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After almost three years at QPR, Dominic Shimmin has been released by the club.
QPR Official Site -DOM DEPARTS
Dominic Shimmin has today (Monday) had his QPR contract terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect.
The defender, who joined the R's from Arsenal in March 2005, made just four appearances in all competitions during an injury interrupted spell in W12.
Queens Park Rangers Football Club would like to place on record its thanks to Dominic for his contribution during his time at Loftus Road and wish him all the best for the future. QPR
See Shimmin/Wikipedia
Flashback: BBC - March 21, 2005 Rangers target Arsenal youngster
Queens Park Rangers are hoping to sign teenager Dominic Shimmin from Arsenal.
The defender has played for England at Under-16 level and is regarded as a bright prospect.
Shimmin, 17, is the second Gunners player QPR have targeted since their appointment of John O'Brien as youth recruitment officer.
O'Brien previously worked at Highbury and was instrumental in Rangers' recent signing of former Arsenal left-back Matthew Hislop BBC
March 2005 - SkySports: Shimmin Signs for QPR
Rangers sign Gunners starlet
Queens Park Rangers have bolstered their squad with the signing Dominic Shimmin from Arsenal.
The 17-year-old defender inked a two-and-a-half-year deal at Loftus Road, signing for an undisclosed fee.
Rangers boss Ian Holloway believes Shimmin will prove to be a valuable addition to the squad.
"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 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
Shimmin Signs for QPR
Welcome to QPR REPORT - A completely unofficial and unaffiliated fan site focusing on G-d's Chosen Team, Queen's Park Rangers (QPR) FC. (Visit also QPR Report Messageboard and Follow on Twitter.) QPR Report accepts no sponsorship, advertising or financial contributions. In 2008, QPR Report was named as one of the top two blogs in the Football League
Monday, January 28, 2008
Bradford and QPR Agree Fee for Jamaican Goalkeeper, Donovan Ricketts...Player in Talks with QPR
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UPDATE:
-Bradford Official Site Donovan Ricketts in QPR talks
Bradford City have given permission to QPR to speak with keeper Donovan Ricketts after an undisclosed fee was agreed between the two clubs.
The Championship club made their move after watching the Jamaican international in action at Wrexham on Saturday.
Ricketts is out of contract at the end of the season and is expected in London on Monday afternoon to discuss terms and undergo a medical.
Should the deal go through, they will have a loan keeper in goal against Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday night. Ricketts, 30, joined City in 2004 and has made 118 appearances, keeping 32 clean sheets. Bradford [Note: Bradford have already signed a replacement -
Queens Park Rangers Football Club can confirm Bradford City custodian Donovan Ricketts is in West London for talks ahead of a proposed transfer to Loftus Road.
The Jamaican international travelled South today (Monday) after Rangers agreed an undisclosed fee with the League Two outfit for the stoppers' services. He is due to undergo a medical this afternoon. Ricketts, who is out of contract at the end of the current campaign, joined City in 2004 and has made 118 appearances, keeping 32 clean sheet
QPR
[It was reported yesterday that QPR had been watching Ricketts. "..Ricketts, being watched by a scout from QPR, had seen little action before then. ...."] Telegraph Argus
Telegraph and Argus/Simon Parker - Ricketts lines up QPR switch
City stopper Donovan Ricketts was in London this afternoon for talks with QPR.
The Championship club made their move after watching the Jamaican international in action at Wrexham on Saturday.
Ricketts is out of contract at the end of the season and it is thought that City are looking to get him off the wage bill.
Should the deal go through, they will have a loan keeper in goal against Shrewsbury tomorrow night.
Ricketts, 30, joined City in 2004 and has made 118 appearances, keeping 32 clean sheets. Telegraph and Argus
Bradford Official Site Profile of Ricketts
Name: Donovan Ricketts
Nationality: Jamaican
Date of Birth: 07/06/1977
Height: 6' 4" (193cm)
Weight: 14st 7lbs (92.16kg)
Previous Clubs: Bolton
Position: Goalkeeper
The 6'4" Jamaican international goalkeeper joined Bradford City in July 2004.
At present he is the vice captain of the Jamaica national football team. On June 3, 2006 he appeared in goal for Jamaica in the International Friendly against England at Old Trafford. Jamaica went on to lose the game 6-0.
Donovan has not only kept goal for Jamaica at the senior level, but has also done it at various junior levels for his country.
He came through the national ranks under the guidance of goalkeeping coach, Paul Campbell.
Donovan is a World Cup veteran, being named to the Jamaican squad that played in the World Cup finals in France. But, the opportunity never presented itself for him to see any game time....Bradford
Also: Wikipedia/Ricketts
UPDATE:
-Bradford Official Site Donovan Ricketts in QPR talks
Bradford City have given permission to QPR to speak with keeper Donovan Ricketts after an undisclosed fee was agreed between the two clubs.
The Championship club made their move after watching the Jamaican international in action at Wrexham on Saturday.
Ricketts is out of contract at the end of the season and is expected in London on Monday afternoon to discuss terms and undergo a medical.
Should the deal go through, they will have a loan keeper in goal against Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday night. Ricketts, 30, joined City in 2004 and has made 118 appearances, keeping 32 clean sheets. Bradford [Note: Bradford have already signed a replacement -
Queens Park Rangers Football Club can confirm Bradford City custodian Donovan Ricketts is in West London for talks ahead of a proposed transfer to Loftus Road.
The Jamaican international travelled South today (Monday) after Rangers agreed an undisclosed fee with the League Two outfit for the stoppers' services. He is due to undergo a medical this afternoon. Ricketts, who is out of contract at the end of the current campaign, joined City in 2004 and has made 118 appearances, keeping 32 clean sheet
QPR
[It was reported yesterday that QPR had been watching Ricketts. "..Ricketts, being watched by a scout from QPR, had seen little action before then. ...."] Telegraph Argus
Telegraph and Argus/Simon Parker - Ricketts lines up QPR switch
City stopper Donovan Ricketts was in London this afternoon for talks with QPR.
The Championship club made their move after watching the Jamaican international in action at Wrexham on Saturday.
Ricketts is out of contract at the end of the season and it is thought that City are looking to get him off the wage bill.
Should the deal go through, they will have a loan keeper in goal against Shrewsbury tomorrow night.
Ricketts, 30, joined City in 2004 and has made 118 appearances, keeping 32 clean sheets. Telegraph and Argus
Bradford Official Site Profile of Ricketts
Name: Donovan Ricketts
Nationality: Jamaican
Date of Birth: 07/06/1977
Height: 6' 4" (193cm)
Weight: 14st 7lbs (92.16kg)
Previous Clubs: Bolton
Position: Goalkeeper
The 6'4" Jamaican international goalkeeper joined Bradford City in July 2004.
At present he is the vice captain of the Jamaica national football team. On June 3, 2006 he appeared in goal for Jamaica in the International Friendly against England at Old Trafford. Jamaica went on to lose the game 6-0.
Donovan has not only kept goal for Jamaica at the senior level, but has also done it at various junior levels for his country.
He came through the national ranks under the guidance of goalkeeping coach, Paul Campbell.
Donovan is a World Cup veteran, being named to the Jamaican squad that played in the World Cup finals in France. But, the opportunity never presented itself for him to see any game time....Bradford
Also: Wikipedia/Ricketts
Yet Another QPR Player Departs: Marc Nygaard
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Update: Vital Football - Nygaard talks about leaving QPR and signing for Danish club, Randers FC Vital Footballre Nygaard
QPR Official Site GREAT DANE DEPARTS
Danish front-man Marc Nygaard has today (Monday) had his QPR contract terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect.
The Great Dane, who joined Rangers on a free transfer in July 2005, is expected to return to his homeland to sign a contract with Danish Superliga side Randers FC.
Nygaard made 72 appearances in all competitions during his two-and-a-half year spell in W12, scoring 14 goals.
Queens Park Rangers Football Club would like to place on record its thanks to Marc for his contribution during his time at Loftus Road and wish him all the best for the future. QPR
Update: Vital Football - Nygaard talks about leaving QPR and signing for Danish club, Randers FC Vital Footballre Nygaard
QPR Official Site GREAT DANE DEPARTS
Danish front-man Marc Nygaard has today (Monday) had his QPR contract terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect.
The Great Dane, who joined Rangers on a free transfer in July 2005, is expected to return to his homeland to sign a contract with Danish Superliga side Randers FC.
Nygaard made 72 appearances in all competitions during his two-and-a-half year spell in W12, scoring 14 goals.
Queens Park Rangers Football Club would like to place on record its thanks to Marc for his contribution during his time at Loftus Road and wish him all the best for the future. QPR
Sunday, January 27, 2008
"On This Day" Flashbacks...Arsenal Crush QPR...QPR Hold Arsenal at Higbury...and Chelsea...Cup Loss to Preston
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One year ago, Matt Rose was released by QPR after almost a decade with the club. - "QPR Official Site - FAREWELL ROSIE"
Seven Years Ago... January 27, 2001 - FA Cup QPR 0 Arsenal 6
QPR Lee Harper, Ludek Miklosko, Ian Baraclough, Clarke Carlisle, Jermaine Darlington, Steve Morrow, Christopher Plummer, Matthew Rose, Sam Koejoe, Richard Langley, Gavin Peacock, Mark Perry, Karl Connolly, Peter Crouch, Chris Kiwomya, Michel Ngonge
Arsenal Alex Manninger, David Seaman, Tony Adams, Ashley Cole, Lee Dixon, Gilles Grimandi, Igors Stepanovs, Nelson Vivas, Etame Mayer Lauren, Stefan Malz, Ray Parlour, Robert Pires, Patrick Vieira, Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, Sylvain Wiltord - Venue: Loftus Road Attendance: 19,003
Corners: QPR 3 Arsenal 10 Goal Attempts: QPR 4 Arsenal 20 On Target: QPR 2 Arsenal 12 QPR 0 Arsenal 6 - Match Reports
Fifteen Years ago: January 27, 1993: Gerry Francis' QPR drew in the League: QPR 1 Chelsea 1
QPR: Roberts - Bardsley Mcdonald Maddix Brevitt -- Wilson Barker Holloway Impey --Allen Ferdinand - Sub: White (Bradley Allen goal)
Eighteen Years ago: January 27, 1990: Don Howe's QPR drew 0-0 at Arsenal in the FA Cup Fourth Round (before winning the replay 2-0 at Loftus Road). QPR's team at Highbury: Seaman - Bardsley Maddix McDonald - Parker Barker Wilkins Sinton Clarke Wegerle - Wright
Forty Years Ago: January 27, 1968: FA Cup 3rd Round QPR 1 Preston 3
Springett - Harris Keetch Hazell Clement - Morgan Sanderson Keen Morgan - Marsh Leach
Goal Keen. (The previous week, QPR had played and beaten Preston 2-0 at Loftus Road. In the next round, Preston were drawn against the FA Cup holders Spurs.
One year ago, Matt Rose was released by QPR after almost a decade with the club. - "QPR Official Site - FAREWELL ROSIE"
Seven Years Ago... January 27, 2001 - FA Cup QPR 0 Arsenal 6
QPR Lee Harper, Ludek Miklosko, Ian Baraclough, Clarke Carlisle, Jermaine Darlington, Steve Morrow, Christopher Plummer, Matthew Rose, Sam Koejoe, Richard Langley, Gavin Peacock, Mark Perry, Karl Connolly, Peter Crouch, Chris Kiwomya, Michel Ngonge
Arsenal Alex Manninger, David Seaman, Tony Adams, Ashley Cole, Lee Dixon, Gilles Grimandi, Igors Stepanovs, Nelson Vivas, Etame Mayer Lauren, Stefan Malz, Ray Parlour, Robert Pires, Patrick Vieira, Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, Sylvain Wiltord - Venue: Loftus Road Attendance: 19,003
Corners: QPR 3 Arsenal 10 Goal Attempts: QPR 4 Arsenal 20 On Target: QPR 2 Arsenal 12 QPR 0 Arsenal 6 - Match Reports
Fifteen Years ago: January 27, 1993: Gerry Francis' QPR drew in the League: QPR 1 Chelsea 1
QPR: Roberts - Bardsley Mcdonald Maddix Brevitt -- Wilson Barker Holloway Impey --Allen Ferdinand - Sub: White (Bradley Allen goal)
Eighteen Years ago: January 27, 1990: Don Howe's QPR drew 0-0 at Arsenal in the FA Cup Fourth Round (before winning the replay 2-0 at Loftus Road). QPR's team at Highbury: Seaman - Bardsley Maddix McDonald - Parker Barker Wilkins Sinton Clarke Wegerle - Wright
Forty Years Ago: January 27, 1968: FA Cup 3rd Round QPR 1 Preston 3
Springett - Harris Keetch Hazell Clement - Morgan Sanderson Keen Morgan - Marsh Leach
Goal Keen. (The previous week, QPR had played and beaten Preston 2-0 at Loftus Road. In the next round, Preston were drawn against the FA Cup holders Spurs.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
QPR Snippets: Parrett in England U-17 Squad...Curtiss Looking for a Club...Cardiff-QPR Game...Leigertwood Speaks
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Former QPR Dean Parrett was named to the England U-17 Squad to play Denmark, France and Portugal in Portugal, Feb 2-5 - Full squad
John Curtis Icons - Good times are on the horizon
I've stopped going in to Preston now, so I haven't actually trained properly for the last couple of weeks, although I'm running a bit and keeping myself in reasonable shape.
Although I'm desperate to play football it's been quite nice to have a couple of weeks free to see my family, sort a few things out and live a little bit more of a normal life.
I'm as hungry as ever and hopefully when the transfer windows closes and it quietens down a little bit there will be a few options available to me. Right now it's just too hectic and everyone's running around in circles.
I was asked recently if I was surprised about how my career has gone from then days when I was at United and obviously when I was in Manchester I believed I'd be there for a while and the world was sort of at my feet.
