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Former QPR Player, Coach & Acting Manager, Johnnie Hollins Turns 60!
Born July 16, 1946
Signed from Chelsea by Dave Sexton in June 1975, Hollins was an integral part of QPR's 1975/76 "Championship" Winning Team (primarily alternating a position between himself and Mick Leach). And the following three seasons, Hollins moving between midfield with some games as central defender.
After QPR's relegation, Hollins was set to stay at QPR and then changed his mind and joined Arsenal...and then subsequently Chelsea as player coach.
In the mid-1980s, QPR attempted to take Hollins from Chelsea to manage them. That failed...
A few years, back Hollins was coach at QPR and became Acting manager.
Currently at non-league Crawley.
http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=1075
See Also Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hollins
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Sunday, July 16, 2006
Nostalgia: Twenty Years Ago, the 1986/87 Season: The Fulham "Merger"
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Twenty Years ago 1986/1987 season:
QPR were set to begin their second season under Jim Smith. After a traumatic end of the 1985/1986 season with saw the team's shock 0-3 defeat to Oxford United in the League Cup Final at Wembley...
In the summer, Steve Wicks had been sold to Chelsea and QPR signed David Seaman from Peterborough, Alan Brazil from Coventry, and Sammy Lee from Liverpool. And the announcement with big fanfair that Bradley Allen has signed a QPR contract. And virtually unnoticed, Les Ferdinand joined QPR from Hayes.
The season beagn with a 1-5 loss at Southampton with a hattrick from later QPR forward, Colin Clarke.
By the end of the season (February 1987) Chairman Jim Gregory (finally) selling the club...to Fulham Chairman/Marler Estates, David Bulstrode....and the merger of QPR and Fulham was announced...protested and finally abandoned. The season ended with a series of terrible results include a 1-7 loss at Sheffield Wednesday. QPR finished 16th with 50 points (from 42 games) with Everton Champions and Aston Villa, Manchester City and Leicester relegated)
See: re Fulham Merger(as part of a story of protesting Merger with Wimbledon)
Fans will prove sticking point for merger once againBy Sean Smith
http://www.soccernet.com/columns/2001/0503/20010503featsean.html
[Also re Wimbledon Merger
Soccernet RELATED Old hands will see off merger
Fans unite against merger plan
Dons legend rules out merger
QPR stalwart scorns merger talk
Rangers will listen to the fans
Football League discuss merger talks
Twenty Years ago 1986/1987 season:
QPR were set to begin their second season under Jim Smith. After a traumatic end of the 1985/1986 season with saw the team's shock 0-3 defeat to Oxford United in the League Cup Final at Wembley...
In the summer, Steve Wicks had been sold to Chelsea and QPR signed David Seaman from Peterborough, Alan Brazil from Coventry, and Sammy Lee from Liverpool. And the announcement with big fanfair that Bradley Allen has signed a QPR contract. And virtually unnoticed, Les Ferdinand joined QPR from Hayes.
The season beagn with a 1-5 loss at Southampton with a hattrick from later QPR forward, Colin Clarke.
By the end of the season (February 1987) Chairman Jim Gregory (finally) selling the club...to Fulham Chairman/Marler Estates, David Bulstrode....and the merger of QPR and Fulham was announced...protested and finally abandoned. The season ended with a series of terrible results include a 1-7 loss at Sheffield Wednesday. QPR finished 16th with 50 points (from 42 games) with Everton Champions and Aston Villa, Manchester City and Leicester relegated)
See: re Fulham Merger(as part of a story of protesting Merger with Wimbledon)
Fans will prove sticking point for merger once againBy Sean Smith
http://www.soccernet.com/columns/2001/0503/20010503featsean.html
[Also re Wimbledon Merger
Soccernet RELATED Old hands will see off merger
Fans unite against merger plan
Dons legend rules out merger
QPR stalwart scorns merger talk
Rangers will listen to the fans
Football League discuss merger talks
Ex-QPR's Assistant Manager Bruce Rioch (now at Odense) Profiled in Today's Sunday Times
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[No mention of his QPR 'experiences']
From Today's Sunday Times: Bruce almighty -
Douglas Alexander in Odense
Bruce Rioch has found a home from home in Denmark with the Intertoto Cup hopefuls
The script is a famous feature of Bruce Rioch’s coaching and it is being performed out on the idyllic setting of Fionia Park, home of Odense Boldklub. The sun illuminates the lush, green turf and the stadium, built in 1998, sparkles too. In sunglasses and shorts, Rioch is a teacher with an attentive team of pupils listening. He lines them up against imaginary opposition and runs them through some situations that will come up in the season that is about to start. This prescriptive, paternal style inspired his teams at Middlesbrough and Bolton to play attractive, passing football that still lingers in the minds of those fortunate enough see it.
Later, sitting in shade, Rioch emanates contentment. It becomes obvious as he chats that he values his players as people rather than pawns. He speaks with genuine affection about “my boys”, his current team, and recalls his former charges with great fondness, too. He rattles through the names of players at Middlesbrough and Bolton, several of whom he has stayed in touch with. Andy Walker, Owen Coyle, Mixu Paatelainen, Gary Pallister, Bernie Slaven, Stuart Ripley and many more. There is one that he lingers on. With their teams facing each other in the Intertoto Cup this week, Rioch dips into a vault of his mind labelled ‘Mogga’. It contains rich deposits.
“He’s an awesome man. A little story about him that I was telling my boys the other day. When we were at Middlesbrough, in the difficult days, we had a kit manager called Ken Smith who was about 70. The game would end and we’d come in and shower and change and before Tony went into the players’ room to see his girlfriend and family, he took Ken home in his car to his house and then came back. It seems a simple little thing but it is quite special he would take the time to think about the situation and take this guy home first. Those are the things that make someone special and he’s a really special guy. He’s been through tragedy too. I can remember when he lost his first wife (Bernadette) and at some stage afterwards I asked him to come to Bolton. He said, ‘I’d love to but I owe it to her family to be with them just now’. An incredible man.”
Rioch received a call from Mowbray last Saturday when he was preparing for the wedding of his son, Gregor. He sent the Rioch clan, clad in tartan, his best wishes but wondered if the father of the groom could pop a DVD of his team in action in the post after the festivities. “I was going to send him one of someone else,” jokes Rioch, but Mowbray knows the script so well, he could probably have spotted the difference.
Gregor has just returned to working with Manchester City’s youngsters after two years coaching another Danish club and his father followed him to Denmark last summer, taking over at Odense. In the city, two hours west of Copenhagen by train, he has found utopia. Superb facilities, receptive players and a board that he respects and trusts. “When I left Wigan I was keen to get back in for 18 months but then nothing materialised that suited me. I had a couple of offers but I wanted to go and work for the right people. I found out that was absolutely vital in my life and the right opportunity never came along until one of my old players at Norwich told me that this job might be vacant and would I be interested. I said I ’d come across and have a look and it was the people I met at the club that brought me here.”
The organisation around him is impressive. Allan Poulsen, the physio, works with Denmark’s international football teams, men and women, plus the national handball side and elite cyclists. The club’s youth system is superbly organised with sessions four afternoons a week at the training ground. “It’s a small country, 5.5 million population, so it’s not dissimilar to Scotland. The development of sports people over here, not just footballers, is absolutely incredible. They produce golfers, world-class badminton players, cyclists on the Tour de France. They’ve got a great sporting ethic.”
Rioch was on the shortlist for the Scotland job before Berti Vogts got it and was also in the running to take over at Aberdeen before Steve Paterson was appointed. His father came from the Granite City and his mother is from Skye, although Rioch was born in Aldershot as his dad was stationed there with the army at the time. Both David Taylor and Keith Wyness would probably revisit those decisions now and it seems impossible that Rioch did not impress at interview, given the way he comes across.
Positives pour from him, his enthusiasm for the game “refreshed” by his experience in Denmark. Last season, he managed Odense to third, their best finish in a decade, and now he hopes to take them closer to the big two — FC Copenhagen and Brondby. “It’s the equivalent of being manager of Hibs in Scotland,” he says.
He ranks his current group of players as good as anything he has worked with in terms of their attitude. “We’re not a big club but we try and develop the key things — team spirit, morale, atmosphere, loving each other, caring for each other. All the things we had at Middlesbrough and Bolton, we have them here. We said that to them when we first came in. ‘If you don’t care for each other, don’t look after each other then you won’ t be successful’. We have a super situation in this club in that respect. That’s what’s enjoyable. In all honesty, I wake up every day and I look forward to coming into work with them and I say to the players, ‘I want you to get up and come into work and enjoy it every day’. We know there’s a lot of occupations and professions which are hard, difficult, mundane ones and football is such a great job.
“I had an agreement to be reviewed at the end of the season, which it was, and I said I would like to stay another season. Everybody seems happy with that and I am happy with it. I am at a stage where I am not pushing too hard to chase too much at the moment. I am happy with my job, happy with my life and what comes along, comes along, but the most important single factor would be the people I work with and for. They are vital, they are my life. I have worked with some people that I wouldn’t want to work for again.”
There is only one drawback to Saturday’s visit to Easter Road for the second leg. It has forced him to turn down an invite to Dennis Bergkamp’s testimonial and the inauguration of Arsenal’s new Emirates stadium at Ashburton Grove. Rioch signed the Dutchman during his brief spell at Highbury between the eras of George Graham and Arsène Wenger. We will never know if he could have wrought the successful transformation the Frenchman has, but in bequeathing Bergkamp he set the tone of elegant skill which has defined it. “I think everybody wants to have longer at good clubs and Arsenal is a great club,” says Rioch.
So, too, in a smaller, maybe friendlier, way, is Odense.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2093-2272662,00.html
[No mention of his QPR 'experiences']
From Today's Sunday Times: Bruce almighty -
Douglas Alexander in Odense
Bruce Rioch has found a home from home in Denmark with the Intertoto Cup hopefuls
The script is a famous feature of Bruce Rioch’s coaching and it is being performed out on the idyllic setting of Fionia Park, home of Odense Boldklub. The sun illuminates the lush, green turf and the stadium, built in 1998, sparkles too. In sunglasses and shorts, Rioch is a teacher with an attentive team of pupils listening. He lines them up against imaginary opposition and runs them through some situations that will come up in the season that is about to start. This prescriptive, paternal style inspired his teams at Middlesbrough and Bolton to play attractive, passing football that still lingers in the minds of those fortunate enough see it.
Later, sitting in shade, Rioch emanates contentment. It becomes obvious as he chats that he values his players as people rather than pawns. He speaks with genuine affection about “my boys”, his current team, and recalls his former charges with great fondness, too. He rattles through the names of players at Middlesbrough and Bolton, several of whom he has stayed in touch with. Andy Walker, Owen Coyle, Mixu Paatelainen, Gary Pallister, Bernie Slaven, Stuart Ripley and many more. There is one that he lingers on. With their teams facing each other in the Intertoto Cup this week, Rioch dips into a vault of his mind labelled ‘Mogga’. It contains rich deposits.
“He’s an awesome man. A little story about him that I was telling my boys the other day. When we were at Middlesbrough, in the difficult days, we had a kit manager called Ken Smith who was about 70. The game would end and we’d come in and shower and change and before Tony went into the players’ room to see his girlfriend and family, he took Ken home in his car to his house and then came back. It seems a simple little thing but it is quite special he would take the time to think about the situation and take this guy home first. Those are the things that make someone special and he’s a really special guy. He’s been through tragedy too. I can remember when he lost his first wife (Bernadette) and at some stage afterwards I asked him to come to Bolton. He said, ‘I’d love to but I owe it to her family to be with them just now’. An incredible man.”
Rioch received a call from Mowbray last Saturday when he was preparing for the wedding of his son, Gregor. He sent the Rioch clan, clad in tartan, his best wishes but wondered if the father of the groom could pop a DVD of his team in action in the post after the festivities. “I was going to send him one of someone else,” jokes Rioch, but Mowbray knows the script so well, he could probably have spotted the difference.
Gregor has just returned to working with Manchester City’s youngsters after two years coaching another Danish club and his father followed him to Denmark last summer, taking over at Odense. In the city, two hours west of Copenhagen by train, he has found utopia. Superb facilities, receptive players and a board that he respects and trusts. “When I left Wigan I was keen to get back in for 18 months but then nothing materialised that suited me. I had a couple of offers but I wanted to go and work for the right people. I found out that was absolutely vital in my life and the right opportunity never came along until one of my old players at Norwich told me that this job might be vacant and would I be interested. I said I ’d come across and have a look and it was the people I met at the club that brought me here.”
The organisation around him is impressive. Allan Poulsen, the physio, works with Denmark’s international football teams, men and women, plus the national handball side and elite cyclists. The club’s youth system is superbly organised with sessions four afternoons a week at the training ground. “It’s a small country, 5.5 million population, so it’s not dissimilar to Scotland. The development of sports people over here, not just footballers, is absolutely incredible. They produce golfers, world-class badminton players, cyclists on the Tour de France. They’ve got a great sporting ethic.”
Rioch was on the shortlist for the Scotland job before Berti Vogts got it and was also in the running to take over at Aberdeen before Steve Paterson was appointed. His father came from the Granite City and his mother is from Skye, although Rioch was born in Aldershot as his dad was stationed there with the army at the time. Both David Taylor and Keith Wyness would probably revisit those decisions now and it seems impossible that Rioch did not impress at interview, given the way he comes across.
Positives pour from him, his enthusiasm for the game “refreshed” by his experience in Denmark. Last season, he managed Odense to third, their best finish in a decade, and now he hopes to take them closer to the big two — FC Copenhagen and Brondby. “It’s the equivalent of being manager of Hibs in Scotland,” he says.
He ranks his current group of players as good as anything he has worked with in terms of their attitude. “We’re not a big club but we try and develop the key things — team spirit, morale, atmosphere, loving each other, caring for each other. All the things we had at Middlesbrough and Bolton, we have them here. We said that to them when we first came in. ‘If you don’t care for each other, don’t look after each other then you won’ t be successful’. We have a super situation in this club in that respect. That’s what’s enjoyable. In all honesty, I wake up every day and I look forward to coming into work with them and I say to the players, ‘I want you to get up and come into work and enjoy it every day’. We know there’s a lot of occupations and professions which are hard, difficult, mundane ones and football is such a great job.
“I had an agreement to be reviewed at the end of the season, which it was, and I said I would like to stay another season. Everybody seems happy with that and I am happy with it. I am at a stage where I am not pushing too hard to chase too much at the moment. I am happy with my job, happy with my life and what comes along, comes along, but the most important single factor would be the people I work with and for. They are vital, they are my life. I have worked with some people that I wouldn’t want to work for again.”
There is only one drawback to Saturday’s visit to Easter Road for the second leg. It has forced him to turn down an invite to Dennis Bergkamp’s testimonial and the inauguration of Arsenal’s new Emirates stadium at Ashburton Grove. Rioch signed the Dutchman during his brief spell at Highbury between the eras of George Graham and Arsène Wenger. We will never know if he could have wrought the successful transformation the Frenchman has, but in bequeathing Bergkamp he set the tone of elegant skill which has defined it. “I think everybody wants to have longer at good clubs and Arsenal is a great club,” says Rioch.
So, too, in a smaller, maybe friendlier, way, is Odense.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2093-2272662,00.html
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Two Years Ago Today: "Foreign investors step in to keep QPR in Business"
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If you read the Daily Telegraph two years ago today...
Mihir Bose Telegraph 15/07/2004
Foreign investors step in to keep QPR in business
Queens Park Rangers are being rescued by a Monaco-based company of unnamed Italian and French investors who are putting in money to make sure the west London club survive. In a series of dramatic recent developments at the club, who came out of administration only two years ago, the chairman, chief executive, and one other director have resigned and a new board have taken over.
The accounts for the season just concluded, in which QPR won promotion to the newly named Coca-Cola Championship, are not yet available. The club have only just finished preparing audited accounts for the year to May 2003, which covers the 2002-2003 season. However, these accounts have some information on the latest cash crisis.
The Daily Telegraph has seen a copy and in it the directors confess that if new money is not made available the club would have to be wound up.The directors' report says: "The directors have reviewed the group's budget for the current year and outline projections for the subsequent year including cash flows and forecasts of headroom available against current borrowing facilities, together with other likely sources of cash generation."
Following this review, the directors have formed a judgment that, at the time of approval of the financial statements, the group does not have sufficient resources to continue operating in the foreseeable future without raising additional working capital. For this reason, the directors are actively seeking to raise further capital to meet the shortfall."
