QPR REPORT

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

QPR's Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal Receive "Investors in Football" Award at Asian Football Awards...Loan Signing...Joint QPR-Chelsea Appeal

QPR's Sangi Patel

- Complete Set of Winners Asian Football Awards

Asian Football Awards –

Player of the Year Michael Chopra – Ipswich Town

Young Player of the Year Danny Batth – Sheffield Wednesday/Wolves

Coach of the Year Nas Bashir – Hayes & Yeading

Asian Woman in Football
Rimla Akhtar – Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation

Investors in Football
Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal – QPR

Foundation of the Year
Osmani Trust

Behind the Scenes – Administration
Raj Athwal – Watford

Behind the Scenes – Medical
Dr Zaf Iqbal – Liverpool

Football Media of the Year
Manish Bhasin – BBC

Grass Roots Hero
Bal Singh – KFA

Asian Community Club of the Year
London Tigers

Inspiration Awards
Permi Jhooti

Football Development Project of the Year
Diversity Academy – Nottingham

Lifetime Achievement Award Jarnail Singh - Winners

- See Complete List of Nominations (All Categories)

PR Official Site

FERNANDES & MITTAL SCOOP AWARD

Posted on: Wed 25 Jan 2012

Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal were honoured at last night's inaugural Asian Football Awards (AFA), staged at Wembley Stadium.

The pair won the 'Investors in Football' award as a number of exceptional UK Asians from the world of football were recognised for their achievements and contribution to the game.

In their absence, QPR in the Community Trust CEO Andy Evans collected the award on their behalf.

Meanwhile Sangi Patel, QPR's Assistant Physio, was also recognised with a double nomination.

Patel was short-listed for 'Woman Footballer Of The Year' and 'Football Behind The Scenes Award - Medical'.

The AFA has been set up to help raise the awareness and development of Asians in Football.

It was stated that the global power of South Asians in football is "clear to see with owners such as Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal". QPR

GUARDIAN/DOMINIC FIFIELD - J
Chelsea and QPR chairmen to appeal for FA Cup-tie calm
• Anton Ferdinand to consult about shaking John Terry's hand
• Alex leaves Chelsea for Paris St-Germain in £4m deal

The chairmen of Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers, Bruce Buck and Tony Fernandes, will issue a joint statement on Wednesday appealing for calm ahead of Saturday's potentially explosive derby between the clubs.

Tensions are running high around the fixture, with John Terry due to appear at west London magistrates' court a week today charged with racially abusing the QPR defender Anton Ferdinand during the league clash involving the clubs in October. Terry denies directing the comments at his opponent.

The Chelsea manager, André Villas-Boas, has already indicated he will have no qualms selecting his captain for the FA Cup fourth-round tie – which has been moved forward to a midday kick-off on police advice – though Buck and Fernandes will release their statement in the hope they can defuse some of the tension.

Pockets of Chelsea supporters have adopted a provocative chant about the incident that has been sung at some games since, most notably in the Champions League match at Genk, though the chairmen will plead for both sets of fans to "focus on the football" rather than the issues around the game.

Terry intends to offer his hand to his opponent in the pre-match formalities that will inevitably draw the focus at Loftus Road, though it remains unclear whether Ferdinand will accept it. The QPR defender is expected to speak with the club [THURS] on Thursday about the issue and will only then decide whether or not to shake hands prior to kick-off.

Lord Ouseley, an FA Councillor and chairman of the anti-racism campaign Kick it Out, has urged Ferdinand to do so. "Here we have the due process taking place, where a player will face the consequences of his actions," he said. "But there is every reason for players and indeed fans to show civility and respect toward each other and focus on the football. I have nothing against that. A handshake now is part of the reconciliation and honesty that needs to take place.

"It is not about retribution and continued hostility. It is about reconciliation. It is about how to take the heat out of the situation of the two clubs meeting again, and problems with fans' behaviour as a result of what happened between the players previously. A handshake before the game will not deflect from what went on before and how it will be dealt with."

Chelsea, whose squad are in Majorca on a warm-weather training break, are expected to make an improved offer for Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian forward Willian before the closure of the transfer window next week. An initial inquiry for the 23-year-old, who would be cup-tied for the Champions League, has been rejected, with Shakhtar seeking considerably more than the £16.5m Chelsea initially indicated they might be willing to pay, though an improved bid will test the Ukrainian club's resolve.

Chelsea may also seek to complete a move for Genk's Kevin de Bruyne before the cut-off, though the winger would remain at the Belgian club on loan for the season. Alex, meanwhile, is close to completing a £4m move to Paris St-Germain that will see the central defender reunited with Carlo Ancelotti. The Brazilian rejected the chance to join QPR, who have at least completed the six-month loan of the Milan defender Taye Taiwo after the Nigerian was granted a work permit. Guardian

Dave McIntyre on Buzsaky and Bothroyd

Dave McIntyre Blog - questions for Buzsaky to answer

Iï¿½ve received some nice comments since Saturday suggesting I was proved right about Akos Buzsaky, which in fairness is a bit premature.

Even while Taarabt was in his pomp Iï¿½ve always said Buzsaky is the best player at Rangers and the one whose attributes are most transferable to the Premier League, which upset some admirers of Ale Faurlin as well as Taarabtï¿½s fan club.

But even after Saturday I think questions still remain about Buzsaky. Three bad injuries in succession and other periods of inactivity are bound to affect a player.

I doubt even his staunchest critic would deny that Buzsaky is dangerous from set-pieces and can deliver a ball, so in many ways the Wigan game told us nothing we didnï¿½t already know.

The main question is whether Buzsaky has the legs to play consistently in the Premier League and so far that hasnï¿½t been answered. The Wigan game was ideal for him. Faurlin, who Iï¿½ve been critical of, looks a great player in matches like that too.

The signs are good though. Buzsakyï¿½s actually getting better and sharper with every game and during games, which is exactly what youï¿½d want to see from someone who needs to recover his sharpness after a long spell of inactivity.

Itï¿½s been particularly difficult for Buzsaky, because the odd cameo appearance in which heï¿½s desperate to impress is the worst situation for a player of his type to be in.

Heï¿½s a touch player, and those kind of players need games ï¿½ and confidence.

With that and some match sharpness back, Iï¿½ve no doubt whatsoever that Buzsaky isnï¿½t only Premier League class, heï¿½s top half of the Premier League class.

Iï¿½ve believed that since he wasnï¿½t even a first-team regular at Plymouth and stand by it. But the centre of a 4-4-2 can be very unforgiving in the top division and tougher tests lie in store for him, thatï¿½s for sure.

Iï¿½d really like to see him establish himself as a first-team regular, which wonï¿½t be easy under a new manager who is urgently looking to strengthen every area of the team apart from goalkeeper ï¿½ despite being linked with Ben Foster and Heurello Gomes.

Itï¿½s a great chance for Buzsaky though, made possible as much by Faurlinï¿½s sad injury as the sacking of Neil Warnock.

In fairness to Warnock, he did initially regard him as a first-team player and planned to make him a key part of the side last season.

But Buzsaky picked up an injury shortly before the opening game, Shaun Derry ï¿½ who was signed purely as a squad player ï¿½ started instead and the rest is history.

That said, only a club with more money than sense would have been looking to offload a player like Buzsaky while, as usual, trying to buy half a team during the transfer window ï¿½ something no-one else does but which at Rangers seems to be accepted as the done thing.

Buzsaky was written off too quickly, and I think the same may be happening with Jay Bothroyd.

I canï¿½t claim to be Bothroydï¿½s biggest fan, but I would have taken him on a free last summer and think heï¿½s since been a bit unlucky.

Apart from last season, Bothroyd has never been a goalscorer. So getting on his back for not scoring is a complete waste of time.

He isnï¿½t that kind of forward. His strengths are his touch, being at the centre of things, bringing others into play, moving defenders around and so on. He isnï¿½t and never has been what you might call a number one striker.

And like Buzsaky, heï¿½s a touch player who needs games. Thereï¿½s no point putting him in and taking him out. You either stick with him or ditch him, and Iï¿½d be inclined to stick with him.

Part of the reason he was so effective last season was that he played regularly for Cardiff. Their other striker changed repeatedly, but be it alongside Chopra, Bellamy, McCormack or Whittingham, he played.

Itï¿½s different for someone like Helguson ï¿½ once similarly written off and now the blue-eyed boy ï¿½ as heï¿½s more of a battering-ram type of forward so can be chucked on during a game and expected to do his stuff.

Bothroyd did his job as a lone striker very well earlier in the season, but that job is a thankless one and itï¿½s no coincidence that players in that role are consistently criticised by fans at QPR and elsewhere.

Itï¿½s a team role appreciated mainly by the team ï¿½ not least the attacking midfielder who pops up in acres of space in the penalty area. Few ask how and why he got there or where the opposing centre-backs were.

Helguson is a recent example of that. Kevin Gallen made Rangers tick and was a fine Mark Hughes-type forward but, according to some, slow, overweight and often the weak link in the side.

