it doesn't mean to say I don't love the area, the people, their warmth, their kindness.
I said all the things about them because I genuinely meant it, not because I wanted to bull**** them - and I still feel that way now.
This is a business decision, like it was when Bristol Rovers sacked me after I'd tried my absolute socks off, and as QPR did to me as well.
If anybody thinks I'm jumping around now I've got this job, I'm not. There's a terrible sadness in my heart for the people I've left down there and the job I tried to do.
The way it panned out, I wasn't even able to say goodbye to my team and I'd just like to say how proud I am of everyone at Plymouth. Everybody who worked in the ground and helped me in the office, because it was a marvellous team effort to get that club in that position in the table.
And I believe they'll go on if they find a manager with the same desire I had when I was there... BBC
From Ian Holloway's BBC Column:
"... I didn't realise how much a blow losing Akos Buzsaky to QPR was until I knew of Leicester's interest. And all I could think of then was would I have lost him if I was at Leicester?
I can assure you if he had the ground and the training facilities they've got here he would not have left. And that's no disrespect to Plymouth. We had to take the money, which was a good deal for a player who was out of contract the next summer.
The longer I thought about it - and particularly it being my old club QPR he went to - the more my heart was aching and breaking.
BBC - Holloway column
...THE LEICESTER MOVE
It's a big change, big decision, massive bit of luck. A life-changing thing really.
Luckily for me I met Milan Mandaric the night after I resigned and by the following morning he was obviously sold on the little muppet!
The size of this club and the possibility of spending some money was too big a lure for a man, who didn't even know he had the job.
I am the biggest trier you've ever seen. That's all I've ever done in my life. I was absolutely crap at the start of my career and I tried so hard I ended up playing in the Premiership. And I'm proud of that.
WHY I LEFT PLYMOUTH
Life's about relationships. I had a fantastic one at Plymouth and I understand I will have broken some hearts but it was breaking my heart that I might not have the opportunity to spend all that money.
If you look at my management career, the lack of money has made all my players go to other clubs.
I didn't realise how much a blow losing Akos Buzsaky to QPR was until I knew of Leicester's interest. And all I could think of then was would I have lost him if I was at Leicester?
I can assure you if he had the ground and the training facilities they've got here he would not have left. And that's no disrespect to Plymouth. We had to take the money, which was a good deal for a player who was out of contract the next summer.
The longer I thought about it - and particularly it being my old club QPR he went to - the more my heart was aching and breaking.
The last time we played and got the win which took us seventh, we had 11,000 in the ground. I just wanted everyone to believe and come to the ground because then the chairman would have got more confidence.
Unfortunately I can only tell you what my chairman thinks about and I can't blame him - he's an accountant!
But I don't want anyone to blame him because he's worked his socks off for that football club, he loves it. And he's never going to have to switch allegiance.
MESSAGE TO PLYMOUTH FANS
I still love the area. The town and the people were absolutely magnificent and if I broke all their hearts, I'm sorry, because I loved my time there.
My decision to go was taken as a professional man but it doesn't mean to say I don't love the area, the people, their warmth, their kindness.
I said all the things about them because I genuinely meant it, not because I wanted to bull**** them - and I still feel that way now.
This is a business decision, like it was when Bristol Rovers sacked me after I'd tried my absolute socks off, and as QPR did to me as well.
If anybody thinks I'm jumping around now I've got this job, I'm not. There's a terrible sadness in my heart for the people I've left down there and the job I tried to do.
The way it panned out, I wasn't even able to say goodbye to my team and I'd just like to say how proud I am of everyone at Plymouth. Everybody who worked in the ground and helped me in the office, because it was a marvellous team effort to get that club in that position in the table.
And I believe they'll go on if they find a manager with the same desire I had when I was there... BBC
Shimmin Joins Bournemouth on Loan
-
[Not yet announced on Bournemouth site]
QPR Official Site - SHIMMIN ON THE MOVE
R's defender Dominic Shimmin has joined League One strugglers AFC Bournemouth on loan.
The 20 year-old, who has not featured for the First Team at all this season, will remain with the Cherries up to, and including, January 1st 2008. QPR
BBC -Bournemouth snap up QPR defender
Bournemouth have signed Queens Park Rangers defender Dominic Shimmin on loan, reports BBC Radio Solent.
The 20-year-old completed his loan move - which will run until 1 January - before Thursday's Football League deadline for loan signings.
The former Arsenal trainee has made four league and cup appearances for QPR, but he has not featured for their first team this season.
He goes straight into the Cherries squad for Saturday's game with Oldham. BBC
The 20 year old defender was signed by QPR from Arsenal in March 2005, but thus far hasn't had an impact. (Numerous injuries)
BBC - March 2005 - Rangers capture Arsenal defender
Queens Park Rangers have completed the signing of defender Dominic Shimmin from Arsenal.
The 17-year-old has signed a contract that ties him to the R's until the summer of 2008.
Rangers will pay a small initial fee set to rise to around £80,000 depending on appearances.
"He's a great prospect and a player I think we're very fortunate to be signing - it's a great deal for us," said QPR boss Ian Holloway.
"I'm planning for the future and I want to build a QPR squad that will last for years.
"That means picking up quality youngsters and a lot of them are with the top Premiership clubs." BBC
QPR OFFICIAL SITE PROFILE
Dominic Shimmin joined the Hoops from Arsenal in March 2005.
The promising youngster missed large chunks of last season due to injury, but having impressed for the R's second string in the second half of the season, he made his first and only start of the campaign on the final day of the campaign.
With injury ruling out defensive stalwart Danny Cullip, Shimmin partnered Damion Stewart at the heart of the R's defence, in a 1-1 draw with Stoke City.
Career
A centre half by trade, Shimmin swapped Highbury for Loftus Road after previously playing for the R's at the tender age of nine.
He picked up valuable experience with the Gunners, but unfortunately for both the player and the Hoops, injuries have so far disrupted his career at Loftus Road.
Despite being thrown into the lions den in the 3-0 defeat to Coventry in August 2005, a serious knee injury curtailed his involvement thereafter in his first season in the Championship...QPR
[Not yet announced on Bournemouth site]
QPR Official Site - SHIMMIN ON THE MOVE
R's defender Dominic Shimmin has joined League One strugglers AFC Bournemouth on loan.
The 20 year-old, who has not featured for the First Team at all this season, will remain with the Cherries up to, and including, January 1st 2008. QPR
BBC -Bournemouth snap up QPR defender
Bournemouth have signed Queens Park Rangers defender Dominic Shimmin on loan, reports BBC Radio Solent.
The 20-year-old completed his loan move - which will run until 1 January - before Thursday's Football League deadline for loan signings.
The former Arsenal trainee has made four league and cup appearances for QPR, but he has not featured for their first team this season.
He goes straight into the Cherries squad for Saturday's game with Oldham. BBC
The 20 year old defender was signed by QPR from Arsenal in March 2005, but thus far hasn't had an impact. (Numerous injuries)
BBC - March 2005 - Rangers capture Arsenal defender
Queens Park Rangers have completed the signing of defender Dominic Shimmin from Arsenal.
The 17-year-old has signed a contract that ties him to the R's until the summer of 2008.
Rangers will pay a small initial fee set to rise to around £80,000 depending on appearances.
"He's a great prospect and a player I think we're very fortunate to be signing - it's a great deal for us," said QPR boss Ian Holloway.
"I'm planning for the future and I want to build a QPR squad that will last for years.
"That means picking up quality youngsters and a lot of them are with the top Premiership clubs." BBC
QPR OFFICIAL SITE PROFILE
Dominic Shimmin joined the Hoops from Arsenal in March 2005.
The promising youngster missed large chunks of last season due to injury, but having impressed for the R's second string in the second half of the season, he made his first and only start of the campaign on the final day of the campaign.
With injury ruling out defensive stalwart Danny Cullip, Shimmin partnered Damion Stewart at the heart of the R's defence, in a 1-1 draw with Stoke City.
Career
A centre half by trade, Shimmin swapped Highbury for Loftus Road after previously playing for the R's at the tender age of nine.