But you have to be lucky in football and perhaps I haven't always had the best of luck. You have to be in the right place at the right time and avoid being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
But, having said that, there have been a lot of good times, I've played with some fantastic clubs and met some brilliant people, so I've no real regrets. I do believe there will be more good times to come in my football career and they're just around the corner. Icons
SouthWales Echo/Terry Phillips -Barker keen to play only a week after hernia op
CHRIS Barker, the full-back discarded by Cardiff City manager Dave Jones last summer, is aiming for a return to Ninian Park on Tuesday.
Yorkshireman Barker is determined to play for Queens Park Rangers – only a week after he had a second hernia operation.
The op, in Germany, was on Tuesday and he’s already back in light training.
Another former City player is also on his way back to Ninian Park with QPR. Gareth Ainsworth looks certain to be in their squad. ic Wales
Cardiff Manager - Cardiff Official Site
"City go into a tiring three days, starting on Sunday with a difficult short trip to face League Two Hereford and finishing on Tuesday night with the home game against QPR in the Championship.
"We've got a heavy schedule this week with Hereford making us play on the Sunday," said Dave Jones. "But when you're winning and doing quite well then people tend to get over those knocks and bruises that little bit quicker.
"We asked that we could play the game on Saturday but for some reason the police have said no. It's Catch 22, if we changed the QPR game to the Wednesday we would have had all the hassle of changing the programmes and the police and we still would have had the same problem because then two days later we travel to Stoke, so it's six of one and half a dozen of the other. If we changed the game to a Wednesday then we would have paid for the game on Saturday, and that's a 12:30 kick-off in Stoke so we decided to leave it al alone. "Obviously we want to keep the run going because we're winning games so it's important to keep that atmosphere and togetherness ticking along..."
Cardiff
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - WE SHOULD FEAR NO-ONE'
Mikele Leigertwood believes the new-look QPR squad should 'fear no-one' as the business end of the season looms large.
The combative midfielder - who has recently returned to the Rangers side following a four match suspension - is adamant that the R's can keep climbing the table in the second half of the campaign.
"With the squad we've got now, I don't think we should fear anyone," he told www.qpr.co.uk.
"A few weeks ago, people were probably looking at the fixtures and thinking 'QPR will lose that one,' but now I think they can see that there's a bit more quality with the way we're setting ourselves up and approaching games.
"Everything has changed really quickly, but hopefully for the better."
However, Leigertwood has warned his QPR team-mates that they need to be on their guard for the midweek trip to Ninian Park.
With a rare weekend off due to the FA Cup fourth round ties, the R's return to Championship action against the rejuvenated Bluebirds on Tuesday night.
After a mid-season slump, Dave Jones' Cardiff side have soared up the table to eighth in recent weeks, with five wins from their previous eight fixtures.
"We're on a decent run of form, but we have to respect Cardiff, who have really improved in recent weeks," said Leigertwood.
"They almost beat West Bromwich Albion in their last league game, but we have to approach the match in a positive manner, that is what the gaffer wants us to do." QPR
Former QPR Dean Parrett was named to the England U-17 Squad to play Denmark, France and Portugal in Portugal, Feb 2-5 - Full squad
John Curtis Icons - Good times are on the horizon
I've stopped going in to Preston now, so I haven't actually trained properly for the last couple of weeks, although I'm running a bit and keeping myself in reasonable shape.
Although I'm desperate to play football it's been quite nice to have a couple of weeks free to see my family, sort a few things out and live a little bit more of a normal life.
I'm as hungry as ever and hopefully when the transfer windows closes and it quietens down a little bit there will be a few options available to me. Right now it's just too hectic and everyone's running around in circles.
I was asked recently if I was surprised about how my career has gone from then days when I was at United and obviously when I was in Manchester I believed I'd be there for a while and the world was sort of at my feet.
But you have to be lucky in football and perhaps I haven't always had the best of luck. You have to be in the right place at the right time and avoid being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
But, having said that, there have been a lot of good times, I've played with some fantastic clubs and met some brilliant people, so I've no real regrets. I do believe there will be more good times to come in my football career and they're just around the corner. Icons
SouthWales Echo/Terry Phillips -Barker keen to play only a week after hernia op
CHRIS Barker, the full-back discarded by Cardiff City manager Dave Jones last summer, is aiming for a return to Ninian Park on Tuesday.
Yorkshireman Barker is determined to play for Queens Park Rangers – only a week after he had a second hernia operation.
The op, in Germany, was on Tuesday and he’s already back in light training.
Another former City player is also on his way back to Ninian Park with QPR. Gareth Ainsworth looks certain to be in their squad. ic Wales
Cardiff Manager - Cardiff Official Site
"City go into a tiring three days, starting on Sunday with a difficult short trip to face League Two Hereford and finishing on Tuesday night with the home game against QPR in the Championship.
"We've got a heavy schedule this week with Hereford making us play on the Sunday," said Dave Jones. "But when you're winning and doing quite well then people tend to get over those knocks and bruises that little bit quicker.
"We asked that we could play the game on Saturday but for some reason the police have said no. It's Catch 22, if we changed the QPR game to the Wednesday we would have had all the hassle of changing the programmes and the police and we still would have had the same problem because then two days later we travel to Stoke, so it's six of one and half a dozen of the other. If we changed the game to a Wednesday then we would have paid for the game on Saturday, and that's a 12:30 kick-off in Stoke so we decided to leave it al alone. "Obviously we want to keep the run going because we're winning games so it's important to keep that atmosphere and togetherness ticking along..."
Cardiff
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - WE SHOULD FEAR NO-ONE'
Mikele Leigertwood believes the new-look QPR squad should 'fear no-one' as the business end of the season looms large.
The combative midfielder - who has recently returned to the Rangers side following a four match suspension - is adamant that the R's can keep climbing the table in the second half of the campaign.
"With the squad we've got now, I don't think we should fear anyone," he told www.qpr.co.uk.
"A few weeks ago, people were probably looking at the fixtures and thinking 'QPR will lose that one,' but now I think they can see that there's a bit more quality with the way we're setting ourselves up and approaching games.
"Everything has changed really quickly, but hopefully for the better."
However, Leigertwood has warned his QPR team-mates that they need to be on their guard for the midweek trip to Ninian Park.
With a rare weekend off due to the FA Cup fourth round ties, the R's return to Championship action against the rejuvenated Bluebirds on Tuesday night.
After a mid-season slump, Dave Jones' Cardiff side have soared up the table to eighth in recent weeks, with five wins from their previous eight fixtures.
"We're on a decent run of form, but we have to respect Cardiff, who have really improved in recent weeks," said Leigertwood.
"They almost beat West Bromwich Albion in their last league game, but we have to approach the match in a positive manner, that is what the gaffer wants us to do." QPR
"Rangers Find Star in the Park" - QPR's Angelo Balanta
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Football League's 'League Leader' -
"...[Angelo Balanta] was scouted while playing for Brunswick in the Harrow Youth League...'One of my teachers recommended me to someone at Ranges and they had a look at me...I felt right at home with Rangers from the first time I trained with the club and I'm delighted to have signed a contract. The older players have been brilliant and looked after me...This club is going places and I want to be part of it. Loads of players have come in, but I'm not afraid of that. I just want to prove I am worthy of a place in the side." Scroll down to Page Three, Football League's League Leader
See Also:
- QPR Official Site Profile of Balanta
- Wikipedia Profile of Angelo Balanta
Football League's 'League Leader' -
"...[Angelo Balanta] was scouted while playing for Brunswick in the Harrow Youth League...'One of my teachers recommended me to someone at Ranges and they had a look at me...I felt right at home with Rangers from the first time I trained with the club and I'm delighted to have signed a contract. The older players have been brilliant and looked after me...This club is going places and I want to be part of it. Loads of players have come in, but I'm not afraid of that. I just want to prove I am worthy of a place in the side." Scroll down to Page Three, Football League's League Leader
See Also:
- QPR Official Site Profile of Balanta
- Wikipedia Profile of Angelo Balanta
Friday, January 25, 2008
Snippets: QPR Reportedly Bid for Kris Commons...Rowan Vine Rated One of "Worst January Signings"
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Mirror - Clubs come winging in to sign Kris
Nottingham Forest have received bids of £500,000 from QPR, Leicester and Wolves for Kris Commons.
The 24-year-old winger (above) is out of contract in the summer and has declined a new deal.
League One Forest will cash in on him once they eventually recruit striker Leon Best from Coventry for around £1.3million. Mirror
From The Times, from a couple of days ago...but with respect to Rowan Vine, of course, referring to Rowan Vine's move to Birmingham from Luton, last January, not his move to QPR!:
The Times/Tom Dart - The 50 best and worst January signings
"Plenty of clubs nab a bargain in the January sales but, for every side shopping to avoid relegation or kick on at the top, there is a chairman waiting to exploit their desperation - and that transfer window saviour turns out overrated, overpriced, or both. Here, we list the 25 best and worst January signings since the transfer window was introduced in 2003....
The WORST
23 Rowan Vine, Luton Town to Birmingham City, 11 January 2007
De-Vine inspiration was absent during the forward’s spell in the Midlands. Prolific at Luton, he scored just once after his £2.5 million switch and has spent most of this season on loan at QPR, where he has just made the move permanent for £1 million." The Times
BBC Gossip: "MK Dons boss Paul Ince could move for striker Stefan Moore after he was released by QPR. (Daily Star)" BBC Gossip
Also: Mirror repeats what's been reported elsewhere:
Mirror - Cerny: Buy me or I'm off to QPR
REBEL TREBLE REBEL 3 JUST 7 DAYS UNTIL THE TRANSFER WINDOW CLOSES
Tottenham keeper Radek Cerny admits he would be interested in a move to QPR - even though he has just become first-choice at White Hart Lane.
Cerny is on a long-term loan deal from Slavia Prague, but the contract is due to expire at the end of the season. The Czech star has overtaken England keeper Paul Robinson as the No.1. Cerny (right) is in pole position to keep his place for the Carling Cup Final against Chelsea.
But it is believed that his agent Pavel Paska has held talks with QPR's co-owner Flavio Briatore over a possible move to Loftus Road and the keeper has yet to be offered a permanent deal at Spurs. Cerny said: "As my contract in Tottenham expires in the summer, I must be looking for a different club. And if QPR were it, then I would go there.
"I have no problem with the Championship, it is an extremely tough competition of high quality." Mirror
Mirror - Clubs come winging in to sign Kris
Nottingham Forest have received bids of £500,000 from QPR, Leicester and Wolves for Kris Commons.
The 24-year-old winger (above) is out of contract in the summer and has declined a new deal.
League One Forest will cash in on him once they eventually recruit striker Leon Best from Coventry for around £1.3million. Mirror
From The Times, from a couple of days ago...but with respect to Rowan Vine, of course, referring to Rowan Vine's move to Birmingham from Luton, last January, not his move to QPR!:
The Times/Tom Dart - The 50 best and worst January signings
"Plenty of clubs nab a bargain in the January sales but, for every side shopping to avoid relegation or kick on at the top, there is a chairman waiting to exploit their desperation - and that transfer window saviour turns out overrated, overpriced, or both. Here, we list the 25 best and worst January signings since the transfer window was introduced in 2003....
The WORST
23 Rowan Vine, Luton Town to Birmingham City, 11 January 2007
De-Vine inspiration was absent during the forward’s spell in the Midlands. Prolific at Luton, he scored just once after his £2.5 million switch and has spent most of this season on loan at QPR, where he has just made the move permanent for £1 million." The Times
BBC Gossip: "MK Dons boss Paul Ince could move for striker Stefan Moore after he was released by QPR. (Daily Star)" BBC Gossip
Also: Mirror repeats what's been reported elsewhere:
Mirror - Cerny: Buy me or I'm off to QPR
REBEL TREBLE REBEL 3 JUST 7 DAYS UNTIL THE TRANSFER WINDOW CLOSES
Tottenham keeper Radek Cerny admits he would be interested in a move to QPR - even though he has just become first-choice at White Hart Lane.
Cerny is on a long-term loan deal from Slavia Prague, but the contract is due to expire at the end of the season. The Czech star has overtaken England keeper Paul Robinson as the No.1. Cerny (right) is in pole position to keep his place for the Carling Cup Final against Chelsea.
But it is believed that his agent Pavel Paska has held talks with QPR's co-owner Flavio Briatore over a possible move to Loftus Road and the keeper has yet to be offered a permanent deal at Spurs. Cerny said: "As my contract in Tottenham expires in the summer, I must be looking for a different club. And if QPR were it, then I would go there.
"I have no problem with the Championship, it is an extremely tough competition of high quality." Mirror
No QPR in Football League Awards Shortlists
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No QPR this year in the Football League Awards shortlists. Next year! (Last year, the club was in the "Community Club of the Year" and "best matchday programmes." 2007 Football League shortlist
Football League
SHORTLISTS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2008 FOOTBALL LEAGUE AWARDS
The Football League Awards
The Football League has announced the shortlists for five award categories in the 2008 Football League Awards incorporating FourFourTwo's Top 50 Football League Players.
Over 123 entries were received from clubs across all three divisions, with 50 clubs entering in total. This year, the award categories have been modified to include divisional awards, with clubs from each league going head to head. 28 clubs have been shortlisted for this year's Awards, with eight clubs earning more than one entry in the shortlists.
The winners will be announced at the third annual Football League Awards which will take place at The London Hilton, Park Lane on Sunday 2nd March 2008.
Expert judging panels were assembled for each category and the process of evaluating each entry took place at The Football League on 15th and 16th January.
Stewart Thomson, Commercial Director of The Football League said: "The Football League Awards incorporating FourFourTwo's Top 50 Players aim to reward outstanding achievements both on and off the football pitch. This year's new Family Club of the Year award in each division will reward clubs delivering a truly outstanding family experience through their pricing, customer service and Matchday family focussed activity.Once again, the quality of the entries is testament to the commitment and hard work throughout the clubs, and there will be some truly worthy winners."
