-
From Last week and ...re Trial at the beginning of this year: Reports re Paul Garland who was involved 2-3 years ago, in one of the past efforts to buy QPR:
Yorkshire Post - August 26, 2006
£1 for couple fleeced by conman
Fraudster blew friends' £164,000 life savings
A COUPLE conned out of their £164,000 life savings by their next-door neighbour have been awarded just £1 compensation.
Paul Garland stole the cash from Brian and Philippa Manley by claiming to run a company financing transfer deals for top Premiership football teams.
He boasted that his company Finance for Sport Worldwide was working with Liverpool, Dundee United, Sunderland, Manchester City and QPR.
But Garland, who once worked for Leeds United as an investment broker, was actually bankrupt. The 39-year-old was jailed for two-and-a-half years in January for fleecing his neighbours after promising them a non-existent investment opportunity. Instead, he used their cash to buy himself a soft-top Porsche 911, a Range Rover, lavish holidays to Florida and Mauritius and a villa in Monaco.
At a confiscation hearing at York Crown Court yesterday his disgusted victims heard there was nothing left.
John Edwards, prosecuting, said £129,000 of their stolen cash was still outstanding. The court heard father-of-three Garland profited by more than £210,000 from the fraud but had blown everything.
"All the investigations have led to the conclusion that this defendant has left behind nothing but debts," Mr Edwards said.
The conman was ordered to pay back a nominal sum of £1, which will go straight to his victims.
After the hearing outraged Mr Manley said: "This is an insult, it seems that everywhere he goes he has caused misery and he's made people's lives awful just for his own benefit.
"He has ruined our lives and we have lost everything. We have tried to keep hold of our house but maybe now we need to sell it and move on."
During the scam Garland boasted of how he spent £2,000 a week on his girlfriend. He was associated with Leeds United for a number of years, although he no longer works with the club.
He helped refinance the team following relegation from the Premiership in May 2004. He was also a leading figure in an unsuccessful American-backed takeover deal by Nova Financial Partners in November.
Sentencing Garland in January, Judge Paul Hoffman told him: "What you did was quite despicable.
"You systematically used friendship to fleece your victims to which I regard as a serious and quite outrageous deception."
Garland, who is currently in jail, had earlier pleaded guilty to 11 charges of obtaining money and property by deception. The court heard he left his neighbours in financial ruin after promising a brilliant investment opportunity.
Mr Manley, 51, and his wife Philippa, 46, of York, were lured into a bogus investment scheme soon after Garland moved next door. He befriended the family, who have a son Matthew, 23, and daughter Melanie, 22.
In January 2001 they invested money in Garland's scheme and over the following year the conman swindled a massive £164,00 out of them.
"It has just been hell, the worst years of our lives," printer Mr Manley said. "He was just so callous. He planned it and orchestrated it.
"He was very charming. We socialised and used to go to the pub with him. We used to treat his children.
"He came here for meals and we went to his house for a drink. We thought he was genuine."
Garland conned the couple by claiming London-based brokers Houlders Insurance – a real firm with no connection to him – had offered him a high interest investment opportunity that would give them a 30 per cent return on their cash.
"We believed him because we thought he was a genuine guy," Brian said. "Chairmen of football clubs believe him. When it comes to conmen he is pretty much up there, he is an artist.
"The alarm bells started ringing because he had just gone out of the country and was really messing us about."
The couple say they have lost their retirement savings and cannot afford to support their children through university. They have also been left with £42,000 legal costs and have already been forced to remortgage their home.
"He is just the lowest of the low," Mr Manley said.
Yorkshire Post
Also from January:
Football conman led life of luxury
Saturday 28th Jan 2006.
PAUL GARLAND lived the high life of a football wheeler dealer while using his York neighbours' life savings as his personal money box.
York Crown Court heard that he got himself a £100,000-a-year job plus London accommodation paid for by his employers while his victims, Brian and Philippa Manley, struggled to keep the roof over their heads in Balfour Way, Strensall.
But the conman's life of Riley came to an abrupt end when he was jailed for two-and-a-half years for systematically cheating the Manleys out of £164,000 - stripping them of their life savings.He claimed he was financing transfer deals with top-flight football clubs including Liverpool, Dundee United, Sunderland, Manchester City and QPR.
"You have been greedy - now you must pay," the Recorder of York, Judge Paul Hoffman told him.
"I regard what you did as quite despicable. You regarded the Manleys as your own private money box and you were quite ruthless in taking them to the cleaners."
In addition to having to repay every last penny to the Manleys, Garland now also faces confiscation of his assets by the state. He was part of an attempt to refinance Leeds United last year.
The Strensall couple believe they will never see their money again and wish Garland had got a longer sentence.
"We have got a life sentence," said Mrs Manley. "We were investing at the time and we would have made it by now, the way property was going up."
They saw a Porsche and a top-of-the-range Land Rover at Garland's house when he was their next-door neighbour
Garland, 39, formerly of Park Road, Hale, Cheshire, pleaded guilty to 11 charges of deception.
He appeared in court with crutches, but the court heard no mention of why he needed them, and the Manleys said they saw him walking without them shortly before the hearing.
John Edwards, prosecuting, said Garland befriended the Manleys in 2000 and duped them into handing over money through lies that it would be invested in Lloyds underwriters Houlder Insurance Services Ltd and another company. At one stage, he claimed they would get a 30 per cent return in 12 months.
Mr Edwards said that unbeknown to the Manleys, he was a bankrupt at the time. He had repaid £35,000, but still owes the Manleys £129,000.
Mr Manley said the £35,000 had gone straight to his solicitors, to whom the couple owed £42,000.
The conman's barrister, Jerome Lynch QC, said Garland had told the Manleys about his bankruptcy and had always honestly believed he could repay the money through his interests in Finance For Sport Worldwide Ltd and the consortium that took over Leeds United.
Mr Lynch said Garland spent the Manleys' money on entertaining clients for his firm at business lunches, in London clubs and on trips abroad.
But the judge said: "That stretches my credulity to the limit".
He believed a probation officer who said Garland had spent the money on "exceptional spending on luxurious goods and services".
Mr Manley said: "It has just been hell, the worst years of our lives. He was just so callous. He planned it and orchestrated it.
"We believed him because we thought he was a genuine guy," Mr Manley said. "Chairmen of football clubs believed him. When it comes to conmen, he is pretty much up there. He is an artist."