He picked up valuable experience with the Gunners, but unfortunately for both the player and the Hoops, injuries have so far disrupted his career at Loftus Road.
Despite being thrown into the lions den in the 3-0 defeat to Coventry in August 2005, a serious knee injury curtailed his involvement thereafter in his first season in the Championship...QPR
Flashback: On This Day: Docherty Victory...Gillard, Spencer, Peacock Debuts
-
Eleven Years Ago: November 23, 1996: John Spencer and Gavin Peacock made their QPR debuts in the 2-1 loss at Reading.
(Spencer of course scoring). Stuart Houston made Spencer his first signing when he paid Chelsea almost 2.5 million pounds. Ex-QPR forward/midfielder Peacock joined from Chelsea, initially on a month loan; then QPR paid almost one million pounds.
QPR Team vs Reading: Roberts, Brevitt, McDonald, Ready, Maddix, Sinclair, Barker, Peacock, Impey, Charles, Spencer- Sub: Dichio
[Spencer ended the season with 18 goals in 29 games and was player of the year. After that initial season, things went rather less well and Spencer moved on to Everton.] Reading vs QPR Match Report
Thirty-Nine Years Ago: Tommy Docherty's Only Victory and Ian Gillard's Debut November 23, 1968: Tommy Docherty's QPR won 2-1 at home to Nottingham Forest.In his month-long managerial QPR career (Stint I), Tommy Docherty achieved one victory in his four games in charge. (And QPR managed only four victories that entire season. In that Docherty victory, Rodney Marsh scored one of his four goals that season with Tony Hazell scoring the other goal - a true rarity for Hazell) Making his debut that day: 18 year-old Ian Gillard.
QPR's team vs Nottingham Forest had seven "home growns." The full team
Kelly
Clement Hazell Watson Gillard
Ian Morgan - Mcgovern - Sibley - Roger Morgan
Bridges Marsh
Ian Gillard: Born October 1950, Ian Gillard went on to play over 400 League games for QPR and three times for England. Gillard's last game was for QPR was in the FA Cup Replay against Spurs before joining Aldershot as player coach. Gillard playing Stats See also Gillard/Wikipedia and Dave's QPR Site Profile of Gillard
Sixty-Six Years Ago: Former Manager Alan Mullery Born!
Born November 23, 1941. Not perhaps QPR's most successful manager, although supposedly a really nice person. Appointed in June 1984 to replace Terry Venables, which was obviously a very tough act to follow. Mullery managed QPR for just 17 games games. In December 1984, Chairman Jim Gregory fired Mullery and replaced him with Frank Sibley (after Don Revie's appointment fell through).
The Mullery "era" was certainly eventful six months: The period saw QPR's amazing 5-5 draw with Newcastle as QPR came from 0-4 to draw 5-5. It also saw Mullery turn a 6-2 "home" (actually played at Highbury because of QPR's "controversial" Plastic pitch) win versus Partisan Belgrade in the EUFA Cup; followed by a 0-4 loss in the second leg which saw QPR get knocked out of Europe - to never return!.
Among the players he signed for QPR were Gary Bannister and John Byrne. And his managership started so well with two wins and 2 draws including a 1-1 draw at Anfield.
Mullery played for Fulham, Spurs and Fulham and England and managed Brighton, Charlton, Crystal Palace, and QPR. Mullery
FourFourTwo reviewing "Mullery: the autobiography" writes ".... ....After initial success on the south coast, Mullery's managerial career fell into rapid decline, as he was forced to endure the machinations of QPR's tyrannical chairman Jim Gregory,....." FourFourTwo
Now an after-dinner speaker and TV commentator
: THE NEWCASTLE PERSPECTIVE OF THE 5-5 GAME -QPR 5 Newcastle 5
ONE YEAR AGO: WIN PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK!
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - HOOP-HOOP-HOORAY!
Posted on: Thu 23 Nov 2006
The R's last-gasp victory against Cardiff on Friday has earned them the coveted F&C Investments Performance of the Week Award.
The League Managers Association five-man Performance of the Week panel - comprising Chairman Howard Wilkinson, Sir Alex Ferguson, Joe Royle, Dave Bassett and Barry Fry - were in agreement that this week, the F&C Investments Performance of the Week Award, should go to QPR in the wake of the 1-0 win in Wales.
Ray Jones bagged the only goal of the game in the 86th minute at Ninian Park, as Rangers increased their unbeaten run to five matches in all competitions with a stunning third victory on the spin against the league leaders.
Gaffer John Gregory will receive the specially engraved crystal football tomorrow (Friday), in a presentation to be screened on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday this weekend.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk at the full-time whistle in Cardiff, Gregory commented: "I've been so proud of the players since I became manager. They're a pleasure to be around and they're a fantastic bunch of lads.
"They've a tremendous work ethic and throughout the match you could see them backing each other up
QPR
Also: One Year ago: Tim Breacker appointed Assistant Manager at Plymouth, under Ian Holloway. Report
Eleven Years Ago: November 23, 1996: John Spencer and Gavin Peacock made their QPR debuts in the 2-1 loss at Reading.
(Spencer of course scoring). Stuart Houston made Spencer his first signing when he paid Chelsea almost 2.5 million pounds. Ex-QPR forward/midfielder Peacock joined from Chelsea, initially on a month loan; then QPR paid almost one million pounds.
QPR Team vs Reading: Roberts, Brevitt, McDonald, Ready, Maddix, Sinclair, Barker, Peacock, Impey, Charles, Spencer- Sub: Dichio
[Spencer ended the season with 18 goals in 29 games and was player of the year. After that initial season, things went rather less well and Spencer moved on to Everton.] Reading vs QPR Match Report
Thirty-Nine Years Ago: Tommy Docherty's Only Victory and Ian Gillard's Debut November 23, 1968: Tommy Docherty's QPR won 2-1 at home to Nottingham Forest.In his month-long managerial QPR career (Stint I), Tommy Docherty achieved one victory in his four games in charge. (And QPR managed only four victories that entire season. In that Docherty victory, Rodney Marsh scored one of his four goals that season with Tony Hazell scoring the other goal - a true rarity for Hazell) Making his debut that day: 18 year-old Ian Gillard.
QPR's team vs Nottingham Forest had seven "home growns." The full team
Kelly
Clement Hazell Watson Gillard
Ian Morgan - Mcgovern - Sibley - Roger Morgan
Bridges Marsh
Ian Gillard: Born October 1950, Ian Gillard went on to play over 400 League games for QPR and three times for England. Gillard's last game was for QPR was in the FA Cup Replay against Spurs before joining Aldershot as player coach. Gillard playing Stats See also Gillard/Wikipedia and Dave's QPR Site Profile of Gillard
Sixty-Six Years Ago: Former Manager Alan Mullery Born!
Born November 23, 1941. Not perhaps QPR's most successful manager, although supposedly a really nice person. Appointed in June 1984 to replace Terry Venables, which was obviously a very tough act to follow. Mullery managed QPR for just 17 games games. In December 1984, Chairman Jim Gregory fired Mullery and replaced him with Frank Sibley (after Don Revie's appointment fell through).
The Mullery "era" was certainly eventful six months: The period saw QPR's amazing 5-5 draw with Newcastle as QPR came from 0-4 to draw 5-5. It also saw Mullery turn a 6-2 "home" (actually played at Highbury because of QPR's "controversial" Plastic pitch) win versus Partisan Belgrade in the EUFA Cup; followed by a 0-4 loss in the second leg which saw QPR get knocked out of Europe - to never return!.
Among the players he signed for QPR were Gary Bannister and John Byrne. And his managership started so well with two wins and 2 draws including a 1-1 draw at Anfield.
Mullery played for Fulham, Spurs and Fulham and England and managed Brighton, Charlton, Crystal Palace, and QPR. Mullery
FourFourTwo reviewing "Mullery: the autobiography" writes ".... ....After initial success on the south coast, Mullery's managerial career fell into rapid decline, as he was forced to endure the machinations of QPR's tyrannical chairman Jim Gregory,....." FourFourTwo
Now an after-dinner speaker and TV commentator
: THE NEWCASTLE PERSPECTIVE OF THE 5-5 GAME -QPR 5 Newcastle 5
ONE YEAR AGO: WIN PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK!