The shortlists for the five award categories are:
Wickes Community Club of the Year
Charlton Athletic
Colchester United
Millwall
Watford
West Bromwich Albion
Wycombe Wanderers
Advance Performance Best Community Initiative - Championship
Charlton Athletic
Ipswich Town
Norwich City
Stoke City
Advance Performance Best Community Initiative - League 1
Brighton and Hove Albion
Leyton Orient
Northampton Town
Southend United
Advance Performance Best Community Initiative - League 2
Brentford
Lincoln City
Notts County
Wycombe Wanderers
Perform Best Fan Marketing Campaign
Bradford City
Cardiff City
Leicester City
Norwich City
Wrexham
Best Matchday Programme
Brighton and Hove Albion
Bristol City
Hull City
Norwich City
Watford
West Bromwich Albion
Family Club of the Year - Championship
Leicester City
Norwich City
Plymouth Argyle
Preston North End
Family Club of the Year - League 1
Huddersfield Town
Northampton Town
Tranmere Rovers
Yeovil Town
Family Club of the Year - League 2
Lincoln City
Milton Keynes Dons
Wycombe Wanderers
Nivea for Men Apprentice Award - League 1 Click here for more info
Alex Dyer - Northampton Town
Daniel Broadbent - Huddersfield Town
Thomas Schwarz - Walsall
Nivea for Men Apprentice Award - League 2 Click here for more info
Daniel Hone - Lincoln City
Liam Kelly - Milton Keynes Dons
Ryan Bennett - Grimsby Town
The Football League Awards will, once again, recognise footballing excellence on and off the field, with clubs and players honoured alongside fans. There will be 19 award categories in total, including a range of football awards and industry-specific honours.
To find out more about The Football League Awards, and for a full list of Award categories, please visitwww.footballleagueawards.com.
The Awards highlights TV programme will be shown on Sky Sports 1 in the week following the Awards ceremony. Football League
No QPR this year in the Football League Awards shortlists. Next year! (Last year, the club was in the "Community Club of the Year" and "best matchday programmes." 2007 Football League shortlist
Football League
SHORTLISTS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2008 FOOTBALL LEAGUE AWARDS
The Football League Awards
The Football League has announced the shortlists for five award categories in the 2008 Football League Awards incorporating FourFourTwo's Top 50 Football League Players.
Over 123 entries were received from clubs across all three divisions, with 50 clubs entering in total. This year, the award categories have been modified to include divisional awards, with clubs from each league going head to head. 28 clubs have been shortlisted for this year's Awards, with eight clubs earning more than one entry in the shortlists.
The winners will be announced at the third annual Football League Awards which will take place at The London Hilton, Park Lane on Sunday 2nd March 2008.
Expert judging panels were assembled for each category and the process of evaluating each entry took place at The Football League on 15th and 16th January.
Stewart Thomson, Commercial Director of The Football League said: "The Football League Awards incorporating FourFourTwo's Top 50 Players aim to reward outstanding achievements both on and off the football pitch. This year's new Family Club of the Year award in each division will reward clubs delivering a truly outstanding family experience through their pricing, customer service and Matchday family focussed activity.Once again, the quality of the entries is testament to the commitment and hard work throughout the clubs, and there will be some truly worthy winners."
The shortlists for the five award categories are:
Wickes Community Club of the Year
Charlton Athletic
Colchester United
Millwall
Watford
West Bromwich Albion
Wycombe Wanderers
Advance Performance Best Community Initiative - Championship
Charlton Athletic
Ipswich Town
Norwich City
Stoke City
Advance Performance Best Community Initiative - League 1
Brighton and Hove Albion
Leyton Orient
Northampton Town
Southend United
Advance Performance Best Community Initiative - League 2
Brentford
Lincoln City
Notts County
Wycombe Wanderers
Perform Best Fan Marketing Campaign
Bradford City
Cardiff City
Leicester City
Norwich City
Wrexham
Best Matchday Programme
Brighton and Hove Albion
Bristol City
Hull City
Norwich City
Watford
West Bromwich Albion
Family Club of the Year - Championship
Leicester City
Norwich City
Plymouth Argyle
Preston North End
Family Club of the Year - League 1
Huddersfield Town
Northampton Town
Tranmere Rovers
Yeovil Town
Family Club of the Year - League 2
Lincoln City
Milton Keynes Dons
Wycombe Wanderers
Nivea for Men Apprentice Award - League 1 Click here for more info
Alex Dyer - Northampton Town
Daniel Broadbent - Huddersfield Town
Thomas Schwarz - Walsall
Nivea for Men Apprentice Award - League 2 Click here for more info
Daniel Hone - Lincoln City
Liam Kelly - Milton Keynes Dons
Ryan Bennett - Grimsby Town
The Football League Awards will, once again, recognise footballing excellence on and off the field, with clubs and players honoured alongside fans. There will be 19 award categories in total, including a range of football awards and industry-specific honours.
To find out more about The Football League Awards, and for a full list of Award categories, please visitwww.footballleagueawards.com.
The Awards highlights TV programme will be shown on Sky Sports 1 in the week following the Awards ceremony. Football League
Looking at QPR (and Newcastle's) Chances of Success - ITV's Sport's Andy Townsend
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THE VIEW FROM ITV SPORT'S 'THE CHAMPIONSHIP'
ITV Sport's Andy Townsend takes a closer look at situation at QPR and Newcastle
Andy Townsend
It is fair to say that Newcastle have dominated the headlines over the last ten days and I for one believe they made the right appointment in King Kev. I've missed him - we all have.
Keegan is box office and his press conference was a lesson to some on how to engage with the media as a modern day football manager. If only his players were as good against Bolton. No sparkle, no magic, no entertainment and KK will have to literally perform miracles to get this team winning regularly never mind thrilling us each week. We shall see?
I had a chat with a London cabbie on my way from Marylebone to Waterloo recently and he had an interesting take on the situation at Newcastle. I was asked the usual questions about whether or not Keegan would be successful, should he take Shearer? etc etc and then the twist. "I bet you my team - Q.P.R. - will win something, one of the cups, before the Geordies!"
I laughed and he replied "You think I'm joking don't ya? Keegan may play some lovely football but they won't win anything this time round. They had their chance but didn't grab it but we are on the up and you watch us go. You heard it here first Andy!"
I thanked him for the lecture, paid him his £23 fare (and yes I did give him a tip) and went on my way. Later that evening that conversation got me thinking. With the Loftus Road outfit now owned by two billionaires and a multi-millionaire they are only going one way.
Those guys did not acquire such wealth and success by sitting around staring at the sky. They make things happen and quickly. Luigi Di Canio has now got the ship moving in the right direction - 19 points from their last 24 in the league looks pretty decent to me and they are currently eleven points from a play-off place. The cabbie has a point, if, and it is a big if, they can get out of this league quickly then they have big advantages over Kevin Keegan.
They would find it easier to attract the very biggest names to Loftus Road as London living suits top international players. Talk of a new stadium excites players. Being part of something new in itself is tempting and crucially, players know that the club can afford them. I bet Rangers have been contacted by more agents over the last three weeks than Manchester United. QPR will be successful, they will return to the Premier League.
It is not impossible to claw back an eleven point deficit; you only need to look at Crystal Palace who have had an amazing run to go from virtually bottom to serious challengers - seeing off the likes of Sheffield United, Watford, Wolves and Bristol City recently. The Championship is that sort of division. Nothing is impossible.
At the moment I'm not sure that QPR possess the squad to amass a huge collection of points from the run-in but should they add to the squad again before the deadline then you never know.
The fans in Geordieland believe the good times are set to return and this time success will be theirs. Mike Ashley's megabucks and a brand of football that will light up the North-East will see to that. I hope I'm there to witness it.
As for my Cabbie friend, I was concerned he was slightly bonkers and didn't know where he was going. Under closer inspection I now realise he wasn't joking and who knows, he could be right..." ITV The Championship
THE VIEW FROM ITV SPORT'S 'THE CHAMPIONSHIP'
ITV Sport's Andy Townsend takes a closer look at situation at QPR and Newcastle
Andy Townsend
It is fair to say that Newcastle have dominated the headlines over the last ten days and I for one believe they made the right appointment in King Kev. I've missed him - we all have.
Keegan is box office and his press conference was a lesson to some on how to engage with the media as a modern day football manager. If only his players were as good against Bolton. No sparkle, no magic, no entertainment and KK will have to literally perform miracles to get this team winning regularly never mind thrilling us each week. We shall see?
I had a chat with a London cabbie on my way from Marylebone to Waterloo recently and he had an interesting take on the situation at Newcastle. I was asked the usual questions about whether or not Keegan would be successful, should he take Shearer? etc etc and then the twist. "I bet you my team - Q.P.R. - will win something, one of the cups, before the Geordies!"
I laughed and he replied "You think I'm joking don't ya? Keegan may play some lovely football but they won't win anything this time round. They had their chance but didn't grab it but we are on the up and you watch us go. You heard it here first Andy!"
I thanked him for the lecture, paid him his £23 fare (and yes I did give him a tip) and went on my way. Later that evening that conversation got me thinking. With the Loftus Road outfit now owned by two billionaires and a multi-millionaire they are only going one way.
Those guys did not acquire such wealth and success by sitting around staring at the sky. They make things happen and quickly. Luigi Di Canio has now got the ship moving in the right direction - 19 points from their last 24 in the league looks pretty decent to me and they are currently eleven points from a play-off place. The cabbie has a point, if, and it is a big if, they can get out of this league quickly then they have big advantages over Kevin Keegan.
They would find it easier to attract the very biggest names to Loftus Road as London living suits top international players. Talk of a new stadium excites players. Being part of something new in itself is tempting and crucially, players know that the club can afford them. I bet Rangers have been contacted by more agents over the last three weeks than Manchester United. QPR will be successful, they will return to the Premier League.
It is not impossible to claw back an eleven point deficit; you only need to look at Crystal Palace who have had an amazing run to go from virtually bottom to serious challengers - seeing off the likes of Sheffield United, Watford, Wolves and Bristol City recently. The Championship is that sort of division. Nothing is impossible.
At the moment I'm not sure that QPR possess the squad to amass a huge collection of points from the run-in but should they add to the squad again before the deadline then you never know.
The fans in Geordieland believe the good times are set to return and this time success will be theirs. Mike Ashley's megabucks and a brand of football that will light up the North-East will see to that. I hope I'm there to witness it.
As for my Cabbie friend, I was concerned he was slightly bonkers and didn't know where he was going. Under closer inspection I now realise he wasn't joking and who knows, he could be right..." ITV The Championship
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Ex-QPR's Richard Pacquette Profiled
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Mail/Ivan Speck - He deserves a Pacquette for putting kids on the right path
Chasing the Wembley dream? Havant & Waterlooville striker Richard Pacquette spends his working day in the shadow of the mighty arch that bestrides the national stadium.
Yet while flights of fancy will fill his heart as the Havant team coach leaves Hampshire this morning on the journey of a football lifetime to Liverpool, stopping on the way for a training session at Manchester United's indoor complex at The Cliff, it is Pacquette's day job which makes a difference in reality.
In a league of his own: Pacquette at his school in Neasden
As a school standards officer, the 24-year-old's duty is to patrol the corridors and corners of Neasden's John Kelly Boys School to make sure pupils are in lessons rather than playing truant, bullying or taking drugs that ruin so many young lives when they have hardly begun.
To others it would be just a job, but Pacquette feels a responsibility to offer advice and hope. As for reinforcing those principles, well, an FA Cup run like Havant & Waterlooville's works wonders.
The day after their third round replay win over Swansea, Pacquette drove to the school with fellow striker Rocky Baptiste. Their car was mobbed by delirious pupils as it turned into the drive.
"It's been madness since then," he laughed. "My job is to patrol the building and make sure the kids are doing lessons, not bunking off. I ask them where they should be, hurry them up and make sure they go back to lessons on time.
"It's quite a new thing for schools in the borough. They try to get youth workers in to educate the kids a bit and keep them away from the streets. I try to talk to the kids. Neasden's quite rough and they can easily get distracted, so I tell them there is always hope to do something.
"I do a bit of coaching, too. I take the sixth formers for football after school. I enjoy it. The kids look up to me and the teachers have been really supportive. A few of them came to Swansea, quite a lot to the home game and 20 of them will be coming to Liverpool. They know my desire to get back into full-time football."
The hope that Pacquette instils in pupils is evident when you meet him. After all, his own career was disappearing into oblivion.
At 13 he was in QPR's youth team with DJ Campbell, now at Leicester, whose own FA Cup heroics with Yeading three seasons ago got him back into the professional game. Pacquette made his QPR debut at 18 in a Championship game against Huddersfield. His partner in attack was Peter Crouch, opposite him tomorrow for Liverpool.
He played in the League One play-off final loss to Cardiff at the Millennium Stadium in 2005 but slowly drifted out of favour. After signing on a non-contract basis with MK Dons, then Brentford, he dropped into non-league with Farnborough and next Hampton & Richmond — all four clubs in the same season.
"When I left QPR, I had offers from some Conference sides who were full-time. When I look back, I maybe should have taken that and started from there. But I was a bit naive. I just wanted to stay in the league. That's why I took a chance on going to MK Dons and Brentford.
"During the time I was moving around here, there and everywhere, I lost my fitness because I wasn't training every day. That affected my performance when I did play.
"I sat down with my agent and he said, 'Right, this summer you just have to go somewhere and play a whole season'. That's been proved right.
"I signed with Worthing and since then I've been scoring every season and doing well. So hopefully all my hard work will pay off. I never give up anyway. I believe that if you work hard, you will get there.
"I've matured as a player. As a forward you've got to work hard off the ball as well as on it. As I've got older, I've learned that. I feel I'm a better player now and I'm ready to make that step back up again to full-time football.
"DJ's a mate. What he's done in coming out from a pro club into non-league and going back again inspires me and drives me more because I know what I'm capable of.