:: `I have got a £100,000 job'
WHAT Garland told the judge through his barrister:
"I have a £100,000 job including London accommodation all paid-for with Associated Global Interests, an offshore commodities broker based in the West Indies.
"My new employers are buying a home for me, my wife and my children.
"They have also given me shares worth tens of thousands of pounds in an American company which I want to sell to repay the Manleys.
"I spent the Manleys' money on business expenses, including entertaining clients in London clubs and abroad.
"I told the Manleys I was a bankrupt and that is why I was not a director of Finance for Sport Worldwide Ltd.
"Their problems have caused me great pain and I honestly want to repay all the money I took from them."
His friend, Jim Connor, claimed under oath:
"I was a director of Dundee Football Club from 1998 to 2003. I got to know Garland through a deal he was arranging for the club. It folded through lack of finance."
The Manleys' dark financial future after Garland means:
Philippa Manley, 45, could not afford to travel to Malta for her mother's funeral.
They nearly lost their house and have had to rearrange their mortgage so that they now face repayments until printer Brian is 75 - in 25 years' time.
They cannot help their children pay for further education.
They faced solicitors fees of £42,000.
"Football conman led life of luxury"
From Last November's Manchester Evening News: Pal Conned Out of £160,000 "
See Also:
Boardroom Blues "PAUL GARLAND NAMED AS POTENTIAL INVESTOR - From the Hammersmith Times 1 October 2003"
http://www.boardroomblues.co.uk/ht011003.htm
Also - Boardroom Blues
http://www.boardroomblues.co.uk/loan.htm
Welcome to QPR REPORT - A completely unofficial and unaffiliated fan site focusing on G-d's Chosen Team, Queen's Park Rangers (QPR) FC. (Visit also QPR Report Messageboard and Follow on Twitter.) QPR Report accepts no sponsorship, advertising or financial contributions. In 2008, QPR Report was named as one of the top two blogs in the Football League
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Part IV: May-August 2006 - Off The Field Statements
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Part IV: MAY-AUGUST 2006 - OFF-THE-FIELD RELATED STATEMENTS
MAY 2006
01.05.2006 Latest RUSHTON DEPARTS Fitness Coach, Scott Rushton has parted company with Queens Park Rangers after six seasons at the club
TRANSFERS
4-5 "Jamaican defender Damion Stewart has signed a three year contract with QPR - subject to obtaining an extension to his work permit" Waddock and Paladini on Stewart Signing
4-5 Cameroon international Armel Tchakounte has put pen to paper on a one year deal with the Hoops
17-5 Ward Jets in
22-5 Ugo Departs - The Club can confirm that Ugo Ukah has today joined Italian outfit Nourese Calcio on a free transf
JUNE
Paladini Speaks - "With the start of a new season beckoning, Gianni Paladini would like to clarify the position and goals"
13-6: Brentford Game Off - This morning, QPR were informed that the pre-season game against Brentford has been cancelled
27-6 QPR are delighted to announce the appointment of Justin Skinner as their new Reserve team manager
28-6 Waddock Appointed - OCK APPOINTED QPR have announced Gary Waddock as first team manager following the appointment of Ian Holloway at Plymouth Argyle
30.06.2006 Latest PRESS-ING MATTERS Flanked by Chairman Gianni Paladini, Gary Waddock met the press today (Friday) for the first time since being appointed R's manager
QPR World Coverage of Press Conference re Waddock Appointment
Ward Signs
JULY
href="http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~866015,00.html">10-7 Coaches Look at Pre-Season 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
13-7 Agents Fees - http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~867174,00.html
17-7 OLISEH SIGNS QPR have today signed midfielder Egutu Oliseh on a two year deal after he impressed Manager Gary Waddock
18-7 = Gary Waddock's prolonged search for a striker is finally over as Polish front-man Adam Czerkas put pen to paper on a one year loan deal
21-7 21.07.2006 Latest ITALIAN JOB As the clock ticks down on the R's pre-season preparations, qpr.co.uk brings you the final details of the Club's trip to Italy
25-7 Dunga Resigns New Brazil boss Carlos Dunga has tendered his resignation as non-executive director of the R
27-7 Statement In the wake of widespread and further inaccurate reporting, Chairman of QPR Holdings Ltd, Antonio Caliendo, would like to issue the following statement
AUGUST
8-1 CLUB STATEMENT Queens Park Rangers would like to issue the following statement to clear the air over yet more wildly inaccurate reporting
Paladini Statement - ON THE NEW SEASON Having just returned from the R's pre-season tour of Italy, QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini can't wait for the big kick-of
7-8 TATEMENT QPR were both shocked and upset on hearing the news relating to the plane crash involving former Rangers personne
03.08.2006 Latest DEAL AGREED QPR have reached agreement with West Bromwich Albion for the £3million transfer of Dan Shittu
6-8 SHittu to Watford Dan Shittu has signed for Watford after the Hornets made an improved offer for the Rangers defender
OTHER
QPR RIVALS/May - Clive Whittingham INTERVIEW WITH PALADINI
RIVALS INTERVIEW
On the Pitch
Off the Pitch
Mark Devlin & Bill Power Clarification and Follow up
Also- QPR1st REPORTING ON TRIAL
INCLUDED
OFFICIAL SITE - June 6 PALADINI SPEAKS
Gianni
With the start of a new season beckoning, Gianni Paladini would like to clarify the position and goals of QPR:
Last year was a difficult season both for the club and for me personally. I feel that resultant media coverage and speculation has obscured what the Board are striving to achieve with the club, so I would like to take this opportunity to re-state our goals.
Let us state up-front that our ultimate goal is to get the club back into the Premiership where we believe QPR belong, but we know that this will only be achieved with a gradual step by step approach.
To achieve this goal we need to provide the club with financial stability and to improve the quality of playing squad and coaching staff.
As stated previously, the aim of the current Board is for the underlying business of the club to break-even.
Next season will see further improvements and we expect the losses fall to below £1m - a significant improvement on the years before I became involved with the club.
Without the financial support of the current Board, the club would have gone into administration last season. With the financial resources being made available, the club will not go into administration with the current Board in control.
All the members of the Board are people who love football and are committed to QPR.
The Board has already put in place our financing for next season and we will continue to bring in new investors, to help fund further improvements to the squad and the club.
We are currently engaged in discussions with potential new investors, who are very enthusiastic about QPR, and we hope to make an announcement about this in the near future.
The Club would also like to highlight three commercial deals that the current Board have done for the club.
