- Birthdays for Ex-QPR Robbie James and Gary Penrice
- Four Year Flashback: Briatore re Paulo Sousa's QPR Future
- QPR: The difference between a fan and an owner (even a benevolent one)" -
QPR REPORT - Metro BLOG - March 22, 2013
QPR: The difference between a fan and an owner (even a benevolent one)
Saturday’s ‘undeserved’ defeat at Aston Villa means that for
Queen’s Park Rangers, relegation is almost assured. That’s obviously
heartbreaking. But ultimately, that’s football – and something that any
real fan of any real club, has to accept. You support a club through
both thick and thin, through feast and famine – without a second
thought.
QPR’s almost-certain relegation was accompanied by QPR Chairman Tony
Fernandes declaring that the owners were devastated and reaffirming, yet
again, that the owners would remain with the club.
In an official statement, Fernandes then offered an extremely rosy
scenario. Affirming that he and his fellow shareholders had a ‘lifelong
commitment’ to QPR and that the club’s future was ‘bright’, Fernandes
urged fans to ‘focus on the future’ and that ‘the path in front of us is
exciting.’ Fernandes went on ‘QPR has come a long, long way from where
we were, and the plan continues. We inherited a club that lacked so
many things, and we are rebuilding every aspect. That’s a huge
challenge. In any business there will be hiccups. But this is not a
one-year or two-year project…we need a new training ground, a new
stadium, a more successful academy. That’s so exciting…” Read the full statement here
REACTIONS
Some fans and journalists were more than a little skeptical about
Fernandes’ latest statement. However an unscientific sampling of fan
responses, suggest that the majority of fans were far more in the mould
of ’trust Tony: He loves us!” – or at least, without Fernandes, we’re
sunk!
There has unquestionably been progress at QPR in a number of areas,
such as work towards a new training ground. Despite errors, there is a
far more professional and balanced feel to QPR these days. However that
shouldn’t blind us to the mistakes that have gotten us to where we are
today. Some might question Fernandes’ evaluation of his first two
seasons in charge as movement forward. Certainly in terms of finances
and team development. Given how much our debt has risen in that period
(albeit debt assumed by the owners) and how much we have spent on
players in transfer fees and wages, and the burden that now hangs over
us. Many would say, we have actually regressed.
Nor should fans be naive about what motivated our owners to invest in QPR or what their ultimate goals is.
This doesn’t make the owners bad guys. It makes them owners. Given
our financial situation and the probable ownership alternatives (and
seeing what’s happening at other clubs), Fernandes is probably the best
we’re likely to get and I’m glad he’s staying.
But how many club owners – at QPR and elsewhere - have expressed
their love and passion for the club and then, when the time came, sold
up and moved on, without usually a second glance (and some to often to
another club)? Even the great Jim Gregory.
A fan though is with a club for life. He or she doesn’t consider switching clubs – he’s not supporting a club to make a money. Metro Blogs
- Other QPR Report Metro Blog Articles
- The Approved Minutes of the Club-Supporters Groups Meeting
QPR1st met with the club’s senior management on Monday along with other supporter groups including The LSA, IndyRs and QPR DSA.
The Trust felt the meeting was a positive start and look forward to
regularly meeting with the club in the future. The club should be
applauded for quickly responding to feedback at the recent fans forum and implementing a plan of action that they’ve promptly followed through with.
The Trust are also pleased that the club have set up a new Customer
Services Assistant position that has been filled by Andy Rees to help
with communication flow and all customer related enquiries. We would
like to welcome Andy to the club and wish him well in the role.
The shared minutes from the meeting can be found below:
Supporters Group Meeting
Date: Monday 18th March 2013
Venue: Loftus Road Stadium
Time: 5:45pm
In attendance:
From the club: Philip Beard, Mark Donnelly & Andy Rees
From the supporter groups: Neil Dejyothin (QPR1st – www.qpr1st.com), John Reid & Joe Hylton (QPR LSA – www.qprlsa.co.uk), Paul Finney & Jonathan McKee (IndyR’s – www.indyrs.co.uk) & Paul Moore (QPR DSA – www.facebook.com/pages/QPR-disabled-fans-association/106265682815499?fref=ts).
Apologies:
Dave Thomas (AKUTRs – www.akutrs.co.uk)
Introduction
- - The club stressed the importance it placed on regular and constructive dialogue with supporters
- - QPR1st, The LSA and IndyR’s thanked the club for providing the
forum for fans’ views to be heard and to understand some of the
reasoning behind key issues.
- - QPR1st explained that the majority of QPR fans were passionate but
supportive of the club and wanted their views to be listened to.
- - IndyRs stressed the importance of the Club within the community and it was important the club continued to appreciate that.