"The FA Cup has helped a lot of us non-league players by being giant-killers and performing on the big stage. It's opened the shop window for us."
Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant is another friend from youth team football. The pair see each other every summer as part of a group of players who work on their pre-season fitness in London by meeting up for five-a-side games.
"I didn't think we'd be playing each other in the fourth round of the Cup, but whenever they see me, they always ask how I'm doing and tell me just to keep at it, keep working hard and hopefully it will come.
"Anfield will be great. It's every kid's dream. There are big players in the Liverpool team but everyone's human, so anything could happen."
Pacquette turns 25 on Monday. The fifth round draw will probably be an irrelevance for Havant by then, but the words of wisdom Pacquette imparts at school will carry greater weight than ever. Mail
Mail/Ivan Speck - He deserves a Pacquette for putting kids on the right path
Chasing the Wembley dream? Havant & Waterlooville striker Richard Pacquette spends his working day in the shadow of the mighty arch that bestrides the national stadium.
Yet while flights of fancy will fill his heart as the Havant team coach leaves Hampshire this morning on the journey of a football lifetime to Liverpool, stopping on the way for a training session at Manchester United's indoor complex at The Cliff, it is Pacquette's day job which makes a difference in reality.
In a league of his own: Pacquette at his school in Neasden
As a school standards officer, the 24-year-old's duty is to patrol the corridors and corners of Neasden's John Kelly Boys School to make sure pupils are in lessons rather than playing truant, bullying or taking drugs that ruin so many young lives when they have hardly begun.
To others it would be just a job, but Pacquette feels a responsibility to offer advice and hope. As for reinforcing those principles, well, an FA Cup run like Havant & Waterlooville's works wonders.
The day after their third round replay win over Swansea, Pacquette drove to the school with fellow striker Rocky Baptiste. Their car was mobbed by delirious pupils as it turned into the drive.
"It's been madness since then," he laughed. "My job is to patrol the building and make sure the kids are doing lessons, not bunking off. I ask them where they should be, hurry them up and make sure they go back to lessons on time.
"It's quite a new thing for schools in the borough. They try to get youth workers in to educate the kids a bit and keep them away from the streets. I try to talk to the kids. Neasden's quite rough and they can easily get distracted, so I tell them there is always hope to do something.
"I do a bit of coaching, too. I take the sixth formers for football after school. I enjoy it. The kids look up to me and the teachers have been really supportive. A few of them came to Swansea, quite a lot to the home game and 20 of them will be coming to Liverpool. They know my desire to get back into full-time football."
The hope that Pacquette instils in pupils is evident when you meet him. After all, his own career was disappearing into oblivion.
At 13 he was in QPR's youth team with DJ Campbell, now at Leicester, whose own FA Cup heroics with Yeading three seasons ago got him back into the professional game. Pacquette made his QPR debut at 18 in a Championship game against Huddersfield. His partner in attack was Peter Crouch, opposite him tomorrow for Liverpool.
He played in the League One play-off final loss to Cardiff at the Millennium Stadium in 2005 but slowly drifted out of favour. After signing on a non-contract basis with MK Dons, then Brentford, he dropped into non-league with Farnborough and next Hampton & Richmond — all four clubs in the same season.
"When I left QPR, I had offers from some Conference sides who were full-time. When I look back, I maybe should have taken that and started from there. But I was a bit naive. I just wanted to stay in the league. That's why I took a chance on going to MK Dons and Brentford.
"During the time I was moving around here, there and everywhere, I lost my fitness because I wasn't training every day. That affected my performance when I did play.
"I sat down with my agent and he said, 'Right, this summer you just have to go somewhere and play a whole season'. That's been proved right.
"I signed with Worthing and since then I've been scoring every season and doing well. So hopefully all my hard work will pay off. I never give up anyway. I believe that if you work hard, you will get there.
"I've matured as a player. As a forward you've got to work hard off the ball as well as on it. As I've got older, I've learned that. I feel I'm a better player now and I'm ready to make that step back up again to full-time football.
"DJ's a mate. What he's done in coming out from a pro club into non-league and going back again inspires me and drives me more because I know what I'm capable of.
"The FA Cup has helped a lot of us non-league players by being giant-killers and performing on the big stage. It's opened the shop window for us."
Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant is another friend from youth team football. The pair see each other every summer as part of a group of players who work on their pre-season fitness in London by meeting up for five-a-side games.
"I didn't think we'd be playing each other in the fourth round of the Cup, but whenever they see me, they always ask how I'm doing and tell me just to keep at it, keep working hard and hopefully it will come.
"Anfield will be great. It's every kid's dream. There are big players in the Liverpool team but everyone's human, so anything could happen."
Pacquette turns 25 on Monday. The fifth round draw will probably be an irrelevance for Havant by then, but the words of wisdom Pacquette imparts at school will carry greater weight than ever. Mail
Ex-QPR Ugo Ukah Update: Demotion Penalty Imposed on His Team
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News about former QPR defender Ugo Ukah (or Ukah Ugochukwu) Polish Club, Widzew Lodz: Along with a couple of other Polish teams, they have been demoted for supposed match-fixing. Ukah's Widzew Lodz Stats
Widzew punished for match-rigging
Thursday 17 January 2008-
The Polish Football Federation has punished seven clubs for match-fixing (Uefa.Com)Four-time Polish champions Widzew Łódź will be demoted by one division at the end of the season for their part in a major match-fixing scandal.
Relegation concerns
Currently 13th in the 16-team Ekstraklasa, should they finish the campaign in a relegation position, they will start 2008/09 in the third tier of the Polish league. Under the terms of their sentence, they will begin next season with minus six points and will also have to pay a €10,000 fine. They are the seventh club to be punished as a result of a two-year investigation into match-rigging. Arka Gdynia, GKS Górnik Łęczna, Zagłębie Sosnowiec, KSZO Ostrowiec and KS Górnik Polkowice were all relegated for their misdemeanours while TS Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biała were docked points.
New signing
Widzew's battle to avoid a two-division drop at the end of term has been boosted with the signing of 25-year-old defender Wojciech Szymanek, who has spent the last 18 month in Greece with Egaleo FC. "Szymanek is a very good and promising player and that is why I am happy we have managed to sign him," said Widzew vice-president Grzegorz Bakalarczyk. Champions Zagłębie Lubin are also under investigation for match-fixing and will hear their fate on 24 January. Report
Another club ordered demoted - Report - January 24, 2008
News about former QPR defender Ugo Ukah (or Ukah Ugochukwu) Polish Club, Widzew Lodz: Along with a couple of other Polish teams, they have been demoted for supposed match-fixing. Ukah's Widzew Lodz Stats
Widzew punished for match-rigging
Thursday 17 January 2008-
The Polish Football Federation has punished seven clubs for match-fixing (Uefa.Com)Four-time Polish champions Widzew Łódź will be demoted by one division at the end of the season for their part in a major match-fixing scandal.
Relegation concerns
Currently 13th in the 16-team Ekstraklasa, should they finish the campaign in a relegation position, they will start 2008/09 in the third tier of the Polish league. Under the terms of their sentence, they will begin next season with minus six points and will also have to pay a €10,000 fine. They are the seventh club to be punished as a result of a two-year investigation into match-rigging. Arka Gdynia, GKS Górnik Łęczna, Zagłębie Sosnowiec, KSZO Ostrowiec and KS Górnik Polkowice were all relegated for their misdemeanours while TS Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biała were docked points.
New signing
Widzew's battle to avoid a two-division drop at the end of term has been boosted with the signing of 25-year-old defender Wojciech Szymanek, who has spent the last 18 month in Greece with Egaleo FC. "Szymanek is a very good and promising player and that is why I am happy we have managed to sign him," said Widzew vice-president Grzegorz Bakalarczyk. Champions Zagłębie Lubin are also under investigation for match-fixing and will hear their fate on 24 January. Report
Another club ordered demoted - Report - January 24, 2008
Released QPR Winger Kieron St. Aimie Joins Barnet
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Brentford Official Site - TALL WINGER SIGNS
Kieron St. Aimie, an 18-year-old winger released by Queen's Park Rangers, has signed for Barnet today.
The 6ft 1 youngster scored on his debut for Rangers in a pre-season match against Celtic after being signed by former manager John Gregory on his 18th birthday. He played for QPR against Leyton Orient in the Carling Cup at the start of the season and also had a loan spell with Oxford United.
Kieron, who has trained with the Bees, said: "I like what I hear from Paul Fairclough. I think I will do well under him ... I'm sure that he will get the best out of me".
He is Barnet's third signing during the January transfer window - Cliff Akurang and Albert Adomah are the others.
Kieron is cup-tied by virtue of playing for Oxford United in this season's FA Cup competition. - Dennis Signy and David Bloomfield Barnet
Brentford Official Site - TALL WINGER SIGNS
Kieron St. Aimie, an 18-year-old winger released by Queen's Park Rangers, has signed for Barnet today.
The 6ft 1 youngster scored on his debut for Rangers in a pre-season match against Celtic after being signed by former manager John Gregory on his 18th birthday. He played for QPR against Leyton Orient in the Carling Cup at the start of the season and also had a loan spell with Oxford United.
Kieron, who has trained with the Bees, said: "I like what I hear from Paul Fairclough. I think I will do well under him ... I'm sure that he will get the best out of me".
He is Barnet's third signing during the January transfer window - Cliff Akurang and Albert Adomah are the others.
Kieron is cup-tied by virtue of playing for Oxford United in this season's FA Cup competition. - Dennis Signy and David Bloomfield Barnet
"To Do a QPR:" A New Expression in the Offing?....Also: Clive Allen's "Fluke" Semi-Final Winner "Remembered"
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Burnley's Operational Director, Brendan Flood on Burnley's spending plans: "[W]e're continuing to make further commitments to the club, and I think everyone can see that we are getting a better squad and we're not going to do a QPR...." Hopefully "to do a QPR" is not going to become a perjorative!
This is Lanashire - Flood's transfer vow
BRENDAN Flood has stressed that Burnley will not be stretched beyond their financial limits during the January transfer window....
Operational director Flood has faith in Coyle's powers of negotiation to wheel and deal in his efforts to make Burnley a strong Championship force capable of pushing for the Premier League. But he has reiterated that the board aren't demanding overnight success.
"The key thing to remember is the transfer window involves a desire to forget everything that's been done over the past 12 months and focus on an amount of money that gets spent in this month," he said.
"Barry and I are committed guys and we're continuing to make further commitments to the club, and I think everyone can see that we are getting a better squad and[b] we're not going to do a QPR.[/b]
"It's a medium to long-term plan to get Burnley established one day in the Premier League......" This is Lancashire
Memory!!
WBA's former Center Half John Wile "I also lost another semi-final a few years later to QPR when a dreadful game was settled by a fluke goal from Clive Allen and it's never a great feeling to get so close to Wembley and then lose.
"I suppose we did better than 88 other teams, but it's horrible when you hear the other team down the corridor celebrating. Losers' dressing rooms can be the most depressing places on earth." Report
Burnley's Operational Director, Brendan Flood on Burnley's spending plans: "[W]e're continuing to make further commitments to the club, and I think everyone can see that we are getting a better squad and we're not going to do a QPR...." Hopefully "to do a QPR" is not going to become a perjorative!
This is Lanashire - Flood's transfer vow
BRENDAN Flood has stressed that Burnley will not be stretched beyond their financial limits during the January transfer window....
Operational director Flood has faith in Coyle's powers of negotiation to wheel and deal in his efforts to make Burnley a strong Championship force capable of pushing for the Premier League. But he has reiterated that the board aren't demanding overnight success.
"The key thing to remember is the transfer window involves a desire to forget everything that's been done over the past 12 months and focus on an amount of money that gets spent in this month," he said.
"Barry and I are committed guys and we're continuing to make further commitments to the club, and I think everyone can see that we are getting a better squad and[b] we're not going to do a QPR.[/b]
"It's a medium to long-term plan to get Burnley established one day in the Premier League......" This is Lancashire
Memory!!
WBA's former Center Half John Wile "I also lost another semi-final a few years later to QPR when a dreadful game was settled by a fluke goal from Clive Allen and it's never a great feeling to get so close to Wembley and then lose.
"I suppose we did better than 88 other teams, but it's horrible when you hear the other team down the corridor celebrating. Losers' dressing rooms can be the most depressing places on earth." Report
QPR's Former Defender Ian Gillard Profiled and Interviewed
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Another great profile and interview on the QPR Official Site. This time, QPR's Ian Gillard, who was part of QPR's 1972/73 promotion squad; QPR's 1975/76 "Championship" Team; and QPR's 1982 FA Cup Final team. (His last game QPR was in the Wembley replay.) Background: Recently turned 57; Given his debut by Tommy Docherty in November 1968 (at home to Nottingham Forest. Played 400+ times for QPR - Record). Also - Wikipedia/Gillard and Dave Barton's QPR Profile of Gillard
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - BLAST FROM THE PAST
In our latest instalment of exclusive past player interviews on www.qpr.co.uk, Ian Gillard comes under the spotlight.
Ian Gillard (1968-1982)
When Ian Gillard retired from playing football, he went to work in the Mars Bar factory and he put on so much weight that his former R's team mates thought he was eating up all the chocolate he was making!
"Yes I piled on a few stone," said Gilly.
"It was a different sort of living altogether for me. Football had been in my blood and then all of a sudden things changed and I was out in the big wide world.
"Some guys are quite lucky in that they can stay involved in sport and keep themselves in trim. But I took one look at my FA Cup Final shirts and my England shirts and thought 'how the hell did I ever fit into them?'"
Joking apart, Gillard was an accomplished left-back who joined Rangers as an apprentice in 1968 and went on to make nearly 500 appearances for the first team. He loved his time at Loftus Road.
He said: "It was a big part of my life. I had my ups and downs like most professional footballers, but I really enjoyed it at QPR. It was a good Club and very well run.