Bothroydï¿½s confidence dipped a bit after his time in the firing line and heï¿½s having to work his way back into the swing of things when heï¿½s not a crowd favourite.

Personally Iï¿½m not a fan of his attitude, but heï¿½s one of these players who doesnï¿½t respond to being berated, either from the stands or touchline.

He does have a contribution to make and, like most number two-type forwards, that contribution is always more appreciated on the pitch than in the stands.

Proof of that is in the reaction of other players to him.

Think of the QPR players youï¿½d consider to be the best pros at the club and have the best attitude. I imagine the kind of names that come to mind are Derry, Hill and Mackie maybe.

Now think back to last season and those playersï¿½ reaction to Taarabt during games.

Yes, they tolerated him and at times marvelled at him. But there were times when their anger at him was obvious. Before his injury, Mackie often looked particularly frustrated with Taarabt during matches.

Look at the very different reaction to Bothroyd from those players when theyï¿½re on the pitch together.

At every opportunity theyï¿½re having a word in his ear, patting him on the back when something doesnï¿½t come off for him, and are always looking to get around him and encourage him. That tells you a lot.

So Iï¿½ve got some time for Bothroyd. As misfiring strikers with questionable attitudes go. Dave McIntyre Blog

TAYE TAIWO JOINS QPR ON LOAN

QPR Official Site
AC MILAN STAR SIGNS

Mark Hughes has clinched his first signing as new QPR Manager, with the addition of AC Milan left-back Taye Taiwo.

The 26 year-old, who can also operate in midfield, has put pen-to-paper on loan deal until the end of the season.

Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Hughes said: "I have known of him for a long time and admired him from afar.

"To get him now is a fantastic coup and a real statement of intent that we can attract the quality of player that he is. I am looking forward to working with him.

"He has got great ability, a good reputation in the game and a great personality.

"He plays with a smile on his face and I think QPR fans are going to enjoy seeing him play for us."

Taiwo, who is widely regarded as one of the best left-back's in world football, joined AC Milan from Olympique de Marseille this summer, and has made eight appearances in all competitions to date this term, including four in the Champions League.

An expert from dead-ball situations, Taiwo - who will wear the number 34 shirt - has 48 international caps to his name for his native Nigeria.

He said: "It's a new and exciting challenge for me and one I am very much looking forward to.

"I'm very grateful to Mark Hughes for bringing me here. It is always nice for a player when you know the Manager wants you and I will repay his faith in me.

"I can't wait to play for the Club.

"I know only hard work, good performance, dedication, and passion will connect me with the fans but I'm prepared.

"I'm looking forward to what lies ahead and I'm prepared to give my all to the QPR cause."
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2583414,00.html

QPR Official Site

HUGHES: TAIWO SIGNING A COUPPosted on: Tue 24 Jan 2012

Mark Hughes has revealed his delight after finally securing the services of Taye Taiwo - at the third attempt.

Hughes was keen on the Nigerian left-back while managing both Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City, and he told www.qpr.co.uk: "I have known of him for a long time and admired him from afar.

"I actually showed an interest in him while I was at Blackburn, but he was a little bit too expensive at the time.

"He was also on my radar when I was at City, and we had an interest in him again but it didn't happen.
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"To get him now is a fantastic coup and a real statement of intent that we can attract the quality of player that he is. I am looking forward to working with him.

"He has got great ability, a good reputation in the game and a great personality.

"He plays with a smile on his face and I think QPR fans are going to enjoy seeing him play for us."

Taiwo, who was a regular during his six-year stint at French giants Marseille before his summer move to AC Milan, has shown a keenness which has impressed Hughes.

"Taye is a very driven guy and his personality and character is very important to me," added the QPR boss.

"He is desperate to play and I think that is one of the main reasons why he is here. He is used to playing week in, week out.

"If you look at his playing record he has played a lot of games since he has been professional.

"It is only this year that he lacked opportunities to play at AC Milan, which is a top, top Club."

And despite this being Taiwo's first spell in English football, Hughes has no reservations about how he will settle on these shores.

"I don't have any concerns about that," he added. "He speaks perfect English as do his children and I am sure they are looking forward to coming here."

Hughes believes his previous keenness on Taiwo may have helped attract the 26 year-old to W12.

"He knew of my interest in him in the past and maybe that was a factor," he added.

"He seems very motivated to come in and do well. He said he wants to show people what he is about."

And R's fans could be in for a treat when it comes to set-pieces, with Taiwo regarded as a dead-ball specialist.

"He is a big powerful guy who likes to take free-kicks," confirmed Hughes. "I am sure we will enjoy him having big run-ups and lashing the ball at goal - hopefully some of them will go in."
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2583076,00.html

QPR OFFICIAL SITE

EXCLUSIVE: TAIWO RELISHING PREM CHALLENGE

New QPR signing Taye Taiwo is relishing the opportunity to play in the Premier League - a division he describes as 'the best league in the world.'

The Nigerian international, who has penned a six month loan deal at Loftus Road, spoke exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, commenting: "It's a new challenge for me.

"I don't know too much about QPR, but I'm learning a lot already.

"I know the Premier League and it's a very exciting division.

"It has always been a dream of mine to play in this league.
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"Wherever you go in the world, people always talk about the Premier League and it will be nice to play in a country that speaks the same language as me."

The Club expects Taiwo to receive his international clearance in the coming days, once he returns to Italy for his visa tomorrow, but Saturday's FA Cup tie against Chelsea could come too soon for him.

However, the Milan star is fully aware that the Premier League is Rangers' priority between now and the end of the season.

"The Chelsea tie is a big one, but the league matters most.

"We need to stay in this division this season - and that is the objective."

http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2583442,00.html

QPR Official Site

TAYE TAIWO: IN PROFILE
Posted on: Tue 24 Jan 2012

New QPR recruit Taye Taiwo arrives at Loftus Road with a wealth of experience at both Club and international level.

The Nigerian left-back, who can also operate in midfield, started his career in his homeland with Gabros International, before moving to Nigeria Premier League side, Lobi Stars.

After impressing a whole host of Europe's top Clubs, the defender earned a move to French giants Olympique de Marseille in 2005, filling the void left by revered French international Bixente Lizarazu following his move to Bayern Munich.
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It proved to be the making of the then 20 year-old, who would go on to make the left-back spot his own for the next six years.

Various personal and team achievements followed, with Taiwo - an expert from dead-ball situations - notching a number of crucial winning goals, most recently against Montpellier HSC, to win the Coupe de la Ligue at the Stade de France last season.

Taiwo also played a pivotal role in Marseille's league title success last term, scoring four goals from left-back, as the L'OM secured their first Ligue 1 title in 18 years.

AC Milan was his next port of call, with the defender - who has 48 international caps to his name - joining the Rossoneri in a joint deal with French defender Philippe Mexes.

He made his debut in a 1-0 Serie A victory against Cesena, and has made eight appearances in all competitions this term, including four in the Champions League.

http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2583412,00.html

- NEXT: Chelsea (And New Statement re Chelsea Fans/Racism!)

- African Cup Updates

- Two interesting recent articles: re Managers and Agents (including Mark Hughes) and re Malaysia and Football (including re QPR)

- Who is Kia Joorabchian?

- QPR will Play Newcastle United (Away) in the Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup

- Tuesday, January 24: The Asian Football Awards: Nominees Include Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal...Also a couple of other QPR Nominations

- The Current Bottom Six Premiership Clubs: Their Remaining Fixtures

- Latest QPR Player Signing Reports/Gossip

- Recent QPR Transfer Gossip: Player-by-Player

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

QPR Report Tuesday: Awards Tonight for QPR's Tony Fernandes and Lashmi Mittal?

Monday, January 23, 2012

QPR Report Monday Update: Taiwo...Hughes..Barton...Buzsaky...Taarabt...Chelsea...Wigan

- NEXT: Chelsea (And New Statement re Chelsea Fans/Racism!)
-
- For comprehensive and latest QPR news-related pieces and discussion, visit the football-only, somewhat-different QPR Report Messageboard. All QPR Perspectives genuinely welcomed! Or comment on any of the articles posted below - QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
_________________________________________________________________________________

- African Cup Updates

- Two interesting recent articles: re Managers and Agents (including Mark Hughes) and re Malaysia and Football (including re QPR)

- Who is Kia Joorabchian?

- Five Year Flashback: QPR Statement "No China Game at Loftus Road"

- Two Year Flashback: Article re Clubs, Owners and Fans: Time to Fight Back

- "On This Day in Football" (and QPR) January 23

- Portsmouth Again in Financial Trouble

- QPR will Play Newcastle United (Away) in the Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup

- Tuesday, January 24: The Asian Football Awards: Nominees Include Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal...Also a couple of other QPR Nominations

- The Current Bottom Six Premiership Clubs: Their Remaining Fixtures

- Latest QPR Player Signing Reports/Gossip

- Recent QPR Transfer Gossip: Player-by-Player

- QPR Podcast this week is with Neil Warnock

West London Sport - QPR to confirm defender signing
-QPR’s signing of Nigerian left-back Taye Taiwo is expected to be confirmed later today.
- Taiwo, 26, is to join the R’s from AC Milan on an initial loan deal with a view to a permanent move in the summer.
The former Marseille player required a work permit before his move to England could be rubber-stamped.
He is likely to make his debut in Saturday’s FA Cup match against Chelsea. West London Sport

BBC/John Bennett - Adel Taarabt keen to stay at Queens Park Rangers

Adel Taarabt has told BBC Sport he wants to stay at Queens Park Rangers.