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - HOOP-HOOP-HOORAY!
Posted on: Thu 23 Nov 2006
The R's last-gasp victory against Cardiff on Friday has earned them the coveted F&C Investments Performance of the Week Award.
The League Managers Association five-man Performance of the Week panel - comprising Chairman Howard Wilkinson, Sir Alex Ferguson, Joe Royle, Dave Bassett and Barry Fry - were in agreement that this week, the F&C Investments Performance of the Week Award, should go to QPR in the wake of the 1-0 win in Wales.
Ray Jones bagged the only goal of the game in the 86th minute at Ninian Park, as Rangers increased their unbeaten run to five matches in all competitions with a stunning third victory on the spin against the league leaders.
Gaffer John Gregory will receive the specially engraved crystal football tomorrow (Friday), in a presentation to be screened on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday this weekend.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk at the full-time whistle in Cardiff, Gregory commented: "I've been so proud of the players since I became manager. They're a pleasure to be around and they're a fantastic bunch of lads.
"They've a tremendous work ethic and throughout the match you could see them backing each other up
QPR
Also: One Year ago: Tim Breacker appointed Assistant Manager at Plymouth, under Ian Holloway. Report
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Holloway Speaks (and Mentions QPR!)
-
Holloway Flattered By Leicester
New Leicester manager Ian Holloway admitted leaving Plymouth to take over at their Coca-Cola Championship rivals was "the biggest decision of my life".
Holloway tonight signed a three-and-a-half year deal to become the sixth manager at the Walkers Stadium since April but insisted that it was an opportunity that he could not refuse.
He said: "It was the biggest decision of my life to leave Plymouth. People know how I felt about the place and that hasn't changed.
"I bought a house down there which I only moved into two weeks ago but all of a sudden things happened which changed the way I was thinking.
"I felt that I had to take this opportunity because I felt like I was getting stereotyped as a trouble shooter.
"At Bristol Rovers I sold my best players, I had QPR when they were in administration and we did quite well - until I lost my job for going to an interview which I was told to attend.
"I ended up at Plymouth where everything felt right. I was on gardening leave and could have done some TV work for two years but it felt right and it all went very well."But it's nice and flattering when the team you are trying to build gets you some recognition because it felt like I was never going to get it."
Holloway will be handed a stern test of his managerial capabilities at the Foxes, who lie in 17th place in the Championship table ahead of Saturday's testing trip to face Bristol City.
But the former Bristol Rovers player and manager believes that the greater financial clout provided by Leicester chairman Milan Mandaric will allow him to build a team without the fear of losing his best players.
He said: "I lost a player last year who let his contract run out and got a much better deal.
"That's life, it wasn't Plymouth's fault, but again this year I had 12 or 13 who were out of contract.
"We were looking at how much they want and it was very difficult because our gates had gone down to 11,000 and we were seventh in the table.
"That was very disappointing and it meant I couldn't turn this opportunity down."
Mandaric has made Holloway his third permanent manager of the season but, after the short-lived reigns of Martin Allen and Gary Megson, he is confident that he has at last found the right man to take the club back into the top flight.
Mandaric was furious when Megson chose to walk out on the club to join Premier League strugglers Bolton but insists that Holloway is the man to bring stability to the chaotic club.
He said: "I forget negative things very quickly.
"Forget about Gary Megson and what happened here, I am looking at positive things to take the club forward.
"We need stability and togetherness and I believe that we have it now.
"I hope this is third time lucky. Sometimes you don't make the right decision but I have not had a bad manager here they just didn't fit." Press Association http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/65624,holloway-flattered-by-leicester.aspx
Holloway Flattered By Leicester
New Leicester manager Ian Holloway admitted leaving Plymouth to take over at their Coca-Cola Championship rivals was "the biggest decision of my life".
Holloway tonight signed a three-and-a-half year deal to become the sixth manager at the Walkers Stadium since April but insisted that it was an opportunity that he could not refuse.
He said: "It was the biggest decision of my life to leave Plymouth. People know how I felt about the place and that hasn't changed.
"I bought a house down there which I only moved into two weeks ago but all of a sudden things happened which changed the way I was thinking.
"I felt that I had to take this opportunity because I felt like I was getting stereotyped as a trouble shooter.
"At Bristol Rovers I sold my best players, I had QPR when they were in administration and we did quite well - until I lost my job for going to an interview which I was told to attend.
"I ended up at Plymouth where everything felt right. I was on gardening leave and could have done some TV work for two years but it felt right and it all went very well."But it's nice and flattering when the team you are trying to build gets you some recognition because it felt like I was never going to get it."
Holloway will be handed a stern test of his managerial capabilities at the Foxes, who lie in 17th place in the Championship table ahead of Saturday's testing trip to face Bristol City.
But the former Bristol Rovers player and manager believes that the greater financial clout provided by Leicester chairman Milan Mandaric will allow him to build a team without the fear of losing his best players.
He said: "I lost a player last year who let his contract run out and got a much better deal.
"That's life, it wasn't Plymouth's fault, but again this year I had 12 or 13 who were out of contract.
"We were looking at how much they want and it was very difficult because our gates had gone down to 11,000 and we were seventh in the table.
"That was very disappointing and it meant I couldn't turn this opportunity down."
Mandaric has made Holloway his third permanent manager of the season but, after the short-lived reigns of Martin Allen and Gary Megson, he is confident that he has at last found the right man to take the club back into the top flight.
Mandaric was furious when Megson chose to walk out on the club to join Premier League strugglers Bolton but insists that Holloway is the man to bring stability to the chaotic club.
He said: "I forget negative things very quickly.
"Forget about Gary Megson and what happened here, I am looking at positive things to take the club forward.
"We need stability and togetherness and I believe that we have it now.
"I hope this is third time lucky. Sometimes you don't make the right decision but I have not had a bad manager here they just didn't fit." Press Association http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/65624,holloway-flattered-by-leicester.aspx
Shabazz Baidoo Becomes Gillingham's Seventh QPR-Connected Player
-
Shabazz Baidoo Joining Gillingham on Loan As did ex-QPR Adam Miller from Stevenage. Already at Gillingham: Simon Royce and Steve Lomaas, Aaron Brown, Dennis Oli and Leroy Griffith See Gillingham/QPR
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - BAIDOO'S GILLS MOVE
Striker Shabazz Baidoo has joined League One strugglers Gillingham on loan.
The former Arsenal youngster will remain with Mark Stimson's side until January 1st 2008.
Baidoo, who has not featured for the first team under new boss Luigi De Canio, joins former Rangers team-mates Simon Royce and Steve Lomas at the Priestfield Stadium.
*Technical difficulties prevented this story being launched at 5.00pm. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. QPR
Gillingham Official Site - Seven Heaven For The Gills
Gills manager Mark Stimson has beaten the loan transfer window by minutes to secure three new additions to the squad, taking the tally to seven since he began his charge.
Earlier this month he made strikers Dennis Oli and Leroy Griffiths his first new signings. Oli has joined on loan from Grays Athletic, ahead of a permanent move in January for an undisclosed fee whilst Griffiths joins us from Lewes.
Grays midfielder Stuart Thurgood has joined on an emergency one-month loan. The deal for the 26-year-old will become permanent when the transfer window opens in January.
With only minutes remaining, the signings of full-back John Nutter and midfielder Adam Miller from Stevenage were completed. Again both are initially loan moves but they will become permanent deals in January.
Full back John Nutter was delighted after signing on the dotted line:
"It is difficult to put into words how it feels. I have worked hard in non-league over the past four to five years and to finally get my chance is a fantastic feeling. I am now looking forward to getting on the pitch and showing the gaffer and the fans what I can do"
While midfielder Adam Miller is confident that he can make the step up to League football: " I have nothing to prove because I am confident in my own ability. What I am focusing on at the moment is pulling on my Gillingham shirt and getting out on the pitch."