"We had a super Chairman in Jim Gregory. He knew exactly what he was doing business-wise. He was a bit of a devil when you tried to negotiate with him, but he understood how to rule a Football Club."
Gillard was an integral part of the great R's side that challenged for the League Championship in 1975/76 - and he still regrets missing out on a title medal.
"I felt that we deserved to win it. We were an attacking side that played lovely flowing football, but it wasn't to be. Liverpool pipped us by a point and it was a real disappointment for us.
"That was the best team I ever played in. They were good times and we had a host of quality players. There was an excellent balance throughout the squad.
"Dave Sexton was the finest Coach I ever worked with. He was top notch. Dave was a very private and quiet man, but all the players had so much respect for him."
Gilly's excellent form for the Super Hoops led to three full England appearances in the mid-1970's. He takes massive satisfaction when looking back on his international caps.
"I was very proud obviously. I was lucky as a few regulars in the squad like Kevin Beattie and Alan Kennedy got injured. So I got my chance and I was really chuffed to play for my country.
"It was just nice to be part of the set-up and be in the England squad as there were a lot of good players involved in those days. I was very honoured."
Snappy in the tackle and lethal on the overlap, Gillard was a formidable defender. He only scored 11 times for the Hoops, but one particular strike sticks in his mind.
"It was at home to Manchester United in September 1978. I still talk about it to this day as it was quite funny!
"Paddy Roche was in goal for United and I put the ball between his legs at the School End. It wasn't meant to be that way but I miss-hit my shot and it just happened!
"I didn't notch many goals in my career so to get one against Manchester United was quite a privilege really."
After completing 14 years with Rangers, Gillard bowed out at the very top. His last games for the Club were at Wembley Stadium in the 1982 FA Cup Final and Replay.
"We had two bites of the cherry against Spurs. We played on the Saturday and then the Replay was on the Thursday night. I knew that I was about to move on from QPR so it was a really good way for me to bow out.
"Tottenham dominated the first match and if wasn't for our keeper Peter Hucker, then we could have lost by two or three goals. But we got over that and Terry Fenwick headed the equaliser towards the end to make it 1-1.
"Then in the Replay, I thought we really did well. We had a good Manager in Terry Venables and he knew what was required to damage Spurs. The plan worked but unfortunately we didn't score, so it was a sad occasion to lose 1-0."
Gilly has had a varied life since leaving Rangers - both in football and in his existence beyond.
"I went to Aldershot as Player-Coach in July 1982. I retired from playing four years later but I stayed on the coaching staff at the Recreation Ground until 1990. We won promotion to the Third Division during my time there.
"But when you have played at the top, it is very hard to go down to the lower levels and I could see a contrast in the players' attitudes. It was so different that it really hit me, to be honest.
"After my time at Aldershot, I worked for Mars before I set up a cleaning company with my wife. It was just the two of us involved and it was very successful actually. But you get a little bit older and we decided to call it a day. So I have jacked that in and I am semi-retired."
Ian Gillard is now 57 years-old and lives in Surrey. He remains a firm follower of our beloved R's and wishes the Club every success.
"It is the first result I look for every week. QPR have always been close to my heart and I pop up to Loftus Road occasionally to watch games with my son or my wife.
"I don't want to see the team where they are at the moment in the lower half of the Championship. They have come through so many difficult years and I am hoping for an exciting future ahead under the new owners." QPR
Another great profile and interview on the QPR Official Site. This time, QPR's Ian Gillard, who was part of QPR's 1972/73 promotion squad; QPR's 1975/76 "Championship" Team; and QPR's 1982 FA Cup Final team. (His last game QPR was in the Wembley replay.) Background: Recently turned 57; Given his debut by Tommy Docherty in November 1968 (at home to Nottingham Forest. Played 400+ times for QPR - Record). Also - Wikipedia/Gillard and Dave Barton's QPR Profile of Gillard
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - BLAST FROM THE PAST
In our latest instalment of exclusive past player interviews on www.qpr.co.uk, Ian Gillard comes under the spotlight.
Ian Gillard (1968-1982)
When Ian Gillard retired from playing football, he went to work in the Mars Bar factory and he put on so much weight that his former R's team mates thought he was eating up all the chocolate he was making!
"Yes I piled on a few stone," said Gilly.
"It was a different sort of living altogether for me. Football had been in my blood and then all of a sudden things changed and I was out in the big wide world.
"Some guys are quite lucky in that they can stay involved in sport and keep themselves in trim. But I took one look at my FA Cup Final shirts and my England shirts and thought 'how the hell did I ever fit into them?'"
Joking apart, Gillard was an accomplished left-back who joined Rangers as an apprentice in 1968 and went on to make nearly 500 appearances for the first team. He loved his time at Loftus Road.
He said: "It was a big part of my life. I had my ups and downs like most professional footballers, but I really enjoyed it at QPR. It was a good Club and very well run.
"We had a super Chairman in Jim Gregory. He knew exactly what he was doing business-wise. He was a bit of a devil when you tried to negotiate with him, but he understood how to rule a Football Club."
Gillard was an integral part of the great R's side that challenged for the League Championship in 1975/76 - and he still regrets missing out on a title medal.
"I felt that we deserved to win it. We were an attacking side that played lovely flowing football, but it wasn't to be. Liverpool pipped us by a point and it was a real disappointment for us.
"That was the best team I ever played in. They were good times and we had a host of quality players. There was an excellent balance throughout the squad.
"Dave Sexton was the finest Coach I ever worked with. He was top notch. Dave was a very private and quiet man, but all the players had so much respect for him."
Gilly's excellent form for the Super Hoops led to three full England appearances in the mid-1970's. He takes massive satisfaction when looking back on his international caps.
"I was very proud obviously. I was lucky as a few regulars in the squad like Kevin Beattie and Alan Kennedy got injured. So I got my chance and I was really chuffed to play for my country.
"It was just nice to be part of the set-up and be in the England squad as there were a lot of good players involved in those days. I was very honoured."
Snappy in the tackle and lethal on the overlap, Gillard was a formidable defender. He only scored 11 times for the Hoops, but one particular strike sticks in his mind.
"It was at home to Manchester United in September 1978. I still talk about it to this day as it was quite funny!
"Paddy Roche was in goal for United and I put the ball between his legs at the School End. It wasn't meant to be that way but I miss-hit my shot and it just happened!
"I didn't notch many goals in my career so to get one against Manchester United was quite a privilege really."
After completing 14 years with Rangers, Gillard bowed out at the very top. His last games for the Club were at Wembley Stadium in the 1982 FA Cup Final and Replay.
"We had two bites of the cherry against Spurs. We played on the Saturday and then the Replay was on the Thursday night. I knew that I was about to move on from QPR so it was a really good way for me to bow out.
"Tottenham dominated the first match and if wasn't for our keeper Peter Hucker, then we could have lost by two or three goals. But we got over that and Terry Fenwick headed the equaliser towards the end to make it 1-1.
"Then in the Replay, I thought we really did well. We had a good Manager in Terry Venables and he knew what was required to damage Spurs. The plan worked but unfortunately we didn't score, so it was a sad occasion to lose 1-0."
Gilly has had a varied life since leaving Rangers - both in football and in his existence beyond.
"I went to Aldershot as Player-Coach in July 1982. I retired from playing four years later but I stayed on the coaching staff at the Recreation Ground until 1990. We won promotion to the Third Division during my time there.
"But when you have played at the top, it is very hard to go down to the lower levels and I could see a contrast in the players' attitudes. It was so different that it really hit me, to be honest.
"After my time at Aldershot, I worked for Mars before I set up a cleaning company with my wife. It was just the two of us involved and it was very successful actually. But you get a little bit older and we decided to call it a day. So I have jacked that in and I am semi-retired."
Ian Gillard is now 57 years-old and lives in Surrey. He remains a firm follower of our beloved R's and wishes the Club every success.
"It is the first result I look for every week. QPR have always been close to my heart and I pop up to Loftus Road occasionally to watch games with my son or my wife.
"I don't want to see the team where they are at the moment in the lower half of the Championship. They have come through so many difficult years and I am hoping for an exciting future ahead under the new owners." QPR
QPR Supposedly Want Aston VIlla Goalkeeper, Thomas Sorensen
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Mirror - Thomas Sorensen
Qpr will make a bid for out-of-favour Aston Villa keeper Thomas Sorensen after shelving plans to sign Dutchman Stefan Postma. Dane Sorensen, 31, is third choice at Villa Park and is set to be thrown a lifeline by Rangers. Mirror
The Sun - "QPR are set to bid for Aston Villa’s out-of-favour keeper THOMAS SORENSEN after shelving plans to sign Wolves’ Dutch stopper STEFAN POSTMA. " The Sun
BBC Gossip "QPR will make a bid for out-of-favour Aston Villa keeper Thomas Sorensen after shelving plans to sign Dutchman Stefan Postma. (Various) " BBC
See: Aston Villa Profile of Sorensen and Wikipedia Profile of
Mirror - Thomas Sorensen
Qpr will make a bid for out-of-favour Aston Villa keeper Thomas Sorensen after shelving plans to sign Dutchman Stefan Postma. Dane Sorensen, 31, is third choice at Villa Park and is set to be thrown a lifeline by Rangers. Mirror
The Sun - "QPR are set to bid for Aston Villa’s out-of-favour keeper THOMAS SORENSEN after shelving plans to sign Wolves’ Dutch stopper STEFAN POSTMA. " The Sun
BBC Gossip "QPR will make a bid for out-of-favour Aston Villa keeper Thomas Sorensen after shelving plans to sign Dutchman Stefan Postma. (Various) " BBC
See: Aston Villa Profile of Sorensen and Wikipedia Profile of
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Departures and Non-Arrivals including Nardiello to Barnsley on Loan
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UPDATE: Nardiello has gone out on loan for the rest of the season, returning to Barnsley.
As noted below, QPR have announced that Stefan Moore has "had his contract terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect." QPR Official. Meanwhile it's reported (as has been rumoured on the messageboards the last few days) that goalkeeper, Stefan Postma would not be signing for QPR.
QPR Official Site - LOAN RANGER
R's front-man Danny Nardiello has rejoined former Club Barnsley on loan until the end of the season.
The Welsh international, who joined Rangers on a free transfer in the summer after turning down an improved offer to stay at Oakwell, returns after making just eight appearances in all competitions for the R's.
Under the terms of the loan deal, Nardiello won't be able to play against QPR when the two sides meet at Oakwell on Saturday 16th February. QPR
BARNSLEY OFFICIAL SITE EXCLUSIVE - NARDIELLO BACK AT OAKWELL!!!
BARNSLEY manager Simon Davey has pulled off a sensational move in the transfer market to bring Oakwell favourite Daniel Nardiello back to the Club until the end of the season.
The Manchester United starlet was a massive hit on loan at Oakwell during the 2003/2004 campaign netting seven goals in 16 games before returning to Old Trafford. He came back to Barnsley in the summer of 2004 on a season-long loan deal that delighted supporters. Left out of the side for long periods, Daniel managed to net seven goals in 30 first team appearances before returning to Manchester United at the end of the season. Released by the Old Trafford club last summer, he signed a two-year deal at Oakwell in July 2005.
Daniel struggled for first team starts through the 2005/2006 season but ended the season in fine form bagging the winning goal against Huddersfield Town in the Play Off Semi Finals. He was also on target at the Millennium Stadium to take the clash with Swansea to a penalty shoot out.
Daniel enjoyed a memorable end to the 2006/2007 campaign when he hit form and fitness after another stop-start campaign. An end of season goal rush helped keep the Reds up and re-affirm the ex-Manchester United striker as an Oakwell favourite. He hit nine goals in 32 games in total.
Although in talks with the Reds last summer, Daniel opted to try his luck elsewhere and joined Queens Park Rangers on a free transfer. Injuries have limited him to just eight appearances for the Loftus Road club this season.
Daniel will stay with the Reds until the end of the 2007/2008 campaign although he will not be able to play against QPR at Oakwell on February 16, 2008.
Simon Davey told www.barnsleyfc.co.uk: "We are delighted to bring Daniel back to the Club.
"Daniel worked with us as a staff last season and excelled in the games he played. Daniel will make us more of a threat at a time when we need goals".
The relevant paperwork is now being completed and the deal is subject to registration with the football authorities.
Barnsley
BARNSLEY OFFICIAL SITE -DANIEL NARDIELLO - QPR PROFILE
QPR clinched the free transfer signing of Danny Nardiello in the summer of 2007.
The former Manchester United ace agreed a two year deal in W12, despite late interest from Championship rivals Norwich City. Nardiello, who scored seven goals in his final nine appearances for Barnsley last season, turned down an improved deal with the Tykes to link up with the R's.... Barnsley
NARDIELLO SPEAKS - Barnsley Official Site
NARDIELLO DELIGHTED TO HAVE SECOND CHANCE AT OAKWELL!!!
REDS new boy Daniel Nardiello is delighted to have a second chance at Oakwell.
Speaking exclusively to www.barnsleyfc.co.uk, Daniel said: "I am delighted that the manager and chairman here have given me a second chance and I just want to repay them by scoring goals. I know I have a lot to prove to some people at Barnsley but I cannot wait to get going here again.
"I am delighted to have this second chance and want to make the most of it. I am looking forward to coming back and pulling on a Barnsley shirt again.
"I don't know why things have not happened at Queens Park Rangers and to be honest I do regret going there from a footballing point of view. I picked up an injury at the start of the season and the change of manager has not helped me. I just want to play football and score goals.
"It has been a good experience for me to try something else but with hindsight maybe I made the wrong choice in the summer. I just want to play. Barnsley have given me a second chance now and I am determined to repay that with goals.
"It was a very tough decision in summer and I know it upset a lot of people. Some supporters will not be happy to see me back but I am determined to prove them all wrong by scoring goals. I am here to work hard and score as many goals as I can. I cannot wait to get going.