Taarabt revealed he was set to leave until Mark Hughes was appointed as manager in place of Neil Warnock.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who is currently in Gabon with the Morocco squad ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, believes changing the manager was the right thing for the club.

"I think we needed that. I had good years with Neil Warnock but we were in a bad position," he said.

I think if Mark Hughes was not coming in maybe I was leaving in January. The situation now has changed. They want to keep me

Warnock then made Taarabt a QPR player in August 2010 following a successful loan period, and the Moroccan's good form in the Championship helped his team to win promotion to the top flight the same season.

However, in recent months his relationship with the former QPR boss soured, leading Warnock to state publicly: "If a player wants to leave, he can leave. I've never had a problem with that."

However, since Warnock was replaced by former Fulham manager Hughes earlier this month, Taarabt has resolved to stay in west London.

"I think if Mark Hughes was not coming in maybe I was leaving in January," Taarabt told BBC Sport.

"I spoke with the chairman and the situation now has changed. They want to keep me and we're going to have a discussion when we come back.

CUP OF NATIONS GROUP C FIXTURE LIST

23 Jan: Gabon v Niger
23 Jan: Morocco v Tunisia
27 Jan: Niger v Tunisia
27 Jan: Gabon v Morocco
31 Jan: Gabon v Tunisia
31 Jan: Niger v Morocco

"Mark Hughes is a great manager and I think the chairman is giving him money so he's buying players.

"I'm going to meet him and see what's going to happen."

Morocco begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Tunisia on Monday.

They are one of the favourites to win the trophy and Taarabt believes the squad has the ability to go all the way to the final.

"It's going to be a big game for us, for the country and so I hope we can start well," said Taarabt.

"Yes, we are one of the favourites along with Ivory Coast and Ghana, but we just have to concentrate on our group and see what is going to happen."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/16672100.stm

- See COMPILATION OF QPR Vs WIGAN MATCH REPORTS & MANAGERIAL COMMENTS

- Guardian Compilation of QPR-Wigan Photos and QPR vs Wigan: Photos from QPR vs Wigan

- VIDEO: QPR vs WIGAN - Video and also... More Extensive Video of QPR vs Wigan (Via Betacam)

GUARDIAN/Jamie Jackson

Mark Hughes gives his QPR players the structure to escape relegation

• QPR up to 16th place after 3-1 win against Wigan Athletic
• Hughes has no concerns about Joey Barton's use of Twitter

Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Queens Park Rangers v Wigan Athletic - Loftus Road

At the close, Mark Hughes raised a fist at his Queens Park Rangers project achieving lift‑off with this first league win. Nearly two weeks after succeeding Neil Warnock, the Hoops are 16th and clear of the dreaded departure lounge.

While Wigan Athletic remain rooted to the bottom and four points from safety after a tame display, Hughes said of that first win: "Predictable, I know. It was an important game for everybody and I think you saw that from the reaction of the players who stayed out a bit longer to thank the fans, which is important, because they were great today and understood what we were trying to do. So [there will be] more of the same hopefully."

Hughes has been hired to ensure QPR will again operate in the big league next season just as he was when taking over Blackburn Rovers in September 2004, whom he saved. How does it compare? "There are similarities, given the position and the pressure because we needed to win games and we had to do it quickly," Hughes said.

"When I was at Blackburn I had a group of players who were desperate to stay in the Premier League and in a sense that's what I've got here. I'm really encouraged that I've got a similar group of players and hopefully we can get a similar result."

QPR's goals came from a Heidar Helguson penalty and Akos Buzsaky's 25‑yard free-kick in the first half, which was as impressive as Tommy Smith's 30‑yard finish after 81 minutes. Hugo Rodallega produced his own contribution to the game's stunning strikes with a 66th‑minute free-kick but QPR could also afford to miss a second Helguson penalty.

Hughes said of his new charges: "They just needed a little bit of gameplan, a little bit of structure to their work and maybe that's been evident in the games that I've been involved in. That's what I do and my staff does. That's how we work, I've done that for years and years, so I understand very quickly what groups of players need, I would suggest.

"But that's credit to them because I think they worked exceptionally hard to make things happen. Unless you get that effort and commitment to what you're trying to implement on the field of play then you get no chance."

Hughes again reiterated that he has no concerns regarding Joey Barton's use of Twitter, after the midfielder had attacked Warnock on the forum on the eve of this game. "No, not at this stage," the Welshman said. "Joey understands what happens in the dressing room stays there and I don't think it will be a problem. If ever I felt that it was going to compromise us then we'd have a conversation and talk it through but certainly I haven't felt the need to do that up to this point."

Does Barton put pressure on himself? "He's a big personality and he can deal with that, he thrives on that," Hughes said. "Some players carry that well and it doesn't affect them at all. I thought he played really well. Other players try to shy away from all that because it affects their performance level. But for Joey it's water off a duck's back."

For Roberto Martínez the outlook is bleaker. "I would say that every season is tough," he said. "We have done it before [escape from relegation]. This season it will come down to the last game but it is important that we use the January window. It's clear that we need to make sure that we help the players we already have at the club to be stronger and to be brave for the next 16 games but I have huge belief in the talent in the squad." Guardian

TELEGRAPH

Queens Park Rangers manager Mark Hughes insists Joey Barton's feud with Neil Warnock is not a distraction
Mark Hughes is confident that Queens Park Rangers captain Joey Barton’s feud with his former manager, Neil Warnock, will not prove to be a distraction in his side’s attempt to secure Premier League survival.

QPR manager Mark Hughes insists Joey Barton's feud with Neil Warnock is not a distraction as his team fight for survival
No problem: Mark Hughes says Joey Barton's (above) feud with Neil Warnock is no cause for concern Photo: GETTY IMAGES

By Gerry Cox at Loftus Road

11:00PM GMT 22 Jan 2012

QPR's new manager knows his side can lift themselves into a comfortable league position as long as they continue to put in the sort of focused performance that overcame fellow strugglers Wigan on Saturday.

He does not care much for the twitterati, unlike Barton, who was tweeting furiously before and after this game.

The midfielder’s feud with Warnock has been well publicised in the media, but Hughes said: “I don’t think it will be a problem. If ever I felt it was going to compromise us we’d have a conversation and talk it through, but certainly I haven’t felt the need to do that up to this point.”

For all his noise in cyberspace, Barton was muted against Wigan and it was his midfield partner Akos Buzsaky who shone. With Alejandro Faurlin injured, the Hungarian midfielder has taken centre stage and was QPR’s outstanding player.

In between Heidar Helguson’s successful penalty and Tommy Smith’s late strike, Buzsaky scored with a superb free-kick, which was later matched by Hugo Rodallega’s set-piece strike for Wigan.

Buzsaky, who has been given a fresh chance by Hughes, said: “We all know it is a new manager and want to show what we are capable of. Now we are very compact and everyone helps each other out. With the players we have, we shouldn’t talk about survival. We should be in mid-table.”

The Wigan manager, Roberto Martínez, still believes his side can climb off the bottom of the table. “We’ve survived in the Premier League for seven seasons. This result was tough to take, but I remain optimistic that our experience is going to help us.”

Next weekend QPR face Chelsea in the FA Cup fourth round, with John Terry returning to the scene where he is alleged to have racially abused Anton Ferdinand.

Asked if he would speak to Ferdinand about it, Hughes said: “Only to get it clear in my own mind where everybody is with it. I’d like to think football will take the real lead. We hope we can have a good game of football here next week.” Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/footbal....istraction.html

SPORTING LIFE
SPORTING LIFE

AKOS HAPPY TO GET HIS BUZZ BACK

Akos Buzsaky contemplated walking out of QPR at the start of this month, but the forgotten man is now looking forward to a prolonged run in Mark Hughes' first-team after handing the Welshman his first league win in charge.

Buzsaky received a huge standing ovation when he came off towards the end of Saturday's 3-1 win over Wigan after playing a big part in orchestrating the Latics' downfall.

The Hungarian put QPR 2-0 up after Heidar Helguson's spot-kick with an exquisite free-kick on the stroke of half-time, and he could have ended the match with a hat-trick had it not been for the brilliant performance of Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi.

Had it not been for a change of manager, and an injury to team-mate Alejandro Faurlin, however, Buzsaky may have been lining up for another team.

The 29-year-old had hit rock bottom after being frozen out by former manager Neil Warnock - Saturday was his first home league start of the season - and had thought about leaving the Londoners.