- - The Club reiterated that the short term goal was Premier League survival.
The Official Supporters Club (The OSC)
- - The LSA expressed their concern around the OSC and the resignation of their committee.
- - The Club reiterated that they had offered to meet the OSC to discuss any concerns or issues but the OSC had declined.
- - The Club reiterated that the OSC was the fans’ group and therefore
asked all the fan groups present their views on what they wanted from
an Official Supporters Club.
- - It was agreed that The LSA members present would meet with the OSC and try to find an acceptable resolution.
- - There followed a discussion on how the OSC should communicate with
the Club and how this should be communicated back to the wider
supporter base.
Dedicated Customer Services Officer – Andy Rees
- - Andy Rees is the new Customer Services Officer at the club and can be contacted on andyr@qpr.co.uk
- - Andy will act as a central hub for all lines of enquiries from supporters and supporters groups.
- - The Club agreed that it was important for all queries and issues
to be responded to and communicated back to those raising them.
- - Andy offered to meet with supporter group representatives regularly to discuss any topics of interest or concern.
The Training Ground
- - The Club updated on the plans for a new training ground at Warren Farm.
- - Plans have been submitted for Planning Consent and the Club will provide an update as appropriate.
- - QPR1st, The LSA and IndyR’s agreed with the importance of a new
training ground for the long term success and sustainability of the
Club.
- - The Club confirmed that the new training ground was a clear
priority and potential relegation was not expected to impact on the
development or timing.
- - The Club provided some design images of the plans (which are available on Ealing’s planning website).
- - The DSA asked about the disabled access and facilities at the new
training ground and the Club confirmed they would be DDA compliant.
- - QPR1st asked if a Women’s Super League team could be based there
and the Club confirmed the plans could be adapted to meet requirements
if the need arose.
- - The Club confirmed that all aspects of the Club, particularly all
the football departments, were feeding into the requirements for the
training ground and also project representatives had visited other
prominent training facilities.
The New Stadium
- - The Club stressed that any discussions around a new stadium were very sensitive and confidential.
- - The Club confirmed they have looked at a large number of sites
within the local area and are working on their preferred option.
- - QPR1st asked what consideration and investigations had been made
to improving and upgrading Loftus Road with the Club responding that a
full feasibility study of options for Loftus Road had confirmed that
there were no opportunities to expand or redevelop Loftus Road. All the
Supporter Groups recognised that despite the affection for Loftus Road
that there was a need to move to a new Stadium for the Club to progress.
- - The Club confirmed that at the appropriate time Supporters would
be consulted regarding plans for a new Stadium to ensure that the
essence of Loftus Road was captured and preserved.
- - The Club stressed that this was a long term project and there was no quick or easy solution.
Ticket Pricing
- - The LSA raised the £20 price cap for away tickets campaign by the
Football Supporters Federation and whether the club would commit to
doing it. The Club explained that it was the home team who set prices
for away teams and the only requirement was that away tickets had to be
priced comparatively as home tickets therefore The Club had no say over
prices charged to QPR away fans.
- - A discussion followed about Membership fees and booking fees and
The Club explained the commercial requirements, the cost of
administration and the fact that all charges and fees were benchmarked
regularly against other clubs.
- - The LSA feel that supporters are being priced out of the game and
that there are many die hard Queens Park Rangers supporters who can no
longer afford to attend. QPR1st also cited knowing of many supporters
who can no longer afford to come to Loftus Road.
- - QPR1st asked about the ticket prices for next year and the Club
confirmed that they would be communicated in due course. QPR1st asked
whether the club could consider an Early Bird discount scheme and
whether there would be any incentive schemes in the event of relegation.
- - The supporters’ representatives expressed the importance of
keeping the supporters on side in the event of relegation and the ground
filled to capacity and requested the Club consider lowering ticket
pricing if they were in the Championship.
Lower Loft Family Stand
- - The issue of moving non family season ticket members out of the Lower Loft was discussed again.
- - The Club reiterated the process and the difficulties but were
prepared to discuss ideas on how to solve this problem and that if
representatives came up with proposals they would be reviewed and
considered. However it was clear from the discussion around the table
that the solutions were not easy as any alternative would impact on
other supporters in other areas of the Ground. The number of supporters
affected and moved out of the Lower Loft was around 280 of which only 40
did not renew their season tickets.
- - The Club confirmed that the free upgrade for those season ticket
holders who had to move to gold tickets would not apply for next season.
Touting
- - The issue of ticket touting was raised and is an on-going concern
for supporters. IndyR’s, The LSA and QPR1st expressed concern about the
use of Viagogo and the potential issue of opposition supporters buying
tickets for QPR fans. The club explained that Viagogo was essentially a
service to season ticket holders who were unable to attend particular
games and offered them a secure market place to sell their tickets.