QPR were a casualty of the football recession even before the collapse of ITV Digital but their main problem is that they were never properly rescued. They went into administration with debts of £10 million and instead of coming out with no debts, as clubs that go into administration seek to do, came out with a long-term loan of £10 million. This is to a Panama-based company on which the club pay a crippling 10 per cent interest.
Since QPR came out of administration, the board have been seeking new money and all sorts of schemes have been floated, but none has worked. QPR's ground-sharing with Fulham for two years was largely unsuccessful. Fulham paid £1 million a year as rent but QPR had to pick up the bill for all the extra match-day costs and made very little money. One source said: "It would have been much better if we had got [Mohamed] Fayed to pay us £15,000 a match to hire the ground and they met all the other bills."
Several people have been offering to find money. One of them, Tim Krause, an American who owns the United States team Milwaukee Wave, had various discussions with the club in the last few years. Bill Power, who is the new QPR chairman and provided £200,000 as a loan for the club, said: "In the end we found he was acting as an agent and it was not his own money he was investing. Why use an agent to find money when we can do it ourselves?"
It was a failure to find investors and disagreements about the way the club was run, leading to the horrendous cash situation, that forced the three directors to go: David Davies, the chief executive who was paid a salary of £135,000, Ross Jones, the chairman of the plc, and Nick Blackburn, the chairman of the football club.
The Monaco-based investors were introduced to the club by Gianni Paladini, the husband of Olga Paladini, who, through Moorbound Ltd, is a major shareholder with 22 per cent.The new investors will buy new shares that QPR are issuing. This will give them 29.9 per cent of the club. Since they are buying new shares and not shares from another director, it will mean the £1.8 million they are investing will go directly into the club. Chris Wright, the former owner with 14 million shares, and Moorbound with 18 million shares, will remain the other main shareholders.
Although the latest available accounts are a year out of date, they give an indication of QPR's predicament. The accounts show that in the 2002-03 season, while income rose from £5.6 million to £7.3 million, the loss increased 10 times from £413,000 to £4.3 million.
The accounts for the season just gone are expected to be much worse. But by the time they are revealed to the world the Monaco-based Italian-French alliance will be on board. The deal is expected to be done in the next few days.Power would not disclose who they are but said: "They are football fans."
[Originally Posted on http://www.queensparkrangersfc.com/papersjuly15.htm Also: http://www.boardroomblues.co.uk/telegraph150704.htm Hmm!
QPR WOULD have been Playing MK Dons Today (but "threats" led to game's cancellation) - Five Years after Wimbledon Merger Failed!
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QPR WOULD have been playing Milton Keynes Dons today!
A month ago, QPR announced they would be playing Milton Keynes Dons ("Wimbledon") on July 15, after an originally (semi-) scheduled game against Brentford was cancelled by Brentford.
After some QPR fans expressed discontent at QPR playing MK Dons (colloquially referred to by some as "Franchise" because of the way they became the first English club to move many miles away to a new town), QPR announced they had cancelled the game.
In a statement posted on the Official Site (and subsequently removed from the site), QPR Chairman, Gianni Paladini declared "After Several phone calls and threats from our own supporters, I have decided not to go ahead with the game...."
(Paladini subsequently explained to some fans (but never on the official site) that by "threats" he meant threats by something like six fans not to renew their season tickets.
(There is a special QPR fan interest in MK Dons, given the efforts five years ago to merge the two teams. Also the fact that the current Chairman of MK Dons, Peter Winkelman tried to take over QPR.)
From Five Years Ago
QPR & Wimbledon in Merger Talks
QPR-Dons merger 'to be dead within 48 hours'
Winkelman Confirms QPR Bid
As Originally Posted on the Official Site
-QPR Official Site - June 16, 2006 - MK DONS GAME CANCELLED
Gianni Paladini would like to make the following statement, after making the decision to cancel the game against MK Dons on July 15."After several phonecalls and threats from our own supporters, I have decided not to go ahead with the game."I was extremely embarrassed at having to call the club secretary at MK Dons after he had done all he could to arrange a fixture on a day where we struggled to find any opposition."We were tremendously grateful to MK Dons for having initially agreed to play the fixture after Brentford cancelled the original game due to be played on July 18."Had that cancellation not have arisen, this whole situation would have been avoided."After Brentford pulled out, QPR re-contacted ALL Premiership and Football League clubs within a two hour travelling distance, yet MK Dons were the only club who answered our request."QPR apologises to everyone at MK Dons who pulled out all the stops to arrange a fixture at such short notice and also to all our fans that were willing to travel to the MK Dons fixture and were looking forward to visiting a new ground."Gianni Paladinihttp://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~840228,00.htmlQPR
Official Site - June 15, 2006 -
QPR are pleased to announce a pre-season friendly against MK Dons on July 15.After only just receiving the official word from Brentford that the game scheduled for July 18 was to be cancelled, QPR have been busily trying to arrange a fixture to take its place and are delighted that MK Dons have been able to fulfil our requirements.MK Dons were themselves trying to hastily find opposition after also having a game cancelled.The game will take place at the National Hockey Stadium and will kick off at 3pm and will be the first meeting of the two clubs since the Dons' move to Milton Keynes.Gary Waddock said: "I'm obviously very pleased to have managed to get another pre-season game fixed up as quickly as this, and my thanks go to MK Dons for answering our request."We needed another game around that weekend, and I'm now looking forward to visiting Milton Keynes for the first time with a QPR side."It's not that far and hopefully our fans will turn out in force to support us there."http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~839766,00.htmlQPR
OFFICIAL SITE - JUNE 13, 2006 BRENTFORD GAME OFF
This morning, QPR were informed that the pre-season game against Brentford has been cancelled.Despite contacting Brentford last week, we were led to believe that the game would still be taking place in spite of the fact the Club had received several phone calls from fans to ask if the game was still going ahead.Assistant Secretary Terry Springett explains: "It's very disappointing to have been informed of Brentford's decision to pull out at such a late stage, especially when we contacted the club last week when rumours had started to surface the game may have been in doubt."Only last Wednesday we were informed by Brentford that the game was indeed to go ahead, so at the time, felt it unnecessary to make an announcement on the official website."It would appear that their initial decision to take the game against us was taken without thorough consultation with their groundstaff, who have now informed the Club that the pitch at Griffin Park will not be ready in time."However, having received a phone call from Brentford this morning, we would like to inform our fans that the pre-season game against them, scheduled for Tuesday July 18, is indeed off."We will be doing our best in the next few days to find suitable alternative opponents for that weekhttp://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~839038,00.html
Letter sent by QPR1st after MK Dons Game was announced http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/main/newsarticle.asp?id=94
http://qprreport.blogspot.com/2006/06/qpr-schedule-and-then-cancel-game-vs.html
QPR WOULD have been playing Milton Keynes Dons today!
A month ago, QPR announced they would be playing Milton Keynes Dons ("Wimbledon") on July 15, after an originally (semi-) scheduled game against Brentford was cancelled by Brentford.
After some QPR fans expressed discontent at QPR playing MK Dons (colloquially referred to by some as "Franchise" because of the way they became the first English club to move many miles away to a new town), QPR announced they had cancelled the game.
In a statement posted on the Official Site (and subsequently removed from the site), QPR Chairman, Gianni Paladini declared "After Several phone calls and threats from our own supporters, I have decided not to go ahead with the game...."
(Paladini subsequently explained to some fans (but never on the official site) that by "threats" he meant threats by something like six fans not to renew their season tickets.
(There is a special QPR fan interest in MK Dons, given the efforts five years ago to merge the two teams. Also the fact that the current Chairman of MK Dons, Peter Winkelman tried to take over QPR.)
From Five Years Ago
QPR & Wimbledon in Merger Talks
QPR-Dons merger 'to be dead within 48 hours'
Winkelman Confirms QPR Bid
As Originally Posted on the Official Site
-QPR Official Site - June 16, 2006 - MK DONS GAME CANCELLED
Gianni Paladini would like to make the following statement, after making the decision to cancel the game against MK Dons on July 15."After several phonecalls and threats from our own supporters, I have decided not to go ahead with the game."I was extremely embarrassed at having to call the club secretary at MK Dons after he had done all he could to arrange a fixture on a day where we struggled to find any opposition."We were tremendously grateful to MK Dons for having initially agreed to play the fixture after Brentford cancelled the original game due to be played on July 18."Had that cancellation not have arisen, this whole situation would have been avoided."After Brentford pulled out, QPR re-contacted ALL Premiership and Football League clubs within a two hour travelling distance, yet MK Dons were the only club who answered our request."QPR apologises to everyone at MK Dons who pulled out all the stops to arrange a fixture at such short notice and also to all our fans that were willing to travel to the MK Dons fixture and were looking forward to visiting a new ground."Gianni Paladinihttp://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~840228,00.htmlQPR
Official Site - June 15, 2006 -
QPR are pleased to announce a pre-season friendly against MK Dons on July 15.After only just receiving the official word from Brentford that the game scheduled for July 18 was to be cancelled, QPR have been busily trying to arrange a fixture to take its place and are delighted that MK Dons have been able to fulfil our requirements.MK Dons were themselves trying to hastily find opposition after also having a game cancelled.The game will take place at the National Hockey Stadium and will kick off at 3pm and will be the first meeting of the two clubs since the Dons' move to Milton Keynes.Gary Waddock said: "I'm obviously very pleased to have managed to get another pre-season game fixed up as quickly as this, and my thanks go to MK Dons for answering our request."We needed another game around that weekend, and I'm now looking forward to visiting Milton Keynes for the first time with a QPR side."It's not that far and hopefully our fans will turn out in force to support us there."http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~839766,00.htmlQPR
OFFICIAL SITE - JUNE 13, 2006 BRENTFORD GAME OFF
This morning, QPR were informed that the pre-season game against Brentford has been cancelled.Despite contacting Brentford last week, we were led to believe that the game would still be taking place in spite of the fact the Club had received several phone calls from fans to ask if the game was still going ahead.Assistant Secretary Terry Springett explains: "It's very disappointing to have been informed of Brentford's decision to pull out at such a late stage, especially when we contacted the club last week when rumours had started to surface the game may have been in doubt."Only last Wednesday we were informed by Brentford that the game was indeed to go ahead, so at the time, felt it unnecessary to make an announcement on the official website."It would appear that their initial decision to take the game against us was taken without thorough consultation with their groundstaff, who have now informed the Club that the pitch at Griffin Park will not be ready in time."However, having received a phone call from Brentford this morning, we would like to inform our fans that the pre-season game against them, scheduled for Tuesday July 18, is indeed off."We will be doing our best in the next few days to find suitable alternative opponents for that weekhttp://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~839038,00.html
Letter sent by QPR1st after MK Dons Game was announced http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/main/newsarticle.asp?id=94
http://qprreport.blogspot.com/2006/06/qpr-schedule-and-then-cancel-game-vs.html
Nostalgia: Ex-QPR Forward, Frank Clarke Turns 64
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Former QPR forward, Frank Clarke turns 64
Born July 15, 1942, Clarke joined QPR from Shrewsbury for 35,000 pounds, in February 1968 to boost our promotion hopes (after QPR failed to agree terms with another forward, John O'Rourke (who anyway joined QPR a few years later).
Clarke spent tw0 years at QPR, before we sold him to First Division Ipswich for 38,000 pounds in March 1970 after our promotion hopes faded. In the 1969/1970 season, Clarke formed part of a dynamic forward line of Clarke, Barry Bridges and Rdney Marsh.
In the 1967/1968 season, Clarke scored 3 goals in 13 games. In QPR's (terrible) First Division season, he scored 5 goals in 23 games. And in the 1969/1970 season he got 9 goals in 31 games + some great cup goals, including two in QPR's "Shock win' In the League cup against Wolves at Loftus Road (in October 1969)
(Clarke is the brother of Walsall/Fulham/Leicester, Leeds and England Forward Alan Clarke)
Former QPR forward, Frank Clarke turns 64
Born July 15, 1942, Clarke joined QPR from Shrewsbury for 35,000 pounds, in February 1968 to boost our promotion hopes (after QPR failed to agree terms with another forward, John O'Rourke (who anyway joined QPR a few years later).
Clarke spent tw0 years at QPR, before we sold him to First Division Ipswich for 38,000 pounds in March 1970 after our promotion hopes faded. In the 1969/1970 season, Clarke formed part of a dynamic forward line of Clarke, Barry Bridges and Rdney Marsh.
In the 1967/1968 season, Clarke scored 3 goals in 13 games. In QPR's (terrible) First Division season, he scored 5 goals in 23 games. And in the 1969/1970 season he got 9 goals in 31 games + some great cup goals, including two in QPR's "Shock win' In the League cup against Wolves at Loftus Road (in October 1969)
(Clarke is the brother of Walsall/Fulham/Leicester, Leeds and England Forward Alan Clarke)
Friday, July 14, 2006
Ex-QPR Tony Thorpe Joins Stevenage
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BBC -Stevenage sign Thorpe and Dobson
BBC -
Stevenage Borough have signed experienced striker Tony Thorpe and
STEVENAGE BOROUGH OFFICIAL SITE
Stevenage Borough have today completed a double signing. Striker Tony Thorpe joins from Colchester and winger Craig Dobson joins from Cambridge City. Both join Boro on 2 year contracts after impressing manager Mark Stimson this week. Former Luton man Thorpe, 32 was the subject of a £1m move to Bristol City and an £800,000 move to Fulham. He has been a prolific scorer in the Football League, scoring 137 times in 288 appearances and brings a weath of experience to Boro.
http://www.stevenageborofc.com/200607/news/20060713.shtml
Simon Royce on his Injury Setback
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For those wondering where Simon Royce was for the Aldershot game: An explanation. He's injured.
QPR OFFICIAL SITE -ROYCIE'S RECOVERY
For those wondering where Simon Royce was for the Aldershot game: An explanation. He's injured.
QPR OFFICIAL SITE -ROYCIE'S RECOVERY
Pre-season has just begun for Rangers, but for Simon Royce he still can't wait to get cracking.
The Ranger number one suffered a set back ....Speaking to qpr.co.uk, Roycie explained how the setback occurred.
He said: "During the close season I started to do some running in the gym and I was fine. Then I stepped it up to do some running outside and started to feel a pain in my groin.
"I came in the day before we were all due back and Prav had a look at it and said that I'd re-inflamed the ligament that I'd damaged in February.
"So I went for an injection straight away, hoping that it would settle down quite quickly but it hasn't healed 100 per-cent yet, despite having gone for a second injection on Tuesday."
Having had the most aggressive cortisone he was allowed this week, Royce must now wait and see if he'll be fit to take part in any of the pre-season games before the big kick-off.
"That's the last injection I can have now as you're only allowed three a year and of course I had the initial one in February.
"It's now a case of making sure that the groin is fully healed as neither myself nor Prav want me to come back too early and risk damaging it.
"It's an impossible situation as I don't want to risk damaging it further, but equally I'd like to get some games under my belt before the season starts.
"Now with the signing of Paul Jones, competition for places is at its strongest. I wouldn't want to lose my place, bearing in mind how well Jonesy played when he came in last year."
Royce admitted he has been impressed with the training methods so far, but it's bitter sweet due to the fact he hasn't yet been able to get involved.
"The training this year has trained for the goalkeepers, it's more geared towards our specialised position rather than plodding round a field and doing a load of running.
"We're doing more short-sharp quick footwork which is more relative to the job in hand.
"Having seen that it makes me even more determined to get fit again so that I can join in.
"By Monday we should know if that last injection has worked and then we'll take it from there.
"If it has worked then we can start stepping up the training. At the moment I'm doing a lot of core stability work focussing on abdominals and my upper body strength."I've done a couple of session with Mark Barry, he's definitely 100 per-cent committed to getting the team fitter than they've ever been and the feedback from the lads is positive. http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~867669,00.html
Thursday, July 13, 2006
QPR's Low Agents Payments
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QPR's Payments to Agents in the First Six Months of 2006
[The complete Football League "Agents Fee Report - Season 2005/06" can be viewed at http://www.football-league.premiumtv.co.uk/staticFiles/f6/64/0,,10794~25846,00.pdf
[From January 1, 2006 to June 30, 2006, QPR paid 16,000 pounds for agents. (From June 5 2005 to June 6, 2006, QPR spent in total 147,600 pounds to agents.)