Central defender Adam Bygrave has joined for an initial month's loan from Reading and striker Shabazz Baidoo has joined on loan from QPR
The Gills boss had this to say:
"I am glad to have this sorted because they are both quality players. I worked with them at Stevenage and I know that they will come in and prove their worth here at Gillingham Football Club" Gillingham
Shabazz Baidoo Joining Gillingham on Loan As did ex-QPR Adam Miller from Stevenage. Already at Gillingham: Simon Royce and Steve Lomaas, Aaron Brown, Dennis Oli and Leroy Griffith See Gillingham/QPR
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - BAIDOO'S GILLS MOVE
Striker Shabazz Baidoo has joined League One strugglers Gillingham on loan.
The former Arsenal youngster will remain with Mark Stimson's side until January 1st 2008.
Baidoo, who has not featured for the first team under new boss Luigi De Canio, joins former Rangers team-mates Simon Royce and Steve Lomas at the Priestfield Stadium.
*Technical difficulties prevented this story being launched at 5.00pm. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. QPR
Gillingham Official Site - Seven Heaven For The Gills
Gills manager Mark Stimson has beaten the loan transfer window by minutes to secure three new additions to the squad, taking the tally to seven since he began his charge.
Earlier this month he made strikers Dennis Oli and Leroy Griffiths his first new signings. Oli has joined on loan from Grays Athletic, ahead of a permanent move in January for an undisclosed fee whilst Griffiths joins us from Lewes.
Grays midfielder Stuart Thurgood has joined on an emergency one-month loan. The deal for the 26-year-old will become permanent when the transfer window opens in January.
With only minutes remaining, the signings of full-back John Nutter and midfielder Adam Miller from Stevenage were completed. Again both are initially loan moves but they will become permanent deals in January.
Full back John Nutter was delighted after signing on the dotted line:
"It is difficult to put into words how it feels. I have worked hard in non-league over the past four to five years and to finally get my chance is a fantastic feeling. I am now looking forward to getting on the pitch and showing the gaffer and the fans what I can do"
While midfielder Adam Miller is confident that he can make the step up to League football: " I have nothing to prove because I am confident in my own ability. What I am focusing on at the moment is pulling on my Gillingham shirt and getting out on the pitch."
Central defender Adam Bygrave has joined for an initial month's loan from Reading and striker Shabazz Baidoo has joined on loan from QPR
The Gills boss had this to say:
"I am glad to have this sorted because they are both quality players. I worked with them at Stevenage and I know that they will come in and prove their worth here at Gillingham Football Club" Gillingham
Nice QPR Interview With Tony Currie on His QPR Experience
-
[A very positive move by the QPR Official Site to do such interviews.]
QPR Official Site BLAST FROM THE PAST ...Tony Currie (1979-1983)
When Tony Currie moved to Loftus Road in August 1979, it was one of the most exciting signings in the history of Queens Park Rangers Football Club.
We had just been relegated to the Second Division and paid £400,000 to top flight Leeds United for the 29 year-old. The flamboyant midfielder was part of the England international set-up at that time, having won 17 full caps. So it was an extraordinary coup for the R's.
Looking back, Currie reveals that his domestic circumstances dictated the move to Shepherds Bush. But he had been on the books here at Rangers as a youngster and so he was pleased to return to the Club.
He said: "I was born in Edgware and I grew up in Cricklewood. I first joined QPR on amateur forms when I was 14 to 15 years-old. Then when I left school the Club didn't think I was good enough to sign as an apprentice.
"Instead, they signed Bob Turpie who was a mate of mine and went to the same School as me. So I then had to go and work for a small building firm.
"I did that for six months. I was painting, decorating and plumbing from eight o'clock in the morning until six at night. I was only on a fiver a week and I didn't really enjoy the work.
"Then a Watford scout saw me playing Sunday football. After signing for the Hornets, my career took off and I eventually moved to Sheffield United and then on to Leeds United. I was pleased with my form at Elland Road and my England appearances, but my wife at the time wanted us to move back to London for personal reasons.
"QPR were showing ambition with Tommy Docherty as Manager. He had already made some key signings like Chris Woods and David McCreery and so it was a strong squad in the Second Division. I felt it was a good move for me and things worked out well. I loved my time at Loftus Road and I had a great rapport with the crowd."
Currie made his home debut in a local derby against Fulham on September 8th 1979. And he marked the occasion in stunning trademark fashion with a thunderous 30-yard shot into the roof of the net.
"I remember the goal and that game," said Currie. "I had missed the start of the season with a serious ankle injury. And I only played against Fulham after having two pain killing injections.
"I scored the third in our 3-0 win. Stan Bowles dribbled down the right hand side and the Fulham defence were pushing out to get us offside. I made a diagonal run through the middle as I always used to do in my career. Stan played a beautiful pass in over my shoulder. It dropped just nicely for me and I didn't even have to change my stride. I hit it full on the volley for a dipper. It was a nice strike and a great way to start my time at Rangers."
The News of The World match report on that game said: "England man Currie tormented Fulham with his control and majestic passing and he finally crushed them with a 73rd minute goal that earned a standing ovation. Currie has only had two training sessions with Rangers since leaving Leeds, but he was superb in his home debut for the Londoners."
A new Rangers legend had been born and with his flowing blond hair and exquisite footballing skills, Currie was a player who epitomised the traditional style of this football Club. He went on to make nearly 100 appearances for the R's and relished being part of our team that reached the 1982 FA Cup Final.
"We had a wonderful run to reach Wembley. I particularly remember the marvellous support we had at Highbury for the Semi-Final against West Bromwich Albion and Clive Allen's deflected winning goal that day. It was fantastic for me as I had previously been in three FA Cup Semis with Leeds and lost every one.
"Then I thought my life's ambition had come true when I captained the QPR team against Spurs in the Cup Final replay, when our usual skipper Glenn Roeder was unfortunately suspended. I hoped I was going to lift the trophy, which had always been my dream.
"We were really unlucky not to beat Tottenham that night. I gave away the penalty early on from which Glenn Hoddle scored. But we dictated the rest of the game. John Gregory hit the bar with a terrific lob and Gary Micklewhite had a perfectly good goal disallowed. So our 1-0 defeat was a real shame."
Currie was hampered by a knee injury after that and eventually moved on to play in Canada in May 1983. He later returned to the UK for brief spells with Chesham United, Southend United and Torquay United.
On finishing his playing career, Currie joined Sheffield United as Football In the Community Co-ordinator and he has remained there ever since.
"I will celebrate 20 years in the job on February 1 2008. We run soccer schools, birthday parties and coaching in the local area. I really enjoy putting something back into football and it is great to see the kids enjoying themselves on our courses." QPR
[A very positive move by the QPR Official Site to do such interviews.]
QPR Official Site BLAST FROM THE PAST ...Tony Currie (1979-1983)
When Tony Currie moved to Loftus Road in August 1979, it was one of the most exciting signings in the history of Queens Park Rangers Football Club.
We had just been relegated to the Second Division and paid £400,000 to top flight Leeds United for the 29 year-old. The flamboyant midfielder was part of the England international set-up at that time, having won 17 full caps. So it was an extraordinary coup for the R's.
Looking back, Currie reveals that his domestic circumstances dictated the move to Shepherds Bush. But he had been on the books here at Rangers as a youngster and so he was pleased to return to the Club.
He said: "I was born in Edgware and I grew up in Cricklewood. I first joined QPR on amateur forms when I was 14 to 15 years-old. Then when I left school the Club didn't think I was good enough to sign as an apprentice.
"Instead, they signed Bob Turpie who was a mate of mine and went to the same School as me. So I then had to go and work for a small building firm.
"I did that for six months. I was painting, decorating and plumbing from eight o'clock in the morning until six at night. I was only on a fiver a week and I didn't really enjoy the work.
"Then a Watford scout saw me playing Sunday football. After signing for the Hornets, my career took off and I eventually moved to Sheffield United and then on to Leeds United. I was pleased with my form at Elland Road and my England appearances, but my wife at the time wanted us to move back to London for personal reasons.