"I have spent the last few weeks training as hard as I possibly could and have done a lot of running work. I am fit and raring to get back on the pitch.
"Hopefully I will be able to play at Southend this Friday. We did very well there last season in a big relegation battle. I managed to score twice that day and it was a great feeling and a great result.
"Coming back to Barnsley is brilliant and this is the only place I want to play my football now. I am delighted to be back". Barnsley
Daily Mail/This is London -Postma snubbed by QPR as he fails to deliver
Stefan Postma's proposed move to Queens Park Rangers has fallen through after he failed to impress during a trial.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper was believed to be on the verge of signing a one-and-a-half-year deal.
But a club source said today: "It doesn't look like the deal will be going through now..." . Daily Mail
Meanwhile it's reported that the winger, Kieron St Aimie, recently released by QPR will be signing for Barnet. Report
UPDATE: Nardiello has gone out on loan for the rest of the season, returning to Barnsley.
As noted below, QPR have announced that Stefan Moore has "had his contract terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect." QPR Official. Meanwhile it's reported (as has been rumoured on the messageboards the last few days) that goalkeeper, Stefan Postma would not be signing for QPR.
QPR Official Site - LOAN RANGER
R's front-man Danny Nardiello has rejoined former Club Barnsley on loan until the end of the season.
The Welsh international, who joined Rangers on a free transfer in the summer after turning down an improved offer to stay at Oakwell, returns after making just eight appearances in all competitions for the R's.
Under the terms of the loan deal, Nardiello won't be able to play against QPR when the two sides meet at Oakwell on Saturday 16th February. QPR
BARNSLEY OFFICIAL SITE EXCLUSIVE - NARDIELLO BACK AT OAKWELL!!!
BARNSLEY manager Simon Davey has pulled off a sensational move in the transfer market to bring Oakwell favourite Daniel Nardiello back to the Club until the end of the season.
The Manchester United starlet was a massive hit on loan at Oakwell during the 2003/2004 campaign netting seven goals in 16 games before returning to Old Trafford. He came back to Barnsley in the summer of 2004 on a season-long loan deal that delighted supporters. Left out of the side for long periods, Daniel managed to net seven goals in 30 first team appearances before returning to Manchester United at the end of the season. Released by the Old Trafford club last summer, he signed a two-year deal at Oakwell in July 2005.
Daniel struggled for first team starts through the 2005/2006 season but ended the season in fine form bagging the winning goal against Huddersfield Town in the Play Off Semi Finals. He was also on target at the Millennium Stadium to take the clash with Swansea to a penalty shoot out.
Daniel enjoyed a memorable end to the 2006/2007 campaign when he hit form and fitness after another stop-start campaign. An end of season goal rush helped keep the Reds up and re-affirm the ex-Manchester United striker as an Oakwell favourite. He hit nine goals in 32 games in total.
Although in talks with the Reds last summer, Daniel opted to try his luck elsewhere and joined Queens Park Rangers on a free transfer. Injuries have limited him to just eight appearances for the Loftus Road club this season.
Daniel will stay with the Reds until the end of the 2007/2008 campaign although he will not be able to play against QPR at Oakwell on February 16, 2008.
Simon Davey told www.barnsleyfc.co.uk: "We are delighted to bring Daniel back to the Club.
"Daniel worked with us as a staff last season and excelled in the games he played. Daniel will make us more of a threat at a time when we need goals".
The relevant paperwork is now being completed and the deal is subject to registration with the football authorities.
Barnsley
BARNSLEY OFFICIAL SITE -DANIEL NARDIELLO - QPR PROFILE
QPR clinched the free transfer signing of Danny Nardiello in the summer of 2007.
The former Manchester United ace agreed a two year deal in W12, despite late interest from Championship rivals Norwich City. Nardiello, who scored seven goals in his final nine appearances for Barnsley last season, turned down an improved deal with the Tykes to link up with the R's.... Barnsley
NARDIELLO SPEAKS - Barnsley Official Site
NARDIELLO DELIGHTED TO HAVE SECOND CHANCE AT OAKWELL!!!
REDS new boy Daniel Nardiello is delighted to have a second chance at Oakwell.
Speaking exclusively to www.barnsleyfc.co.uk, Daniel said: "I am delighted that the manager and chairman here have given me a second chance and I just want to repay them by scoring goals. I know I have a lot to prove to some people at Barnsley but I cannot wait to get going here again.
"I am delighted to have this second chance and want to make the most of it. I am looking forward to coming back and pulling on a Barnsley shirt again.
"I don't know why things have not happened at Queens Park Rangers and to be honest I do regret going there from a footballing point of view. I picked up an injury at the start of the season and the change of manager has not helped me. I just want to play football and score goals.
"It has been a good experience for me to try something else but with hindsight maybe I made the wrong choice in the summer. I just want to play. Barnsley have given me a second chance now and I am determined to repay that with goals.
"It was a very tough decision in summer and I know it upset a lot of people. Some supporters will not be happy to see me back but I am determined to prove them all wrong by scoring goals. I am here to work hard and score as many goals as I can. I cannot wait to get going.
"I have spent the last few weeks training as hard as I possibly could and have done a lot of running work. I am fit and raring to get back on the pitch.
"Hopefully I will be able to play at Southend this Friday. We did very well there last season in a big relegation battle. I managed to score twice that day and it was a great feeling and a great result.
"Coming back to Barnsley is brilliant and this is the only place I want to play my football now. I am delighted to be back". Barnsley
Daily Mail/This is London -Postma snubbed by QPR as he fails to deliver
Stefan Postma's proposed move to Queens Park Rangers has fallen through after he failed to impress during a trial.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper was believed to be on the verge of signing a one-and-a-half-year deal.
But a club source said today: "It doesn't look like the deal will be going through now..." . Daily Mail
Meanwhile it's reported that the winger, Kieron St Aimie, recently released by QPR will be signing for Barnet. Report
Ainsworth and Bignot Proving Their Character...Stefan Moore Leaves QPR
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Update: Stefan Moore departs QPR
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - MOORE DEPARTS
Striker Stefan Moore has today (Wednesday) had his contract terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect....Queens Park Rangers Football Club would like to place on record its thanks to Stefan for his contribution during his time at Loftus Road and wish him all the best for the future." QPR
Gareth Ainsworth/Kilburn Times- Step on the Gaz 23 January 2008
I ALWAYS thought it would really hurt the day I was fully fit and left out of the squad on matchday.
Last Saturday was the first time that had happened in my career - but, although I'd obviously rather be playing, I felt fine about being out of the 16.
That's because the gaffer's made it clear that he wants me involved. He's told me to be in the dressing room before the game, at half-time and after the final whistle, whether I'm playing or not.
As the senior player in the squad, I enjoy trying to get the younger lads up for the challenge and inspire them. I'm pleased that the gaffer feels I can contribute off the pitch as well as on it. That's something I'd like to think about doing in the future too.
It also says a lot about the gaffer's man-management - and even though his speeches are through a translator, the words are always poignant and from the heart.
When you're younger and left out of the side, there's a tendency to hope someone else will have a bad game, but when you're a bit older you get behind the lads 100 per cent and egg them on as much as anyone else.
I think the squad's really showing its strength in depth - plus we had probably the youngest subs' bench I've ever seen and that bodes well for the future of the club.
We looked comfortable for most of the game and it was good to see two of the newer signings scoring, particularly Pat Agyemang, who I knew from our Wimbledon days.
Even I raised my eyebrows when we signed Pat - he'd never been a 15 to 20 goals a season player - but I can see he's matured and may be the regular scorer that you need if you want to get promoted.
There have been massive changes since the last time we played Cardiff - but maybe the biggest of those has been attitude and spirit.
The gaffer's been instilling a mentality that makes you stop counting how far above the bottom three we are. Now we're looking at the table and working out how many teams we could overtake next week, or how many wins will put us into the top 10.
I think we can definitely pick up another at Cardiff next Tuesday. At the start of the season they looked one of the favourites in this league, but maybe they have talented individuals instead of a team.
We are a team - and I feel very much part of it, whether I'm wearing the shirt or not. Kilburn Times
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Biggy backs Rs for the big time
MARCUS Bignot is predicting Premier League football for QPR - as he begins life after Loftus Road with the familiar scenario of a relegation battle.
The popular full-back captained Rangers as they escaped the drop into League One last season and believes that achievement has paved the way for future success.
Bignot, who signed for Millwall on a free transfer last week, told the Times: "I take great satisfaction from what we achieved last year and I look on it as such an important part of the club's history.
"The manner in which we stayed up was very satisfying, playing some good football - and, if we hadn't, I don't think there would have been a club to kick off the new season before the new investors came in.
"I feel it was the springboard for what's going on now and it's only a matter of time before QPR are back in the Premier League.
"I'll be delighted when that happens because it's something everyone at the club has been craving for so long."
Now Bignot, 33, is aiming to repeat the trick as he - along with several familiar faces - strives to lift Millwall out of the bottom four in League One.
Former QPR number two Kenny Jackett took charge at the New Den earlier this season, while Joe Gallen and Bobby Bacic have since joined the backroom staff.
Bignot spent two months on loan with the Lions before signing a two and a half year contract and admitted: "My agent worked hard, talking to other clubs - that's his job - and there was interest from elsewhere.
"But if I was going to leave QPR, the only club I wanted to play for was Millwall.
"There's a lot happening in this part of London, especially with the Olympics in 2012, and I didn't want to flit around for the rest of my career.
"I want to get myself up to 500 appearances and I want to do that in the Championship.
"Kenny was so instrumental alongside Ollie when we won promotion at QPR and, having worked with him before, I can only see him doing good things for Millwall.
"We want to get into the Championship, but first and foremost we've got to stay in this division.
"Hopefully that can be the start of things and I've seen it, done it, worn the T-shirt!"
It seemed Bignot's QPR career - totalling four and a half years in two separate spells - would at least continue until the end of this season after he agreed a one-year contract extension last summer.
But the former skipper made just one appearance this season, as a second-half substitute in Rangers' Carling Cup defeat by Leyton Orient, and added: "I wish I'd had a final game, to say goodbye to the supporters.
"I had a great career at QPR and I'd like to thank the supporters, as well as everyone I worked with - players, staff and everyone else.
"I'm a realist and I don't bear any grudges, but I went out the back door, so to speak, and that's my only regret. Kilburn Times
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times re Leigertwood "- Mikele glad to be mixing it again
MIKELE Leigertwood has vowed he will not change his style of play just to avoid collecting another lengthy ban this season.
The combative midfielder finally returned to the QPR side last Saturday for the 2-0 win over Barnsley, having served a five-match suspension after his Boxing Day red card at Plymouth.
That dismissal, which came after Leigertwood launched a verbal volley towards referee Steve Bratt at the end of a controversial match, was his second since joining Rangers in late August.
Athird in the coming months would land Leigertwood in serious trouble, but the player insisted: "I don't smash people. I just make honest tackles, and that's an important part of my game.
"What I said to the referee at Plymouth was just my passion for the game coming out and, if you don't have that, there's no point in being involved in football.
"Of course I was annoyed with myself because I knew I'd be missing the FA Cup game against Chelsea - and then I couldn't play in the next game against my old club Sheffield United, which I was really looking forward to."
In Leigertwood's absence, QPR have embarked on the biggest spending spree in their history, with eight permanent signings joining the squad at an estimated cost of around £6m.
Among the new arrivals was defensive midfielder Gavin Mahon, while Simon Walton has returned to the squad after missing four months with a broken leg.
That meant Leigertwood's return to the starting line-up against Barnsley was by no means guaranteed and the ex-Wimbledon and Crystal Palace man admitted: "There's always that doubt at the back of your head.
"We're trying to build a strong squad at the moment and there are a lot of fresh faces, so there's always someone to come in when there are injuries and suspensions.
"That means that nobody is missed, but I want the club to do well and I wouldn't rant and rave if I hadn't been back in the team.
"It felt like a very long time and, having not played for a few weeks, I found the adrenaline was buzzing - it got me chasing around and trying to close down the goalkeeper, which is something I don't normally do.
"Barnsley came and set up with one up front, which showed their intentions, but they passed the ball well without really hurting us. The main thing was that we got the three points."
Now Leigertwood - who played for Palace during their incredible spring surge of 2004, when they went from the relegation zone to winning the play-offs, is aiming to nudge his current club up the Championship table as quickly as possible.
With a blank Saturday due to the FA Cup fourth round, Rangers return to action next Tuesday when they travel to face Cardiff at Ninian Park.
Leigertwood observed: "We have to respect Cardiff - they almost beat West Brom in their last league game - but we have to approach this in a positive manner, that's what Luigi de Canio has made clear to us.
"With the squad we've got now, I don't think we should be fearful of anyone. Only a few weeks ago, people would be looking at fixtures and thinking 'QPR are going to lose'.
"But now I think people can see there's a bit more quality from the way we've been approaching games. Everything's changing quite quickly, but hopefully for the better. Kilburn Times
Also: Richard Pacquette hopes to return to the Football League
"...I look at every game as being in the shop window - hopefully I can show people I'm still about, still hungry and I want to get back into the league.
"I've never lost hope of getting back there and seeing what people like [ex-Yeading striker] DJ Campbell have done has given me more drive to keep going....
"[The Millenium Final]t was definitely the highlight of my career at QPR.
"I was so happy the day before when Ollie told me I was starting in the final. We had a tight unit at QPR and Cardiff was a great experience - it was just a shame about the result.
"I still speak to Paul Furlong quite a bit - he was always someone who helped me and gave me advice, and I'm also in contact with people like Terrell Forbes and Marcus Bean.
"But every footballer wants to play at places like Liverpool and I think the opportunity to be part of this is just going to edge it over the play-off final..." - Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times
Update: Stefan Moore departs QPR
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - MOORE DEPARTS
Striker Stefan Moore has today (Wednesday) had his contract terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect....Queens Park Rangers Football Club would like to place on record its thanks to Stefan for his contribution during his time at Loftus Road and wish him all the best for the future." QPR
Gareth Ainsworth/Kilburn Times- Step on the Gaz 23 January 2008
I ALWAYS thought it would really hurt the day I was fully fit and left out of the squad on matchday.