"In the Christmas period I wasn't even travelling with the team," Buzsaky said.

"That was a really hard, testing time for me, to be as low (as that).

"Of course I thought about maybe moving. When you are sidelined that much you think about everything because I wanted to play football.

"I tried to give 100 per cent in training but for some reason I wasn't in the plans."

With Faurlin out for the rest of the season, Buzsaky is now determined to put the past behind him and be a part of the Rangers renaissance under Hughes.

"All that is in the past now. I have been there and I have shown that I am strong enough to get through it," he said.

"It was very unfortunate (Faurlin) had the injury.

"Everyone thought of him and we have tried to support him. We needed someone to fill his position and I have always been available and have always wanted to play so now I have my chance and I want to take it."

Hughes has been active in his pursuit of new players since his appointment, with Nedum Onuoha, Taye Taiwo, Alex and Henrique all in talks with the club over potential moves to Loftus Road.

His players did their best to persuade him no new arrivals are needed yesterday, however.

Helguson, despite missing a second-half penalty, put in a good shift up front and substitute Tommy Smith fired home a memorable 25-yard drive with 10 minutes to go to seal the win.

Rangers are now two points clear of the drop zone and Buzsaky thinks the club can stop worrying about the prospect of relegation.

"Today showed that we are better than where we sit in the table and we have to push forward now," he said.

"With the players we have, we shouldn't talk about surviving, we should be confident about finishing mid-table."

Bottom side Wigan wasted two early chances to go ahead through Steve Gohouri and Victor Moses and other than picking the ball out of the net from Hugo Rodallega's free-kick - which made it 2-1 - Rangers keeper Paddy Kenny had a quiet day.

Wigan have the worst scoring record in the top four divisions but manager Roberto Martinez admits he will not be able to bring in a prolific striker this month so he wants his team to start chipping in with more goals from all positions.

"That 20 goals a season man is the hardest thing is to find in world football," Martinez said.

"They cost you a lot of money. We need to be creative and need to score more goals from other areas of the pitch.

"That's something we need to develop from within the squad because unfortunately we won't be able to go out and spend the money that a clinical goal scorer costs." Sporting Life

SKY

Dyer not quitting yet

QPR man hopes to be back for last month of season

Last updated: 22nd January 2012

Dyer: injury nightmare

It's paramount though that we stay in the league this season and we will really kick on with the new manager.

Kieron Dyer told Goals on Sunday about his battle to recover his fitness - and admitted he would consider retiring if he injured his hamstrings again.

The former England international has endured a series of serious injuries in the last four seasons and his hoodoo struck again three minutes into his QPR debut against Bolton in August when he injured his foot.

He admits it has been tough to spend more time on the sidelines, but says he is not ready to hang up his boots because his latest injury is not connected to the hamstring problems he has struggled with in the last few years.

He told Goals on Sunday: "If I'd been injured on my hamstrings, because I was getting hamstring injuries in the past, then I probably would call it a day.

"But this was a freak injury and I should have had the surgery the first time around. If I'd had it when I first did it then I'd be back playing by now.

"It was a one-off injury and there's nothing as a player you can do. That's why I will continue to play football.

"I'm used to it now because it's been like it for the last four years. Obviously you have your low points and it's hard, but you want to play football.

"When you're not it's frustrating because you want to help your team-mates and you want to help your team because they need you. That's what keeps you going."

Operation

Dyer said his latest lay-off has been particularly frustrating because the foot should have been operated on in August.

Instead, his doctors opted for a programme of rehabilitation, only for the injury to reoccur three months later, and that has delayed his return to action.

He said: "I thought I'd be okay, but after a few weeks we knew something was wrong and I've finally had to have an operation, which is unfortunate.

"When we first saw the specialist he decided not to operate and said to do a three-month rehab programme and hopefully that would do the trick.

"I did the three months, worked my socks off and was looking great in training, then five minutes into the first reserve game the same thing happened again. That's when we knew it was time to operate."

Squad
If his recovery goes to plan then Dyer believes he could be fit to feature for QPR in the last month of the season.

However, he fears that he could be left out of Mark Hughes' 25-man Premier League squad, which has to be finalised by the end of January, and that would exclude him from playing again this season.

He said: "I'll probably be back for the last month of the season, but the problem is obviously that Premier League teams have to put the 25-man squad in by the end of January.

"So if the manager Mark Hughes uses the whole 25 then I will not play this season, although you can play in cup games so hopefully we make it to the FA Cup Final!

"If he only names 23 or 24 in the squad then I have a chance of maybe featuring in the last month of the season.

"If you know you're not going to be involved then from a rehab point of view you take it easier and you don't go flat out. You just get yourself right for pre-season.

"It can work in both ways. If you're not in the 25 you can take your time and not rush back, but if there's a chance then you're going to do everything in your power."

Professional
Dyer was also full of praise for new manager Hughes, who replaced Neil Warnock in the QPR hotseat last week.

He believes his new boss brings plenty of pedigree to the club and has backed him to steer them to Premier League survival this season.

Dyer added: "He nearly got the Chelsea job in the summer, so that goes to show what kind of manager he is.

"He's got a professional outfit with Eddie Niedzwiecki, Mark Bowen and Kevin Hitchcock; they're very professional and thorough.

"He left Fulham, who finished eighth in the league, to come and take a job at QPR. If he can keep us up this season with the owners and their vision then QPR is a great place to be.

"It's paramount though that we stay in the league this season and we will really kick on with the new manager."
http://www.skysports.com/tv_show/story/0,,12384_7448308,00.html?

- Two Year Flashback: Adel Taarabt "Slams Axed QPR Boss"

- Two Year Flashback: Nigel Quashie (Re)Joins QPR

- The Explanation for AC Milan's Player, Kevin Boateng’s Frequent Injuries!

- QPR Video Flashbacks: Some 1990 Era QPR Goals/Wins

Sunday, January 22, 2012

QPR Report Sunday: Wigan Reports and Photos...QPR Flashbacks: Quashie ReJoins QPR...Taarabt "Slams Axed QPR Boss"...African Cup Updates

- Guardian Compilation of QPR-Wigan Photos
-
- See Also: - QPR vs Wigan: Photos from QPR vs Wigan

- For comprehensive and latest QPR news-related pieces and discussion, visit the football-only, somewhat-different QPR Report Messageboard. All QPR Perspectives genuinely welcomed! Or comment on any of the articles posted below - QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
_________________________________________________________________________________

- See COMPILATION OF QPR Vs WIGAN MATCH REPORTS & MANAGERIAL COMMENTS

- VIDEO: QPR vs WIGAN - Video and also... More Extensive Video of QPR vs Wigan (Via Betacam)

- NEXT: Chelsea (And New Statement re Chelsea Fans/Racism!)

- African Cup Updates

- Year Ago: Ishmael Miller Joins QPR on Loan...And "On This Day in Football"

- Two Year Flashback: Adel Taarabt "Slams Axed QPR Boss"

- Two Year Flashback: Nigel Quashie (Re)Joins QPR

- The Explanation for AC Milan's Player, Kevin Boateng’s Frequent Injuries!

- QPR Video Flashbacks: Some 1990 Era QPR Goals/Wins

- Portsmouth Again in Financial Trouble

- QPR will Play Newcastle United (Away) in the Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup

- Tuesday, January 24: The Asian Football Awards: Nominees Include Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal...Also a couple of other QPR Nominations

- The Current Bottom Six Premiership Clubs: Their Remaining Fixtures

- Latest QPR Player Signing Reports/Gossip

- Recent QPR Transfer Gossip: Player-by-Player

1 Man City 21 41 51
2 Man Utd 21 32 48
3 Tottenham 21 18 46
4 Chelsea 22 15 41
5 Arsenal 21 7 36
6 Newcastle 22 2 36
7 Liverpool 22 4 35
8 Stoke 22 -10 30
9 Norwich 22 -4 29
10 Sunderland 22 5 27
11 Aston Villa 22 -3 27
12 Fulham 22 -3 26
13 Swansea 22 -4 26
14 Everton 22 -4 26
15 West Brom 22 -9 25
16 QPR 22 -15 20
17 Bolton 22 -19 19
18 Blackburn 22 -12 18
19 Wolves 22 -15 18
20 Wigan 22 -26 15--

Saturday, January 21, 2012

QPR's First Prem Home Win Since Chelsea: Compilation of Match Reports & Managerial Comments

- QPR vs Wigan: Photos from Today

- For comprehensive and latest QPR news-related pieces and discussion, visit the football-only, somewhat-different QPR Report Messageboard. All QPR Perspectives genuinely welcomed! Or comment on any of the articles posted below - QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
_________________________________________________________________________________

- QPR will Play Newcastle United (Away) in the Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup

- Three Days From Now: The Asian Football Awards: Nominees Include Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal...Also a couple of other QPR Nominations

- The Current Bottom Six Premiership Clubs: Their Remaining Fixtures

- Latest QPR Player Signing Reports/Gossip

- Recent QPR Transfer Gossip: Player-by-Player

QPR vs WIGAN - Video

- More Extensive Video of QPR vs Wigan (Via Betacam)

1 Man City 21 41 51
2 Man Utd 21 32 48
3 Tottenham 21 18 46
4 Chelsea 22 15 41
5 Arsenal 21 7 36
6 Newcastle 22 2 36
7 Liverpool 22 4 35
8 Stoke 22 -10 30
9 Norwich 22 -4 29
10 Sunderland 22 5 27
11 Aston Villa 22 -3 27
12 Fulham 22 -3 26
13 Swansea 22 -4 26
14 Everton 22 -4 26
15 West Brom 22 -9 25
16 QPR 22 -15 20
17 Bolton 22 -19 19
18 Blackburn 22 -12 18
19 Wolves 22 -15 18
20 Wigan 22 -26 15

QPR Official Site

HUGHES: 'JUST THE BEGINNING'
Posted on: Sat 21 Jan 2012

Mark Hughes insists this is 'just the beginning' for his new QPR side.

Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk after the R's eased to a 3-1 win against rock-bottom Wigan Athletic at Loftus Road, the Rangers gaffer heaped praise on his charges.

"I'm delighted for the guys," he said.

"They've been first class in their attitude since the day I walked through the door.

"We've asked them to take a hell of a lot on board, but they've been excellent.

"Today they worked exceptionally hard to make the game happen.

"It was all happening.

"It was a great game for the neutral.

"When you're as emotionally involved as I am, and the players and the fans are, it's always a little bit more difficult to watch, but I'm sure we'll all go home with a smile on our face tonight.

"It was end-to-end, but we fully deserved to come out on top."

After Heidar Helguson's penalty opened the scoring, Akos Buzsaky doubled the R's lead with a free-kick of the highest order.

Hugo Rodallega pulled one back for the Latics with a fine set-piece of his own, before Tommy Smith saved the best until last, with a 30-yard blockbuster.

"No Premier League games are easy, but each and every player stepped up, and of course, we scored two fantastic goals," Hughes said.

"They were equally as outstanding as each other - and Rodallega's was top drawer too.

"When Smith's went in I felt we were quite comfortable."

Despite the result, Hughes refused to get too carried away, concluding: "We fully understand what's ahead of us.

"This is just the beginning for this group of players.

"We know we need home wins and we've got one today, so we're all delighted.

"All in all, it was a very satisfying win.

http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/TheGaffer/0,,10373~2584316,00.html

DAVE MCINTYRE/WEST LONDON SPORT

QPR boss hails ‘excellent’ Buzsaky

Boss Mark Hughes praised Akos Buzsaky after the Hungarian played a starring role in QPR’s 3-1 victory over Wigan.

Buzsaky, frozen out by Hughes’ predecessor Neil Warnock, scored with a spectacular free-kick to help Rangers to their first league win under the new manager.

Buzsaky netted QPR’s second goal.
“Technically, Akos is a good player and it’s obvious he has ability,” said Hughes.

“He hasn’t played many games and was flagging towards the end so I took him off, but he was excellent today.”

Rangers’ win against the Premier League’s bottom side took them out of the bottom three and eased their fears of an immediate return to the Championship.

But Hughes warned that they still have a tough battle ahead as they look to avoid the drop.

He said: “We’ve now got to show that kind of attitude and determination in every game.

“We know it’s going to be tough, but you’ve obviously got a better chance when you play with that kind of commitment.”

Meanwhile, Rangers are assessing a hamstring strain suffered by striker DJ Campbell, who was substituted at half-time.

“It’s a tweak. We’re hopeful it’s not too bad,” Hughes revealed.

http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/qpr-boss-hails-excellent-buzsaky/

SPORTING LIFE

HUGHES HAILS RANGERS' TOGETHERNESS

Mark Hughes hailed the performance of his players after seeing them deliver him his first Premier League win as QPR manager against Wigan this afternoon.

Rangers seemed in freefall under Hughes' predecessor Neil Warnock, but the Welshman steered his team out of the relegation zone with a comprehensive 3-1 victory over bottom side Wigan.

Despite an edgy start, Rangers never looked in danger of not recording their first league home win since October as goals from Akos Buszaky, Heidar Helguson and Tommy Smith sealed the victory in front of a jubilant Loftus Road crowd while Hugo Rodallega was on the scoresheet for the visitors.

Rumours of dressing room unrest had dogged Warnock during the latter part of his tenure at the west London club, but Rangers put on a united display today, much to Hughes' pleasure.

"I'm delighted. It was a good performance," Hughes said.

"It's not easy winning Premier League games you give yourself a better chance if you are committed and you work hard. That's what we did today.

"The lads have been working exceptionally hard since I came here. I have only been here two weeks but when you are down near the bottom of the league it's important to show commitment and the right attitude and the lads are doing that so a lot of credit has to go to them.

"It hasn't been easy for them but they have shown character, they have come together as a group and I have sensed there is a real togetherness here."

Rangers' task was made a lot easier when James McCarthy inexplicably handled Joey Barton's corner in the 32nd minute when he realised he could not get across to head the midfielder's in-swinging ball clear.

Helguson made no mistake from 12 yards and the home side dominated the match from then on.

Roberto Martinez, whose Wigan side have won just three times this term, lamented the midfielder's error.

"It was the wrong decision (from McCarthy)," the Spaniard said.

"Somehow he felt that someone was going to get across him and he used his arm to hit the ball. That was a really disappointing decision because it cost us dearly.

"The first goal in this kind of game is always very important and from then on we were a little bit nervous."

Martinez's team remain rooted to the foot of the table and their next fixture is against high-flying Tottenham a week on Tuesday.

The Latics have not been out of the bottom three since October, but their manager is confident his team will avoid the drop once more after flirting with relegation ever since they were promoted in 2005.

"I am really, really confident we will stay up," Martinez said.

"We have to play a lot better than today, though, that's clear. We went through a spell of eight straight defeats but we overcame that. We are ready. There are 16 games to go. We know we need to get eight wins and I feel we are well capable of doing that.

"We will carry on working to try to improve the squad. We had a couple of injuries today and without them we were a bit soft.

"We will use the transfer window to try to help the players we have at the club, but we already have belief and desire to do it."

Hughes has been active in his pursuit of new players since arriving at Loftus Road, with Nedum Onuoha, Taye Taiwo, Alex and Henrique all in talks with the club over potential moves to Loftus Road.

His fringe players did their best to persuade him no new arrivals are needed today, however.

Buszaky curled in a brilliant free-kick on the verge of half-time and Smith's 25-yard rocket sealed the win in the second half. Helguson could have added a second in the second half from the spot but his effort was saved by Ali Al-Habsi.

Hughes was particularly keen to shower praise on Buszaky, a player who was frozen out under Warnock.

"He is a good player. I thought it would be a tight game today and I knew he has ability from set plays. Thankfully it paid off," Hughes added.

The Welshman hopes to sign at least one new addition by the start of next week.

"I will get some updates tomorrow, no doubt," he said.

"I would hope there would be some progress on some of them by Monday." Sporting Life

Dave Mcintyre/West London Sport
QPRJoey makes noise but Akos speaks volumes

Amid the furore created by a QPR midfielder publicly mocking his former manager, another did his talking on the pitch and seized the chance to shine following Neil Warnock’s departure.

Akos Buzsaky had already given Warnock’s successor food for thought with two promising performances, before helping Mark Hughes to his first league win as Rangers boss with a fine display and a spectacular goal.

Joey Barton, meanwhile, had a decent game.

And Barton would do well to sum up in 140 characters what Nietzsche would have made of Buzsaky’s contribution to the Rangers cause this week compared with his.

Smith scored a cracker.
Not that Buzsaky did it all himself. Heidar Helguson was excellent throughout and set the ball rolling with a 33rd-minute penalty.

Buzsaky doubled the lead shortly before half-time with a brilliant 30-yard free-kick that went in off the post.

And after Hugo Rodallega pulled a goal back with a superb free-kick of his own, Helguson missed from the spot before Tommy Smith’s long-range screamer sealed a crucial win against the Premier League’s bottom side.

Barton was back after the suspension he incurred for being sent off in Rangers’ last home league game, against Norwich.

That match proved to be Warnock’s last at Loftus Road and after it he staunchly defended the controversial player’s conduct – as he did on many occasions following Barton’s August move from Newcastle.

Barton thanked him with a tirade of criticism on Twitter in the build-up to this match, which Rangers desperately needed to win in order to ease their relegation fears.

Fortunately for the R’s, the unassuming Buzsaky has been out to prove his point in a very different way.

He shot wide after a clever turn and run, before having a free-kick tipped away by keeper Ali Al-Habsi during a lively opening.

Barton did play a part in the all-important opening goal, as it was his corner which James McCarthy inexplicably handled.

Helguson tucked away the resulting penalty and Buzsaky’s subsequent strike gave QPR a two-goal cushion at the break.

The Hungarian was just as impressive in the second half, connecting with a blistering volley from the edge of the penalty area which Al-Habsi did well to push over.