"QPR were showing ambition with Tommy Docherty as Manager. He had already made some key signings like Chris Woods and David McCreery and so it was a strong squad in the Second Division. I felt it was a good move for me and things worked out well. I loved my time at Loftus Road and I had a great rapport with the crowd."
Currie made his home debut in a local derby against Fulham on September 8th 1979. And he marked the occasion in stunning trademark fashion with a thunderous 30-yard shot into the roof of the net.
"I remember the goal and that game," said Currie. "I had missed the start of the season with a serious ankle injury. And I only played against Fulham after having two pain killing injections.
"I scored the third in our 3-0 win. Stan Bowles dribbled down the right hand side and the Fulham defence were pushing out to get us offside. I made a diagonal run through the middle as I always used to do in my career. Stan played a beautiful pass in over my shoulder. It dropped just nicely for me and I didn't even have to change my stride. I hit it full on the volley for a dipper. It was a nice strike and a great way to start my time at Rangers."
The News of The World match report on that game said: "England man Currie tormented Fulham with his control and majestic passing and he finally crushed them with a 73rd minute goal that earned a standing ovation. Currie has only had two training sessions with Rangers since leaving Leeds, but he was superb in his home debut for the Londoners."
A new Rangers legend had been born and with his flowing blond hair and exquisite footballing skills, Currie was a player who epitomised the traditional style of this football Club. He went on to make nearly 100 appearances for the R's and relished being part of our team that reached the 1982 FA Cup Final.
"We had a wonderful run to reach Wembley. I particularly remember the marvellous support we had at Highbury for the Semi-Final against West Bromwich Albion and Clive Allen's deflected winning goal that day. It was fantastic for me as I had previously been in three FA Cup Semis with Leeds and lost every one.
"Then I thought my life's ambition had come true when I captained the QPR team against Spurs in the Cup Final replay, when our usual skipper Glenn Roeder was unfortunately suspended. I hoped I was going to lift the trophy, which had always been my dream.
"We were really unlucky not to beat Tottenham that night. I gave away the penalty early on from which Glenn Hoddle scored. But we dictated the rest of the game. John Gregory hit the bar with a terrific lob and Gary Micklewhite had a perfectly good goal disallowed. So our 1-0 defeat was a real shame."
Currie was hampered by a knee injury after that and eventually moved on to play in Canada in May 1983. He later returned to the UK for brief spells with Chesham United, Southend United and Torquay United.
On finishing his playing career, Currie joined Sheffield United as Football In the Community Co-ordinator and he has remained there ever since.
"I will celebrate 20 years in the job on February 1 2008. We run soccer schools, birthday parties and coaching in the local area. I really enjoy putting something back into football and it is great to see the kids enjoying themselves on our courses." QPR
Ex-QPRs: Peter Reid Rejects Iran...England Reject Terry Venables
-
SPORTING LIFE - REID REJECTS IRAN JOB
Former Sunderland and Leeds boss Peter Reid has rejected an offer to coach the Iranian national side.
Reid, who is currently out of work, claims he turned down a three-year deal to take charge of Iran, who have been without a coach since the sacking of Amir Ghalenoei back in July.
Former England international Reid admits he found the offer tempting, but decided in the end to reject their overtures.
"It's international football and they've got some decent players around Europe," the 51-year-old told the Asian Football Confederation website.
"Obviously I know Andranik (Teimourian) at Bolton and I like (Javad) Nekounam at Osasuna." Sporting Life
Asian Football Confederation Website - 21 November - Reid rejects Iran approach
KUALA LUMPUR – Former Everton and England midfielder Peter Reid has told
the-afc.com that he has rejected an offer to coach the Iran national team
Reid, who has coached Sunderland, Manchester City and Leeds United in the English Premier League, did not elaborate as to why he declined the three-year contract but did admit that Iran’s talent pool made it an intriguing proposal.
"It’s international football and they’ve got some decent players around Europe," said the 51-year-old.
"Obviously I know Andranik (Teimourian) at Bolton and I like (Javad) Nekounam at Osasuna."
Reid has not coached or managed since leaving Coventry City in 2005. He has since become a FIFA registered agent and appears on TV in Asia as an English Premier League analyst the Singapore-based Football Channel.
Iran have been without a head coach since the departure of AFC Coach of the Year nominee Ardeshir ‘Amir’ Ghalenoy, whose contract was not extended after the 2007 AFC Asian Cup. Asian Football Confederation
FA statement Thursday, 22 November 2007.
At a meeting this morning, The FA Board unanimously decided to terminate the contract of England Head Coach Steve McClaren with immediate effect.
The Board also terminated the contract of Assistant Coach Terry Venables....
." Football Association
And as for Ian Holloway:
From the Plymouth Herald: A selected compilation of Statements made by Ian Holloway while at Plymouth - WHAT HOLLOWAY SAID WHILE AT HOME PARK
Bulpin and Breaker
Plymouth Herald - BULPIN TO FACE THE MEDIA
FIRST team coach Des Bulpin will hold today's pre-match press conference ahead of Plymouth Argyle's away game against Sheffield United on Saturday.
It follows the resignation of Ian Holloway as Pilgrims' boss yesterday lunchtime, as speculation continued to link him with the vacancy at Championship rivals Leicester City.
Argyle assistant manager Tim Breacker is on leave from work today, which has been planned for some time, but is expected to be at training tomorrow. Plymouth Herald
SPORTING LIFE - REID REJECTS IRAN JOB
Former Sunderland and Leeds boss Peter Reid has rejected an offer to coach the Iranian national side.
Reid, who is currently out of work, claims he turned down a three-year deal to take charge of Iran, who have been without a coach since the sacking of Amir Ghalenoei back in July.
Former England international Reid admits he found the offer tempting, but decided in the end to reject their overtures.
"It's international football and they've got some decent players around Europe," the 51-year-old told the Asian Football Confederation website.
"Obviously I know Andranik (Teimourian) at Bolton and I like (Javad) Nekounam at Osasuna." Sporting Life
Asian Football Confederation Website - 21 November - Reid rejects Iran approach
KUALA LUMPUR – Former Everton and England midfielder Peter Reid has told
the-afc.com that he has rejected an offer to coach the Iran national team
Reid, who has coached Sunderland, Manchester City and Leeds United in the English Premier League, did not elaborate as to why he declined the three-year contract but did admit that Iran’s talent pool made it an intriguing proposal.
"It’s international football and they’ve got some decent players around Europe," said the 51-year-old.
"Obviously I know Andranik (Teimourian) at Bolton and I like (Javad) Nekounam at Osasuna."
Reid has not coached or managed since leaving Coventry City in 2005. He has since become a FIFA registered agent and appears on TV in Asia as an English Premier League analyst the Singapore-based Football Channel.
Iran have been without a head coach since the departure of AFC Coach of the Year nominee Ardeshir ‘Amir’ Ghalenoy, whose contract was not extended after the 2007 AFC Asian Cup. Asian Football Confederation
FA statement Thursday, 22 November 2007.
At a meeting this morning, The FA Board unanimously decided to terminate the contract of England Head Coach Steve McClaren with immediate effect.
The Board also terminated the contract of Assistant Coach Terry Venables....
." Football Association
And as for Ian Holloway:
From the Plymouth Herald: A selected compilation of Statements made by Ian Holloway while at Plymouth - WHAT HOLLOWAY SAID WHILE AT HOME PARK
Bulpin and Breaker
Plymouth Herald - BULPIN TO FACE THE MEDIA
FIRST team coach Des Bulpin will hold today's pre-match press conference ahead of Plymouth Argyle's away game against Sheffield United on Saturday.
It follows the resignation of Ian Holloway as Pilgrims' boss yesterday lunchtime, as speculation continued to link him with the vacancy at Championship rivals Leicester City.