The new four year deal with our shirt manufacturer Le Coq Sportif will bring in an additional £250,000 per annum; the new shirt sponsors Cargiant will bring in £150,000 per annum; and the new stand and shorts sponsors GJ Electrical will also bring in another £150,000 per annum.
In addition, there are two other high value commercial deals, currently in the final stages of negotiation, that will be announced soon.
There would appear to be a contradiction between the club breaking even and improving the quality of the squad. Recent experience has taught us that just spending money on players will not guarantee results, unless of course you have the resources of Russian oligarch at your disposal.
However, with a solid financial and administrative base established at the club, the Board and new investors will feel confident enough to provide further resources for the playing squad.
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.
Just to confirm what has been stated previously, Gary Waddock is the Manager-designate and once the situation with Ian Holloway has been resolved then Gary will formally be announced as the Manager.
Recent speculation in the press about a dispute regarding compensation between Ian Holloway and the club is wholly untrue.
We continue to have an amicable relationship with Ian, who is still being paid in full. Ian hopes to have a managerial position sorted out with a new club shortly.
Gary has been responsible for selecting next season's squad and coaching team. The first team squad for next season will comprise of 26 players which is only two players less than the squad we started last season with.
Many old favourites are still here such as Dan Shittu, Lee Cook, Gareth Ainsworth, Paul Furlong and Kevin Gallen.
Martin Rowlands and Matthew Rose will also be back from injury. We are spoilt for choice with two excellent goalkeepers in Simon Royce and Paul Jones as well as Jake Cole and Sean Thomas waiting in the wings.
We have a superb group of youngsters coming through with Scott Donnelly, Shabazz Baidoo, Stefan Bailey, Dominic Shimmin and Pat Kanyuka.
Our new signings include Damion Stewart, who had a good game for Jamaica against England and Armel Tchakounte from Cameroon. We look forward to announcing the final three signings that we are currently negotiating with as soon as we are able.
I would like to thank all the fans that have already renewed their season tickets for next season.
The volume of season tickets processed so far at 6,300 is slightly down on the number of tickets processed at this stage last year, a pattern that has been reflected across other clubs, but we expect further sales once we confirm next season's signings.
The vast majority of these are full price season ticket renewals and 443 are new full price season ticket holders.
There are 417 free tickets for kids so far and I am personally delighted that we have attracted these young season tickets holders as they are the fans of the future.
We have put our finances in order, our losses will continue to fall towards a break even situation, we have a new manager ready to take us forward and we have a new and younger squad that will form the basis of a team to challenge for promotion to the Premiership.
I look forward to seeing all of you at the first home game of next season, and I thank you for your continued loyal support.
Come on you R's!
Gianni Paladini
QPR
27-7 Club Statement from Antonio Caliendo
CLUB STATEMENT
In the wake of widespread and further inaccurate reporting, Chairman of QPR Holdings Ltd, Antonio Caliendo, would like to issue the following statement:
"Despite Carlos Dunga tendering his resignation as a non-executive director on Tuesday, he will continue to support the Club financially.
"The Board's objective remains the same as it always has been - to get QPR back on a sound financial footing and in time, a return to the Premiership.
"I want to reassure the shareholders and supporters that we are doing everything possible to achieve that goal.
"We have invested wisely in the squad this summer and I believe we are in a fantastic position to challenge in the top half of the Championship.
"Last season was a very difficult time for the Board. Since September, we've put in over £4million to ensure the Club's finances are in a stable position to build for the future.
"As a Board, we aim to keep our promise of not selling our best players. Obviously there are certain clauses in players' contracts which means we have to allow them to speak to other Clubs, but our aim is the Premiership and to achieve this we need to keep all our best players.
"The Dan Shittu situation is a perfect example. The bottom line is that we want to keep Danny at the Club. He's a fantastic professional and a tremendous player, but if we receive a £3million bid then he has the freedom to talk to whoever comes in for him.
"We love Queens Park Rangers and we are doing everything possible to safeguard the prestige of this wonderful Club.
"Together, there is only one voice - We Are QPR.''
AUGUST 1 Club Statement
CLUB STATEMENT
Queens Park Rangers Football Club would like to issue the following statement to clear the air over yet more wildly inaccurate reporting in the press and on various message boards.
QPR staff were admitted to the training ground on Monday.
No players were refused admittance to the ground yesterday. This is because no players turned up as it had been decided to give them an extra day off after their pre-season tour to Italy.
The players are back at the training ground today (Tuesday) working hard for the opening match of the season at Turf Moor on Saturday.
We can confirm that there was no Portsmouth player on trial with the Club either yesterday or today.
It should also be noted that the items printed in the press had not been checked with QPR before being published.
Official
August 1 - ROLL ON THE NEW SEASON
Gianni
Having just returned from the R's pre-season tour of Italy, QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini can't wait for the big kick-off.
"The trip to Sorrento was a great success, providing the players and coaching staff with an opportunity for some intense training and team bonding.
"Despite the players staying in one of the town's grandest hotels, and having been fitted with brand new QPR tailor-made suits for every player, the trip paid for itself and the Club even managed to make a tiny profit from it.
"Gary, Macca and the coaching staff are now ready for the new season. I believe we have a much improved squad, with summer signings including Armel Tchakounte, Jamaican international defender Damion Stewart, Egutu Oliseh, Adam Czerkas and the much talked about Nicky Ward, and the important re-signing of Lee Cook for two more years.
"Many of last season's first team have improved over pre-season and it has been particularly pleasing to see Martin Rowlands back to full fitness. A number of the youth squad have made tremendous steps forward during pre-season and will be fighting for places in Gary's first team.
"It is frustrating that, despite all the hard work everyone has been doing during pre-season, a tiny minority of people seem intent on damaging team morale and destroying the Club in the run up to our important first game.
"Not only have they once again invented wholly false rumours about the state of the Club, but unfortunately a couple of journalists with a record of writing stories against QPR, and with links to some of the individuals intent on destabilising the Club, have blown up these rumours and made up stories from nothing.
"Last week it was suggested in some of the press that we were putting QPR up for sale. Unfortunately the journalists responsible for this story failed to even check the official statement from Antonio Caliendo, Chairman of Holdings, on the Club's official website, making clear the Board's continued commitment to QPR.
"I have always said if someone with QPR's best interests at heart wants to come along and buy out the existing Board we would not stand in their way. Nothing has changed and nobody has come forward. We will continue to seek out new investors to take the Club even further forward, but as Antonio made clear last week, we are committed to QPR.