10 - New Registrations and Transfers
2 - Updated Contract
6 - Cancelled Contract
10 - Loans
(28 - Total )
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - AGENTS' FEES
"The latest Football League Agents' Fees report has been released and makes for healthy reading for the R's.
The report, which focuses predominantly on the last six months, as well as the entire 2005/06 campaign, was released this morning.
During the last six months - which saw QPR make 28 transactions (which includes new registrations and transfers, updated contracts, cancelled contracts and loans) in total - the Club committed just £16,000 to agents.
Rangers committed £147,600 to agents during the 2005/06 campaign - a small proportion of the overall sum of £6,311,853 committed to agents in the Championship. ...
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~867174,00.html
QPR's Payments to Agents in the First Six Months of 2006
[The complete Football League "Agents Fee Report - Season 2005/06" can be viewed at http://www.football-league.premiumtv.co.uk/staticFiles/f6/64/0,,10794~25846,00.pdf
[From January 1, 2006 to June 30, 2006, QPR paid 16,000 pounds for agents. (From June 5 2005 to June 6, 2006, QPR spent in total 147,600 pounds to agents.)
10 - New Registrations and Transfers
2 - Updated Contract
6 - Cancelled Contract
10 - Loans
(28 - Total )
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - AGENTS' FEES
"The latest Football League Agents' Fees report has been released and makes for healthy reading for the R's.
The report, which focuses predominantly on the last six months, as well as the entire 2005/06 campaign, was released this morning.
During the last six months - which saw QPR make 28 transactions (which includes new registrations and transfers, updated contracts, cancelled contracts and loans) in total - the Club committed just £16,000 to agents.
Rangers committed £147,600 to agents during the 2005/06 campaign - a small proportion of the overall sum of £6,311,853 committed to agents in the Championship. ...
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~867174,00.html
A DECADE since Chris Wright's Take Over...Steve Slade's Arrival and Ray Wilkins' QPR Looking Set for a Promotion Season and Return to the Premiership
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Marking a Decade since QPR "Return" From the Premiership...Chris Wright's Arrival...
It's a decade ago, since newly-relegated QPR were looking forward to the new season with a fair amount of optimism. Chris Wright had just taken over as Chairman and new investment for the club beckoned; there was hope that Manager Ray Wilkins had learned and would take the team back up. And Rangers pre-season, signed the England U-21 International, Steve Slade from Spurs.
And the QPR team looked more than good enough to bounce back up, with maybe one or two new signings: We had youngsters such as Plummer, Quashie, Murray, Gallen, Dichio, Sinclair and Impey....And experienced players such as Hately, Wilkins, Bardsley and Barker (but sadly not Holloway who left to become player Manager of Bristol Rovers)
Within a few short weeks of the start of the season: Gallen was out for the season (and arguably was never the same again); Wilkins had gone (fired?); and QPR's new management team was getting a lot of attention - Houston and Rioch (rather than Graham or Curbishley)...And within a few months: Spencer and Peacock came for a lot of money.
Probably no QPR fan, even the most pessimistic, would have predicted back in 1996 that a decade later, QPR would not have returned (at least for a period) to the Premiership. And certainly none would have imagined how far QPR would have fallen and what a financial morrass they would be in.
QPR had gone down along with Manchester City and Bolton (and were replaced by Sunderland, Derby and Leicester)
Final Premiership Table 1995-96: http://www.the-english-football-archive.com/league_tables/1995-1996-tables.htm
Relegated:- Manchester City, Queen's Park Rangers & Bolton Wanderers.
Promoted:- Sunderland, Derby County & Leicester City.
QPR's Relegation Squad
http://www.footballsquads.co.uk/eng/1995-1996/faprem/qpr.htm
Marking a Decade since QPR "Return" From the Premiership...Chris Wright's Arrival...
It's a decade ago, since newly-relegated QPR were looking forward to the new season with a fair amount of optimism. Chris Wright had just taken over as Chairman and new investment for the club beckoned; there was hope that Manager Ray Wilkins had learned and would take the team back up. And Rangers pre-season, signed the England U-21 International, Steve Slade from Spurs.
And the QPR team looked more than good enough to bounce back up, with maybe one or two new signings: We had youngsters such as Plummer, Quashie, Murray, Gallen, Dichio, Sinclair and Impey....And experienced players such as Hately, Wilkins, Bardsley and Barker (but sadly not Holloway who left to become player Manager of Bristol Rovers)
Within a few short weeks of the start of the season: Gallen was out for the season (and arguably was never the same again); Wilkins had gone (fired?); and QPR's new management team was getting a lot of attention - Houston and Rioch (rather than Graham or Curbishley)...And within a few months: Spencer and Peacock came for a lot of money.
Probably no QPR fan, even the most pessimistic, would have predicted back in 1996 that a decade later, QPR would not have returned (at least for a period) to the Premiership. And certainly none would have imagined how far QPR would have fallen and what a financial morrass they would be in.
QPR had gone down along with Manchester City and Bolton (and were replaced by Sunderland, Derby and Leicester)
Final Premiership Table 1995-96: http://www.the-english-football-archive.com/league_tables/1995-1996-tables.htm
Relegated:- Manchester City, Queen's Park Rangers & Bolton Wanderers.
Promoted:- Sunderland, Derby County & Leicester City.
QPR's Relegation Squad
http://www.footballsquads.co.uk/eng/1995-1996/faprem/qpr.htm
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Ex-QPR's Leon Jeanne Attempted Come Back with Merthyr Tydfil
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Jul 11 2006Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo
Martyrs offer Jeanne 'last chance' to rescue faltering career
Leon Jeanne has been handed 'one final chance' to save his football career.
The talented Jeanne, 24, will take his first step towards that aim when he plays for Merthyr Tydfil against his former club Cardiff City at Penydarren Park tonight (7.30pm).
Jeanne wasted opportunities at Queens Park Rangers and Cardiff City through drink and drugs, while he has played for several Welsh clubs including Barry Town.
But Martyrs' manager Paul Sugrue is backing Jeanne to make the most of this latest chance.
'It's Leon's last chance, no doubt about that,' says Sugrue.
'He has great skill and, at 24, plenty of time, but he has to apply himself and make the most of his ability.
'I've had a long chat with Leon and he knows he must get his act together.
'He has worked hard in training, but he must get fitter.
'If he does that and finds form over a significant period of time then Merthyr Tydfil can be as big a shop window as you can get for him.
'It's all down to Leon - we will help him, but he must do it.'
Jeanne will play at least some part against City tonight as one of around 20 players who are likely to appear for the Martyrs.http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0600soccer/0900cardiffcity/tm_objectid=17364373%26method=full%26siteid=50082%26headline=martyrs%2doffer%2djeanne%2d%2dlast%2dchance%2d%2dto%2drescue%2dfaltering%2dcareer-name_page.html
South Wales Echo - July 12, 2006
Under-threat Bluebirds are men on a Mission
".... Riccy Scimeca, Jamal Easter and Curtis McDonald all had chances for Cardiff which they failed to take, while substitute Leon Jeanne did well for a Martyrs' team who worked hard for their win.
Jeanne teased City skipper Darren Purse with his quick feet and control.
The Cardiff-born winger, a former Bluebirds player, remains a long way from full fitness, but he is working hard and showed in several flashes of his best work that he still has the ability to perform at a high level.
The question remains, though, whether Jeanne can reach and maintain a high level over a period of time.
Merthyr have given Jeanne the chance to show he can.
http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0600soccer/0200news/tm_objectid=17371816%26method=full%26siteid=50082%26headline=under%2dthreat%2dbluebirds%2dare%2dmen%2don%2da%2dmission-name_page.html
Low-key start for Bluebirds
Jul 12 2006 Western Mail
Merthyr Tydfil 1-0 Cardiff City
IT was really the sort of evening one should have been out in the garden firing up the barbecue, instead we found ourselves in Merthyr Tydfil as Cardiff City kicked the first ball of the new season (sort of) in anger.
"....When we did get going Merthyr manager Paul Sugrue indulged in a flurry of substitutions. Most notable of these was the arrival of Leon Jeanne, a former QPR and Cardiff City player, who is on his "final, last chance" after doing his best to throw away his talent in a flurry of drink and drugs.
And it was Jeanne who had a couple of chances to snatch another for Merthyr.
Cardiff huffed and puffed and, despite a host of substitutions, couldn't draw level.
At the final whistle the sun set over Penydarren Park but the Bluebirds will hope the future is a lot brighter for them over the coming months.
http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0600soccer/0200news/tm_objectid=17369333&method=full&siteid=50082&headline=low-key-start-for-bluebirds-name_page.html
Jul 11 2006Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo
Martyrs offer Jeanne 'last chance' to rescue faltering career
Leon Jeanne has been handed 'one final chance' to save his football career.
The talented Jeanne, 24, will take his first step towards that aim when he plays for Merthyr Tydfil against his former club Cardiff City at Penydarren Park tonight (7.30pm).
Jeanne wasted opportunities at Queens Park Rangers and Cardiff City through drink and drugs, while he has played for several Welsh clubs including Barry Town.
But Martyrs' manager Paul Sugrue is backing Jeanne to make the most of this latest chance.
'It's Leon's last chance, no doubt about that,' says Sugrue.
'He has great skill and, at 24, plenty of time, but he has to apply himself and make the most of his ability.
'I've had a long chat with Leon and he knows he must get his act together.
'He has worked hard in training, but he must get fitter.
'If he does that and finds form over a significant period of time then Merthyr Tydfil can be as big a shop window as you can get for him.
'It's all down to Leon - we will help him, but he must do it.'
Jeanne will play at least some part against City tonight as one of around 20 players who are likely to appear for the Martyrs.http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0600soccer/0900cardiffcity/tm_objectid=17364373%26method=full%26siteid=50082%26headline=martyrs%2doffer%2djeanne%2d%2dlast%2dchance%2d%2dto%2drescue%2dfaltering%2dcareer-name_page.html
South Wales Echo - July 12, 2006
Under-threat Bluebirds are men on a Mission
".... Riccy Scimeca, Jamal Easter and Curtis McDonald all had chances for Cardiff which they failed to take, while substitute Leon Jeanne did well for a Martyrs' team who worked hard for their win.
Jeanne teased City skipper Darren Purse with his quick feet and control.
The Cardiff-born winger, a former Bluebirds player, remains a long way from full fitness, but he is working hard and showed in several flashes of his best work that he still has the ability to perform at a high level.
The question remains, though, whether Jeanne can reach and maintain a high level over a period of time.
Merthyr have given Jeanne the chance to show he can.
http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0600soccer/0200news/tm_objectid=17371816%26method=full%26siteid=50082%26headline=under%2dthreat%2dbluebirds%2dare%2dmen%2don%2da%2dmission-name_page.html
Low-key start for Bluebirds
Jul 12 2006 Western Mail
Merthyr Tydfil 1-0 Cardiff City
IT was really the sort of evening one should have been out in the garden firing up the barbecue, instead we found ourselves in Merthyr Tydfil as Cardiff City kicked the first ball of the new season (sort of) in anger.
"....When we did get going Merthyr manager Paul Sugrue indulged in a flurry of substitutions. Most notable of these was the arrival of Leon Jeanne, a former QPR and Cardiff City player, who is on his "final, last chance" after doing his best to throw away his talent in a flurry of drink and drugs.
And it was Jeanne who had a couple of chances to snatch another for Merthyr.
Cardiff huffed and puffed and, despite a host of substitutions, couldn't draw level.
At the final whistle the sun set over Penydarren Park but the Bluebirds will hope the future is a lot brighter for them over the coming months.
http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0600soccer/0200news/tm_objectid=17369333&method=full&siteid=50082&headline=low-key-start-for-bluebirds-name_page.html
QPR Announce Team Numbers
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[List includes a number of people who are transfer listed]
On the Official Site
"Next season's squad numbers have been released .....
1. Simon Royce
2. Marcus Bignot
3. Mauro Milanese
4. Ian Evatt
5. Dan Shittu
6. Tommy Doherty
7. Matthew Rose
8. Marc Bircham
9. Nick Ward
10. Kevin Gallen
11. Gareth Ainsworth
12. Jake Cole
14. Martin Rowlands
15. Dominic Shimmin
16. Steve Lomas
17. Lee Cook
18. Stefan Moore
19. Tchakounte-A
20. Scott Donnelly
21. Paul Jones
22. Shabazz Baidoo
23. Stefan Bailey
24. Pat Kanyuka
25. Damion Stewart
26. Sean Thomas
29. Paul Furlong
30. Marc Nygaard
34. Matthew Hislop
35. John Munday
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~866751,00.html
[List includes a number of people who are transfer listed]
On the Official Site
"Next season's squad numbers have been released .....
1. Simon Royce
2. Marcus Bignot
3. Mauro Milanese
4. Ian Evatt
5. Dan Shittu
6. Tommy Doherty
7. Matthew Rose
8. Marc Bircham
9. Nick Ward
10. Kevin Gallen
11. Gareth Ainsworth
12. Jake Cole
14. Martin Rowlands
15. Dominic Shimmin
16. Steve Lomas
17. Lee Cook
18. Stefan Moore
19. Tchakounte-A
20. Scott Donnelly
21. Paul Jones
22. Shabazz Baidoo
23. Stefan Bailey
24. Pat Kanyuka
25. Damion Stewart
26. Sean Thomas
29. Paul Furlong
30. Marc Nygaard
34. Matthew Hislop
35. John Munday
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~866751,00.html
Nick Ward on Joining QPR (Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times)
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Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times
Ward visit gives Rangers a liftBen
"...Ward narrowly missed out on a place in the Aussies' World Cup squad, but he is convinced his move to Loftus Road can propel him on to the big stage next time around.....Ward, who has signed a two-year contract at Rangers, observed: "If you look at the World Cup team, most of the players who were starting games play in Europe."The game is definitely getting much bigger in Australia and I'd never seen the media going on about soccer as much as they did - it's usually all about Aussie rules, rugby and cricket."But as much as the A-League is getting better, I think you've got to be in Europe to further your game.
I'm sure I made the right decision and I'm happy to be here."I was on the fringes of the World Cup squad and it was disappointing not to make it, so the Olympics in 2008 and the next World Cup in 2010 are realistic goals for me."...
: "We don't get a lot of Championship football on TV over there - it's mostly the Premiership - but I know this is also a good league because I've seen a lot of Australian players who have come over, started in the Championship and done well.
"It's a good standard and the amount of games you play here as opposed to in Australia was definitely something that attracted me." ....
I've got a target of scoring 10 goals this year and I hope we can get to the play-offs at least," said Ward. "That's what we want to aim for." I've already done a pre-season in Australia, so I'm fairly fit and I want to cement my spot in the starting line-up. This is a good opportunity for me to get some games in the Championship and hopefully get noticed.
http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/content/camden/kilburntimes/sport/story.aspx?brand=KLBTOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportklbt&itemid=WeED12%20Jul%202006%2011%3A31%3A37%3A890
Also: Photos of Nick Ward Coming to QPR - (Photos by Nick De Marco)
http://www.pbase.com/qpr/ward
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times
Ward visit gives Rangers a liftBen
"...Ward narrowly missed out on a place in the Aussies' World Cup squad, but he is convinced his move to Loftus Road can propel him on to the big stage next time around.....Ward, who has signed a two-year contract at Rangers, observed: "If you look at the World Cup team, most of the players who were starting games play in Europe."The game is definitely getting much bigger in Australia and I'd never seen the media going on about soccer as much as they did - it's usually all about Aussie rules, rugby and cricket."But as much as the A-League is getting better, I think you've got to be in Europe to further your game.
I'm sure I made the right decision and I'm happy to be here."I was on the fringes of the World Cup squad and it was disappointing not to make it, so the Olympics in 2008 and the next World Cup in 2010 are realistic goals for me."...
: "We don't get a lot of Championship football on TV over there - it's mostly the Premiership - but I know this is also a good league because I've seen a lot of Australian players who have come over, started in the Championship and done well.
"It's a good standard and the amount of games you play here as opposed to in Australia was definitely something that attracted me." ....