After Rodallega’s goal gave Wigan hope, Helguson was given the chance to score his second of the match – and 10th of the season – when he was clumsily fouled by Gary Caldwell.

This time Al-Habsi kept out Helguson’s penalty, diving to his right to claw the ball away.

But he could do nothing when Smith, on as a half-time substitute for the injured DJ Campbell, let fly with a 30-yarder that flew into the corner of the net
http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/joey-makes-noise-but-akos-speaks-volumes/

MANAGER COMMENTS AUDIO/VIDEO

HUGHES/BBC - CLICK TO LISTEN

QPR manager Mark Hughes praises a '"mentally strong" performance from his new side in a 3-1 home Premier League win over bottom club Wigan.
Goals from Heidar Helguson, Akos Buzsaky and Tommy Smith lifted QPR out of the relegation zone and give Hughes his first Premier League victory since taking charge at Loftus Road, and only Rangers' second home win of the season.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/16667296.stm?

AUDIO/VIDEO - MARK HUGHES/SKY - CLICK TO LISTEN
?\There was little that the R's number one could do about Wigan's next attempt, however, as the visitors pulled a goal back to ensure a nervy finale.

Buzsaky was penalised for a foul on Maynor Figueroa 25 yards from goal, before Rodallega bent a wonderful effort into the top right-hand corner, leaving the watching Kenny with no chance.

Moments later, the Latics spurned a great chance to put themselves on terms.

Ronnie Stam freed fellow substitute Conor Sammon in the box, but the Irish forward could only shoot wide of the left-hand post from close range.

QPR were handed a controversial penalty - their second spot-kick of the afternoon - in the 73rd minute.

Caldwell was punished for a push into the back of Helguson, with referee Mr Moss once again pointing to the spot.

Video replays, however, suggested that the challenge came outside of the box.

Perhaps justice was done, therefore, when Al Habsi dived to his right to tip away Helguson's second penalty of the afternoon with a magnificent stop.

Helguson almost redeemed himself just two minutes later, with his outrageous snap-shot from range only just going past the right-hand post.

Rangers were soon on the attack again, with Mackie lashing an effort over the bar on 78 minutes, following Wright-Phillips' measured ball.

But victory was finally secure for the R's nine minutes from time thanks to another splendid strike.

Barton's outstanding sliding tackle started the move, before Wright-Phillips found substitute Smith.

Thereafter, the former Watford man drove at the Latics defence before curling a fabulous effort into the top left-hand corner of the net from fully 30 yards.

QPR: Kenny, Hill, Hall, Campbell (Smith 46), Mackie, Buzsaky (Derry 83), Barton, Young, Helguson, Wright-Philips, Ferdinand.

Subs: Cerny, Orr, Bothroyd, Ramage, Macheda.

Goals: Helguson (pen 33), Buzsaky (45), Smith (81)

Bookings: Barton (70), Young (85)

Wigan Athletic: Al Habsi, Gohouri, McCarthy, Caldwell, Watson, Moses, Gomez (Crusat 61), McArthur (Sammon 46), Boyce (Stam 69), Rodallega, Figueroa.

Subs: Pollitt, Di Santo, McManaman, Lopez.

Goals: Rodallega (66)

Bookings: McCarthy (32), Gohouri (44)

Referee: Mr J Moss

Attendance: 16,002 (392 away)
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10373~59424,00.html

WIGAN OFFICIAL SITE

Rodallega rocket isn't enough to pull off fight back at Loftus Road

Report by Nick Taylor

It was a game of spectacular goals and set pieces, both saved and scored today as Hugo Rodallega scored a contender for goal of the month with a curling right-footed free kick but, QPR put forward their contenders as well.

QPR went ahead with a Heidar Helguson penalty following a handball in the box by James McCarthy. They then made it 2-0 through an Akos Buzsaky free kick before half time. Rodallega's strike gave Latics hope but then QPR were given another penalty which was expertly saved by Ali Al Habsi

On 81 minutes the game was finished off when Tommy Smith smashed a shot in from 35 yards.

Latics travelled to a blustery and rainy London with three changes to their team as Steve Gohouri replaced the injured Antolin Alcaraz, Ben Watson came in for Albert Crusat and Emmerson Boyce coming in for Ronnie Stam.

In what was QPR manager Mark Hughes' first game, Latics almost made it very uncomfortable twice within the first seven minutes of the game. Firstly through Gohouri who found space in the area from a free kick but, saw his placed shot edge just wide of the post and then Victor Moses found space down the left hand side but, his ball across goal seemed to be in slow motion and nobody could get onto the end of it.

Al Habsi was in wonderful form once again this afternoon and he pulled off a string of saves that kept the game level but, when McCarthy gave away a penalty for handball, there was nothing the keeper could do about as Helguson tucked the ball into the bottom corner despite the Omani diving the right way.

It then became worse for Latics as another foul was made, this time by Gohouri on the edge of the area and Buzsaky punished the Ivorian defender and his team mates as he whipped the ball over the wall and into the net.

Roberto Martinez ringed the changes and brought on Conor Sammon for James McArthur at half time, with Stam and Crusat also making appearances in the second half.

The game struggled to pick up pace, but when Gohouri was fouled on the egde of the QPR area, Rodallega did the honours to turn in his second goal of the season.

The strike was beautiful to say the least as it curled around the wall and knicked the post on the way in.

More twists and turns were to come as Gary Caldwell gave away a penalty but, Al Habsi's outstretched right hand denied Helguson a second and then on 81 minutes, substitute Tommy Smith found himself in space 35 yards out and hammered it home. Smith's goal has to be admired but the Latics midfielders should have closed down better.

The game ended with yet more fouls and little creative play as QPR saw the game out.

Latics remain in 20th place and four points away from the safety mark.
http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10429~59424,00.html

Jamie Jackson/Guardian

QPR beat Wigan to give new manager Mark Hughes first league win

On taking over at QPR, Mark Hughes talked about his players having to understand quickly what was required. On this evidence it is to adhere to a tight shape, fan out when in possession to offer options, and shoot more.

Simple, maybe, but in the last days of Neil Warnock QPR too often lost their way and games when teams got at them. Here, Tommy Smith's 79th-minute 30-yard shot that sealed the win illustrated Hughes's point when he also stated that conversion not creation was what has hobbled QPR this season.

A dire run of two points from 27 is now five from 30 and Hughes said: "I'm delighted ï¿½ a good performance, initially we were a little apprehensive but I thought we settled reasonably quickly and started to get the ball down to pass and move."

Asked if his players had worked specifically on being more ruthless in front of goal, he said: "We're working on everything in fairness. But fair play to the lads it's been a difficult period ï¿½ only two weeks since we've come through the door, for them to show the attitude and commitment that they're doing shows them great credit. It's not easy when you're down the bottom end of table and you have to have mental strength ï¿½ I sense there's a real togetherness."

Despite this being a contest between two sides stuck in the exit chamber of the Premier League this was a riveting watch. Bottom place (Wigan) against 18th (QPR) in late January sounded like an advert for a tense and torpid affair but it was pacy and entertaining to the close as Hughes registered his first Premier League victory as QPR manager.

Wigan's Victor Moses raced down the left from near halfway to leave Luke Young flailing before zipping a ball across Paddy Kenny that no team-mate could convert. This followed Jordi Gï¿½mez delivering a cross that a dozing home defence allowed Steve Gohouri to meet unmarked but he missed wide right.

Despite their more clinical edge, QPR still spurned chances. DJ Campbell's smart dummy allowed the ball to find Heidar Helguson but after he ran at the defence a left-foot effort went wide.

Campbell looked sharp until opportunity came knocking: a flipped pass from Joey Barton removed the defence but found only a static Campbell and strike partner Helguson.

Akos Buzsaky then missed with two attempts though he would end the period planting a 25-yard free-kick beyond Ali al-Habsi that pinged in off the right post. Preceding this the muscular Jamie Mackie beat a clutch of players and blazed the ball at Wigan's goalkeeper who saw it swerve and saved with a left glove.

From the ensuing corner QPR won the penalty that opened their account. Barton's delivery from the left quadrant was poor but James McCarthy decided to stick out an arm and handle the ball for some reason. Helguson stroked home for a ninth of the campaign.

When Hugo Rodallega, one of the too many quiet visiting players, blasted a 30-yard free-kick beyond Kenny that was 2-1 and Wigan had a glimmer. But the home side continued to pour forward and before Smith's killer strike QPR could afford to miss a penalty ï¿½ Helguson this time seeing his kick produce a fine save from Habsi to his right.

The Hoops are now 16th and clear of danger, for the moment at least. But Roberto Martï¿½nez's side continue at the bottom, having scored a paltry 19 times, this league's lowest. He said: "We couldn't control the game and we got punished from two dead-ball situations and obviously a very unfortunate penalty from our point of view. Once we got the goal back we were starting to get on the ball ,we were starting to push Queens Park Rangers back.

"But we are disappointed because we expected to come here and have a better performance all-round."