"The Club is in a better financial position than it has been in for a number of years. Things are still tough, but we have reduced the annual debt by millions and intend to reduce it further. Yet ridiculous rumours still seem to be invented by a few people for reasons beyond me.
"The latest is the absurd rumour suggested on a message board that the players were locked out of the Harlington training ground, when in fact Gary Waddock had just given them the day off as they had only recently arrived back from a busy schedule in Italy.
"The same newspaper that had to apologise for a series of inaccurate stories about me last season, the Evening Standard, then chose to repeat this wholly false rumour as fact without even checking with me, the coaching staff, or even Imperial College - the owners of the training ground.
"In an article by a journalist named Wayne Vesey, under the headline 'Locked-out Rangers are unable to train' the Standard claimed that the Club was locked out of the training ground on Monday. Such a clearly false statement damages the reputation of the Club, and the morale of the players and supporters. I have been advised it is libellous and our lawyers will be contacting the Standard immediately to demand a retraction.
"QPR fans will ask themselves why should people invent such rumours? The purpose can only be to destabilise the Club and to injure the morale of players and fans just days before the season kicks off. The Club will not allow another season to be derailed by these people.
"The Board, Gary Waddock and the coaching staff, and the players and other members of staff, are all united in our focus to move this great club forward and to achieve success this season on the pitch. We believe we have the squad and the resources to do so. We will not allow a tiny group of people, driven by an agenda that has nothing to do with football, to destroy this Club.
"I urge all fans to treat such rumour-mongers with the contempt and scepticism they deserve. They have been claiming we would go into administration every week for the past year, and they never admit they are wrong when we don't.
"They claimed we were locked out of the training ground before and even that the groundsmen would not cut the grass at the stadium. They predicted we would spend all the Club's money on agents' fees when we have spent less than nearly any other club in this division. They predicted we would sell off Loftus Road and all our best players because we could not afford their wages.
"Just yesterday they claimed we were locked out of the training ground because we could not afford the rent; but today, as scheduled, our players are training at the training ground. On each and every occasion their rumours have been proven false.
"As I believe you say in England, when someone cries wolf so many times, people stop listening. But every time the rumour-mongers are proven wrong they invent another rumour, so desperate to be proven right and for the Club to fail.
"For the last time I say to those who's criticism of the Board has developed into an agenda to undermine the Club, if you know of a better alternative to take QPR forward with the necessary funding to support it, then please let us know. Otherwise stop pursuing a divisive and destructive agenda. The Board, the players and staff and the thousands of fans of QPR will not allow a small selfish group to ruin the season for the rest of us.
"I know most QPR fans will be sensible enough to take every rumour and press speculation with a hefty pinch of salt. We seem to be in the 'silly season' right now - only today I saw an article in the Mirror claiming I had rejected an offer of £3million for Danny Shittu from Wolves and would only sell him for £10 million.
"The story is, of course, rubbish. As I have said all along, we don't want to sell Danny, but if someone comes in with an offer of £3million or above it will be up to him to decide. Nobody has made such an offer and so Danny will be starting the season with us.
"So as we prepare for the opening game at Burnley on Saturday, and then two exciting home games against Leeds United and newly promoted Southend United, I cannot wait for the football to start and for the players to do the talking on the pitch.
"And I urge every single QPR fan to get fully behind Gary and the boys and help them to turn this into a glorious season. Come on You R's!''
Gianni Paladini - QPR OFFICIAL
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON OFFICIAL SITE AND THEN SUBSQUENTLY REMOVED
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 Paladini QPR
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." QPR
Part IV: MAY-AUGUST 2006 - OFF-THE-FIELD RELATED STATEMENTS
MAY 2006
01.05.2006 Latest RUSHTON DEPARTS Fitness Coach, Scott Rushton has parted company with Queens Park Rangers after six seasons at the club
TRANSFERS
4-5 "Jamaican defender Damion Stewart has signed a three year contract with QPR - subject to obtaining an extension to his work permit" Waddock and Paladini on Stewart Signing
4-5 Cameroon international Armel Tchakounte has put pen to paper on a one year deal with the Hoops
17-5 Ward Jets in
22-5 Ugo Departs - The Club can confirm that Ugo Ukah has today joined Italian outfit Nourese Calcio on a free transf
JUNE
Paladini Speaks - "With the start of a new season beckoning, Gianni Paladini would like to clarify the position and goals"
13-6: Brentford Game Off - This morning, QPR were informed that the pre-season game against Brentford has been cancelled
27-6 QPR are delighted to announce the appointment of Justin Skinner as their new Reserve team manager
28-6 Waddock Appointed - OCK APPOINTED QPR have announced Gary Waddock as first team manager following the appointment of Ian Holloway at Plymouth Argyle
30.06.2006 Latest PRESS-ING MATTERS Flanked by Chairman Gianni Paladini, Gary Waddock met the press today (Friday) for the first time since being appointed R's manager
QPR World Coverage of Press Conference re Waddock Appointment
Ward Signs
JULY
href="http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~866015,00.html">10-7 Coaches Look at Pre-Season 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
13-7 Agents Fees - http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~867174,00.html
17-7 OLISEH SIGNS QPR have today signed midfielder Egutu Oliseh on a two year deal after he impressed Manager Gary Waddock
18-7 = Gary Waddock's prolonged search for a striker is finally over as Polish front-man Adam Czerkas put pen to paper on a one year loan deal
21-7 21.07.2006 Latest ITALIAN JOB As the clock ticks down on the R's pre-season preparations, qpr.co.uk brings you the final details of the Club's trip to Italy
25-7 Dunga Resigns New Brazil boss Carlos Dunga has tendered his resignation as non-executive director of the R
27-7 Statement In the wake of widespread and further inaccurate reporting, Chairman of QPR Holdings Ltd, Antonio Caliendo, would like to issue the following statement
AUGUST
8-1 CLUB STATEMENT Queens Park Rangers would like to issue the following statement to clear the air over yet more wildly inaccurate reporting
Paladini Statement - ON THE NEW SEASON Having just returned from the R's pre-season tour of Italy, QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini can't wait for the big kick-of
7-8 TATEMENT QPR were both shocked and upset on hearing the news relating to the plane crash involving former Rangers personne
03.08.2006 Latest DEAL AGREED QPR have reached agreement with West Bromwich Albion for the £3million transfer of Dan Shittu
6-8 SHittu to Watford Dan Shittu has signed for Watford after the Hornets made an improved offer for the Rangers defender
OTHER
QPR RIVALS/May - Clive Whittingham INTERVIEW WITH PALADINI
RIVALS INTERVIEW
On the Pitch
Off the Pitch
Mark Devlin & Bill Power Clarification and Follow up
Also- QPR1st REPORTING ON TRIAL
INCLUDED
OFFICIAL SITE - June 6 PALADINI SPEAKS
Gianni
With the start of a new season beckoning, Gianni Paladini would like to clarify the position and goals of QPR:
Last year was a difficult season both for the club and for me personally. I feel that resultant media coverage and speculation has obscured what the Board are striving to achieve with the club, so I would like to take this opportunity to re-state our goals.