I've got a target of scoring 10 goals this year and I hope we can get to the play-offs at least," said Ward. "That's what we want to aim for." I've already done a pre-season in Australia, so I'm fairly fit and I want to cement my spot in the starting line-up. This is a good opportunity for me to get some games in the Championship and hopefully get noticed.
http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/content/camden/kilburntimes/sport/story.aspx?brand=KLBTOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportklbt&itemid=WeED12%20Jul%202006%2011%3A31%3A37%3A890
Also: Photos of Nick Ward Coming to QPR - (Photos by Nick De Marco)
http://www.pbase.com/qpr/ward
QPR's Interest in Adam Czerkas and Other Trialists (Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times)
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Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Czerkas set to fill the gap
QPR could strengthen their front line by signing Polish triallist Adam Czerkas after losing out ... Bradley Wright-Phillips.... The 6ft 1in striker, who turns 22 tomorrow, is currently playing for Odra Wodzislaw and has been on trial at Loftus Road this week.
Waddock said: "Bradley Wright-Phillips is a player I like and he would have been a good addition to the squad."He is the type of player we want at this club, whether on loan or permanent and I'd have love him to have joined us."But he's not, so we move on and see if we can get somebody else in to take us forward. There are areas of the squad I know we need to improve and that's down to me to sort out."As we move on through pre-season I'm going to look at one or two different things that may help us."
Waddock is also interested in signing midfielder Egutu Oliseh, who is the younger brother of former Nigerian World Cup captain Sunday Oliseh and appeared in last weekend's friendly at Aldershot Town. The younger Oliseh, 25, has spent most of his career in French football with Nancy and Grenoble, but played for Belgian club La Louviere last year.
QPR included three other triallists against Aldershot - left-back Anthony Tonkin, who made nearly 100 appearances for Crewe during the last three years, as well as Congolese striker Betu Tshamanga and former Bristol Rovers centre-back Tobi Jinadu.
http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/content/camden/kilburntimes/sport/story.aspx?brand=KLBTOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportklbt&itemid=WeED12%20Jul%202006%2011%3A36%3A35%3A600
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Czerkas set to fill the gap
QPR could strengthen their front line by signing Polish triallist Adam Czerkas after losing out ... Bradley Wright-Phillips.... The 6ft 1in striker, who turns 22 tomorrow, is currently playing for Odra Wodzislaw and has been on trial at Loftus Road this week.
Waddock said: "Bradley Wright-Phillips is a player I like and he would have been a good addition to the squad."He is the type of player we want at this club, whether on loan or permanent and I'd have love him to have joined us."But he's not, so we move on and see if we can get somebody else in to take us forward. There are areas of the squad I know we need to improve and that's down to me to sort out."As we move on through pre-season I'm going to look at one or two different things that may help us."
Waddock is also interested in signing midfielder Egutu Oliseh, who is the younger brother of former Nigerian World Cup captain Sunday Oliseh and appeared in last weekend's friendly at Aldershot Town. The younger Oliseh, 25, has spent most of his career in French football with Nancy and Grenoble, but played for Belgian club La Louviere last year.
QPR included three other triallists against Aldershot - left-back Anthony Tonkin, who made nearly 100 appearances for Crewe during the last three years, as well as Congolese striker Betu Tshamanga and former Bristol Rovers centre-back Tobi Jinadu.
http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/content/camden/kilburntimes/sport/story.aspx?brand=KLBTOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportklbt&itemid=WeED12%20Jul%202006%2011%3A36%3A35%3A600
Ex-QPR Players Update
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News of Ex-QPR players - Mark Kennedy, Mike Robinson and Dean Wilkins
Ex-QPR loan, Mark Kennedy has joined Crystal Palace on a free transfer from Wolves.
Kennedy joined QPR on loan from Liverpool in the 1997-8 season, under Ray Harford. Kennedy played 8 games for QPR scoring twice. (And came close to joining QPR) . QPR originally tried to sign Robinson from Preston in our 1978.79 relegation season.
http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=7876
http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/sport/sporttopstories/display.var.828219.0.taylor_finds_space_for_winger_kennedy.php
Ex-QPR Forward/Midfielder, Mike Robinson turns 48- Born July 12, 1958. Originally Preston...Manchester City...Brighton...Liverpool and then QPR from December 1984 (Signed by FrankSibley) to January 1987, where he scored a great goal at Chelsea in the League Cup run to Wembley. 58 appearances. 6 goals for QPR
http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=3522
After QPR, went to a Spanish club, where he became a successful TV Commentator. See Observer article "Michael Robinson - Last seen: Up front at QPRNow: Reigning king of Spanish TV http://observer.guardian.co.uk/osm/story/0,,1404049,00.html
Also having a birthday today: ex-QPR's Dean Wilkins (brother or Ray Wilkins). Born July 12th 1962 who made his QPR debut in 1980. And then went on to play for Brighton
News of Ex-QPR players - Mark Kennedy, Mike Robinson and Dean Wilkins
Ex-QPR loan, Mark Kennedy has joined Crystal Palace on a free transfer from Wolves.
Kennedy joined QPR on loan from Liverpool in the 1997-8 season, under Ray Harford. Kennedy played 8 games for QPR scoring twice. (And came close to joining QPR) . QPR originally tried to sign Robinson from Preston in our 1978.79 relegation season.
http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=7876
http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/sport/sporttopstories/display.var.828219.0.taylor_finds_space_for_winger_kennedy.php
Ex-QPR Forward/Midfielder, Mike Robinson turns 48- Born July 12, 1958. Originally Preston...Manchester City...Brighton...Liverpool and then QPR from December 1984 (Signed by FrankSibley) to January 1987, where he scored a great goal at Chelsea in the League Cup run to Wembley. 58 appearances. 6 goals for QPR
http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=3522
After QPR, went to a Spanish club, where he became a successful TV Commentator. See Observer article "Michael Robinson - Last seen: Up front at QPRNow: Reigning king of Spanish TV http://observer.guardian.co.uk/osm/story/0,,1404049,00.html
Also having a birthday today: ex-QPR's Dean Wilkins (brother or Ray Wilkins). Born July 12th 1962 who made his QPR debut in 1980. And then went on to play for Brighton
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Confidence from ex-QPR's Martin Allen
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From a recent interview with ex-QPR's Martin Allen after he joined Milton Keynes Dons.
BBC - Milton Keynes Dons Football Club - Dons appoint new manager Martin Allen
The Milton Keynes Dons have confirmed Martin Allen as their new manager. BBC Three Counties Sports Simon Oxley ...spoke to Martin Allen just after the appointment was announced.
When you first spoke to Pete Winkleman what were your feelings? Did you think you'd just go and have a look?
Martin: If you want my honest opinion I was on my way up north to sign for another club! It was out of courtesy that I went and saw him and had a chat with him. I didn't really speak much. he spoke for about half an hour and at the end of it he said "I want you to be the manager. So that knocked me back a bit.
I've spoken to a lot of clubs this summer but he was the first person that looked me in the eye and pointed his finger in my face and said "I want you to be the manager and I want you to take it. I'll issue you the challenge."
Everybody wants to feel wanted. I don't like waiting by my phone umming and ahhing or being told to wait in the waiting room while I see everybody else. He was the first person that grabbed me and told me I want you to do it. I was impressed with that.
Then he said come and have a look at the stadium. When I came round the corner and saw the size of it, I really never knew that this was here.
I find it quite frightening and staggering and even today I can't quite get my head round it. That this place has been built! It's amazing to look at it and it's amazing the feeling when you are stood in the middle of it.
I've got one year in this division and I've got to try and make it a place where people want to come and watch football and to watch a team that can do these supporters proud and do something that justifies this stadium. ...
: My own opinion is that I should have been working in the Premiership but that's another thing. One day that will happen and a lot of clubs I think have missed a great opportunity. But this man has taken me on board, grabbed me by the scruff of the neck and I'm going to repay him.
Did you need a lot of persuading?
Martin: No - and people don't believe me. I was about half an hour at his house. I had one cup of coffee, he spoke for 29 minutes. The we came down to the stadium. Ishook his hand while we were in the middle of this building site and said "I'll do it".
What did you make of the Dons when you came up against them last season?
Martin: They've got some good players, some good young players and that excites me as well. They had a fantastic run at the end of the season. It's not all doom and gloom at this place.
The enthusiasm and energy of the crowd when I visited here near the end of the season was excellent.
We've got to get a team together now, that can do this stadium proud. Then hopefully the people of Milton Keynes are going to get behind it and this could be a big one.
Can you keep all the players?
Martin: I will be discussing that with the Chairman over the next 48 hours but we will be making moves as quickly as possible. We can't waste opportunities - we've got to get in amongst it right now. There will be lots of phone calls taking place to see what's available in what areas.
....http://www.bbc.co.uk/threecounties/content/articles/2006/06/21/martin_allen_appoint_feature.shtml
From a recent interview with ex-QPR's Martin Allen after he joined Milton Keynes Dons.
BBC - Milton Keynes Dons Football Club - Dons appoint new manager Martin Allen
The Milton Keynes Dons have confirmed Martin Allen as their new manager. BBC Three Counties Sports Simon Oxley ...spoke to Martin Allen just after the appointment was announced.
When you first spoke to Pete Winkleman what were your feelings? Did you think you'd just go and have a look?
Martin: If you want my honest opinion I was on my way up north to sign for another club! It was out of courtesy that I went and saw him and had a chat with him. I didn't really speak much. he spoke for about half an hour and at the end of it he said "I want you to be the manager. So that knocked me back a bit.
I've spoken to a lot of clubs this summer but he was the first person that looked me in the eye and pointed his finger in my face and said "I want you to be the manager and I want you to take it. I'll issue you the challenge."
Everybody wants to feel wanted. I don't like waiting by my phone umming and ahhing or being told to wait in the waiting room while I see everybody else. He was the first person that grabbed me and told me I want you to do it. I was impressed with that.
Then he said come and have a look at the stadium. When I came round the corner and saw the size of it, I really never knew that this was here.
I find it quite frightening and staggering and even today I can't quite get my head round it. That this place has been built! It's amazing to look at it and it's amazing the feeling when you are stood in the middle of it.
I've got one year in this division and I've got to try and make it a place where people want to come and watch football and to watch a team that can do these supporters proud and do something that justifies this stadium. ...
: My own opinion is that I should have been working in the Premiership but that's another thing. One day that will happen and a lot of clubs I think have missed a great opportunity. But this man has taken me on board, grabbed me by the scruff of the neck and I'm going to repay him.
Did you need a lot of persuading?
Martin: No - and people don't believe me. I was about half an hour at his house. I had one cup of coffee, he spoke for 29 minutes. The we came down to the stadium. Ishook his hand while we were in the middle of this building site and said "I'll do it".
What did you make of the Dons when you came up against them last season?
Martin: They've got some good players, some good young players and that excites me as well. They had a fantastic run at the end of the season. It's not all doom and gloom at this place.
The enthusiasm and energy of the crowd when I visited here near the end of the season was excellent.
We've got to get a team together now, that can do this stadium proud. Then hopefully the people of Milton Keynes are going to get behind it and this could be a big one.
Can you keep all the players?
Martin: I will be discussing that with the Chairman over the next 48 hours but we will be making moves as quickly as possible. We can't waste opportunities - we've got to get in amongst it right now. There will be lots of phone calls taking place to see what's available in what areas.
....http://www.bbc.co.uk/threecounties/content/articles/2006/06/21/martin_allen_appoint_feature.shtml
Ex-QPR Coach Des Bulpin Joins up with Holloway
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Former QPR Coach Des Bulpin, who came to QPR Gerry Francis - and then left with Francis to Spurs and the returned and then left and finally left as part of an apparent cut back, is now at Plymouth.
[Meanwhile coaches, Tim Breaker & Gary Penrice, who were put on "Gardening Leave" at the same as Ian Holloway, continued to be listed on QPR's Official Site Staff page.
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/StaffDirectory/0,,10373,00.html
Plymouth Official Site - WELCOME DES
THERE was a new face on the Argyle training ground as manager Ian Holloway introduced his first addition to the coaching staff at Argyle.
Des Bulpin has been brought to Home Park by Holloway, following the departure of Mark O'Connor to join up with former Pilgrims' boss Tony Pulis at Stoke City.
Bulpin is a FIFA-qualified coach, and he has amassed plenty of experience coaching the likes of QPR, Tottenham and Stockport.
"Des has come in to help me after Mark O'Connor left to join Stoke with my blessing," said Holloway.
Bulpin got stuck in straight away at the Monday training session at Delganey.
He was responsible for developing players such as: Marcus Stewart, Daniel Dichio, Doug Freedman, Stephen Carr, Rory Allen and England World Cup star Peter Crouch.
http://www.pafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10364~865915,00.html
Former QPR Coach Des Bulpin, who came to QPR Gerry Francis - and then left with Francis to Spurs and the returned and then left and finally left as part of an apparent cut back, is now at Plymouth.
[Meanwhile coaches, Tim Breaker & Gary Penrice, who were put on "Gardening Leave" at the same as Ian Holloway, continued to be listed on QPR's Official Site Staff page.
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/StaffDirectory/0,,10373,00.html
Plymouth Official Site - WELCOME DES
THERE was a new face on the Argyle training ground as manager Ian Holloway introduced his first addition to the coaching staff at Argyle.
Des Bulpin has been brought to Home Park by Holloway, following the departure of Mark O'Connor to join up with former Pilgrims' boss Tony Pulis at Stoke City.
Bulpin is a FIFA-qualified coach, and he has amassed plenty of experience coaching the likes of QPR, Tottenham and Stockport.
"Des has come in to help me after Mark O'Connor left to join Stoke with my blessing," said Holloway.
Bulpin got stuck in straight away at the Monday training session at Delganey.
He was responsible for developing players such as: Marcus Stewart, Daniel Dichio, Doug Freedman, Stephen Carr, Rory Allen and England World Cup star Peter Crouch.
http://www.pafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10364~865915,00.html
Holloway Reaffirms Not Interested in Furlong
-
Plymouth Official Site
HOLLOWAY LOOKING FOR STRIKERS
"...ARGYLE manager Ian Holloway has dismissed the speculation linking him with a move for veteran striker Paul Furlong. Holloway conceded that he may need to add some experience to the squad, especially in the striker department but Furlong will not be the target, despite playing under Holloway at Q.P.R.
"It's all gossip and I don't know where it comes from," said Holloway.
"I'm not going to go back to Paul Furlong - he's 38-years-old.
"I might need some experience but I don't want a 38-year-old - that is absolutely ridiculous."....
http://www.pafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10364~865968,00.html
Plymouth Official Site
HOLLOWAY LOOKING FOR STRIKERS
"...ARGYLE manager Ian Holloway has dismissed the speculation linking him with a move for veteran striker Paul Furlong. Holloway conceded that he may need to add some experience to the squad, especially in the striker department but Furlong will not be the target, despite playing under Holloway at Q.P.R.
"It's all gossip and I don't know where it comes from," said Holloway.
"I'm not going to go back to Paul Furlong - he's 38-years-old.
"I might need some experience but I don't want a 38-year-old - that is absolutely ridiculous."....
http://www.pafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10364~865968,00.html
Langley Joins Luton
-
July 11: Luton Official Site
LANGLEY SIGNS FOR HATTERS
Richard Langley....has today signed a two-year contract at Kenilworth Road
Luton Town have today completed their first signing ahead of the new season with QPR midfielder Richard Langley penning a two-year contract at Kenilworth Road.
RICHARD LANGLEY FACTFILE
01-12-96 to 15-08.03 - QPR - 138 app + 10 as sub - 21 goals
15-08-03 to 31-08-05 - Cardiff City - 66 app + 6 as sub - 8 goals
31-08-05 to 10-07-06 - QPR - 23 app + 11 as sub - 3 goals
"...Speaking about the signing, Hatters boss Mike Newell said: "We see Richard as a good player and you can't have enough good players in your side. That is the main reason why we have brought him to the club. ."
http://www.lutontown.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10372~865957,00.html
[Best of luck to Langley; shame for whatever reason it didn't work out at QPR, this second time]
July 11: Luton Official Site
LANGLEY SIGNS FOR HATTERS
Richard Langley....has today signed a two-year contract at Kenilworth Road
Luton Town have today completed their first signing ahead of the new season with QPR midfielder Richard Langley penning a two-year contract at Kenilworth Road.