Argyle assistant manager Tim Breacker is on leave from work today, which has been planned for some time, but is expected to be at training tomorrow. Plymouth Herald
"Where Are They Now?" - Richard Pacquette
-
24 year-old, Richard Pacquette, who played in the Cardiff Playoff Final, is now with non-league Havant and Waterlooville in the Blue Squares South. On Saturday, Pacquette scored the only goal against Fisher Athletic (Match Report) Season's Results thus far. At QPR, Pacquette made 13 + 18 appearances, scoring 6 goals. He made his debut in the relegation-confirming loss at Huddersfield in April 2001. See Pacquette/Soccerbase Stats
Havant and Waterlooville Profile of Richard Pacquette
Richard Pacquette
Richard joined the Hawks in March 2006 from Ryman Premier side Worthing, with whom he had spent the season to that point, and despite only being 24 he already has significant experience at all levels of football. He started life as a trainee at Queens Park Rangers in August 1999, making 24 starting and 23 substitute appearances and scoring seven goals over four seasons before being released in September 2004. While at QPR he gained loan experience at Stevenage Borough, Dagenham and Redbridge and Mansfield Town, before going on to MK Dons, Brentford and Farnborough. In January 2005 he returned to Stevenage before moving on to St Albans City for a single appearance against Basingstoke in February 2005.
During 2005/06 in the Ryman Premier at Worthing he scored 17 goals from 30 games, and spent February 2006 on loan with Conference South side Thurrock before joining the Hawks.
Richard’s time with the Hawks has been something of a confidence building exercise, being forced to compete for a starting place last season, however he has scored an impressive 18 goals from 51 appearances so far. Pacquette Profile - Havant and Waterlooville
Besides playing in the playoff Final,Remembering Pacquette at QPR
Pacquette made his debut, coming on as a sub at Huddersfield in April 2001 - Huddersfield 2 QPR 1 [Team that day:
QPR: Harper, Baraclough, Ready, Plummer, Perry, Knight, Bignot, Peacock, Darlington, Crouch, Thomson. Subs: Bull, Wardley, Paquette, Kulcsar, Kiwomya.]
From Five Years Ago:
"Pacquette's late delivery Ron Lewis at Loftus Road Sunday September 1, 2002 The Observer
High expectations can have a nasty habit of coming up and biting you from behind. Queens Park Rangers look a long way from a team about to return to the big time, but they have a fighting spirit many would envy.
The club draws the same size crowd as it did when it was in the top half of the Premiership. But the fact that they field four on-loan players betrays a frailty in their squad that a team such as Plymouth Argyle can easily expose. QPR had nearly all the possession and plenty of flashy touches, but were wasteful in front of goal and a shambles in defence. Plymouth were solid, mean in midfield and ruthless up front.
Ian Holloway, the QPR manager, is in the comfortable position of being more popular than any of his players, and is seen by many as the man who gave the club hope after its darkest hour. But administration is now in the past, now he has to deliver - memories of playing the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea are too recent to be considered forever out of reach.
Yesterday they were saved by the fighting spirit Holloway has installed and a brilliant left-foot volley three minutes into injury time by Richard Pacquette, a striker who was all but shown the door a month ago.
When Pacquette failed to go on a summer loan to the United States because he was considered too unfit, Holloway placed him on the transfer list. It was only a catalogue of injuries and the fact that no other clubs had shown an interest that brought him back into the fold and earned him a place on the bench for this game. His stunning late strike may have rebuilt his future.
QPR certainly deserved their point, but had seemed dead on the hour. They had wasted a feast of chances. David Friio, who had gone close minutes before, took advantage of some poor defending to steer in an opener off the post for Plymouth after 33 minutes.
Both goalkeepers had been kept busy before Lee Hodges fired a second for Plymouth through a crowded penalty area on 59 minutes. Jerome Thomas, on-loan from Arsenal had been QPR's liveliest player throughout and he pulled one back when he ran on to Kevin Gallen's flick to knock the ball home.
Plymouth had stood up well to the barrage until this point and although QPR threw everyone forward late on they seemed to be containing all the danger well, until Pacquette struck right at the death.
QPR
Terrell Forbes, Matthew Rose, Doudou Ebeu Mbombo, Steve Palmer, Marc Bircham, Paul Furlong, Kevin Gallen, Simon Royce, Daniel Shittu, Jerome Tomas, Tom Williams, Karl Connolly, Richard Pacquette, Andy Thomson
Report
BBC Tuesday, 11 February, 2003, Plymouth 0-1 QPR
Richard Pacquette kept QPR's play-off challenge on track for the second successive game with a narrow victory at Plymouth.
Pacquette scored the winner against Barnsley seven days earlier and struck the crucial goal again after 51 minutes.
His shot from inside the area followed a superb crossfield ball from Marc Bircham.
QPR could have been ahead before then but Brett Angell hit the woodwork.
Plymouth also had chances and QPR goalkeeper Nick Culkin was forced into a superb save from Ian Stonebridge.
Marino Keith almost claimed a last-gasp equaliser but his shot rolled agonisingly wide.
QPR's Lee Cook was sent off near the end for violent conduct but they hung on for three points.
Plymouth: Larrieu, Worrell, Wotton, Coughlan, Hodges, Norris, Friio, Adams, Phillips, Stonebridge, Evans. Subs: McCormick, Keith, Bent, Sturrock, McGlinchey.
QPR: Culkin, Forbes, Carlisle, Shittu, Padula, Cook, Palmer, Bircham, Angell, Pacquette, Gallen. Subs: Day, Murphy, Burgess, Oli, Griffiths. Report
24 year-old, Richard Pacquette, who played in the Cardiff Playoff Final, is now with non-league Havant and Waterlooville in the Blue Squares South. On Saturday, Pacquette scored the only goal against Fisher Athletic (Match Report) Season's Results thus far. At QPR, Pacquette made 13 + 18 appearances, scoring 6 goals. He made his debut in the relegation-confirming loss at Huddersfield in April 2001. See Pacquette/Soccerbase Stats
Havant and Waterlooville Profile of Richard Pacquette
Richard Pacquette
Richard joined the Hawks in March 2006 from Ryman Premier side Worthing, with whom he had spent the season to that point, and despite only being 24 he already has significant experience at all levels of football. He started life as a trainee at Queens Park Rangers in August 1999, making 24 starting and 23 substitute appearances and scoring seven goals over four seasons before being released in September 2004. While at QPR he gained loan experience at Stevenage Borough, Dagenham and Redbridge and Mansfield Town, before going on to MK Dons, Brentford and Farnborough. In January 2005 he returned to Stevenage before moving on to St Albans City for a single appearance against Basingstoke in February 2005.
During 2005/06 in the Ryman Premier at Worthing he scored 17 goals from 30 games, and spent February 2006 on loan with Conference South side Thurrock before joining the Hawks.
Richard’s time with the Hawks has been something of a confidence building exercise, being forced to compete for a starting place last season, however he has scored an impressive 18 goals from 51 appearances so far. Pacquette Profile - Havant and Waterlooville
Besides playing in the playoff Final,Remembering Pacquette at QPR
Pacquette made his debut, coming on as a sub at Huddersfield in April 2001 - Huddersfield 2 QPR 1 [Team that day:
QPR: Harper, Baraclough, Ready, Plummer, Perry, Knight, Bignot, Peacock, Darlington, Crouch, Thomson. Subs: Bull, Wardley, Paquette, Kulcsar, Kiwomya.]
From Five Years Ago:
"Pacquette's late delivery Ron Lewis at Loftus Road Sunday September 1, 2002 The Observer
High expectations can have a nasty habit of coming up and biting you from behind. Queens Park Rangers look a long way from a team about to return to the big time, but they have a fighting spirit many would envy.
The club draws the same size crowd as it did when it was in the top half of the Premiership. But the fact that they field four on-loan players betrays a frailty in their squad that a team such as Plymouth Argyle can easily expose. QPR had nearly all the possession and plenty of flashy touches, but were wasteful in front of goal and a shambles in defence. Plymouth were solid, mean in midfield and ruthless up front.
Ian Holloway, the QPR manager, is in the comfortable position of being more popular than any of his players, and is seen by many as the man who gave the club hope after its darkest hour. But administration is now in the past, now he has to deliver - memories of playing the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea are too recent to be considered forever out of reach.
Yesterday they were saved by the fighting spirit Holloway has installed and a brilliant left-foot volley three minutes into injury time by Richard Pacquette, a striker who was all but shown the door a month ago.