Let us state up-front that our ultimate goal is to get the club back into the Premiership where we believe QPR belong, but we know that this will only be achieved with a gradual step by step approach.
To achieve this goal we need to provide the club with financial stability and to improve the quality of playing squad and coaching staff.
As stated previously, the aim of the current Board is for the underlying business of the club to break-even.
Next season will see further improvements and we expect the losses fall to below £1m - a significant improvement on the years before I became involved with the club.
Without the financial support of the current Board, the club would have gone into administration last season. With the financial resources being made available, the club will not go into administration with the current Board in control.
All the members of the Board are people who love football and are committed to QPR.
The Board has already put in place our financing for next season and we will continue to bring in new investors, to help fund further improvements to the squad and the club.
We are currently engaged in discussions with potential new investors, who are very enthusiastic about QPR, and we hope to make an announcement about this in the near future.
The Club would also like to highlight three commercial deals that the current Board have done for the club.
The new four year deal with our shirt manufacturer Le Coq Sportif will bring in an additional £250,000 per annum; the new shirt sponsors Cargiant will bring in £150,000 per annum; and the new stand and shorts sponsors GJ Electrical will also bring in another £150,000 per annum.
In addition, there are two other high value commercial deals, currently in the final stages of negotiation, that will be announced soon.
There would appear to be a contradiction between the club breaking even and improving the quality of the squad. Recent experience has taught us that just spending money on players will not guarantee results, unless of course you have the resources of Russian oligarch at your disposal.
However, with a solid financial and administrative base established at the club, the Board and new investors will feel confident enough to provide further resources for the playing squad.
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.
Just to confirm what has been stated previously, Gary Waddock is the Manager-designate and once the situation with Ian Holloway has been resolved then Gary will formally be announced as the Manager.
Recent speculation in the press about a dispute regarding compensation between Ian Holloway and the club is wholly untrue.
We continue to have an amicable relationship with Ian, who is still being paid in full. Ian hopes to have a managerial position sorted out with a new club shortly.
Gary has been responsible for selecting next season's squad and coaching team. The first team squad for next season will comprise of 26 players which is only two players less than the squad we started last season with.
Many old favourites are still here such as Dan Shittu, Lee Cook, Gareth Ainsworth, Paul Furlong and Kevin Gallen.
Martin Rowlands and Matthew Rose will also be back from injury. We are spoilt for choice with two excellent goalkeepers in Simon Royce and Paul Jones as well as Jake Cole and Sean Thomas waiting in the wings.
We have a superb group of youngsters coming through with Scott Donnelly, Shabazz Baidoo, Stefan Bailey, Dominic Shimmin and Pat Kanyuka.
Our new signings include Damion Stewart, who had a good game for Jamaica against England and Armel Tchakounte from Cameroon. We look forward to announcing the final three signings that we are currently negotiating with as soon as we are able.
I would like to thank all the fans that have already renewed their season tickets for next season.
The volume of season tickets processed so far at 6,300 is slightly down on the number of tickets processed at this stage last year, a pattern that has been reflected across other clubs, but we expect further sales once we confirm next season's signings.
The vast majority of these are full price season ticket renewals and 443 are new full price season ticket holders.
There are 417 free tickets for kids so far and I am personally delighted that we have attracted these young season tickets holders as they are the fans of the future.
We have put our finances in order, our losses will continue to fall towards a break even situation, we have a new manager ready to take us forward and we have a new and younger squad that will form the basis of a team to challenge for promotion to the Premiership.
I look forward to seeing all of you at the first home game of next season, and I thank you for your continued loyal support.
Come on you R's!
Gianni Paladini
QPR
27-7 Club Statement from Antonio Caliendo
CLUB STATEMENT
In the wake of widespread and further inaccurate reporting, Chairman of QPR Holdings Ltd, Antonio Caliendo, would like to issue the following statement:
"Despite Carlos Dunga tendering his resignation as a non-executive director on Tuesday, he will continue to support the Club financially.
"The Board's objective remains the same as it always has been - to get QPR back on a sound financial footing and in time, a return to the Premiership.
"I want to reassure the shareholders and supporters that we are doing everything possible to achieve that goal.
"We have invested wisely in the squad this summer and I believe we are in a fantastic position to challenge in the top half of the Championship.
"Last season was a very difficult time for the Board. Since September, we've put in over £4million to ensure the Club's finances are in a stable position to build for the future.
"As a Board, we aim to keep our promise of not selling our best players. Obviously there are certain clauses in players' contracts which means we have to allow them to speak to other Clubs, but our aim is the Premiership and to achieve this we need to keep all our best players.
"The Dan Shittu situation is a perfect example. The bottom line is that we want to keep Danny at the Club. He's a fantastic professional and a tremendous player, but if we receive a £3million bid then he has the freedom to talk to whoever comes in for him.
"We love Queens Park Rangers and we are doing everything possible to safeguard the prestige of this wonderful Club.
"Together, there is only one voice - We Are QPR.''
AUGUST 1 Club Statement
CLUB STATEMENT
Queens Park Rangers Football Club would like to issue the following statement to clear the air over yet more wildly inaccurate reporting in the press and on various message boards.
QPR staff were admitted to the training ground on Monday.
No players were refused admittance to the ground yesterday. This is because no players turned up as it had been decided to give them an extra day off after their pre-season tour to Italy.
The players are back at the training ground today (Tuesday) working hard for the opening match of the season at Turf Moor on Saturday.
We can confirm that there was no Portsmouth player on trial with the Club either yesterday or today.
It should also be noted that the items printed in the press had not been checked with QPR before being published.