RICHARD LANGLEY FACTFILE
01-12-96 to 15-08.03 - QPR - 138 app + 10 as sub - 21 goals
15-08-03 to 31-08-05 - Cardiff City - 66 app + 6 as sub - 8 goals
31-08-05 to 10-07-06 - QPR - 23 app + 11 as sub - 3 goals
"...Speaking about the signing, Hatters boss Mike Newell said: "We see Richard as a good player and you can't have enough good players in your side. That is the main reason why we have brought him to the club. ."
http://www.lutontown.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10372~865957,00.html
[Best of luck to Langley; shame for whatever reason it didn't work out at QPR, this second time]
RIP - Former QPR Director, Charles Levison
-
Former QPR Director, Charles Levison has Died
Charles Levison, with Chris Wright at Chrysalis and also at WASPS, joined the QPR Board after Wright took over the club. RIP.
WASPS - Mon 10 Jul 2006. Fiona Hackett reports
London Wasps regret to inform supporters of the death of Board Director Charles Levison, who passed away on Friday.
Charles, who was the Board's Vice Chairman until recently, had been a Director of the club since it's inception in 1996. He had been gravely ill since suffering a serious heart attack in April.
The thoughts and sympathies of the Board, players, coaches and staff at London Wasps are with Charles's wife, Caroline and daughters, Eliza and Georgia at this difficult time.
http://www.wasps.co.uk/newspage.ink?nid=27382
Profile/Bio of Charles Levison
http://www.harbottle.com/hnl/pages/hnl_people_detail/34.php
Former QPR Director, Charles Levison has Died
Charles Levison, with Chris Wright at Chrysalis and also at WASPS, joined the QPR Board after Wright took over the club. RIP.
WASPS - Mon 10 Jul 2006. Fiona Hackett reports
London Wasps regret to inform supporters of the death of Board Director Charles Levison, who passed away on Friday.
Charles, who was the Board's Vice Chairman until recently, had been a Director of the club since it's inception in 1996. He had been gravely ill since suffering a serious heart attack in April.
The thoughts and sympathies of the Board, players, coaches and staff at London Wasps are with Charles's wife, Caroline and daughters, Eliza and Georgia at this difficult time.
http://www.wasps.co.uk/newspage.ink?nid=27382
Profile/Bio of Charles Levison
http://www.harbottle.com/hnl/pages/hnl_people_detail/34.php
QPR's Coaches Assess the Players at the Aldershot Game (Official Site)
-
From the Official Site
WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN
With pre-season training in full swing and the first game under their belts, how do the new look coaching staff think things are going?....
Gary Waddock on performance:
"The Aldershot game was a good fitness test for us and I was pleased with the work-rate of the players. It gave a lot of them the chance to get 45 minutes of action under their belt.
"The result of the game wasn't important to us. We need to make sure we are at our peak when we play Burnley in the first game of the season, that's when results start to matter. Between now and then it is simply a case of building up to that opening fixture."
Alan McDonald on formations:
"It was difficult to take a great deal away from the Aldershot game as we played two different teams either half."We tried a different formation to what we usually play. We hadn't done too much work with it but I felt that it certainly worked well in the first half.
"The changes in the second half saw it not working as well but I was still really pleased with the level of performance."But on the whole, this was more of a chance just to look at the young lads and those on trial, that was the main objective."
Justin Skinner on preparation and approach:
"The preparation for the first game is always a little bit sketchy, we went into the game not really working on set pieces, that wasn't our focus, that will come later."It's always a bit of a trial getting the logistics right when you want to field two different teams, but it went well overall I think."Behind the scenes it's going very well. Mark has been working hard on their fitness and this will be a hard week for them. Their attitude has been first class, from the young kids to the experienced pros.
Reserve team manager Justin Skinner out training
"They have been taking on new ideas that we've all put in. There hasn't been any moaning, we haven't given them a chance. It's been quality rather than quantity and has all been ball and game related."The staff side of things has become very organised, we say what we'll do, do it, then have a de-brief at the end of the day."We set out our session plans, get together and everyone is aware of what their jobs are for the day. All the training is set out, we don't wonder what we're going to do off the cuff. Prav Mathema also has an input, it's very much a joint effort."The boys have reacted to that because it's so well planned. They all have ice baths now after training which was new to them. They are weighed in and out, every detail is looked into and we've addressed a lot of aspects."We have a meeting every Monday morning with the staff to outline what went right and wrong the previous week. Today we spoke about how the game went and what could have gone better."
Tony Roberts on helping to achieve personal goals:
"Over the last ten days I've been getting the keepers back into their prevous good habits and routines. Paul Jones was back late due to international duty and Jake Cole was ill, so I've had a good chance to work one on one with Sean Thomas."I knew he was going to play the full 90 minutes on Saturday so we went over absolutely everything."Jake and Jonah are playing catch up now, so today the three of us worked on the technical side of goalkeeping - catching, distribution kicking and so on.
"It's good to get a structure for them like I do with the Academy keepers, there's a lot of organisation that's going into it."I have six keepers in all, from spring chickens to full internationals. Some are more agile and I need to accommodate all of them. I will do a lot more 'reps' with the younger ones because they can handle it and because they need more practise."You don't need to get Jonah in the gym whereas some of my youngsters may need more upper body strength. With each keeper they need a different plan."
Mark Barry on fitness:
It's a steady progression towards the Burnley game. For the match on Saturday against Aldershot, we were probably at 50% fitness-wise."By the time of the next match, we will be around the 75% mark. For the opening fixture of the season the players will be at 100%, which is our main objective.
"You can train as much as you like but, obviously enough, to be match-fit you need to play matches, so these games are imperative if the players are going to get used to the speed of the game, and so on. "At this stage, the fitness level of the lads is spot-on. We're making sure that we don't peak too early because if we reach 100% a week before the Burnley game, there's only one way to go - and that's down. I've got to make sure that doesn't happen."
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~866015,00.html
From the Official Site
WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN
With pre-season training in full swing and the first game under their belts, how do the new look coaching staff think things are going?....
Gary Waddock on performance:
"The Aldershot game was a good fitness test for us and I was pleased with the work-rate of the players. It gave a lot of them the chance to get 45 minutes of action under their belt.
"The result of the game wasn't important to us. We need to make sure we are at our peak when we play Burnley in the first game of the season, that's when results start to matter. Between now and then it is simply a case of building up to that opening fixture."
Alan McDonald on formations:
"It was difficult to take a great deal away from the Aldershot game as we played two different teams either half."We tried a different formation to what we usually play. We hadn't done too much work with it but I felt that it certainly worked well in the first half.
"The changes in the second half saw it not working as well but I was still really pleased with the level of performance."But on the whole, this was more of a chance just to look at the young lads and those on trial, that was the main objective."
Justin Skinner on preparation and approach:
"The preparation for the first game is always a little bit sketchy, we went into the game not really working on set pieces, that wasn't our focus, that will come later."It's always a bit of a trial getting the logistics right when you want to field two different teams, but it went well overall I think."Behind the scenes it's going very well. Mark has been working hard on their fitness and this will be a hard week for them. Their attitude has been first class, from the young kids to the experienced pros.
Reserve team manager Justin Skinner out training
"They have been taking on new ideas that we've all put in. There hasn't been any moaning, we haven't given them a chance. It's been quality rather than quantity and has all been ball and game related."The staff side of things has become very organised, we say what we'll do, do it, then have a de-brief at the end of the day."We set out our session plans, get together and everyone is aware of what their jobs are for the day. All the training is set out, we don't wonder what we're going to do off the cuff. Prav Mathema also has an input, it's very much a joint effort."The boys have reacted to that because it's so well planned. They all have ice baths now after training which was new to them. They are weighed in and out, every detail is looked into and we've addressed a lot of aspects."We have a meeting every Monday morning with the staff to outline what went right and wrong the previous week. Today we spoke about how the game went and what could have gone better."
Tony Roberts on helping to achieve personal goals:
"Over the last ten days I've been getting the keepers back into their prevous good habits and routines. Paul Jones was back late due to international duty and Jake Cole was ill, so I've had a good chance to work one on one with Sean Thomas."I knew he was going to play the full 90 minutes on Saturday so we went over absolutely everything."Jake and Jonah are playing catch up now, so today the three of us worked on the technical side of goalkeeping - catching, distribution kicking and so on.
"It's good to get a structure for them like I do with the Academy keepers, there's a lot of organisation that's going into it."I have six keepers in all, from spring chickens to full internationals. Some are more agile and I need to accommodate all of them. I will do a lot more 'reps' with the younger ones because they can handle it and because they need more practise."You don't need to get Jonah in the gym whereas some of my youngsters may need more upper body strength. With each keeper they need a different plan."
Mark Barry on fitness:
It's a steady progression towards the Burnley game. For the match on Saturday against Aldershot, we were probably at 50% fitness-wise."By the time of the next match, we will be around the 75% mark. For the opening fixture of the season the players will be at 100%, which is our main objective.
"You can train as much as you like but, obviously enough, to be match-fit you need to play matches, so these games are imperative if the players are going to get used to the speed of the game, and so on. "At this stage, the fitness level of the lads is spot-on. We're making sure that we don't peak too early because if we reach 100% a week before the Burnley game, there's only one way to go - and that's down. I've got to make sure that doesn't happen."
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~866015,00.html
Monday, July 10, 2006
Aldershot's Perspective of Aldershot vs QPR
-
Photos of Aldershot vs QPR
http://www.theshots.co.uk/QPR080706Gallery.ink
Aldershot Match Report
Shots hold Championship side at the Rec in impressive opener that surprisingly saw former defender Tobi Jinadu feature for the West Londoners
After Saturday afternoon's performance at the Rec against Championship side Queens Park Rangers it was quite apparent that the lessons of last season's calamitous pre season have been learned.
Aldershot were able to field a side in the first half that included five new signings added to the trial appearances of the impressive Andy Edwards and Phil Anderson. The return of midfielder David Lee after an eleven month absence brought the cheer of the day from the Recreation ground faithful. Only Nikki Bull, Dave Winfield and Ryan Williams featured from the squad that were performing at the end of last season. Indeed former defender Tobi Jinadu lined up for the R's.
The home crowd were suitably impressed with the performances especially the exciting link up play of Dean Smith and Louie Soares down the right hand side. Their endeavour deserved a goal but it was Ryan Williams who went closest in the first half with a 20 yard effort.
The visitors went into the interval with a slender lead courtesy of an expertly taken 35 yard free kick from Tommy Doherty whose precise effort rounded the wall and, despite Nikki Bull's flying dive, there was no chance of saving it.
At the break both sides made nine changes. Whilst Rangers were able to field the likes of Kevin Gallen, Lee Cook, Steve Lomas and Ian Evatt, the home side paraded a host of youngsters including Sean Ridgway, Ryan Scott and new goalkeeper Louis Wells. But it was the forward pairing of strikers Mark Pritchard from Swansea City and Kirk Hudson that stole the show. They posed plenty of problems for the visitors with an exciting combination. It was Scott, however, who laid the ball through a treat on the hour for Pritchard to latch on and strike goalbounds only for keeper Sean Thomas to force behind for a corner. Scott drove powerfully a minute later from 25 yards as Aldershot looked a confident and industrious unit. On 63 minutes a great link up between Hudson and Pritchard allowed the former to unleash a cracking drive that Thomas forced away despite being pushed backwards.
Keeper Wells, as did Nikki Bull in the first half, produced a tremendous save close at the feet of a Rangers striker to show that the club has a replacement goalkeeper that looks comfortable.
As the game progessed Soares, who had re-appeared produced a fine effort after good holding play from Pritchard that went just wide from 20 yards.
However Aldershot did score the goal that they deserved on 84 minutes when Pritchard finished off from close range at the far post from a deep Soares right sides centre.
Although results are immaterial in pre season friendlies this was a match that the home side certainly deserved something out of.
Teams: Shots (First Half)- Bull, Smith, Anderson, Lee, Edwards, Winfield, Soares, Moleseley, Grant, Gayle, Williams Shots (Second Half)- Wells, Salmon, Corbett, Edwards (Soares 67), Anderson (Milletti 60), Hicks, Whisken, Ridgway, Scott, Hudson, Pritchard
QPR (First Half)- Thomas, Bignot, Tonkin, Armel, Kanyuka, Jinadu, Ainsworth, Olisen, Moore, Doherty, Baidoo QPR (Second Half)- Thomas, Munday, Donnelly, Kanyuka (Jinadu 58), Gallen, Cook, Lomas, Evatt, Hislop, Tshmanga, Bailey Referee: John Farries Assts: Tim Ingram, Ian Kitchen Att: 1340
http://www.theshots.co.uk/newspage.ink?nid=27494&newstype=m&matchid=7659
Aldershot Post-Match Assessment
http://www.theshots.co.uk/newspage.ink?nid=27495&newstype=n&matchid=
[Also: Photos of Aldershot vs QPR from Nick De Marco
http://www.pbase.com/qpr/aldershot_v_qpr
Photos of Aldershot vs QPR
http://www.theshots.co.uk/QPR080706Gallery.ink
Aldershot Match Report
Shots hold Championship side at the Rec in impressive opener that surprisingly saw former defender Tobi Jinadu feature for the West Londoners
After Saturday afternoon's performance at the Rec against Championship side Queens Park Rangers it was quite apparent that the lessons of last season's calamitous pre season have been learned.
Aldershot were able to field a side in the first half that included five new signings added to the trial appearances of the impressive Andy Edwards and Phil Anderson. The return of midfielder David Lee after an eleven month absence brought the cheer of the day from the Recreation ground faithful. Only Nikki Bull, Dave Winfield and Ryan Williams featured from the squad that were performing at the end of last season. Indeed former defender Tobi Jinadu lined up for the R's.
The home crowd were suitably impressed with the performances especially the exciting link up play of Dean Smith and Louie Soares down the right hand side. Their endeavour deserved a goal but it was Ryan Williams who went closest in the first half with a 20 yard effort.
The visitors went into the interval with a slender lead courtesy of an expertly taken 35 yard free kick from Tommy Doherty whose precise effort rounded the wall and, despite Nikki Bull's flying dive, there was no chance of saving it.
At the break both sides made nine changes. Whilst Rangers were able to field the likes of Kevin Gallen, Lee Cook, Steve Lomas and Ian Evatt, the home side paraded a host of youngsters including Sean Ridgway, Ryan Scott and new goalkeeper Louis Wells. But it was the forward pairing of strikers Mark Pritchard from Swansea City and Kirk Hudson that stole the show. They posed plenty of problems for the visitors with an exciting combination. It was Scott, however, who laid the ball through a treat on the hour for Pritchard to latch on and strike goalbounds only for keeper Sean Thomas to force behind for a corner. Scott drove powerfully a minute later from 25 yards as Aldershot looked a confident and industrious unit. On 63 minutes a great link up between Hudson and Pritchard allowed the former to unleash a cracking drive that Thomas forced away despite being pushed backwards.
Keeper Wells, as did Nikki Bull in the first half, produced a tremendous save close at the feet of a Rangers striker to show that the club has a replacement goalkeeper that looks comfortable.
As the game progessed Soares, who had re-appeared produced a fine effort after good holding play from Pritchard that went just wide from 20 yards.
However Aldershot did score the goal that they deserved on 84 minutes when Pritchard finished off from close range at the far post from a deep Soares right sides centre.
Although results are immaterial in pre season friendlies this was a match that the home side certainly deserved something out of.
Teams: Shots (First Half)- Bull, Smith, Anderson, Lee, Edwards, Winfield, Soares, Moleseley, Grant, Gayle, Williams Shots (Second Half)- Wells, Salmon, Corbett, Edwards (Soares 67), Anderson (Milletti 60), Hicks, Whisken, Ridgway, Scott, Hudson, Pritchard
QPR (First Half)- Thomas, Bignot, Tonkin, Armel, Kanyuka, Jinadu, Ainsworth, Olisen, Moore, Doherty, Baidoo QPR (Second Half)- Thomas, Munday, Donnelly, Kanyuka (Jinadu 58), Gallen, Cook, Lomas, Evatt, Hislop, Tshmanga, Bailey Referee: John Farries Assts: Tim Ingram, Ian Kitchen Att: 1340
http://www.theshots.co.uk/newspage.ink?nid=27494&newstype=m&matchid=7659
Aldershot Post-Match Assessment
http://www.theshots.co.uk/newspage.ink?nid=27495&newstype=n&matchid=
[Also: Photos of Aldershot vs QPR from Nick De Marco
http://www.pbase.com/qpr/aldershot_v_qpr
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Friendly Result: QPR 1 Aldershot 1
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From QPR Official Site - Match Report
Match Report & Comments
'The bearded wonder [Tommy Docherty] struck on 25 minutes with a perfectly executed free kick to give Rangers the lead.