Last Saturday was the first time that had happened in my career - but, although I'd obviously rather be playing, I felt fine about being out of the 16.
That's because the gaffer's made it clear that he wants me involved. He's told me to be in the dressing room before the game, at half-time and after the final whistle, whether I'm playing or not.
As the senior player in the squad, I enjoy trying to get the younger lads up for the challenge and inspire them. I'm pleased that the gaffer feels I can contribute off the pitch as well as on it. That's something I'd like to think about doing in the future too.
It also says a lot about the gaffer's man-management - and even though his speeches are through a translator, the words are always poignant and from the heart.
When you're younger and left out of the side, there's a tendency to hope someone else will have a bad game, but when you're a bit older you get behind the lads 100 per cent and egg them on as much as anyone else.
I think the squad's really showing its strength in depth - plus we had probably the youngest subs' bench I've ever seen and that bodes well for the future of the club.
We looked comfortable for most of the game and it was good to see two of the newer signings scoring, particularly Pat Agyemang, who I knew from our Wimbledon days.
Even I raised my eyebrows when we signed Pat - he'd never been a 15 to 20 goals a season player - but I can see he's matured and may be the regular scorer that you need if you want to get promoted.
There have been massive changes since the last time we played Cardiff - but maybe the biggest of those has been attitude and spirit.
The gaffer's been instilling a mentality that makes you stop counting how far above the bottom three we are. Now we're looking at the table and working out how many teams we could overtake next week, or how many wins will put us into the top 10.
I think we can definitely pick up another at Cardiff next Tuesday. At the start of the season they looked one of the favourites in this league, but maybe they have talented individuals instead of a team.
We are a team - and I feel very much part of it, whether I'm wearing the shirt or not. Kilburn Times
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Biggy backs Rs for the big time
MARCUS Bignot is predicting Premier League football for QPR - as he begins life after Loftus Road with the familiar scenario of a relegation battle.
The popular full-back captained Rangers as they escaped the drop into League One last season and believes that achievement has paved the way for future success.
Bignot, who signed for Millwall on a free transfer last week, told the Times: "I take great satisfaction from what we achieved last year and I look on it as such an important part of the club's history.
"The manner in which we stayed up was very satisfying, playing some good football - and, if we hadn't, I don't think there would have been a club to kick off the new season before the new investors came in.
"I feel it was the springboard for what's going on now and it's only a matter of time before QPR are back in the Premier League.
"I'll be delighted when that happens because it's something everyone at the club has been craving for so long."
Now Bignot, 33, is aiming to repeat the trick as he - along with several familiar faces - strives to lift Millwall out of the bottom four in League One.
Former QPR number two Kenny Jackett took charge at the New Den earlier this season, while Joe Gallen and Bobby Bacic have since joined the backroom staff.
Bignot spent two months on loan with the Lions before signing a two and a half year contract and admitted: "My agent worked hard, talking to other clubs - that's his job - and there was interest from elsewhere.
"But if I was going to leave QPR, the only club I wanted to play for was Millwall.
"There's a lot happening in this part of London, especially with the Olympics in 2012, and I didn't want to flit around for the rest of my career.
"I want to get myself up to 500 appearances and I want to do that in the Championship.
"Kenny was so instrumental alongside Ollie when we won promotion at QPR and, having worked with him before, I can only see him doing good things for Millwall.
"We want to get into the Championship, but first and foremost we've got to stay in this division.
"Hopefully that can be the start of things and I've seen it, done it, worn the T-shirt!"
It seemed Bignot's QPR career - totalling four and a half years in two separate spells - would at least continue until the end of this season after he agreed a one-year contract extension last summer.
But the former skipper made just one appearance this season, as a second-half substitute in Rangers' Carling Cup defeat by Leyton Orient, and added: "I wish I'd had a final game, to say goodbye to the supporters.
"I had a great career at QPR and I'd like to thank the supporters, as well as everyone I worked with - players, staff and everyone else.
"I'm a realist and I don't bear any grudges, but I went out the back door, so to speak, and that's my only regret. Kilburn Times
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times re Leigertwood "- Mikele glad to be mixing it again
MIKELE Leigertwood has vowed he will not change his style of play just to avoid collecting another lengthy ban this season.
The combative midfielder finally returned to the QPR side last Saturday for the 2-0 win over Barnsley, having served a five-match suspension after his Boxing Day red card at Plymouth.
That dismissal, which came after Leigertwood launched a verbal volley towards referee Steve Bratt at the end of a controversial match, was his second since joining Rangers in late August.
Athird in the coming months would land Leigertwood in serious trouble, but the player insisted: "I don't smash people. I just make honest tackles, and that's an important part of my game.
"What I said to the referee at Plymouth was just my passion for the game coming out and, if you don't have that, there's no point in being involved in football.
"Of course I was annoyed with myself because I knew I'd be missing the FA Cup game against Chelsea - and then I couldn't play in the next game against my old club Sheffield United, which I was really looking forward to."
In Leigertwood's absence, QPR have embarked on the biggest spending spree in their history, with eight permanent signings joining the squad at an estimated cost of around £6m.
Among the new arrivals was defensive midfielder Gavin Mahon, while Simon Walton has returned to the squad after missing four months with a broken leg.
That meant Leigertwood's return to the starting line-up against Barnsley was by no means guaranteed and the ex-Wimbledon and Crystal Palace man admitted: "There's always that doubt at the back of your head.
"We're trying to build a strong squad at the moment and there are a lot of fresh faces, so there's always someone to come in when there are injuries and suspensions.
"That means that nobody is missed, but I want the club to do well and I wouldn't rant and rave if I hadn't been back in the team.
"It felt like a very long time and, having not played for a few weeks, I found the adrenaline was buzzing - it got me chasing around and trying to close down the goalkeeper, which is something I don't normally do.
"Barnsley came and set up with one up front, which showed their intentions, but they passed the ball well without really hurting us. The main thing was that we got the three points."
Now Leigertwood - who played for Palace during their incredible spring surge of 2004, when they went from the relegation zone to winning the play-offs, is aiming to nudge his current club up the Championship table as quickly as possible.
With a blank Saturday due to the FA Cup fourth round, Rangers return to action next Tuesday when they travel to face Cardiff at Ninian Park.
Leigertwood observed: "We have to respect Cardiff - they almost beat West Brom in their last league game - but we have to approach this in a positive manner, that's what Luigi de Canio has made clear to us.
"With the squad we've got now, I don't think we should be fearful of anyone. Only a few weeks ago, people would be looking at fixtures and thinking 'QPR are going to lose'.
"But now I think people can see there's a bit more quality from the way we've been approaching games. Everything's changing quite quickly, but hopefully for the better. Kilburn Times
Also: Richard Pacquette hopes to return to the Football League
"...I look at every game as being in the shop window - hopefully I can show people I'm still about, still hungry and I want to get back into the league.
"I've never lost hope of getting back there and seeing what people like [ex-Yeading striker] DJ Campbell have done has given me more drive to keep going....
"[The Millenium Final]t was definitely the highlight of my career at QPR.
"I was so happy the day before when Ollie told me I was starting in the final. We had a tight unit at QPR and Cardiff was a great experience - it was just a shame about the result.
"I still speak to Paul Furlong quite a bit - he was always someone who helped me and gave me advice, and I'm also in contact with people like Terrell Forbes and Marcus Bean.
"But every footballer wants to play at places like Liverpool and I think the opportunity to be part of this is just going to edge it over the play-off final..." - Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times
Two Italy-Experienced Managers: QPR's De Canio and Fulham's Hodgson: Compared and Contrasted
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Sportstar - KICKING AROUND / BRIAN GLANVILLE COLUMN
From Italy to West London
Beginning with the local club, first as player, then as manager, Luigi De Canio slowly and doggedly made his way up the Italian football ladder.
We now have two contrasting managers in West London with Italian experience. Yet it is Luigi De Canio, the relatively unknown manager of “Championship” (i.e. 2nd Division) Queens Park Rangers, who appears to have the more promising job; Roy Hodgson, once manager of powerful Inter, manager of the outstanding Swiss World Cup finals team of 1994, most recently coach to the excellent Finland team which showed such resilience in a European qualifying group including Poland, Portugal and Serbia, who has the heavier burden to carry, a few miles across West London, at Fulham. Who, just a few years ago, shared the QPR stadium at Shepherds Bush, while their own Craven Cottage was being renovated.
But while Roy, turning down the chance to return to Inter and their ever admiring President, Massimo Moratti, as a senior executive, has inherited a Fulham team lacking, as he agrees, in confidence, far too open in defence, unincisive in attack, De Canio suddenly finds himself backed by three enormously wealthy men. The last of whom to arrive, Lakshmi Mittal, is possibly the richest man in the world. With wealth which dwarfs even that of Chelsea’s billionaire oligarch owner, Roman Abramovich. Greatly to the amusement of the QPR fans who went in loud and noisy numbers to the recent FA Cup tie at Chelsea.
In just that week, QPR, with their new money, had made half a dozen new signings and deployed them all in that match, some as substitutes. Note that none of these players is what you might call a star. That, no doubt, will come later when QPR have definitively escaped the prospect of relegation from which De Canio was steadily piloting them before the new money and the new players arrived. Fifty years old, he can hardly be compared with the likes of his compatriots Fabio Capello or Marcello Lippi. Nor with Francesco Guidolin, a much more prominent figure who, it was rumoured initially, would be coming to QPR; but didn’t, preferring to take another Italian Serie A club.
It is especially intriguing to know that the amiable, modest, dedicated De Canio comes from the little town of Matera deep in the south of Italy. When I visited it back in 1955, people were still notoriously living in the caves of Sasso Caveoso. Generous and hospitable they were.
Beginning with the local club, first as player, then as manager, De Canio slowly and doggedly made his way up the Italian football ladder. He has roamed the length and breadth of the Peninsula, from Udinese in the North East — he did well with them in Serie A — to Napoli in the South West; he almost won them promotion to Serie A. Quite plainly he will never have had so much money to spend; but then, on the face of it, who has?
Weird, though, to find Ray Wilkins, formerly of England, Chelsea and QPR, whom he later managed, lamenting the possible loss of the “little bit of the heart and family atmosphere.” This, of the club where, in August, the Chairman, Italian Paladino, claimed to have been threatened in his office before a game by a director with a gun, forcing him to sign a resignation statement. But when the case came to criminal court, it was simply dismissed.
De Canio said after the Chelsea game that though he was satisfied with the way the team had performed — which was indeed impressive given the influx of debutant players — he was still looking for improvement. With his last Italian club, he saved Siena in Serie A; having initially managed them many years ago when they were in Serie C. As he also saved another unfashionable club, Reggina, from the same fate. He seems to have liked it wherever in Italy he went; and Italy is a country of extreme contrasts. Naples and Reggio Calabria are cities of explosive temperament, but he liked the fans in both places. And he found the more reserved and taciturn North Easterners in Udinese very like the people of his native Matera, so much farther South.
He admires English football, and even makes a case for the speed at which it tends to be played, its agonismo, or combativeness. He still doesn’t speak English but neither does Fabio Capello who has just taken over the England team. So they must rely on interpreters who, however bilingual, tend to miss the subtleties of what is said.
Roy Hodgson, in his second season at Inter, once upbraided the local football journalists for daring to give Inter as favourites for the Campionato, when, he insisted, Juventus and Milan were far better placed. Later, having said that he would give all his Press interviews in English rather than Italian, he’d clash with the reporters again, declaring that he had never been so scurrilously treated.
Yet things at Inter had begun so well. Hodgson had made his name in Swede, winning five championships in a row with Malmo, and knocking Inter out of the European Cup in the process. This won him the admiration of the late Giacinto Facchetti, once the towering, goal-scoring left-back for Inter and Italy but by then a senior official. I remember standing with Facchetti at Appiano Gentile, watching Roy train his men. Facchetti remarked that when he did so, Roy was so drawn into his work that he almost lost track of time. It is plainly this desire for day to day training contact with his troops — something he couldn’t have as an international manager with Switzerland and Finland — which made him take the Fulham job, when a so much easier life was beckoning him at Inter.
Massimo Moratti, son of the powerful oil magnate Angelo, notoriously complicit in Inter’s campaign to bribe referees in Europe, but free from suspicion himself, actually sacked Roy in his second season. One in which after a 3-1 home lead against Sampdoria had turned into a 4-3 defeat, resulting in a violent siege of the dressing rooms by outraged fans. Roy took over Blackburn Rovers, got sixth place in his first season, was sacked in the second. Can he keep Fulham up? Sportstar
Sportstar - KICKING AROUND / BRIAN GLANVILLE COLUMN
From Italy to West London
Beginning with the local club, first as player, then as manager, Luigi De Canio slowly and doggedly made his way up the Italian football ladder.
We now have two contrasting managers in West London with Italian experience. Yet it is Luigi De Canio, the relatively unknown manager of “Championship” (i.e. 2nd Division) Queens Park Rangers, who appears to have the more promising job; Roy Hodgson, once manager of powerful Inter, manager of the outstanding Swiss World Cup finals team of 1994, most recently coach to the excellent Finland team which showed such resilience in a European qualifying group including Poland, Portugal and Serbia, who has the heavier burden to carry, a few miles across West London, at Fulham. Who, just a few years ago, shared the QPR stadium at Shepherds Bush, while their own Craven Cottage was being renovated.
But while Roy, turning down the chance to return to Inter and their ever admiring President, Massimo Moratti, as a senior executive, has inherited a Fulham team lacking, as he agrees, in confidence, far too open in defence, unincisive in attack, De Canio suddenly finds himself backed by three enormously wealthy men. The last of whom to arrive, Lakshmi Mittal, is possibly the richest man in the world. With wealth which dwarfs even that of Chelsea’s billionaire oligarch owner, Roman Abramovich. Greatly to the amusement of the QPR fans who went in loud and noisy numbers to the recent FA Cup tie at Chelsea.