Official
August 1 - ROLL ON THE NEW SEASON
Gianni
Having just returned from the R's pre-season tour of Italy, QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini can't wait for the big kick-off.
"The trip to Sorrento was a great success, providing the players and coaching staff with an opportunity for some intense training and team bonding.
"Despite the players staying in one of the town's grandest hotels, and having been fitted with brand new QPR tailor-made suits for every player, the trip paid for itself and the Club even managed to make a tiny profit from it.
"Gary, Macca and the coaching staff are now ready for the new season. I believe we have a much improved squad, with summer signings including Armel Tchakounte, Jamaican international defender Damion Stewart, Egutu Oliseh, Adam Czerkas and the much talked about Nicky Ward, and the important re-signing of Lee Cook for two more years.
"Many of last season's first team have improved over pre-season and it has been particularly pleasing to see Martin Rowlands back to full fitness. A number of the youth squad have made tremendous steps forward during pre-season and will be fighting for places in Gary's first team.
"It is frustrating that, despite all the hard work everyone has been doing during pre-season, a tiny minority of people seem intent on damaging team morale and destroying the Club in the run up to our important first game.
"Not only have they once again invented wholly false rumours about the state of the Club, but unfortunately a couple of journalists with a record of writing stories against QPR, and with links to some of the individuals intent on destabilising the Club, have blown up these rumours and made up stories from nothing.
"Last week it was suggested in some of the press that we were putting QPR up for sale. Unfortunately the journalists responsible for this story failed to even check the official statement from Antonio Caliendo, Chairman of Holdings, on the Club's official website, making clear the Board's continued commitment to QPR.
"I have always said if someone with QPR's best interests at heart wants to come along and buy out the existing Board we would not stand in their way. Nothing has changed and nobody has come forward. We will continue to seek out new investors to take the Club even further forward, but as Antonio made clear last week, we are committed to QPR.
"The Club is in a better financial position than it has been in for a number of years. Things are still tough, but we have reduced the annual debt by millions and intend to reduce it further. Yet ridiculous rumours still seem to be invented by a few people for reasons beyond me.
"The latest is the absurd rumour suggested on a message board that the players were locked out of the Harlington training ground, when in fact Gary Waddock had just given them the day off as they had only recently arrived back from a busy schedule in Italy.
"The same newspaper that had to apologise for a series of inaccurate stories about me last season, the Evening Standard, then chose to repeat this wholly false rumour as fact without even checking with me, the coaching staff, or even Imperial College - the owners of the training ground.
"In an article by a journalist named Wayne Vesey, under the headline 'Locked-out Rangers are unable to train' the Standard claimed that the Club was locked out of the training ground on Monday. Such a clearly false statement damages the reputation of the Club, and the morale of the players and supporters. I have been advised it is libellous and our lawyers will be contacting the Standard immediately to demand a retraction.
"QPR fans will ask themselves why should people invent such rumours? The purpose can only be to destabilise the Club and to injure the morale of players and fans just days before the season kicks off. The Club will not allow another season to be derailed by these people.
"The Board, Gary Waddock and the coaching staff, and the players and other members of staff, are all united in our focus to move this great club forward and to achieve success this season on the pitch. We believe we have the squad and the resources to do so. We will not allow a tiny group of people, driven by an agenda that has nothing to do with football, to destroy this Club.
"I urge all fans to treat such rumour-mongers with the contempt and scepticism they deserve. They have been claiming we would go into administration every week for the past year, and they never admit they are wrong when we don't.
"They claimed we were locked out of the training ground before and even that the groundsmen would not cut the grass at the stadium. They predicted we would spend all the Club's money on agents' fees when we have spent less than nearly any other club in this division. They predicted we would sell off Loftus Road and all our best players because we could not afford their wages.
"Just yesterday they claimed we were locked out of the training ground because we could not afford the rent; but today, as scheduled, our players are training at the training ground. On each and every occasion their rumours have been proven false.
"As I believe you say in England, when someone cries wolf so many times, people stop listening. But every time the rumour-mongers are proven wrong they invent another rumour, so desperate to be proven right and for the Club to fail.
"For the last time I say to those who's criticism of the Board has developed into an agenda to undermine the Club, if you know of a better alternative to take QPR forward with the necessary funding to support it, then please let us know. Otherwise stop pursuing a divisive and destructive agenda. The Board, the players and staff and the thousands of fans of QPR will not allow a small selfish group to ruin the season for the rest of us.
"I know most QPR fans will be sensible enough to take every rumour and press speculation with a hefty pinch of salt. We seem to be in the 'silly season' right now - only today I saw an article in the Mirror claiming I had rejected an offer of £3million for Danny Shittu from Wolves and would only sell him for £10 million.
"The story is, of course, rubbish. As I have said all along, we don't want to sell Danny, but if someone comes in with an offer of £3million or above it will be up to him to decide. Nobody has made such an offer and so Danny will be starting the season with us.
"So as we prepare for the opening game at Burnley on Saturday, and then two exciting home games against Leeds United and newly promoted Southend United, I cannot wait for the football to start and for the players to do the talking on the pitch.
"And I urge every single QPR fan to get fully behind Gary and the boys and help them to turn this into a glorious season. Come on You R's!''
Gianni Paladini - QPR OFFICIAL
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON OFFICIAL SITE AND THEN SUBSQUENTLY REMOVED
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 Paladini QPR
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." QPR
Part III - February 2006-April 2006: QPR's Off-The-Field Official Declarations
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Part III, February 2006-April 2006: QPR's Off-The-Field Official Declarations
FEBRUARY 2006
2-2 "Rice Departs - Latest RICE DEPARTS New Media Manager Billy Rice is to leave QPR after three and a half years at the clu"
5-2 Waddock Fact File - As Gary Waddock steps in as caretaker manager, we take a look back at his caree
6-2 Club Statement - QPR have announced that Ian Holloway has been placed on 'gardening leave'
7-2 Waddock Meets the Press
7-2 Video of Waddock and Paladini Meeting the Press - PRESS CONFERENCE VIDEO coverage of the whole press conference held at Harlington on Tuesday afternoon
Alan McDonald Returns
13-2 REPORTS QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini would like to state that he will NOT be employing John Gregory on a consultancy basis
2-20 AGM Reminder - AGM REMINDER Please note that only one person per shareholding will be permitted to attend the AGM Friday 17th March 2006
MARCH
7-3 Club Statement - Gianni Paladini has issued the following statement following recent inaccurate reporting
22-3 - QPR would like to confirm that all issues relating to winding up petitions heard at court today had been resolved in advance of the hearing
- 31-3 "No Change: QPR would like to confirm that the situation surrounding the manager's role at the club is completely unchanged
APRIL
26-4 Video - Chairman's Thoughts
26.04.2006 Latest ITALIA! This summer, QPR will be preparing for the Championship season with a pre-season tour of Italy
28-4 Players Released - Today, following talks with Gary Waddock, several players have been released from Queens Park Rangers
OTHER
QPR1st on "QPR's Managerial situation"
QPR1st on Forthcoming QPR Holdings AGM
April - QPR1st News Update
OTHER
March 7 - Club Statement
ianni Paladini has issued the following statement following recent inaccurate reporting.