But as the clock ticked down, Mark Pritchard bundled the ball home at the far post to deny Rangers a winning opening....
Armel made his way into the starting line up, and there were plenty of trialists on show.
From the off, Shabazz Baidoo was looking especially lively with some neat touches, including one cheeky back heel into the path of Gareth Ainsworth.
In was the winger himself who mustered Rangers' first effort, although the summers' rustiness saw his shot fly wide of the mark and more than lacking in pace.
Sean Thomas then had to be on his guard to scoop up Mark Molesley's strike after Pat Kanyuka had gifted the Shots midfield with the ball.
With Aldershot also playing their first football of the new pre-season campaign, both sides seemed to be finding their feet without really testing the defences in the final third.
With 25 minutes on the clock, Tommy Doherty scored an absolute peach of a free kick that Nikki Bull failed to get near.
From 20 yards out, Doherty curled the ball over the wall and into the top corner - think Beckham, think World Cup, and then you're almost there.
Rangers were close to going 2-0 up when Marcus Bignot attempted to poke the ball over the line following a corner, but Bull managed to scramble the ball to safety.
Neither team looked willing to break into a sweat in the afternoon heat, but Rangers were yet to be bothered by anything that the Shots could throw at them.
Waddock freshened up his side after the break, making nine changes.
Kevin Gallen and Lee Cook were among some of the first teamers to make an appearance in the second half.
You would have thought that the two fans' favourites would have combined better to have put Rangers 2-0 up, but when Cook laid the ball off for the skipper, Gallen blasted well over.
Sean Thomas then showed the watching Paul Jones how it was done when Ryan Williams stormed through with only the young stopper to beat.
With half of the Rec already cheering, Thomas went full stretch to palm the ball round the post.
Thomas then produced yet another fine save when a Kirk Hudson effort flew straight at goal, but the Rangers keeper beat it away to deny a certain goal.
Finally Rangers fell into sync, passing the ball around with ease and sending Aldershot off to chase shadows.
Louis Soares tried unsuccessfully to restore parity, but although his long distance effort may have looked impressive, it was never going to trouble Thomas.
Finally Aldershot found the back of the net when Pritchard bundled the ball over the line following a deep cross across the face of goal.
Thomas could do nothing to prevent the ball from falling past him and it was a shame to concede such a sloppy goal after his earlier fine efforts.
This was no more than a run out for Rangers and although several gave a good account of themselves, Waddock will not have been looking for more than a competent display.
Aldershot: Bull, Smith, Anderson (Milletti), Lee, Edwards, Winfield, Soares, Molesley, Grant, Gayle, Williams
QPR first half: Thomas, Bignot, Tonkin, Armel, Tobi, Kanyuka, Ainsworth, Olisen, Moore, Doherty, Baidoo
QPR second half: Thomas, Kanyuka (Tobi), Munday, Cook, Evatt, Lomas, Donnelly, Gallen, Bailey, Trialist, Hislop
Scorers: Doherty
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~865404,00.html
OFFICIAL SITE - Garry Waddock's Comments
SLOW BUT STEADY
Rangers may have been denied a win, but Gary Waddock is happy with the start his side have made.Waddock stressed the importance of peaking too soon during the pre-season warm up games and reiterated the fact that the only game he is concerned about right now is the trip to Burnley.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw at Aldershot, the Rangers manager said: "I'm pleased with what I've seen today, we don't want to peak now, it's all about building our fitness up as we approach our first League game of the new season.
"We have a slow and steady approach so that we peak at that point, not too soon before.
"We've seen a few things that we can go back and work on next week and we'll look forward to cracking on in our next game.
"Most of the players got 45 minutes and that was our aim.
"I was pleased with Armel at the back and there was one particular trialist that I was very pleased with - I'm sure the fans who were here today will know who I'm talking about.
"I want to thank the fans who turned out today as well. They were great as always."
Waddock watched the game from the stands, seated just behind new signing Nick Ward.
"It was great to have him sat there as a QPR player. There had been a lot of talk and speculation leading up to the game and it was great to have it all done and dusted at last."
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~865406,00.html
Match Report from QPR Rivals' Clive Whittingham
http://queensparkrangers.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=925&p=2&stid=8415488
From QPR Official Site - Match Report
Match Report & Comments
'The bearded wonder [Tommy Docherty] struck on 25 minutes with a perfectly executed free kick to give Rangers the lead.
But as the clock ticked down, Mark Pritchard bundled the ball home at the far post to deny Rangers a winning opening....
Armel made his way into the starting line up, and there were plenty of trialists on show.
From the off, Shabazz Baidoo was looking especially lively with some neat touches, including one cheeky back heel into the path of Gareth Ainsworth.
In was the winger himself who mustered Rangers' first effort, although the summers' rustiness saw his shot fly wide of the mark and more than lacking in pace.
Sean Thomas then had to be on his guard to scoop up Mark Molesley's strike after Pat Kanyuka had gifted the Shots midfield with the ball.
With Aldershot also playing their first football of the new pre-season campaign, both sides seemed to be finding their feet without really testing the defences in the final third.
With 25 minutes on the clock, Tommy Doherty scored an absolute peach of a free kick that Nikki Bull failed to get near.
From 20 yards out, Doherty curled the ball over the wall and into the top corner - think Beckham, think World Cup, and then you're almost there.
Rangers were close to going 2-0 up when Marcus Bignot attempted to poke the ball over the line following a corner, but Bull managed to scramble the ball to safety.
Neither team looked willing to break into a sweat in the afternoon heat, but Rangers were yet to be bothered by anything that the Shots could throw at them.
Waddock freshened up his side after the break, making nine changes.
Kevin Gallen and Lee Cook were among some of the first teamers to make an appearance in the second half.
You would have thought that the two fans' favourites would have combined better to have put Rangers 2-0 up, but when Cook laid the ball off for the skipper, Gallen blasted well over.
Sean Thomas then showed the watching Paul Jones how it was done when Ryan Williams stormed through with only the young stopper to beat.
With half of the Rec already cheering, Thomas went full stretch to palm the ball round the post.
Thomas then produced yet another fine save when a Kirk Hudson effort flew straight at goal, but the Rangers keeper beat it away to deny a certain goal.
Finally Rangers fell into sync, passing the ball around with ease and sending Aldershot off to chase shadows.
Louis Soares tried unsuccessfully to restore parity, but although his long distance effort may have looked impressive, it was never going to trouble Thomas.
Finally Aldershot found the back of the net when Pritchard bundled the ball over the line following a deep cross across the face of goal.
Thomas could do nothing to prevent the ball from falling past him and it was a shame to concede such a sloppy goal after his earlier fine efforts.
This was no more than a run out for Rangers and although several gave a good account of themselves, Waddock will not have been looking for more than a competent display.
Aldershot: Bull, Smith, Anderson (Milletti), Lee, Edwards, Winfield, Soares, Molesley, Grant, Gayle, Williams
QPR first half: Thomas, Bignot, Tonkin, Armel, Tobi, Kanyuka, Ainsworth, Olisen, Moore, Doherty, Baidoo
QPR second half: Thomas, Kanyuka (Tobi), Munday, Cook, Evatt, Lomas, Donnelly, Gallen, Bailey, Trialist, Hislop
Scorers: Doherty
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~865404,00.html
OFFICIAL SITE - Garry Waddock's Comments
SLOW BUT STEADY
Rangers may have been denied a win, but Gary Waddock is happy with the start his side have made.Waddock stressed the importance of peaking too soon during the pre-season warm up games and reiterated the fact that the only game he is concerned about right now is the trip to Burnley.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw at Aldershot, the Rangers manager said: "I'm pleased with what I've seen today, we don't want to peak now, it's all about building our fitness up as we approach our first League game of the new season.
"We have a slow and steady approach so that we peak at that point, not too soon before.
"We've seen a few things that we can go back and work on next week and we'll look forward to cracking on in our next game.
"Most of the players got 45 minutes and that was our aim.
"I was pleased with Armel at the back and there was one particular trialist that I was very pleased with - I'm sure the fans who were here today will know who I'm talking about.
"I want to thank the fans who turned out today as well. They were great as always."
Waddock watched the game from the stands, seated just behind new signing Nick Ward.
"It was great to have him sat there as a QPR player. There had been a lot of talk and speculation leading up to the game and it was great to have it all done and dusted at last."
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~865406,00.html
Match Report from QPR Rivals' Clive Whittingham
http://queensparkrangers.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=925&p=2&stid=8415488
Friday, July 07, 2006
Nick Ward Joins QPR!
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QPR Official Site - WARD SIGNS
Australian midfielder Nick Ward has today signed a two year deal with QPR.
Ward jetted in to Heathrow early this morning and was taken straight to the club's Harlington training ground for a medical.
With the all clear after being put through his paces by physio Prav Mathema, the 21 year old then put pen to paper at the main ground.
Speaking of his move, Ward said: "I want to cement my place in the team as a first team regular and I've already set myself a target of scoring over 10 goals this season.
"Of course I've also got a team target of getting QPR into the play offs come next May."
Ward made 21 appearances for Hyundai A-League side Perth Glory last season, bagging five goals - has represented his country at all levels and only just missed out on a spot in the Socceroo's World Cup squad.
Ward also won this year's A-League 'Rising Star' award and was recently included in a 'Who's Who' of the best young players to watch on the FIFA website.
Speaking of the difference between English and Australian football, he said: "The game is a lot slower over in Australia, mainly because of the heat, whereas here it's a lot quicker with not as much time on the ball.
"I know that in the lower leagues especially they like to play the long ball game, but not in the Championship and especially not at QPR next year.
"I like to play good football, that's what I've always tried to do, I like to get the ball down and pass it, get forward and score goals."
Ward has been given today off to recover from the 24 hour journey, but will train with those who are not travelling to Aldershot on Saturday morning.
He will then travel to the Recreation Ground to see his new team mates in action.Tune in to QPR World on Monday for an exclusive interview with our latest signing.
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~864888,00.html
QPR Official Site - WARD SIGNS
Australian midfielder Nick Ward has today signed a two year deal with QPR.
Ward jetted in to Heathrow early this morning and was taken straight to the club's Harlington training ground for a medical.
With the all clear after being put through his paces by physio Prav Mathema, the 21 year old then put pen to paper at the main ground.
Speaking of his move, Ward said: "I want to cement my place in the team as a first team regular and I've already set myself a target of scoring over 10 goals this season.
"Of course I've also got a team target of getting QPR into the play offs come next May."
Ward made 21 appearances for Hyundai A-League side Perth Glory last season, bagging five goals - has represented his country at all levels and only just missed out on a spot in the Socceroo's World Cup squad.
Ward also won this year's A-League 'Rising Star' award and was recently included in a 'Who's Who' of the best young players to watch on the FIFA website.
Speaking of the difference between English and Australian football, he said: "The game is a lot slower over in Australia, mainly because of the heat, whereas here it's a lot quicker with not as much time on the ball.
"I know that in the lower leagues especially they like to play the long ball game, but not in the Championship and especially not at QPR next year.
"I like to play good football, that's what I've always tried to do, I like to get the ball down and pass it, get forward and score goals."
Ward has been given today off to recover from the 24 hour journey, but will train with those who are not travelling to Aldershot on Saturday morning.
He will then travel to the Recreation Ground to see his new team mates in action.Tune in to QPR World on Monday for an exclusive interview with our latest signing.
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~864888,00.html
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Nick Ward Still Set for QPR? (Last Week's Official Site Statement Removed)
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NICK WARD STILL TO QPR?
Hopefully the Nick Ward transfer to QPR remains on course, but there's been no reference to it on the official site for the past week, . And checking today, the news announcement posted on the official site has been removed and is no longer in the news archives.
The announcement CAN however still be found on the web at
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~830311,00.html
From last Tuesday, June 27, 2006 Official Site
WARD JETS IN
QPR have today (Tuesday) reached agreement with Perth Glory for the transfer of Nick Ward for an undisclosed fee. The 21 year-old attacking midfielder will jet in to London early next week to dot the i's and cross the t's on a two year deal. Widely regarded as one the hottest prospects in Australia, Ward - who made 21 appearances for Hyundai A-League side Perth Glory last season, bagging five goals - has represented his country at all levels and only just missed out on a spot in the Socceroo's World Cup squad. He won this year's A-League 'Rising Star' award and was recently included in a 'Who's Who' of the best young players to watch on the FIFA website.
UPDATE: As pointed out by a poster on LSA, the "Ward Jets In" Story can be found in the QPR News Archives for May 17, 2006/
NICK WARD STILL TO QPR?
Hopefully the Nick Ward transfer to QPR remains on course, but there's been no reference to it on the official site for the past week, . And checking today, the news announcement posted on the official site has been removed and is no longer in the news archives.
The announcement CAN however still be found on the web at
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~830311,00.html
From last Tuesday, June 27, 2006 Official Site
WARD JETS IN
QPR have today (Tuesday) reached agreement with Perth Glory for the transfer of Nick Ward for an undisclosed fee. The 21 year-old attacking midfielder will jet in to London early next week to dot the i's and cross the t's on a two year deal. Widely regarded as one the hottest prospects in Australia, Ward - who made 21 appearances for Hyundai A-League side Perth Glory last season, bagging five goals - has represented his country at all levels and only just missed out on a spot in the Socceroo's World Cup squad. He won this year's A-League 'Rising Star' award and was recently included in a 'Who's Who' of the best young players to watch on the FIFA website.
UPDATE: As pointed out by a poster on LSA, the "Ward Jets In" Story can be found in the QPR News Archives for May 17, 2006/
A Quarter of a Century since the "Plastic Pitch" came to English Football...at QPR!
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QPR's "CONTROVERSIAL" PLASTIC PITCH
It's a quarter of century since the highly-controversial "plastic" pitch came to English professional football. And the innovating team was Terry Venables (co-author of "They Used to Play on Grass" http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0140244220/026-1147284-3937223?v=glance&n=266239 & Jim Gregory's Queens Park Rangers! (And the term "controversial" and "plastic" were used in almost every description of QPR that season and the following couple of seasons.
The first-ever League game in England played on "plastic" was QPR against Luton Town, on September 1, 1981, with a crowd of almost 19,000 to see it. Andy King put QPR ahead....Luton scored twice to win it. QPR's Team: Burridge, Gregory, Hazell, Roeder, Fenwick, Waddock, King, Francis, Allen, Stainrod, Flanagan.
The season which began with an away win at Wrexham ended with an unlucky Cup Final Replay defeat at Wembley.QPR had to overcome a threatened ban on playing FA Cup games on the Loftus Road Plastic (which was fortunate since this turned out to be our FA Cup Final season). For whatever reason - the plastic pitch; the brilliant manager; the great players, those three years on plastic saw a stream of succes: FA Cup Final & just missed promotion; Second Division Championship; 5th Place in the First Division.
The 1982 QPR Team photo
http://footballfocus.xsmnet.com/gallery/teams/qpr/qpr_1982.jpg
QPR's "CONTROVERSIAL" PLASTIC PITCH
It's a quarter of century since the highly-controversial "plastic" pitch came to English professional football. And the innovating team was Terry Venables (co-author of "They Used to Play on Grass" http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0140244220/026-1147284-3937223?v=glance&n=266239 & Jim Gregory's Queens Park Rangers! (And the term "controversial" and "plastic" were used in almost every description of QPR that season and the following couple of seasons.
The first-ever League game in England played on "plastic" was QPR against Luton Town, on September 1, 1981, with a crowd of almost 19,000 to see it. Andy King put QPR ahead....Luton scored twice to win it. QPR's Team: Burridge, Gregory, Hazell, Roeder, Fenwick, Waddock, King, Francis, Allen, Stainrod, Flanagan.
The season which began with an away win at Wrexham ended with an unlucky Cup Final Replay defeat at Wembley.QPR had to overcome a threatened ban on playing FA Cup games on the Loftus Road Plastic (which was fortunate since this turned out to be our FA Cup Final season). For whatever reason - the plastic pitch; the brilliant manager; the great players, those three years on plastic saw a stream of succes: FA Cup Final & just missed promotion; Second Division Championship; 5th Place in the First Division.
The 1982 QPR Team photo
http://footballfocus.xsmnet.com/gallery/teams/qpr/qpr_1982.jpg
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
QPR's Ongoing 10% per-annum ABC Loan & QPR's Efforts to Deal with it
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Clearly, the ABC Loan is QPR's great Ten Million Pound Cloud hanging over the club:
[Much has been written and speculated about about QPR's 10 million loan at 10% annual interest, which they received from the mysterious Panama-based "ABC" group. Until a couple of months ago, Derby County had their own 15 million pound loan from ABC.