Martï¿½nez is targeting eight wins from the last 16 games for survival ï¿½ not impossible, but hard.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/jan/21/qpr-wigan-athletic-premier-league

GERRY COX/TELEGRAPH

By Gerry Cox at Loftus Road

While all the attention was on Joey Barton and his Twitter feud with Neil Warnock, it was three of the old guard who gave QPR their first victory under new manager Mark Hughes and lifted them out of the relegation zone.

Heidar Helguson, Akos Buzsaky and Tommy Smith were stalwarts of QPR's Championship-winning side last season, and scored the goals to give QPR their first league win at Loftus Road since beating Chelsea last October.

And with Barton uncharacteristically quiet on his return from a three-match suspension, it was Buzsaky, the Hungarian who came in from the cold who ran the show for QPR.

Buzsaky, nicknamed the White Pele by Rangers fans, had hardly played once Barton was signed last summer. But Mark Hughes recalled him last week and the Hungarian midfielder outshone Barton and his other expensive team-mates to set QPR on the road to victory.

Buzsaky was at the heart of QPR's best moves, and had a stinging shot turned away by Ali Al-Habsi shortly before Heidar Helguson opened the scoring with a 33rd minute penalty. It was a needless concession by Wigan, with James McCarthy handling the ball as a Barton corner flew in at head height, and Helguson drove the ball home from the penalty spot.

Buzsaky then had another fierce drive well saved before making it 2-0 shortly before half-time. DJ Campbell was stopped crudely by Steve Gohouri as he ran in on goal, and Buzsaky hit the resulting free-kick in perfectly from 30 yards, the ball going in off the inside of the far post.

That looked to have put the game out of the reach of Wigan, who had hardly threatened Paddy Kenny's goal after the opening few minutes. A Jordi Gomez free-kick was flicked goalwards by Hugo Rodallega, and a Victor Moses cross flew across the face of goal, but other than that it was all QPR in the first half.

Luke Young almost scored with a fluke, his mis-hit cross heading for the far corner of goal before it was away by Al Habsi, who also saved Jamie Mackie's long-range shot.

The Wigan keeper continued to defy QPR after half-time, making another great stop from a brilliant volley by Buzsaky. From the resulting corner, Barton had a simpler chance but fluffed his shot.

Just as the home supporters thought they were home and dry, chanting â€œThank You Neil Warnockâ€ in tribute to the former manager, Rodallega got Wigan back in contention with a 66th minute free-kick.

The Colombian striker was in a similar spot to Buzsaky, if not slightly farther out, but hit the ball sweetly to curl it past Kenny and give his side some hope. Wigan would have been level if Connor Sammon had not dragged his shot wide of the far post, and then Al Habsi saved another penalty from Helguson after Gary Caldwell was harshly ruled to have held him back.

Al-Habsi dived to his right to make the save, thowing Wigan another lifeline. But Tommy Smith led a break from QPR's penalty area, exchanging passes with Shaun Wright-Phillips before hitting an unstoppable shot from 25 yards past Al Habsi in the 80th minute.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/footbal....tch-report.html

PAUL HIRST/INDEPENDENT

Hughes registers first league win as QPR manager

Mark Hughes registered his first Barclays Premier League win as QPR
manager with a convincing victory over hapless Wigan at Loftus Road.

Rangers started nervously, but took the lead in the 32nd minute when Heidar Helguson slotted home from the spot after James McCarthy handled in the box and they then made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time thanks to Akos Buzsaky's brilliant free-kick.

Hugo Rodallega pulled one back for the Latics with a strike of equal brilliance before Tommy Smith blasted home from 25 yards to complete the win following Helguson's failure to convert a second penalty.

This morning's back pages may have concentrated on Joey Barton's Twitter tirade against former boss Neil Warnock, but the only thing Hughes was concerned with today was the three points.

The Welshman saw his team slip into the relegation zone after losing his first game in charge against Newcastle last week, but they are now out of the bottom three.

After last week's tricky fixture on Tyneside, Hughes must have been encouraged to see Wigan - who have won just three times this term - were next up.

The bottom-of-the-table Latics, with the worst scoring record in the top four divisions, started strongly, however, and should have been ahead inside three minutes.

Steve Gohouri gained two yards on his marker to meet Jordi Gomez's cross but he side-footed a yard wide with Rodallega lurking at the back post.

Victor Moses then cut in from the left, skipped past two challenges and fired across the box but no-one could tap in.

Barton sent Luke Young down the right for QPR and his miscued cross drifted towards goal, causing Ali Al Habsi to back-pedal and tip over athletically.

The move seemed to kick Rangers into gear. DJ Campbell just missed a chance to prod home before lashing a chance wide following a mistake by Gohouri. Shaun Wright-Phillips then had a shot blocked by McCarthy, before Gohouri put in a crucial block to deny the winger moments later.

The former Manchester City man then laid the ball off to Buzsaky, who turned his marker before firing a superb 30-yard effort that beat the out-stretched Al Habsi, but flew inches wide.

The Latics stopper denied Jamie Mackie moments later with a fine save, but a glaring error from McCarthy then gifted the hosts the lead in the 32nd minute.

Inexplicably, the midfielder chose to palm the ball away from danger from Barton's corner when he realised he could not head the inswinging cross clear and Jon Moss pointed to the spot.

McCarthy went into the book and Helguson slotted home for his eighth league strike of the season.

Al Habsi did well to tip Buzsaky's 25-yard free-kick around the post, but the Hungarian beat the Latics stopper with two minutes of the half left.

Gohouri's trip on Campbell gave QPR a dangerous free-kick 25 yards out and Buzsaky curled a wonderful effort over the wall and into the net off a post to make it 2-0.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez introduced striker Connor Sammon for James McArthur at the break while Smith came on for Campbell for the hosts.

Gomez ploughed a volley in to the stands after a quiet opening to the second half.

The ball then popped up to Buzsaky at the other end following Wright-Phillips' lay-off and he fired a peach of a volley which Al Habsi tipped around the post with a brilliant diving save.

The visitors found a way back into the game in the 65th minute when Barton upended Maynor Figueroa on the edge of the box and Rodallega curled in the resulting free-kick which had Paddy Kenny rooted to the spot.

Sammon slipped in behind the QPR defence and calmly controlled the ball, but could only fire a yard wide of Kenny's goal.

Referee Moss awarded his second penalty of the afternoon with 17 minutes left when he adjudged Gary Caldwell had climbed over Helguson's back in the box.

The Icelandic striker stepped up to take the spot-kick but Al Habsi saved this time down low to his right.

Helguson came within inches of making amends moments later when he hammered a powerful volley that sailed inches wide of Al Habsi's goal, with the former Bolton man easily beaten.

Mackie had the perfect chance to put the game beyond Wigan's reach with 12 minutes left when he galloped clear following Wright-Phillips' through-ball, but the home crowd, and Hughes, despaired as the forward blasted over.

Smith put the game beyond doubt the following minute, however, when he crashed a thundering piledriver past Al Habsi from 25 yards.

Buzsaky received a standing ovation when he was replaced by Shaun Derry as Rangers ran out comfortable winners.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/footb....r-6292764. html

TONY FERNANDES TWEETS!

Through thick or thin I will be there. This was one of the sweetest days of my life. I shall sleep with a big smile on my face. Come on you rangers.

What a great game. Well done all. Players played their heart out.

Love you tommy smith. What a goal.

What a goal. What a goal. Great one akos.

Great penalty. Well done heidar.

QPR Report Saturday: Wigan Perspective: Q&A...Barton Tweets...Warnock Writes About Post-QPR

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-
MaudesFishnchips Interviews Wigan Fan, Kieran from pieeatersfootie.com
Many thanks to both interviewer and interviewee

How long have you supported Wigan?

All my life since I was eight and my dad took me to my first game, never looked back since.

Who are Wigan�s biggest Rival and why?

I have to go with Preston local club and the game are always competitive yet not a nasty one, just a bit of a grudge.

Are you happy with your team and how things are to date? � summer spending/selling so far?

Yeah the squad is a good one, well balanced and have some quality players, its the lack of performances that annoy the fans half the time there is no effort.

What do you think of your current Owner? WHY is he/she involved? What do you expect from him?

I am a huge Dave whelan support, picked us up from the gutter nd has built a well established club with a really good infrastructure, and a great financial system.
The clubs future is bright because of him.

How do you think Wigan treats its fans? Appreciates them? Listens to them? Screws them?

Yeah they are brilliant when it come down to it, it a family club and remains like that. Best examplee of this is that every season martines holds a fan forum for the fansites. Top notch for galvanizing the fans.

Who are you Dangermen/Most valued/most overrated/most underrated players?

Danger man has to be victor Moses.The overrated man is Gary caldwell.
The underratted is Emerson boyce top quality defender

Are you happy with your youth set up? Is your club doing enough to bring young/local talent through the ranks? .

Yeah we do a lot to try and promote youth at this club, always have and always will do, especially under martinez.
He has changed the system and now the lads focus on technical ability and being able to play rather than physical attributes.