Once again this club has been subjected to a barrage of pitifully inaccurate reporting in the London Evening Standard - and once again I am left with no option but to set the record straight in order that you, our true supporters, know exactly how QPR's finances stand.
The article in last Friday's edition should be seen in the light of the previous negative and misleading articles by the same author for which they had to print an apology and pay our solicitor's costs.
The total value of the debt in the 2005 accounts (ie the sum of the current liabilities and the long term liabilities) is £18m.The total value of the same debt in the 2004 accounts was £18m.In other words no change, but this is definitely not the impression conveyed by the headline.
As most fans know the biggest item in the total debt is the £10m loan from the ABC Corporation which was entered into in 2002 several years before the current regime took over.
Current liabilities fell in 2005 as the debts to the Customs & Revenue were reduced and short-term loans to shareholders were repaid.
You should also be aware that £2.8m of the total "debts" is for income for the 2005/06 season that was banked before the 31st May 2005 and, in accordance with standard accounting practice, is included in current liabilities as deferred income.The bulk of this deferred income is for season ticket receipts, which is being released in the 2005/06 financial year.
This means that the high value of the early bird season ticket sales for both the 2004 and 2005 seasons have increased the "debt" at the club's financial year end.So rather perversely the increase in deferred income is a positive sign and not an indication of "misery" as heralded by the Evening Standard.
The Standard did state that losses for the year were £2.5m but neglected to mention that was an improvement of £1.8m on the two previous years.This improvement was all the more impressive as it was achieved despite losing the revenue from Fulham ground sharing deal. Running costs have been reduced and supply contracts have been renegotiated.
I know these figures are wrong because I am so intimately involved in both the day-to-day running of the club, and its financial strategy and support. Along with my trusted friend and chairman of QPR Holdings, Antonio Caliendo, we have dug into our own pockets to pay off the debts we inherited when we took over - debts that, quite frankly, would have forced the club into liquidation if they had not been paid.
I need to say a few more words about Antonio at this point because the Standard has also intimated there is something dark and mysterious about his presence at the club. Antonio is chairman of our holding company, and I am chairman of the football club.
There is nothing murky or sinister about this two-man structure - it's exactly the same format that existed before we took over. We have no hidden agendas - if we did, we wouldn't have stuck around for so long, working so hard to get QPR's finances back on the straight and narrow.
The accounts for 2005 show a vast improvement on the previous years' results and the current projections for 2006 show that there will be another sizeable reduction in the clubs' net losses.However the Evening Standard states that the projected losses for the current season "could be as much as £4m" and will not be revealed until March 2007.
As the club has had no contact with the writer of this article we are left to ponder as to the both the source of his inaccurate statements and the motives behind them.
The club is currently working on its projections for next season and the board of directors are looking for further revenue opportunities and further cost savings as the club works towards a break-even situation.A more detailed update will be given to shareholders at the forthcoming AGM and a summary will then published on the QPR website. Official
Part III, February 2006-April 2006: QPR's Off-The-Field Official Declarations
FEBRUARY 2006
2-2 "Rice Departs - Latest RICE DEPARTS New Media Manager Billy Rice is to leave QPR after three and a half years at the clu"
5-2 Waddock Fact File - As Gary Waddock steps in as caretaker manager, we take a look back at his caree
6-2 Club Statement - QPR have announced that Ian Holloway has been placed on 'gardening leave'
7-2 Waddock Meets the Press
7-2 Video of Waddock and Paladini Meeting the Press - PRESS CONFERENCE VIDEO coverage of the whole press conference held at Harlington on Tuesday afternoon
Alan McDonald Returns
13-2 REPORTS QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini would like to state that he will NOT be employing John Gregory on a consultancy basis
2-20 AGM Reminder - AGM REMINDER Please note that only one person per shareholding will be permitted to attend the AGM Friday 17th March 2006
MARCH
7-3 Club Statement - Gianni Paladini has issued the following statement following recent inaccurate reporting
22-3 - QPR would like to confirm that all issues relating to winding up petitions heard at court today had been resolved in advance of the hearing
- 31-3 "No Change: QPR would like to confirm that the situation surrounding the manager's role at the club is completely unchanged
APRIL
26-4 Video - Chairman's Thoughts
26.04.2006 Latest ITALIA! This summer, QPR will be preparing for the Championship season with a pre-season tour of Italy
28-4 Players Released - Today, following talks with Gary Waddock, several players have been released from Queens Park Rangers
OTHER
QPR1st on "QPR's Managerial situation"
QPR1st on Forthcoming QPR Holdings AGM
April - QPR1st News Update
OTHER
March 7 - Club Statement
ianni Paladini has issued the following statement following recent inaccurate reporting.
Once again this club has been subjected to a barrage of pitifully inaccurate reporting in the London Evening Standard - and once again I am left with no option but to set the record straight in order that you, our true supporters, know exactly how QPR's finances stand.
The article in last Friday's edition should be seen in the light of the previous negative and misleading articles by the same author for which they had to print an apology and pay our solicitor's costs.
The total value of the debt in the 2005 accounts (ie the sum of the current liabilities and the long term liabilities) is £18m.The total value of the same debt in the 2004 accounts was £18m.In other words no change, but this is definitely not the impression conveyed by the headline.
As most fans know the biggest item in the total debt is the £10m loan from the ABC Corporation which was entered into in 2002 several years before the current regime took over.
Current liabilities fell in 2005 as the debts to the Customs & Revenue were reduced and short-term loans to shareholders were repaid.
You should also be aware that £2.8m of the total "debts" is for income for the 2005/06 season that was banked before the 31st May 2005 and, in accordance with standard accounting practice, is included in current liabilities as deferred income.The bulk of this deferred income is for season ticket receipts, which is being released in the 2005/06 financial year.