When Pacquette failed to go on a summer loan to the United States because he was considered too unfit, Holloway placed him on the transfer list. It was only a catalogue of injuries and the fact that no other clubs had shown an interest that brought him back into the fold and earned him a place on the bench for this game. His stunning late strike may have rebuilt his future.
QPR certainly deserved their point, but had seemed dead on the hour. They had wasted a feast of chances. David Friio, who had gone close minutes before, took advantage of some poor defending to steer in an opener off the post for Plymouth after 33 minutes.
Both goalkeepers had been kept busy before Lee Hodges fired a second for Plymouth through a crowded penalty area on 59 minutes. Jerome Thomas, on-loan from Arsenal had been QPR's liveliest player throughout and he pulled one back when he ran on to Kevin Gallen's flick to knock the ball home.
Plymouth had stood up well to the barrage until this point and although QPR threw everyone forward late on they seemed to be containing all the danger well, until Pacquette struck right at the death.
QPR
Terrell Forbes, Matthew Rose, Doudou Ebeu Mbombo, Steve Palmer, Marc Bircham, Paul Furlong, Kevin Gallen, Simon Royce, Daniel Shittu, Jerome Tomas, Tom Williams, Karl Connolly, Richard Pacquette, Andy Thomson
Report
BBC Tuesday, 11 February, 2003, Plymouth 0-1 QPR
Richard Pacquette kept QPR's play-off challenge on track for the second successive game with a narrow victory at Plymouth.
Pacquette scored the winner against Barnsley seven days earlier and struck the crucial goal again after 51 minutes.
His shot from inside the area followed a superb crossfield ball from Marc Bircham.
QPR could have been ahead before then but Brett Angell hit the woodwork.
Plymouth also had chances and QPR goalkeeper Nick Culkin was forced into a superb save from Ian Stonebridge.
Marino Keith almost claimed a last-gasp equaliser but his shot rolled agonisingly wide.
QPR's Lee Cook was sent off near the end for violent conduct but they hung on for three points.
Plymouth: Larrieu, Worrell, Wotton, Coughlan, Hodges, Norris, Friio, Adams, Phillips, Stonebridge, Evans. Subs: McCormick, Keith, Bent, Sturrock, McGlinchey.
QPR: Culkin, Forbes, Carlisle, Shittu, Padula, Cook, Palmer, Bircham, Angell, Pacquette, Gallen. Subs: Day, Murphy, Burgess, Oli, Griffiths. Report
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Ex-QPRs - Chris Kamara on Holloway...Paul Parker on Waddock and Bull
-
Chris Kamara/SkySport ON Ian Holloway's Departure
Kammy, I'm a Plymouth fan and I'm upset about Ian Holloway going to Leicester. Why would he want to leave Argyle? Jon, Plymouth.
KAMMY REPLIES:I heard form a journalist earlier this week that he was absolutely nailed on to leave and for the life of me I couldn't believe it. I know Ian Holloway well and I know how loyal he was to Bristol Rovers. He was devastated when they sacked him. Then he went to Queens Park Rangers and gave that job everything he'd got, but in my opinion he was hung out to dry once again and sacked unjustly.
Then he went to Plymouth where the board love him, the players love him and he is a hero. If Plymouth managed to get to the play-offs this season, there would be the biggest party ever in Devon. But if they don't get promotion it wouldn't be a disaster and they would have hope for the following season.
But under Milan Mandaric at Leicester, the priority is to get out of that division this year, even though they are off the pace at the moment. He'd be working under pressure form the start. So my advice to Ian would have been to stay put. Plymouth is a good football club where he can call the shots and everybody loves him. Why would he want to put that in jeopardy? It's a very surprising move. Skysport
Paul Parker/Setanta It's Aldershot v Grays live on Setanta on Thursday and I think the league leaders need to score early.
Grays are not necessarily negative but they are a team that struggles to score goals and they don't give a lot away. They're a very aggressive defensive side.
Aldershot are top of the league and deservedly so. They're playing good football and scoring lots of goals.
They have probably the best goalkeeper in the league in Nicky Bull and are scoring goals from all over the park.
It'll be one of those games that will definitely need Aldershot to score first to really open it up to get at Grays, who can be very tight and very sterile.
I'm sure it's everyone's first chance to see Aldershot as they haven't been on Setanta yet and people will want to see why they are top of the league.
It's up to Aldershot to put on a good show against a side that are defensively one of the best in the league.
It'll be good for them to show the reasons for their success and why they score a lot of goals.
I think they're proving themselves consistently at the moment. They're playing very well and will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. They haven't stayed up there for no reason at all.
I know Gary Waddock very well as I was with him at QPR. He wants to go out and do well and, coming into this side of football, that he'd never known, he's doing very well.
People were doubting them and questioning them but he's got a relatively young side playing decent football.
There aren't many better surfaces than at Aldershot in this league so it's a game I'm very much looking forward to. Setanta
Chris Kamara/SkySport ON Ian Holloway's Departure
Kammy, I'm a Plymouth fan and I'm upset about Ian Holloway going to Leicester. Why would he want to leave Argyle? Jon, Plymouth.
KAMMY REPLIES:I heard form a journalist earlier this week that he was absolutely nailed on to leave and for the life of me I couldn't believe it. I know Ian Holloway well and I know how loyal he was to Bristol Rovers. He was devastated when they sacked him. Then he went to Queens Park Rangers and gave that job everything he'd got, but in my opinion he was hung out to dry once again and sacked unjustly.
Then he went to Plymouth where the board love him, the players love him and he is a hero. If Plymouth managed to get to the play-offs this season, there would be the biggest party ever in Devon. But if they don't get promotion it wouldn't be a disaster and they would have hope for the following season.
But under Milan Mandaric at Leicester, the priority is to get out of that division this year, even though they are off the pace at the moment. He'd be working under pressure form the start. So my advice to Ian would have been to stay put. Plymouth is a good football club where he can call the shots and everybody loves him. Why would he want to put that in jeopardy? It's a very surprising move. Skysport
Paul Parker/Setanta It's Aldershot v Grays live on Setanta on Thursday and I think the league leaders need to score early.
Grays are not necessarily negative but they are a team that struggles to score goals and they don't give a lot away. They're a very aggressive defensive side.
Aldershot are top of the league and deservedly so. They're playing good football and scoring lots of goals.
They have probably the best goalkeeper in the league in Nicky Bull and are scoring goals from all over the park.
It'll be one of those games that will definitely need Aldershot to score first to really open it up to get at Grays, who can be very tight and very sterile.
I'm sure it's everyone's first chance to see Aldershot as they haven't been on Setanta yet and people will want to see why they are top of the league.
It's up to Aldershot to put on a good show against a side that are defensively one of the best in the league.
It'll be good for them to show the reasons for their success and why they score a lot of goals.
I think they're proving themselves consistently at the moment. They're playing very well and will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. They haven't stayed up there for no reason at all.
I know Gary Waddock very well as I was with him at QPR. He wants to go out and do well and, coming into this side of football, that he'd never known, he's doing very well.
People were doubting them and questioning them but he's got a relatively young side playing decent football.
There aren't many better surfaces than at Aldershot in this league so it's a game I'm very much looking forward to. Setanta
Perspectives of Lee Camp and Gareth Ainsworth
-
Kilburn Times - Camp facing friendly fire
LEE Camp has nothing extra to prove when he lines up for QPR against his one-time goalkeeping rival Lee Grant this weekend.
The former Derby duo both quit the promoted club last summer after several years of intense rivalry for the number one shirt at Pride Park.
They play on opposing sides this Saturday for the first time, when Grant's new club Sheffield Wednesday visit Loftus Road - part of a wider Derby old boys' reunion.
"Granty's a former under-21 international like myself and whether there was room for both of us at Derby was questionable, but it did surprise me that we both ended up leaving," Camp told the Times.
"I was always under the impression that the goalkeeping situation there was pretty strong, there was a lot of potential, and I thought there would be more spent in other areas of the team.
"But my face didn't fit and Granty never got the opportunity to prove himself for whatever reason, so the minute I realised I wasn't going to be in the team, I just wanted to play football.