More re ABC Loan at Julia Hill's "Boardroom Blues" http://www.boardroomblues.co.uk/
and Tracy Stent & others QPR1st http://www.qpr1st.co.uk
(and obvious thanks to LSA & QPR1st QPR Rivals & QPRnet for holding these meetings or Q&As]. [A couple of the major press articles re QPR & Derby and the ABC Loan can be read at http://qprreport.blogspot.com/2006/04/abc-qpr-derby-county-looking-back.html. And also at Derby Count siteshttp://www.therams.co.uk/ and http://www.ramstrust.org/
Below some of the comments by QPR's Current Chairman about QPR are going to deal with this loan.
As posted by Steve Russell on LSA's News section almost two years ago:,
LSA News - 15th October 2004
Gianni Paladini Wants A Showdown - Marylebone and Paddington MercuryThere was a very interesting article by Paul Warburton in last week's Marylebone and Paddington Mercury. Gianni Paladini said that he would like a showdown with the previous Board to find out why they took out the £10m loan with ABC. The loan costs £1m a year in interest alone and when Gianni invested around £600,000 in May for 22.1% of company shares, instead of being welcomed, he was snubbed by members of the previous regime ! The former football agent believes that former Chairman, Nick Blackburn, Chief Executive, David Davies and plc Chairman, Ross Jones would have little to do with him.
He said, "I wasn't welcome the minute after I got involved with the Club. I tried but couldn't get answers about the finances of the Club, especially when I would ask David Davies.
For a long time it was like banging my head on the wall. It appears that Bill Power would get phone calls asking him what I was doing at the Club and yet I had brought a large sum of money and was keen to see what I was getting for my investment"
He alleges that Rangers were two weeks away from a second bout of administration which would carry a immediate fine of 10 points !
"We faced a bill from the Tax and the VAT man of around £2m, we hadn't got it and had no way of getting it at the time, quite frankly we were at the wall. I made a plea to my friend Antonio Caliendo in Monte Carlo to help. He had contacts going back 30 years. I told him if he couldn't help, I would lose all my money. I've never lost money in football and he must have thought it was shrewd on my behalf and we set about getting the money.
They persuaded other Monte Carlo businessmen to raise the money and they bought the company name Barnaby Holdings especially for that purpose.
Gianni said, " We've paid the immediate bill but why did we have to borrow £10m ? We didn't have a £10m debt The loan was agreed at 8% and at the last minute -not the last hour -the details of the loan was changed to 10% - take it or leave it ! The previous Board claimed that the Football League forced them to do it but I've spoken to the League and they say that's not true, but I want to know the truth" Steve Russell
http://www.qpr-lsa.co.uk/04sepoct.html
October 2005 - Ron Norris/QPRNet Interview with Paladini QPRnet.com: Is it true that we are behind on our payments to many suppliers?
Paladini: I tried to renegotiate the ABC loan and then some rubbish goes in the paper saying I was this and I was that, saying I was robbing the club and then they say we are going to go into liquidation. If while this is all going on you go to the bank to borrow ten million pounds that doesn’t do you any favours. I got an email from the bank and they didn’t want to take it any further because of these rumours. Never mind, we’ll carry on and eventually we’ll get rid of the ABC loan. http://qprnet.com/interviews/paladini.shtml
December 2005 Q&A Regarding the loan - it appears to me very easy and without access to the financial side at QPR, I guess I can only make assumptions. Are there negotiations taking place with solicitors, lenders and ABC in order to either re-negotiate with ABC or a high street lender? Paladini: We are arranging a new loan with the Lloyds TSB. The directors will give their personal guarantee on the loan. We hope to get an interest rate between 5.75% to 6%. Depending on the final interest rate we will save between £400-425k per year. http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/QA/0,,10373,00.html
May 2, 2006 Clive Whittingham QPR Rivals Q&A with Paladini: Q: "Five years until the ABC loan expires - should we be worried yet? Paladini It is my mission to stop that. I didn't create that situation and it's a difficult one to deal with but while I'm here it is my mission to get rid of it. The more people who see we're doing a good job the better the chance is that they'll help us out and work with us on this. We were very close to doing a deal with the Lloyds bank but then there was all that stuff in the Evening Standard and they pulled out, didn't want to know any more. When I took over here, the VAT man, the tax man, the creditors - none of them trusted QPR, and we've had to catch up with payments. People were queuing up for money here in September. We have to put forward a united front and look like a secure option for people to come and help us out. We're working hard on this, Antonio is in Milan today talking to banks and potential lenders. I am confident we'll be rid of the loan within the five years. Whatever happens I'm sure we'll do it. QPR Rivals wrote: "Later at the QPR1st AGM the trust put forward the idea of the fans trying to raise the money themselves over the next five years in return for the ground being signed over to the supporters. This ambitious plan was given support by Gianni Paladini who described it as a "fantastic idea." After the meeting had finished I spoke to, or rather listened to, Ross Jones' take on the loan. Jones maintains that with the football league breathing down our necks the deal was a good one for QPR; "You'd really struggle to find someone who'd lend you ten million pounds at anything less than ten percent. You may be able to get eight percent but time wasn't on our side. The football league wrote to us and said we would be expelled if we didn't find the funds to come out of administration - what would you have done? "We took out the ten million because that's what we needed to come out of administration, seven million of it went to creditors immediately. Nobody will lend you that kind of money at six or seven percent. It was a good deal for QPR at that time." Q: Do we even know who ABC Corporation are? Paladini No, no idea. They're based in Panama with a Swiss bank account I think but we just don't know. Ross Jones does though - "I know who's behind it all but I gave my word that I wouldn't reveal who it is so that's that. I'm a man of my word."http://queensparkrangers.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=925&p=2&stid=8410350
June 2006 Paladini Statement Paladini"...As I still get asked about the ABC loan I would like to tell the fans and shareholders that we are hoping to replace the ABC loan in the near future with a cheaper loan from a more reputable financial institution.What do we know about the ABC Corporation? Unfortunately very little, we have suspicions, but we can't prove who the controlling interest behind the ABC Corporation is. The ABC Corporation's lack of transparency means that the Board must question their motives and their attitude towards the club which is why the Board wish to refinance the ABC loan. We will be reviewing the legality of the ABC loan.http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~837609,00.html
LSA - REPORTED STATEMENTS FROM LSA & QPR 1st
eting 8th September 2005
".....This Thursday GP is going to meet some bankers to try and borrow money at an interest rate of 6% in order to pay off ABC. If he is successful that would save QPR £400k a year..." http://www.qpr-lsa.co.uk/05setpoct.html
September 2005 QPR 1st 0 Minutes/Report from Meeting with Club/Board Thursday 15 th September 2005 - http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/main/trustclubmeetsep2005.htm ABC Loan – GG asked for some clarification regarding the ABC loan and the Board's thoughts regarding it and if whether there had been any recent news relating to the comments made by GP about the possibility of the renegotiating of it? GP responded by saying that he/they “are currently in negotiations with a top bank looking at the possibility of getting it renegotiated at a rate of 6.5%”. GG spoke about the early redemption penalties and asked if GP could give any hints as to the terms, conditions and how long a period we would be talking about regarding a possible renegotiated deal, but GP said he couldn't comment but hoped to have some good news soon. GP stated that he felt the extra 2% (i.e. from 8% to 10%) was the fault of Ross Jones who he understood agreed to the change of rate at the last hour. http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/main/trustclubmeetsep2005.htm
October 2005 - QPR1st Minutes/Report from Meeting with QPR Board reps Friday 21st October 2005
ABC loan
We asked the question if The ABC Corporation are connected with any of the Monaco consortiums or the investors behind them. GP and AC seemed to find this amusing and stated categorically that ABC and the Monaco groups are not the same!
GP and CP explained they had no more clue than us as to who was behind ABC. There is very little copy correspondence in the QPR offices in relation to the loan. CP advised that he did not know if any arrangement fee or commission was paid on the loan when originally set up. CP also stated that at the beginning of each financial year on 1st June the figures showed a £1million loss. It is hoped that ABC may accept early repayment of the loan, which will be re financed with a more traditional identifiable lender.
We asked GP if there were any update on this, and if so would he be able to tell us with which banks the club are hoping to renegotiate with. GP stated that so far there have been talks with two banks, one of which would offer an interest rate of 6.5, whilst the other would offer 7%. He is unable to inform us at the time being as to which banks they have been talking to but CP said if they could get the loan renegotiated with a traditional institution, they would feel safer. He also said that on such a renegotiated deal, £300,000 per year in interest charges could be saved which could be directed to repaying the £10 million originally borrowed.
When asked about any fee charges for early repayment by ABC and CP said it would be negotiable.
And what about any new bank, what kind of security would they look at in order to protect their money? It was stated that any bank would secure a charge on the assets i.e. the ground.
And is there any truth in the rumour that the club have been behind in its payments to the ABC Corporation we asked? Absolutely not replied GP.
http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/documents/GandAminutes.doc
LSA- November 2005
"... LSA reps asked whether there was any progress on renegotiating the loan. GP said that talks are underway with a UK bank to try and get them to take over the loan at a rate of 6.5% instead of the 10% that we currently pay. We are also in negotiations with ABC Corporation to try and reduce the lump sum we will have to pay them if the bank takes over the loan.
GP said: “The loan was not the immediate problem – the biggest problem here was getting running costs back under control and avoiding administration, which we have done.” He said the club has saved £160k a year, for example, just by not replacing Mark Devlin and Mark Austin.
Despite that, our outgoings are still phenomenal. GP said that in the last 18 months our income has been £18m but this has all been spent. In one month alone we paid out £1.2m on bills, “but we still have money in the bank”.
A Member asked whether we are doing anything about the way the ABC loan was taken out. GP said there is nothing we can do, so it is not worth pursuing."
http://www.qpr-lsa.co.uk/05novdec.html
March 17, 2006 - QPR 1st Report QPR Holdings Ltd AGM
Whilst talking about loans, CP went on to mention the ABC loan, saying that the interest was 10% on it for 5 years, after 5 years (Spring of next year) there is a break clause, however the clause is not to our benefit because if we cannot find a way out of the loan, then ABC can up the interest should they so wish.
Antonio Caliendo then expressed a wish to speak and with the translation skills of Paolo Mina, we learnt that according to AC, the Board wishes to reach an agreement with ABC before the 5 year period and that they hope to present better results next year in order to hopefully be able to do this..... http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/documents/AGM2006.doc
QPR 1st AGM April 2006
"...When asked to elaborate a little upon the groups, GP started to become a tad defensive, saying that himself and AC had put so much into the club, and then mentioned that at that very time, whilst he cannot say too much, AC was currently away in Milan attempting to see if he could find a solution to being able to refinance the ABC loan, saying “I realise what you Tracy, and others are talking about today about paying off the loan, but we need to try to look at ways of refinancing it, and getting it away from ABC when the 5-year term is up”. He then went onto mention that whilst he appreciated people’s concern, he wanted to give an example of how gossip on messageboards does have the potential to scupper possible commercial deals, citing how they had apparently verbally agreed with a High Street bank a renegotiation of the loan, only for them to pull out due to lack of confidence following rumours of the company going into administration. http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/documents/QPR1stAGM06DOC.doc
Clearly, the ABC Loan is QPR's great Ten Million Pound Cloud hanging over the club:
[Much has been written and speculated about about QPR's 10 million loan at 10% annual interest, which they received from the mysterious Panama-based "ABC" group. Until a couple of months ago, Derby County had their own 15 million pound loan from ABC.
More re ABC Loan at Julia Hill's "Boardroom Blues" http://www.boardroomblues.co.uk/
and Tracy Stent & others QPR1st http://www.qpr1st.co.uk
(and obvious thanks to LSA & QPR1st QPR Rivals & QPRnet for holding these meetings or Q&As]. [A couple of the major press articles re QPR & Derby and the ABC Loan can be read at http://qprreport.blogspot.com/2006/04/abc-qpr-derby-county-looking-back.html. And also at Derby Count siteshttp://www.therams.co.uk/ and http://www.ramstrust.org/
Below some of the comments by QPR's Current Chairman about QPR are going to deal with this loan.
As posted by Steve Russell on LSA's News section almost two years ago:,
LSA News - 15th October 2004
Gianni Paladini Wants A Showdown - Marylebone and Paddington MercuryThere was a very interesting article by Paul Warburton in last week's Marylebone and Paddington Mercury. Gianni Paladini said that he would like a showdown with the previous Board to find out why they took out the £10m loan with ABC. The loan costs £1m a year in interest alone and when Gianni invested around £600,000 in May for 22.1% of company shares, instead of being welcomed, he was snubbed by members of the previous regime ! The former football agent believes that former Chairman, Nick Blackburn, Chief Executive, David Davies and plc Chairman, Ross Jones would have little to do with him.
He said, "I wasn't welcome the minute after I got involved with the Club. I tried but couldn't get answers about the finances of the Club, especially when I would ask David Davies.
For a long time it was like banging my head on the wall. It appears that Bill Power would get phone calls asking him what I was doing at the Club and yet I had brought a large sum of money and was keen to see what I was getting for my investment"
He alleges that Rangers were two weeks away from a second bout of administration which would carry a immediate fine of 10 points !
"We faced a bill from the Tax and the VAT man of around £2m, we hadn't got it and had no way of getting it at the time, quite frankly we were at the wall. I made a plea to my friend Antonio Caliendo in Monte Carlo to help. He had contacts going back 30 years. I told him if he couldn't help, I would lose all my money. I've never lost money in football and he must have thought it was shrewd on my behalf and we set about getting the money.
They persuaded other Monte Carlo businessmen to raise the money and they bought the company name Barnaby Holdings especially for that purpose.
Gianni said, " We've paid the immediate bill but why did we have to borrow £10m ? We didn't have a £10m debt The loan was agreed at 8% and at the last minute -not the last hour -the details of the loan was changed to 10% - take it or leave it ! The previous Board claimed that the Football League forced them to do it but I've spoken to the League and they say that's not true, but I want to know the truth" Steve Russell
http://www.qpr-lsa.co.uk/04sepoct.html
October 2005 - Ron Norris/QPRNet Interview with Paladini QPRnet.com: Is it true that we are behind on our payments to many suppliers?