Who would you say was the greatest Wigan player that you yourself personally saw? And past player? (You can name more than one if it's that close!)

For me it has to.be Andy liddle he was one player I use to always love watching at the club never stopped and scored loads for us down the years.

What is your prediction for Wigan this season?

Just surviving by the skin of our teeth with a last day win.

Are you aware of any player or manager links between our two clubs past and present?

No I'm not, due to my own ignorance.

What is your view and the general Wigan view of QPR (If we even feature in your consciousness)

One of well done last year, its hard to get into the premier league and of how lucky you have been to get in such wealthy owners.

Who(if any) is your most memorable/favourite QPR Player over the years?

Adel tarrabet sticks out for me as one player his ability last year was amazing and I use to watch you a lot. Yet he has failed to do it this year but I'm surprised as to why. He is a quality player.

Any memorable matches between our two clubs that stand out for you? And the reasons why?

In wigans last season in the championship when three point would have more or less seen us up. Was a tense and nervous game and you had us on the back foot for periods but we got an important point.

Your score prediction for QPR v Wigan?

2-1 wigan win via a late winner from callum mcmanaman

What, realistically, do you think Wigan are capable of achieving in the next five years?

Midtable obscurity has to be the current aim, but who knows.

Again, Many thanks MaudesFishnchips Interviews Wigan Fan, Kieran from pieeatersfootie.com

INDEPENDENT

Neil Warnock: Free cups of tea and a gym pass. Now I know I'm out of work!
What I Learnt This Week

NEIL WARNOCK SATURDAY 21 JANUARY 2012

It's been a weird week for me. Football is a precarious profession but I've actually had very few periods of unemployment since I started in the game in 1968. I'd forgotten what it was like and didn't know what to do with myself to start with. But after a bad week last week, when I felt a bit down, I perked up this week and relaxed. I realised I should look at things the way I did Adel Taarabt. You have to look at what he's good at – if you focus on what he's bad at, you wouldn't touch him. Life's like that. If you concentrate on what's wrong it'll consume you. So I have been appreciating how lucky I am. I've got a lovely family, my health, and I know you'll not believe it, but I've quite a few friends as well.

It was also very soothing being in Cornwall. One gorgeous morning we had the beach at Looe to ourselves apart from one guy digging in the sand. We went and sat on the rocks but Will, who can't resist anything, went over to him. The next minute he's digging away with his hands. It turns out the guy was looking for lugworms for bait. William must have helped him for an hour. Sometimes the simple things in life are the best.

Everybody's been rallying round. I went to a café in our village in Cornwall and had lunch which I paid for at the time of ordering. Then I had a cup of tea. When I went to pay for that the lady said, "No, not in your situation, that's on the house". I said: "I've only lost my job, not my wallet." Then the next-door-neighbour said if I wanted to have a workout she had some free passes for her gym. I've missed not being able to use the gym at the training ground of an afternoon, so I decided to take her up on the offer. She didn't tell me they were OAP passes for the YMCA! As it happens it was a fabulous place and the staff were so friendly. It was good to have a blowout.

Even the Football Association have taken pity. I had received a letter from the Compliance Unit asking for my observations after I made some comments on the inconsistency of refereeing, in the light of Joey Barton being dismissed against Norwich while Frank Lampard was not sent off for that tackle against Wolves. The FA wrote this week saying I won't be charged. They must have felt sorry for me. Of course, now I'm unattached, I'll be able to say what I want.

2 Disappointed at Joey but I'm still a QPR fan

I'm told Joey Barton had a few things to say about me on twitter last night. Obviously, I'm disappointed with the comments, but I don't feel there's any need to respond. I don't have a problem with anybody at QPR and when I tuned in on Sunday to watch their at Newcastle I was cheering them on.

That might surprise people since I was sacked but most of the QPR players I brought to the club, many of them are the same players who did me so proud in winning the Championship last season, so obviously I want them to do well. Then there's the fans, who've been so wonderful to me, both when I was at the club and since. Many of the staff and people involved with the club are good friends. And finally, after all the hard work we put into getting the club into the Premier League, the last thing people like myself, Mick Jones and Keith Curle want is for it all to be undone by relegation. We want the club to sign the players they want, stay up, and then progress just as we'd planned.

I'm not at all bitter towards Tony Fernandes and I was disappointed at the way some comments I made on TV this week were sensationalised in the tabloids. I was asked about tweeting and said it was a dangerous path to go down, when players and fans are tweeting the chairman, as one person's opinion could get undue weight, and it is hard to have much context in 140 characters. Then I pick up the papers and read I was "poisoned", which wasn't what I meant at all.

I did think QPR could win last Sunday. We had highlighted the match as the first of a series of winnable games. I know we (I'll be saying "we" for a while yet) were without a couple of players but, with Demba Ba and Cheick Tioté missing, we thought it was a real chance of a fourth away win. It was not to be, but I'm sure that first league win will come today, against Wigan.

3 Managing my weekly fix of blood and guts

When you lose your job initially you try and occupy yourself and keep your mind busy. So last Saturday, rather than follow all the scores coming in, we went into Plymouth, to the cinema to see War Horse. As we took our seats I thought, "This'll be good, I can forget about football for a couple of hours". Then, and this won't spoil the story for you, when the little horse is born the young boy who is going to look after it is asked by his dad: "What will you call it?" The boy said: "I'm going to call it Joey." I thought: "I can't even get away from thinking about QPR at the movies. Why couldn't he have called it Black Bess or something?"

I thought the film was super for all the family. Or almost all. At one stage Sharon went out with William and I thought he wanted to go to the toilet. They were away a while. When he came back I was told he had to leave as he was feeling sick with all the blood on the battlefield. Amy thought it was a great film, but if you have younger children it might be an idea to warn them of what to expect.

It was nice not having my mood on a Saturday night dictated by the result of a football match, but I did realise I'll have to do a bit more planning if going out on a Saturday. We got to the cinema in time to get something to eat but the restaurants nearby were all chock-a-block. We ended up having a hot dog standing in the foyer, with me trying to hide behind Will every time I had a bite as mustard and ketchup kept going all over my nose.

4 I've no immediate plans to be a Pilgrim

You'll have gathered I didn't go to Plymouth Argyle v Burton Albion. One of the tricky aspects of being an out-of-work football manager is that while you need to go to matches to keep up to date on players and so on, whenever you turn up at a ground people start jumping to the wrong conclusions. There'd been a lot of talk about a mentor for Carl Fletcher, the Argyle manager who's also one of my former players. Sean O'Driscoll's name was talked about, then mine. I didn't think it right to embarrass Carl or his staff by turning up and having the papers taking my picture and making the wrong assumptions.

Having said all that, I'll be at Molineux this afternoon for Wolves v Aston Villa. However, I should point out I'll be there as a guest on Football Focus, and when I agreed to do it I assumed it would be in the studio. I'm sure I'll speak to Mick McCarthy, who I've known since he was an apprentice at Barnsley, beforehand. He got a great result last week at Spurs, a real coupon-buster.

5 Straight red for Roberto over imaginary cards

When I saw Roberto Mancini waving that imaginary card again I thought: "I hope someone at Manchester City will have a word with him and say it doesn't happen in this country." I must admit I did the same when cards were first introduced, but I immediately knew it was not right.

6 Best of luck to Luton boys but it's a man's game

Congratulations to the three young brothers from Luton who have signed for Chelsea. Chelsea have not pulled up any trees with their youth system, especially when you look at how much they have invested in it. Maybe these lads will be an exception, and I hope so for their sakes, but I always feel at that age it is a huge gamble. Throughout my career I've seen world-beaters at 12 and 13 who, by the age of 16, 17, have become average players, and at 20, 21 are out of the game.

7 Give Coleman chance to prove he's mustard

I think Chris Coleman is a great appointment for Wales, just the right man to follow on from Gary Speed. Chris spoke very well at what must have been a difficult press conference. It's an exciting time for Wales, with all those young players they have coming through, and I'm pleased for Chris, who has been through the wringer in recent years.

8 Thanks again... we will get back to all of you

Finally, can I thank everybody who's written to me again? I've had more than 4,000 emails now. We will be responding, but goodness knows how long it will take us Independent

YESTERDAY's TWEETS OF JOEY BARTON
Off now people, big game tomo to focus on. 1st of 17 cup finals. Premier league survival is a must.......

Not a big fan of people that try to make scapegoats out of others. If u live by the sword, u die by it.

A wise man once told me to not argue with fools, people from a distance can't tell who is who.......

Lost his job and the guy is blaming everyone but himself! Embarrassing, time to look in the mirror mate. Last thing we need right. Big week

Looking forward to the game against Wigan tomo. 1st time in a while we actually have a plan and seem organised. #3ptsneeded

If I talked about Neil, he'd do well to get another job. Twitter cost him his job???? I can think of a million other things! #shutitwarnock

Neil Warnock saying I talk to much. Now that is funny #mikebassett
- Joey Barton

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