"I think it was the same for him and he's been excellent so far this year for Wednesday, but there's nothing different about Saturday's game - I want to prove my ability every time I play."
Apart from the two goalkeepers, Rangers skipper Adam Bolder and, of course, newly-borrowed defender Bob Malcolm both have strong Derby connections.
Wednesday, meanwhile, could include another Rams loanee in Michael Johnson, as well as two former Derby strikers, Deon Burton and Marcus Tudgay.
"Marcus Tudgay's one of my best mates in football and one of my best mates in general too," said Camp. "Even when he moved on, he still lived in Derby, so whenever I go back there I usually bump into him somewhere along the line. But it'd be nice to smash him on Saturday - it's about time!
"I played behind Michael Johnson for a number of years and speak to him regularly and I know he doesn't like to do a lot of running, so I'll have a word with Rowan [Vine] about that.
"I know Tuggy's strengths and Granty's strengths and I'm sure we'll talk about those before the game.
"But I'm sure they'll be talking about me and Bolds and Bob as well. In any case, it's not about the discussions beforehand, it's about what you do on the pitch."
Overall, Camp has been satisfied with his efforts on the pitch of late, with QPR conceding only four goals in the last seven games - compared to 20 in their first eight.
The goalkeeper says former caretaker boss Mick Harford must take some of the credit: "Mick worked hard on shape and discipline, not allowing teams to have many shots and crosses
"Preston away epitomised what we've achieved - we were under the cosh for 75 per cent of the game, yet we didn't concede, and the new boss has taken it on from there.
"Clean sheets are what goalkeepers thrive on - the more the merrier. And if you can keep a clean sheet you're halfway to winning a game."
The Rs travel to Stoke City in the Championship next Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm. Kilburn Times
Gareth Ainsworth/Kilburn Times
WE'RE back in the bottom three at the moment - but you only have to look at our next opponents to see how quickly that can change.
Sheffield Wednesday had a hell of a start to the season - even worse than us - but by stringing a few wins together they've pulled themselves out of it and now they're looking to overtake the teams in mid-table.
If you lose too many games and get sucked in, it's hard to get out, as we discovered last season. But Saturday looks like a good opportunity for us to make up distance on teams like Wednesday and I think the game's winnable.
Despite their early season form, Wednesday stuck with their manager, Brian Laws, when a lot of other clubs - including QPR - decided a change was the best option.
That's football all over - the shelf life of a manager is about two years and it's rare for clubs to hang on to them too much longer. Mind you, we seem to change manager more than most!
It looks as if that was the right decision for Wednesday, but every situation's different - after all, José Mourinho came in at Chelsea and won trophies straight away, but he still lost his job.
I think sometimes people are too quick to say it's all the manager's fault. It'd be nice to see the players on the pitch taking more responsibility now and then.
Talking of players, we've had another one join the club in the last week and the first impressions we've had of Bob Malcolm are very positive.
He's played Champions League football, something that would be the ultimate ambition for most of the lads, and he looks very much a no-nonsense centre-half. Filling Martin Cranie's boots is a massive task but, although Bob's quiet, he seems very confident.
After Saturday's game, we go off to Stoke - always quite a tasty encounter. The gaffer might not know the history between QPR and Stoke, but I'm sure he'll be up for it.
They have some big grudge matches in Italy and he's shown us already that he can be very emotional and passionate, which rubs off onto the players.
From now to the new year, we've got an unbelievable programme - someone told me it's 11 games in 37 days, which is just over one every three days.
This is what I call the real nitty-gritty. It's not make or break, but when you come out of it, you know what you've got a realistic chance of doing for the rest of the season. Kilburn Times
Kilburn Times - Camp facing friendly fire
LEE Camp has nothing extra to prove when he lines up for QPR against his one-time goalkeeping rival Lee Grant this weekend.
The former Derby duo both quit the promoted club last summer after several years of intense rivalry for the number one shirt at Pride Park.
They play on opposing sides this Saturday for the first time, when Grant's new club Sheffield Wednesday visit Loftus Road - part of a wider Derby old boys' reunion.
"Granty's a former under-21 international like myself and whether there was room for both of us at Derby was questionable, but it did surprise me that we both ended up leaving," Camp told the Times.
"I was always under the impression that the goalkeeping situation there was pretty strong, there was a lot of potential, and I thought there would be more spent in other areas of the team.
"But my face didn't fit and Granty never got the opportunity to prove himself for whatever reason, so the minute I realised I wasn't going to be in the team, I just wanted to play football.
"I think it was the same for him and he's been excellent so far this year for Wednesday, but there's nothing different about Saturday's game - I want to prove my ability every time I play."
Apart from the two goalkeepers, Rangers skipper Adam Bolder and, of course, newly-borrowed defender Bob Malcolm both have strong Derby connections.
Wednesday, meanwhile, could include another Rams loanee in Michael Johnson, as well as two former Derby strikers, Deon Burton and Marcus Tudgay.
"Marcus Tudgay's one of my best mates in football and one of my best mates in general too," said Camp. "Even when he moved on, he still lived in Derby, so whenever I go back there I usually bump into him somewhere along the line. But it'd be nice to smash him on Saturday - it's about time!
"I played behind Michael Johnson for a number of years and speak to him regularly and I know he doesn't like to do a lot of running, so I'll have a word with Rowan [Vine] about that.
"I know Tuggy's strengths and Granty's strengths and I'm sure we'll talk about those before the game.
"But I'm sure they'll be talking about me and Bolds and Bob as well. In any case, it's not about the discussions beforehand, it's about what you do on the pitch."
Overall, Camp has been satisfied with his efforts on the pitch of late, with QPR conceding only four goals in the last seven games - compared to 20 in their first eight.
The goalkeeper says former caretaker boss Mick Harford must take some of the credit: "Mick worked hard on shape and discipline, not allowing teams to have many shots and crosses
"Preston away epitomised what we've achieved - we were under the cosh for 75 per cent of the game, yet we didn't concede, and the new boss has taken it on from there.
"Clean sheets are what goalkeepers thrive on - the more the merrier. And if you can keep a clean sheet you're halfway to winning a game."
The Rs travel to Stoke City in the Championship next Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm. Kilburn Times
Gareth Ainsworth/Kilburn Times
WE'RE back in the bottom three at the moment - but you only have to look at our next opponents to see how quickly that can change.
Sheffield Wednesday had a hell of a start to the season - even worse than us - but by stringing a few wins together they've pulled themselves out of it and now they're looking to overtake the teams in mid-table.
If you lose too many games and get sucked in, it's hard to get out, as we discovered last season. But Saturday looks like a good opportunity for us to make up distance on teams like Wednesday and I think the game's winnable.
Despite their early season form, Wednesday stuck with their manager, Brian Laws, when a lot of other clubs - including QPR - decided a change was the best option.
That's football all over - the shelf life of a manager is about two years and it's rare for clubs to hang on to them too much longer. Mind you, we seem to change manager more than most!
It looks as if that was the right decision for Wednesday, but every situation's different - after all, José Mourinho came in at Chelsea and won trophies straight away, but he still lost his job.
I think sometimes people are too quick to say it's all the manager's fault. It'd be nice to see the players on the pitch taking more responsibility now and then.
Talking of players, we've had another one join the club in the last week and the first impressions we've had of Bob Malcolm are very positive.
He's played Champions League football, something that would be the ultimate ambition for most of the lads, and he looks very much a no-nonsense centre-half. Filling Martin Cranie's boots is a massive task but, although Bob's quiet, he seems very confident.
After Saturday's game, we go off to Stoke - always quite a tasty encounter. The gaffer might not know the history between QPR and Stoke, but I'm sure he'll be up for it.
They have some big grudge matches in Italy and he's shown us already that he can be very emotional and passionate, which rubs off onto the players.
From now to the new year, we've got an unbelievable programme - someone told me it's 11 games in 37 days, which is just over one every three days.
This is what I call the real nitty-gritty. It's not make or break, but when you come out of it, you know what you've got a realistic chance of doing for the rest of the season. Kilburn Times
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)