- - The Club committed to investigating any instances of tickets being
touted that could be traced back to the club or season ticket holders.
- - The Club also confirmed that the presence of away supporters in
home sections should be stewarded and offenders removed from the ground.
The club would pursue this with the stewarding companies.
- - IndyR’s said the club need to do more to tackle this issue
Club Finances and Expenditure
- - IndyR’s asked about the fees paid to agents and the Club explained
that the high total was due to the activity and number of transfers
that had occurred over the last 18 months.
- - QPR1st asked for the restoration of the annual general meeting
(AGM) or a platform to discuss the Club’s financial information to
ensure supporters understood the strategy rather than reading views from
the media.
Branding & Advertising
- - IndyR’s gave several examples of clubs who have posters or signs
around different areas of the city – including in our areas –
advertising and promoting their football clubs. The Club explained that
there was little commercial value in paid for advertising given our
capacity and ticket sales
- - IndyR’s asked whether the club could do more to promote itself and its players in and around the stadium via banners.
Player Appearances
- - The Club confirmed that the players were committed to community
activity and would all be making appearances before the end of the
season and some good progress had been made since the fans forum. The
Club would work to ensure that they would publicise more of the good
work being done.
- - The LSA stated they felt it important that player’s turn up for the LSA children’s Christmas Party.
Treatment of ex-players
- - IndyR’s raised that there was a lack of appreciation shown towards
former players and that the club should do more to recognise their
achievements.
- - There were suggestions made about bringing back the teams at
special occasions, such as anniversaries for the likes of the 1967 and
1982 teams.
- - The Club replied that they receive a lot of applications for the
high profile matches and it was not possible to fulfil all requests.
Consideration would be given to marking particular anniversaries and to
use players as ambassadors on certain match days.
DSA
- - The DSA asked about the requirement of showing your proof of
disability every season and the Club responded that it was following DWP
guidelines and practice. Consideration would be given for individual
cases if there were special circumstances.
AOB
- - The club agreed to schedule a follow up meeting.
- - Ian Taylor (Head of Media & Comms) will follow up with Paul
Finney of IndyR’s regarding Philip Beard potentially appearing on the Open All Rs Podcast.
- - The LSA raised the question of why there is a protective cage /
fencing between the Q Block in the Upper Loft and the R Block in
Ellerslie Road and the fact that the views from that area of the stadium
are already quite poor and hindered further by this cage / fence – the
Club agreed to look into this. QPR1st
West London Sport QPR sign young keeper released by Chelsea
22/03/2013
By Rob Brennan
QPR have signed teenage goalkeeper Conor Hudnott after he was released by neighbours Chelsea.
He
was playing for one of Combined Counties League outfit Spelthorne
Sports’ youth teams when he was snapped up by the Blues on a two-year
deal in April 2011.
After Chelsea opted not to retain him,
Rangers have signed Hudnott as an under-16 scholar following interest
from a number of other clubs. West London Sport
45 Years ago: March 23, 1968 - The crucial Match vs Blackpool
Geoffrey Greene (The Brian Glanville of his Day)
"...As
for Marsh himself he remains the individualist and the entertainer he
will always be. Hooked up a number of times in full artistic flow he
always managed to turn the ire of others to laughter in the fluent
manner of his falling. He should be a tumbler or a clown in a circus. Let
as a footballer he is no clown. He may not suit the planners or those
who worship method. But he makes the crowd purr and it was now only the
howling gale, two great saves by Taylor and those illegal last ditch
obstructions that kept him out of the score line. But
if Marsh raises the cry of "Rod-ney, Rod-ney!" from the terraces, the
steady pulse of this Rangers` side beats in their captain, Keen.
Unhurried, long legged, deep thinking and one-paced not unlike Crerand,
of Manchester United - he prods his men on week after week from no man`s
land. Quiet but keen, he is well named."
[It might have
been the programme (or maybe not! - but about the same time as a full
colour black & white photo of a Loftus Road, with floodlights on
and a toilet paper roll streamer dividing the picture in half and the
quote "Look Who Just Did What to Whom" - Now if that photo could be
found and posted...!]
41 Yrs Ago: QPR Beat Blackpool -Great Match Report
41 years ago today, QPR beat Blackpool at Loftus Road.
I remember that game.
I also the great Geoffrey Green Match Report, which was reprinted in the club programme.