Paladini: I tried to renegotiate the ABC loan and then some rubbish goes in the paper saying I was this and I was that, saying I was robbing the club and then they say we are going to go into liquidation. If while this is all going on you go to the bank to borrow ten million pounds that doesn’t do you any favours. I got an email from the bank and they didn’t want to take it any further because of these rumours. Never mind, we’ll carry on and eventually we’ll get rid of the ABC loan. http://qprnet.com/interviews/paladini.shtml
December 2005 Q&A Regarding the loan - it appears to me very easy and without access to the financial side at QPR, I guess I can only make assumptions. Are there negotiations taking place with solicitors, lenders and ABC in order to either re-negotiate with ABC or a high street lender? Paladini: We are arranging a new loan with the Lloyds TSB. The directors will give their personal guarantee on the loan. We hope to get an interest rate between 5.75% to 6%. Depending on the final interest rate we will save between £400-425k per year. http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/QA/0,,10373,00.html
May 2, 2006 Clive Whittingham QPR Rivals Q&A with Paladini: Q: "Five years until the ABC loan expires - should we be worried yet? Paladini It is my mission to stop that. I didn't create that situation and it's a difficult one to deal with but while I'm here it is my mission to get rid of it. The more people who see we're doing a good job the better the chance is that they'll help us out and work with us on this. We were very close to doing a deal with the Lloyds bank but then there was all that stuff in the Evening Standard and they pulled out, didn't want to know any more. When I took over here, the VAT man, the tax man, the creditors - none of them trusted QPR, and we've had to catch up with payments. People were queuing up for money here in September. We have to put forward a united front and look like a secure option for people to come and help us out. We're working hard on this, Antonio is in Milan today talking to banks and potential lenders. I am confident we'll be rid of the loan within the five years. Whatever happens I'm sure we'll do it. QPR Rivals wrote: "Later at the QPR1st AGM the trust put forward the idea of the fans trying to raise the money themselves over the next five years in return for the ground being signed over to the supporters. This ambitious plan was given support by Gianni Paladini who described it as a "fantastic idea." After the meeting had finished I spoke to, or rather listened to, Ross Jones' take on the loan. Jones maintains that with the football league breathing down our necks the deal was a good one for QPR; "You'd really struggle to find someone who'd lend you ten million pounds at anything less than ten percent. You may be able to get eight percent but time wasn't on our side. The football league wrote to us and said we would be expelled if we didn't find the funds to come out of administration - what would you have done? "We took out the ten million because that's what we needed to come out of administration, seven million of it went to creditors immediately. Nobody will lend you that kind of money at six or seven percent. It was a good deal for QPR at that time." Q: Do we even know who ABC Corporation are? Paladini No, no idea. They're based in Panama with a Swiss bank account I think but we just don't know. Ross Jones does though - "I know who's behind it all but I gave my word that I wouldn't reveal who it is so that's that. I'm a man of my word."http://queensparkrangers.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=925&p=2&stid=8410350
June 2006 Paladini Statement Paladini"...As I still get asked about the ABC loan I would like to tell the fans and shareholders that we are hoping to replace the ABC loan in the near future with a cheaper loan from a more reputable financial institution.What do we know about the ABC Corporation? Unfortunately very little, we have suspicions, but we can't prove who the controlling interest behind the ABC Corporation is. The ABC Corporation's lack of transparency means that the Board must question their motives and their attitude towards the club which is why the Board wish to refinance the ABC loan. We will be reviewing the legality of the ABC loan.http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~837609,00.html
LSA - REPORTED STATEMENTS FROM LSA & QPR 1st
eting 8th September 2005
".....This Thursday GP is going to meet some bankers to try and borrow money at an interest rate of 6% in order to pay off ABC. If he is successful that would save QPR £400k a year..." http://www.qpr-lsa.co.uk/05setpoct.html
September 2005 QPR 1st 0 Minutes/Report from Meeting with Club/Board Thursday 15 th September 2005 - http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/main/trustclubmeetsep2005.htm ABC Loan – GG asked for some clarification regarding the ABC loan and the Board's thoughts regarding it and if whether there had been any recent news relating to the comments made by GP about the possibility of the renegotiating of it? GP responded by saying that he/they “are currently in negotiations with a top bank looking at the possibility of getting it renegotiated at a rate of 6.5%”. GG spoke about the early redemption penalties and asked if GP could give any hints as to the terms, conditions and how long a period we would be talking about regarding a possible renegotiated deal, but GP said he couldn't comment but hoped to have some good news soon. GP stated that he felt the extra 2% (i.e. from 8% to 10%) was the fault of Ross Jones who he understood agreed to the change of rate at the last hour. http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/main/trustclubmeetsep2005.htm
October 2005 - QPR1st Minutes/Report from Meeting with QPR Board reps Friday 21st October 2005
ABC loan
We asked the question if The ABC Corporation are connected with any of the Monaco consortiums or the investors behind them. GP and AC seemed to find this amusing and stated categorically that ABC and the Monaco groups are not the same!
GP and CP explained they had no more clue than us as to who was behind ABC. There is very little copy correspondence in the QPR offices in relation to the loan. CP advised that he did not know if any arrangement fee or commission was paid on the loan when originally set up. CP also stated that at the beginning of each financial year on 1st June the figures showed a £1million loss. It is hoped that ABC may accept early repayment of the loan, which will be re financed with a more traditional identifiable lender.
We asked GP if there were any update on this, and if so would he be able to tell us with which banks the club are hoping to renegotiate with. GP stated that so far there have been talks with two banks, one of which would offer an interest rate of 6.5, whilst the other would offer 7%. He is unable to inform us at the time being as to which banks they have been talking to but CP said if they could get the loan renegotiated with a traditional institution, they would feel safer. He also said that on such a renegotiated deal, £300,000 per year in interest charges could be saved which could be directed to repaying the £10 million originally borrowed.
When asked about any fee charges for early repayment by ABC and CP said it would be negotiable.
And what about any new bank, what kind of security would they look at in order to protect their money? It was stated that any bank would secure a charge on the assets i.e. the ground.
And is there any truth in the rumour that the club have been behind in its payments to the ABC Corporation we asked? Absolutely not replied GP.
http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/documents/GandAminutes.doc
LSA- November 2005
"... LSA reps asked whether there was any progress on renegotiating the loan. GP said that talks are underway with a UK bank to try and get them to take over the loan at a rate of 6.5% instead of the 10% that we currently pay. We are also in negotiations with ABC Corporation to try and reduce the lump sum we will have to pay them if the bank takes over the loan.
GP said: “The loan was not the immediate problem – the biggest problem here was getting running costs back under control and avoiding administration, which we have done.” He said the club has saved £160k a year, for example, just by not replacing Mark Devlin and Mark Austin.
Despite that, our outgoings are still phenomenal. GP said that in the last 18 months our income has been £18m but this has all been spent. In one month alone we paid out £1.2m on bills, “but we still have money in the bank”.
A Member asked whether we are doing anything about the way the ABC loan was taken out. GP said there is nothing we can do, so it is not worth pursuing."
http://www.qpr-lsa.co.uk/05novdec.html
March 17, 2006 - QPR 1st Report QPR Holdings Ltd AGM
Whilst talking about loans, CP went on to mention the ABC loan, saying that the interest was 10% on it for 5 years, after 5 years (Spring of next year) there is a break clause, however the clause is not to our benefit because if we cannot find a way out of the loan, then ABC can up the interest should they so wish.
Antonio Caliendo then expressed a wish to speak and with the translation skills of Paolo Mina, we learnt that according to AC, the Board wishes to reach an agreement with ABC before the 5 year period and that they hope to present better results next year in order to hopefully be able to do this..... http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/documents/AGM2006.doc
QPR 1st AGM April 2006
"...When asked to elaborate a little upon the groups, GP started to become a tad defensive, saying that himself and AC had put so much into the club, and then mentioned that at that very time, whilst he cannot say too much, AC was currently away in Milan attempting to see if he could find a solution to being able to refinance the ABC loan, saying “I realise what you Tracy, and others are talking about today about paying off the loan, but we need to try to look at ways of refinancing it, and getting it away from ABC when the 5-year term is up”. He then went onto mention that whilst he appreciated people’s concern, he wanted to give an example of how gossip on messageboards does have the potential to scupper possible commercial deals, citing how they had apparently verbally agreed with a High Street bank a renegotiation of the loan, only for them to pull out due to lack of confidence following rumours of the company going into administration. http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/documents/QPR1stAGM06DOC.doc
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Ignoring the Trial/Verdict - QPR Official Site's QPR in the Press This Week
-
From today's QPR Official Site "Paper Talk - NEWS ROUND UP: QPR are never short of column inches in the press, here's what's been in the press this week."
No. Not a word about what has been the topic of some conversation over the past week: THE VERDICTS!! Instead the Official Site describes as "what's been in the press this week" as:
League Managers Association -WADDOCK LANDS TOP JOB WITH RS
Football UK .....Bean commits to Seasiders. Blackpool midfielder Marcus Bean has agreed to sign a new two-year contract with the Seasiders.....
Teamtalk Rangers will get better - Waddock
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/WTPS/0,,10373~855266,00.html
From today's QPR Official Site "Paper Talk - NEWS ROUND UP: QPR are never short of column inches in the press, here's what's been in the press this week."
No. Not a word about what has been the topic of some conversation over the past week: THE VERDICTS!! Instead the Official Site describes as "what's been in the press this week" as:
League Managers Association -WADDOCK LANDS TOP JOB WITH RS
Football UK .....Bean commits to Seasiders. Blackpool midfielder Marcus Bean has agreed to sign a new two-year contract with the Seasiders.....
Teamtalk Rangers will get better - Waddock
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/WTPS/0,,10373~855266,00.html
Monday, July 03, 2006
QPR Chairman, Gianni Paladini - His 2005/06 Q&As
-
QPR CHAIRMAN GIANNI PALADINI - 2005-2006 Q&A
After the August 2005 Board changes, which saw Chairman Bill Power replaced by Gianni Paladini, Paladini held a number of meetings/Q&As with QPR's LSA and QPR1st, along with having Q&As with QPRNet & QPR Rivals and the Official Site.
Below are the links to these (along with some responses from "former" QPR officials: Bill Power, Mark Devlin, Nigel Blackburn & Ross Jones)
[During the course of the season, Paladini was of course also quoted in various newspapers and issued various statements on the Official Site]
OFFICIAL SITE, December 2005 PALADINI Q & A
. http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/QA/0,,10373,00.html
QPR Net's October 2005 Q&A with Gianni Paladini
http://qprnet.com/interviews/paladini.shtml
QPR Rivals, May 2006 Q&A with Gianni Paladini
http://queensparkrangers.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=925&p=2&stid=8410351
On the pitch
http://queensparkrangers.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=925&p=2&stid=8410348
Off the pitch
http://queensparkrangers.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=925&p=2&stid=8410350
Clarification & follow up (including Bill Power response)
http://queensparkrangers.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=925&p=2&stid=8410452
Response to Rivals from Former Chairman Nigel Blackburn http://queensparkrangers.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=925&p=2&stid=8410749
LSA MEETINGS WITH GIANNIA PALADINI
8th September - LSA Meeting with Club Representatives on Monday 5 September: Present: Gianni Paladini, Harold Winton, Stephen Paladini, Antonio Caliendo (for the last 15 minutes), Sylvia Dallibar, Victor Stevenson, Spencer Schwartz, Steve Rapjohns, Paul Finney, Steve Russell, Paul Fisher, Joe English. Minutes taken on behalf of the LSA by Julia Hill
http://www.qpr-lsa.co.uk/05setpoct.html
9th September - Mark Devlin's Response To Our Meeting Report
http://www.qpr-lsa.co.uk/05setpoct.html
II: 15th November - LSA Meeting with Club Representatives on Monday 7 November 2005
Present: Gianni Paladini, Steven Paladini, Steve Russell, Gary Colton, Victor Stevenson, Spencer Schwartz, Sylvia Dallibar, Steve Rapjohns, Albert Weight, Paul Finney, Joe English. Minutes taken on behalf of the LSA by Julia Hill.
http://www.qpr-lsa.co.uk/05novdec.html
24th November - Response From Bill Power To Comments Made At The Recent LSA Meeting
http://www.qpr-lsa.co.uk/05novdec.html
12th December - Further Response From Mark Devlin
http://www.qpr-lsa.co.uk/05novdec.html
LSA III: LSA Meeting with Club Representatives on Monday 30th January 2006
Present: Gianni Paladini, Sheila Marson, Jackie Bass, Terry Norman, Steve Russell, Victor Stevenson, Spencer Schwartz, Albert Weight, Paul Finney. Minutes taken on behalf of the LSA by Julia Hill http://www.qpr-lsa.co.uk/06janfeb.html
QPR1st Meetings with Paladini
September Agenda Questions: http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/documents/Agendagp.doc
Minutes/Report from Meeting with Club/Board Thursday 15 th September 2005 - http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/main/trustclubmeetsep2005.htm
In attendance:
QPR Holdings Ltd Rep: Gianni Paladini (GP)
QPR 1 st Reps: Geoff Gibbs (GG); Tracy & Leon Stent (TS LS); Richard Bristow (RB)
Official Supporters Club Reps: Geraldine Field (GF); Pat Harrison (PH),
Karen Hampshire (KH) ; Joe Hylton (JH) Club Security?: Terry?
Venue: The Chairman's Suite, QPR FC.
September 21 - Statement by Ross Jones in response to the QPR1st/Gianni Paladini meeting report http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/main/jonessept2005.htm
September 26 - Follow up re Paladini http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/main/newsarticle.asp?id=29
October 24, 2005Trust meeting with Gianni Paladini and Antonio Caliendo http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/documents/GandAminutes.doc
December - Recent Tax Bill
http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/main/newsarticle.asp?id=46
December 20 - Tax Bill Update
http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/main/newsarticle.asp?id=49
March 19, 2006 - QPR 1st re QPR Holdings Ltd AGM Report
http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/documents/AGM2006.doc
May 2006 QPR1st -AGM
http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/documents/QPR1stAGM06DOC.doc
QPR CHAIRMAN GIANNI PALADINI - 2005-2006 Q&A
After the August 2005 Board changes, which saw Chairman Bill Power replaced by Gianni Paladini, Paladini held a number of meetings/Q&As with QPR's LSA and QPR1st, along with having Q&As with QPRNet & QPR Rivals and the Official Site.
Below are the links to these (along with some responses from "former" QPR officials: Bill Power, Mark Devlin, Nigel Blackburn & Ross Jones)
[During the course of the season, Paladini was of course also quoted in various newspapers and issued various statements on the Official Site]
OFFICIAL SITE, December 2005 PALADINI Q & A
. http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/QA/0,,10373,00.html
QPR Net's October 2005 Q&A with Gianni Paladini
http://qprnet.com/interviews/paladini.shtml
QPR Rivals, May 2006 Q&A with Gianni Paladini
http://queensparkrangers.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=925&p=2&stid=8410351
On the pitch
http://queensparkrangers.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=925&p=2&stid=8410348
Off the pitch
http://queensparkrangers.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=925&p=2&stid=8410350
Clarification & follow up (including Bill Power response)
http://queensparkrangers.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=925&p=2&stid=8410452
Response to Rivals from Former Chairman Nigel Blackburn http://queensparkrangers.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=925&p=2&stid=8410749
LSA MEETINGS WITH GIANNIA PALADINI
8th September - LSA Meeting with Club Representatives on Monday 5 September: Present: Gianni Paladini, Harold Winton, Stephen Paladini, Antonio Caliendo (for the last 15 minutes), Sylvia Dallibar, Victor Stevenson, Spencer Schwartz, Steve Rapjohns, Paul Finney, Steve Russell, Paul Fisher, Joe English. Minutes taken on behalf of the LSA by Julia Hill
http://www.qpr-lsa.co.uk/05setpoct.html
9th September - Mark Devlin's Response To Our Meeting Report
http://www.qpr-lsa.co.uk/05setpoct.html
II: 15th November - LSA Meeting with Club Representatives on Monday 7 November 2005
Present: Gianni Paladini, Steven Paladini, Steve Russell, Gary Colton, Victor Stevenson, Spencer Schwartz, Sylvia Dallibar, Steve Rapjohns, Albert Weight, Paul Finney, Joe English. Minutes taken on behalf of the LSA by Julia Hill.
http://www.qpr-lsa.co.uk/05novdec.html
24th November - Response From Bill Power To Comments Made At The Recent LSA Meeting
http://www.qpr-lsa.co.uk/05novdec.html
12th December - Further Response From Mark Devlin
http://www.qpr-lsa.co.uk/05novdec.html
LSA III: LSA Meeting with Club Representatives on Monday 30th January 2006
Present: Gianni Paladini, Sheila Marson, Jackie Bass, Terry Norman, Steve Russell, Victor Stevenson, Spencer Schwartz, Albert Weight, Paul Finney. Minutes taken on behalf of the LSA by Julia Hill http://www.qpr-lsa.co.uk/06janfeb.html
QPR1st Meetings with Paladini
September Agenda Questions: http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/documents/Agendagp.doc
Minutes/Report from Meeting with Club/Board Thursday 15 th September 2005 - http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/main/trustclubmeetsep2005.htm
In attendance:
QPR Holdings Ltd Rep: Gianni Paladini (GP)
QPR 1 st Reps: Geoff Gibbs (GG); Tracy & Leon Stent (TS LS); Richard Bristow (RB)
Official Supporters Club Reps: Geraldine Field (GF); Pat Harrison (PH),
Karen Hampshire (KH) ; Joe Hylton (JH) Club Security?: Terry?
Venue: The Chairman's Suite, QPR FC.
September 21 - Statement by Ross Jones in response to the QPR1st/Gianni Paladini meeting report http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/main/jonessept2005.htm
September 26 - Follow up re Paladini http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/main/newsarticle.asp?id=29
October 24, 2005Trust meeting with Gianni Paladini and Antonio Caliendo http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/documents/GandAminutes.doc
December - Recent Tax Bill
http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/main/newsarticle.asp?id=46
December 20 - Tax Bill Update
http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/main/newsarticle.asp?id=49
March 19, 2006 - QPR 1st re QPR Holdings Ltd AGM Report
http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/documents/AGM2006.doc
May 2006 QPR1st -AGM
http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/documents/QPR1stAGM06DOC.doc
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