In just that week, QPR, with their new money, had made half a dozen new signings and deployed them all in that match, some as substitutes. Note that none of these players is what you might call a star. That, no doubt, will come later when QPR have definitively escaped the prospect of relegation from which De Canio was steadily piloting them before the new money and the new players arrived. Fifty years old, he can hardly be compared with the likes of his compatriots Fabio Capello or Marcello Lippi. Nor with Francesco Guidolin, a much more prominent figure who, it was rumoured initially, would be coming to QPR; but didn’t, preferring to take another Italian Serie A club.
It is especially intriguing to know that the amiable, modest, dedicated De Canio comes from the little town of Matera deep in the south of Italy. When I visited it back in 1955, people were still notoriously living in the caves of Sasso Caveoso. Generous and hospitable they were.
Beginning with the local club, first as player, then as manager, De Canio slowly and doggedly made his way up the Italian football ladder. He has roamed the length and breadth of the Peninsula, from Udinese in the North East — he did well with them in Serie A — to Napoli in the South West; he almost won them promotion to Serie A. Quite plainly he will never have had so much money to spend; but then, on the face of it, who has?
Weird, though, to find Ray Wilkins, formerly of England, Chelsea and QPR, whom he later managed, lamenting the possible loss of the “little bit of the heart and family atmosphere.” This, of the club where, in August, the Chairman, Italian Paladino, claimed to have been threatened in his office before a game by a director with a gun, forcing him to sign a resignation statement. But when the case came to criminal court, it was simply dismissed.
De Canio said after the Chelsea game that though he was satisfied with the way the team had performed — which was indeed impressive given the influx of debutant players — he was still looking for improvement. With his last Italian club, he saved Siena in Serie A; having initially managed them many years ago when they were in Serie C. As he also saved another unfashionable club, Reggina, from the same fate. He seems to have liked it wherever in Italy he went; and Italy is a country of extreme contrasts. Naples and Reggio Calabria are cities of explosive temperament, but he liked the fans in both places. And he found the more reserved and taciturn North Easterners in Udinese very like the people of his native Matera, so much farther South.
He admires English football, and even makes a case for the speed at which it tends to be played, its agonismo, or combativeness. He still doesn’t speak English but neither does Fabio Capello who has just taken over the England team. So they must rely on interpreters who, however bilingual, tend to miss the subtleties of what is said.
Roy Hodgson, in his second season at Inter, once upbraided the local football journalists for daring to give Inter as favourites for the Campionato, when, he insisted, Juventus and Milan were far better placed. Later, having said that he would give all his Press interviews in English rather than Italian, he’d clash with the reporters again, declaring that he had never been so scurrilously treated.
Yet things at Inter had begun so well. Hodgson had made his name in Swede, winning five championships in a row with Malmo, and knocking Inter out of the European Cup in the process. This won him the admiration of the late Giacinto Facchetti, once the towering, goal-scoring left-back for Inter and Italy but by then a senior official. I remember standing with Facchetti at Appiano Gentile, watching Roy train his men. Facchetti remarked that when he did so, Roy was so drawn into his work that he almost lost track of time. It is plainly this desire for day to day training contact with his troops — something he couldn’t have as an international manager with Switzerland and Finland — which made him take the Fulham job, when a so much easier life was beckoning him at Inter.
Massimo Moratti, son of the powerful oil magnate Angelo, notoriously complicit in Inter’s campaign to bribe referees in Europe, but free from suspicion himself, actually sacked Roy in his second season. One in which after a 3-1 home lead against Sampdoria had turned into a 4-3 defeat, resulting in a violent siege of the dressing rooms by outraged fans. Roy took over Blackburn Rovers, got sixth place in his first season, was sacked in the second. Can he keep Fulham up? Sportstar
Alleged QPR Transfer Target Happy For Now
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Setanta/Tom Adams - Radek revelling in Spurs run
After helping Tottenham Hotspur secure such a memorable win over arch-rivals Arsenal on Tuesday night, Radek Cerny told setantasports.com he is happy with his new status as the club's number one goalkeeper.
The Czech international was brought into Juande Ramos' starting XI at the expense of Paul Robinson for the Carling Cup semi-final, first leg draw at Emirates Stadium on January 9 and, five games and four goals conceded later, was celebrating being part of a Spurs side that wrote their name into local folklore with a 5-1 destruction of their near-neighbours in the return fixture at White Hart Lane.
Cerny has looked assured in the role since displacing England's Robinson, and will now be targeting a prolonged run in the side in the long build-up to the Carling Cup final at Wembley on February 24, starting with Sunday's trip to Manchester United in The Premier League.
Whilst he is adopting the old adage of 'taking each game as it comes', understandably given has played just 14 times in his two-and-a-half-year career in North London, the keeper who has been linked with a move to free-spending QPR admits he is currently delighted to be playing a key role for Ramos and his quickly improving side.
"Yes [I am happy] because now we are playing a third game [in a row] where I am playing and we have won, that is very important," Cerny told setantasports.com.
"Especially because Tottenham have not won against Arsenal for nine years, and the supporters were unbelievable.
"It is difficult to say now [if he will keep his place], but I always look just one game, which is next."...
"It was perfect [in the dressing room], everyone was so happy because we beat Arsenal 5-1," Cerny continued.
"It is not just for me, for everyone, I feel everyone is so happy about the win, especially against Arsenal.
"Now we have to think about the next game against Manchester United on Sunday and still there are a lot of games.
"I think [Wembley] is one of the best stadiums in the world but the final game is on the 24th and that is still a long way." Setanta
Setanta/Tom Adams - Radek revelling in Spurs run
After helping Tottenham Hotspur secure such a memorable win over arch-rivals Arsenal on Tuesday night, Radek Cerny told setantasports.com he is happy with his new status as the club's number one goalkeeper.
The Czech international was brought into Juande Ramos' starting XI at the expense of Paul Robinson for the Carling Cup semi-final, first leg draw at Emirates Stadium on January 9 and, five games and four goals conceded later, was celebrating being part of a Spurs side that wrote their name into local folklore with a 5-1 destruction of their near-neighbours in the return fixture at White Hart Lane.
Cerny has looked assured in the role since displacing England's Robinson, and will now be targeting a prolonged run in the side in the long build-up to the Carling Cup final at Wembley on February 24, starting with Sunday's trip to Manchester United in The Premier League.
Whilst he is adopting the old adage of 'taking each game as it comes', understandably given has played just 14 times in his two-and-a-half-year career in North London, the keeper who has been linked with a move to free-spending QPR admits he is currently delighted to be playing a key role for Ramos and his quickly improving side.
"Yes [I am happy] because now we are playing a third game [in a row] where I am playing and we have won, that is very important," Cerny told setantasports.com.
"Especially because Tottenham have not won against Arsenal for nine years, and the supporters were unbelievable.
"It is difficult to say now [if he will keep his place], but I always look just one game, which is next."...
"It was perfect [in the dressing room], everyone was so happy because we beat Arsenal 5-1," Cerny continued.
"It is not just for me, for everyone, I feel everyone is so happy about the win, especially against Arsenal.
"Now we have to think about the next game against Manchester United on Sunday and still there are a lot of games.
"I think [Wembley] is one of the best stadiums in the world but the final game is on the 24th and that is still a long way." Setanta
Snippets: Barker Injury Update...Paying to Play at Loftus Road: Football Aid...Ex-QPR Royce, Sent off
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Who knew? Best of luck to him.
QPR Official Site - BARKER UNDERGOES OP
Chris Barker is already making good progress after undergoing his second hernia operation of the season on Tuesday morning.
The 27-year-old required surgery on the right side in October, and this week he went under the surgeon's knife again in order to cure a similar problem on the left side.
Barker returned to Germany to be treated by top surgeon Ulrika Muschaweck, and is now hoping to be available for the R's next fixture, which is at Cardiff City - his former team - next Tuesday.
"I have had the problem for about a month," Barker revealed to www.qpr.co.uk, "and we've been waiting for this gap in the fixtures to get it dealt with.
"It gives me seven days to recover. In October, I played the full match against Ipswich Town after a ten-day break, so I've got a chance.
"I don't think this hernia was as bad as the last one because I already feel at least a day ahead, in terms of recovery."
Barker, who joined the R's in the summer from the Bluebirds, admits the injury has been difficult to deal with.
"It's like having a constant back ache," he explained. "It's particularly bad the morning after a match, you really feel it then."
Barker played some of his best football for Rangers following his previous operation, but says he still has more to give.
"I'm yet to produce what I am really capable of," he added. "I haven't played at my best yet, and I know I've got more to offer."
The Rangers full-back's first task upon recovering from his latest stint under the surgeon's knife is to win back his place in the side.
New signing Damien Delaney played at left back against Barnsley on Saturday, and Barker acknowledged: "The added competition is good for the Club.
"It brings the best out in players. From my perspective, I want to get back into the team as soon as possible."
"This Club is going places and I want to be a part of it. The players want to be in the Premier League, the Club wants to be in the Premier League, and the fans want to be in the Premier League." QPR
[As noted on QPR Report last week...]
BID TO PLAY AT LOFTUS ROAD
Football's ultimate January Sales are underway giving you the chance to play for QPR.
Football Aid is allowing you the chance to battle it out in our online auction against your fellow Super Hoops fans to snap up one of the few remaining positions in our 2008 game at Loftus Road. Or why not avoid the risk and secure your position using the Buy Now option available on selected places?
Live the Dream and experience the ultimate football experience by bidding online now at www.footballaid.com
Those lucky enough to secure their positions on the team sheet will be given the chance to pull on their team's famous Hooped shirt and play alongside QPR legends in a 90 minute match at Loftus Road.
Alan McDonald and Gary Waddock are just two of the stars who have either managed or played in our previous events and we hope to be able to call on the support of a similar calibre of legends this year.
Football Aid's brand new bidding system features a number of improvements, including our automated "Proxy" bidding system, the option to Buy Now to end an auction early and our much improved Bid Monitoring system.
Bidding began on 16th January and positions will close at regular intervals throughout the six week bidding period, with the first position due to close on 4th February and the last available position closing on 29th February.
So why wait? Visit www.footballaid.com and select your team's page to start bidding now!
Furthermore, you'll be pitching in for a good cause, as funds raised from the event will go to your club's nominated charity and Football Aid's parent charity, Field of Dreams, towards diabetes research, education, and management or community projects.
If you would like to know anything else about this event, you can contact Football Aid directly by e-mail at info@footballaid.com or by phone on 0131 220 5999. QPR
Simon Royce sent off for Gillingham vs Oldham - Report
Who knew? Best of luck to him.
QPR Official Site - BARKER UNDERGOES OP
Chris Barker is already making good progress after undergoing his second hernia operation of the season on Tuesday morning.
The 27-year-old required surgery on the right side in October, and this week he went under the surgeon's knife again in order to cure a similar problem on the left side.
Barker returned to Germany to be treated by top surgeon Ulrika Muschaweck, and is now hoping to be available for the R's next fixture, which is at Cardiff City - his former team - next Tuesday.
"I have had the problem for about a month," Barker revealed to www.qpr.co.uk, "and we've been waiting for this gap in the fixtures to get it dealt with.
"It gives me seven days to recover. In October, I played the full match against Ipswich Town after a ten-day break, so I've got a chance.
"I don't think this hernia was as bad as the last one because I already feel at least a day ahead, in terms of recovery."
Barker, who joined the R's in the summer from the Bluebirds, admits the injury has been difficult to deal with.
"It's like having a constant back ache," he explained. "It's particularly bad the morning after a match, you really feel it then."
Barker played some of his best football for Rangers following his previous operation, but says he still has more to give.
"I'm yet to produce what I am really capable of," he added. "I haven't played at my best yet, and I know I've got more to offer."
The Rangers full-back's first task upon recovering from his latest stint under the surgeon's knife is to win back his place in the side.
New signing Damien Delaney played at left back against Barnsley on Saturday, and Barker acknowledged: "The added competition is good for the Club.
"It brings the best out in players. From my perspective, I want to get back into the team as soon as possible."
"This Club is going places and I want to be a part of it. The players want to be in the Premier League, the Club wants to be in the Premier League, and the fans want to be in the Premier League." QPR
[As noted on QPR Report last week...]
BID TO PLAY AT LOFTUS ROAD
Football's ultimate January Sales are underway giving you the chance to play for QPR.
Football Aid is allowing you the chance to battle it out in our online auction against your fellow Super Hoops fans to snap up one of the few remaining positions in our 2008 game at Loftus Road. Or why not avoid the risk and secure your position using the Buy Now option available on selected places?
Live the Dream and experience the ultimate football experience by bidding online now at www.footballaid.com
Those lucky enough to secure their positions on the team sheet will be given the chance to pull on their team's famous Hooped shirt and play alongside QPR legends in a 90 minute match at Loftus Road.
Alan McDonald and Gary Waddock are just two of the stars who have either managed or played in our previous events and we hope to be able to call on the support of a similar calibre of legends this year.
Football Aid's brand new bidding system features a number of improvements, including our automated "Proxy" bidding system, the option to Buy Now to end an auction early and our much improved Bid Monitoring system.
Bidding began on 16th January and positions will close at regular intervals throughout the six week bidding period, with the first position due to close on 4th February and the last available position closing on 29th February.
So why wait? Visit www.footballaid.com and select your team's page to start bidding now!
Furthermore, you'll be pitching in for a good cause, as funds raised from the event will go to your club's nominated charity and Football Aid's parent charity, Field of Dreams, towards diabetes research, education, and management or community projects.
If you would like to know anything else about this event, you can contact Football Aid directly by e-mail at info@footballaid.com or by phone on 0131 220 5999. QPR
Simon Royce sent off for Gillingham vs Oldham - Report
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