"Borrowing" the match report it from last year's Vital Football QPR
http://www.qpr.vitalfootball.co.uk/sitepage.asp?a=140771
Especially remember these last few paragraphs
...As
for Marsh himself he remains the individualist and the entertainer he
will always be. Hooked up a number of times in full artistic flow he
always managed to turn the ire of others to laughter in the fluent
manner of his falling. He should be a tumbler or a clown in a circus.
Let
as a footballer he is no clown. He may not suit the planners or those
who worship method. But he makes the crowd purr and it was now only the
howling gale, two great saves by Taylor and those illegal last ditch
obstructions that kept him out of the score line.
But if Marsh
raises the cry of "Rod-ney, Rod-ney!" from the terraces, the steady
pulse of this Rangers` side beats in their captain, Keen. Unhurried,
long legged, deep thinking and one-paced not unlike Crerand, of
Manchester United - he prods his men on week after week from no man`s
land. Quiet but keen, he is well named..."
Geoffrey Green Report
"A
season`s maxi-double over Blackpool at Loftus Road on Saturday; three
points taken earlier from Portsmouth; return games yet to come against
other challengers in Ipswich Town (away), Birmingham City (home),
Blackburn Rovers (away) and Queens Park Rangers have almost reached
their journey`s end.
Promoted to the second division only this
season, they now stand on the fringe of the upper classes and deservedly
so. They have made all the running from August with skill, stamina and
spirit and have done it in such a way as to prove that their victory at
Wembley, a year ago over West Bromwich Albion in the final of the
football league cup was no flash in the pan.
Perhaps there was
disappointment that their lower status at the time did not permit entry
to the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. European Competition would have been an
exciting challenge. They would have learned new things.
But
perhaps it proved a blessing in disguise. With that other tit-bit on
their plate I doubt whether they would have been where they are today at
home.
Whether their resources are sufficient to survive in the
upper layer - should they get there - remains one of those
imponderables. At any rate on this occasion they showed themselves more
fitted for the future than Blackpool. The Lancastrians certainly had the
undiminished style and experience of Armfield, England`s captain and
colleague of Ron Springett, Rangers` goalkeeper, in the World Cup of
1962; the intelligent workmanship in midfield of Milne, who often enough
went through the fires of the past for Liverpool and England.
But
in the important sector of the firing line they had little to offer
beyond the balanced aggression of Green (a Scotsman, perchance in spite
of the name). Skirton seemed scarcely prepared to stir his robust
timbers ad White wasted too much of himself in an abrasive attitude
towards others, especially the long suffering Springett under the
Rangers cross bar.
Certainly White once shot into Springett`s
face instead of the net as he pounced on a bad backpass by Keetch just
before the interval; and once, too, in a northern rally near the end
Clement headed out from under his bar from the centre forward.
Yet
if all this sounds as though Blackpool deserved to survive, it was not
so. That last act by Clement in itself was legitimate, intelligent
covering. The feeling is that Armfield and his tangerine company lack
penetration, for all their near midfield approach. For that reason I
believe they will miss out on the promotion bus.
From the moment
Ian Morgan headed have Hazell`s free kick in the tenth minute - given
for one of the numerous infringements against Marsh - Rangers seldom
looked like losing. There were a number of narrow squeaks around Taylor
at the other end until Clarke, the new arrival from Shrewsbury at
centre-forward, put all doubts into the shadows as he scored his first
goal "in anger" as it were for Rangers midway through the second half.
Holding
his line neatly together down the wind after the interval, Clarke now
breasted down Allen`s precise chip and flicked it home. Even Marsh must
have admired that.
As for Marsh himself he remains the
individualist and the entertainer he will always be. Hooked up a number
of times in full artistic flow he always managed to turn the ire of
others to laughter in the fluent manner of his falling. He should be a
tumbler or a clown in a circus.
Let as a footballer he is no
clown. He may not suit the planners or those who worship method. But he
makes the crowd purr and it was now only the howling gale, two great
saves by Taylor and those illegal last ditch obstructions that kept him
out of the score line.
But if Marsh raises the cry of "Rod-ney,
Rod-ney!" from the terraces, the steady pulse of this Rangers` side
beats in their captain, Keen. Unhurried, long legged, deep thinking and
one-paced not unlike Crerand, of Manchester United - he prods his men on
week after week from no man`s land. Quiet but keen, he is well named.
Final Score: Queens Park Rangers 2-0 Blackpool
QPR: Springett, Clement, Harris, Keen, Keetch, Hazell, Morgan I., Allen, Clarke, Marsh, Morgan R.
Blackpool: Taylor, Armfield, Mowbray, Milne, Althingy, McPhee, Green, Craven, White, Ingram, Skirton.
- Football League and Parachute Payments
- Save The Date: The 2013/14 Championship Season Begins August 3...The Premier League Begins August 17
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