This means that the high value of the early bird season ticket sales for both the 2004 and 2005 seasons have increased the "debt" at the club's financial year end.So rather perversely the increase in deferred income is a positive sign and not an indication of "misery" as heralded by the Evening Standard.
The Standard did state that losses for the year were £2.5m but neglected to mention that was an improvement of £1.8m on the two previous years.This improvement was all the more impressive as it was achieved despite losing the revenue from Fulham ground sharing deal. Running costs have been reduced and supply contracts have been renegotiated.
I know these figures are wrong because I am so intimately involved in both the day-to-day running of the club, and its financial strategy and support. Along with my trusted friend and chairman of QPR Holdings, Antonio Caliendo, we have dug into our own pockets to pay off the debts we inherited when we took over - debts that, quite frankly, would have forced the club into liquidation if they had not been paid.
I need to say a few more words about Antonio at this point because the Standard has also intimated there is something dark and mysterious about his presence at the club. Antonio is chairman of our holding company, and I am chairman of the football club.
There is nothing murky or sinister about this two-man structure - it's exactly the same format that existed before we took over. We have no hidden agendas - if we did, we wouldn't have stuck around for so long, working so hard to get QPR's finances back on the straight and narrow.
The accounts for 2005 show a vast improvement on the previous years' results and the current projections for 2006 show that there will be another sizeable reduction in the clubs' net losses.However the Evening Standard states that the projected losses for the current season "could be as much as £4m" and will not be revealed until March 2007.
As the club has had no contact with the writer of this article we are left to ponder as to the both the source of his inaccurate statements and the motives behind them.
The club is currently working on its projections for next season and the board of directors are looking for further revenue opportunities and further cost savings as the club works towards a break-even situation.A more detailed update will be given to shareholders at the forthcoming AGM and a summary will then published on the QPR website. Official
Part II, November 2005-January 2006: QPR's Off-The-Field Official Declarations
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Continuing, with Part II, covering November 2005-January 2006
NOVEMBER 2005
03.11.2005 Latest BARNABY HOLDINGS Barnaby Holdings have increased their shareholding in Queens Park Ranger
">30.11 - LEAVES Commercial and Marketing Manager Mike Pink is leaving the club after four years
DECEMBER
6.12 -Chairman Speaks
6-12 Chairman on QPR World
7-12 Standard Response - Today the Evening Standard issued an apology to QPR Chairman Gianni Paladin
29.12.2005 Latest HAPPY NEW YEAR Gianni Paladini and the Board of Directors would like to wish all QPR fans a Happy New Yea
JANUARY 2006
2-1-2006 Board Statement "Following the weekend's media reports, the Board of Directors have issued a statement
13-1 Agents Fees - The Football League has released its fourth publication on club's spending on agent's fee
20.01.2006 Latest PENNINGTON DEPARTS - QPR's Chief Financial Officer Chris Pennington is leaving the club and moving on to pastures new
25-01 Giant (Sponsorship) Deal QPR are pleased to announce next year's shirt sponsors - Car Gian
OTHER
Q&A with Paladini -QPR Official Site
QPR Net/Ron Norris Interview with Paladini
November 7, LSA Meeting with Paladini
Also Bill Power and Mark Devlin respond to specific Paladini's November 7 comments
QPR 1st - "Recent Tax Bill" - December 16, 2005
OFFICIAL SITE PALADINI Q & A
Paladini
QPR.CO.UK invited fans to send in their questions for QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini to answer.
We had a tremendous response and Paladini got through as many questions as possible. Many of the questions were similar, in that instance only one question of a particular subject was used.
Thank you to all fans who took the time to send in their questions.
The club is looking into the possibility of staging a fans forum in the near future.
What made you want to invest in Queens Park Rangers, even though we are best team in London and the Championship?
Daniel, Watford
I was initially interested in Port Vale but that fell through. I first heard about QPR through my accountant and I went to the game against Wycombe where it was very windy and we came back from 2-0 down. I met Bill Power at the game and I got hooked. The club then asked me to help out and I did.
How much money will Holloway have in the transfer window and will we buy Lloyd Dyer?
Andrew Platoon
If we are in a promising position in January then we will try and give Ian Holloway as much help as we can. We are looking at sorting out a new scouting set up, so hopefully we can bring some more players in January. Ian really likes Lloyd Dyer and we are talking to his people.
Holloway
Do you think that Ian Holloway has taken the club as far as he can, and do we need a manager that will be able to take us to the next level?
Mark Horton
I think Ian is the man to take us forward, that's why we gave him a three year contract. Ian is a very good manager and I think he is the man to take us forward.
Our relationship is very good, we speak everyday. I have commented on our relationship very often. I love Ian.
How much truth was there in the rumour of Ramon Diaz coming to Rangers?
William Wall
When I first joined I didn't know Ian Holloway. My friend Ramon Diaz came to watch our matches but he couldn't work for us anyway due to work permits. But once I got to know Ian then I knew he was the man for the job.
Where do you see QPR in three years time?
Paul Downs
First of all we need to clear our debts; we only took over from the October 1 and we found out we owed more than we originally thought. You need solid foundations, I'd love us to go up this year or next year, but we have to be realistic and budget accordingly.
When we first took over there was a big outstanding tax bill and Caliendo and I had to go down to Brighton to stop us going into Liquidation. We had to give our personal guarantee that the bill would be paid.
When we found out you can imagine our panic. The first thing you have to do as a company is pay the tax man as they can wind you up.
PaladiniRegarding 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?
John Hardman
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.
Can you please explain how the club are aiming to (re)attract fans after Christmas or next season? In view of our average gates going down by a couple of thousand, how are you going to get fans back and especially the younger ones?
Mark Jamieson
It was a mistake to raise the children's season tickets prices so high. We are currently preparing our prices for next season and I am speaking to fans' groups. The main areas we will look at are children's prices. But I want to stress that these are only discussions we are having and it is still at an early stage.
What is the truth behind the stories that you signed players over the head of Holloway?
Jools
My background is an agent and I know many players. We couldn't afford many players in England so we looked abroad. I brought over Milanese, Nygaard and Ukah. Ian Holloway was able to look at them before they were signed.
An awful lot of people seem to have left the Rangers behind the scenes staff. Are you sure that the club can function with so few behind the scenes?
David Price
We have reduced the staff wage bill. You need to balance your income with your overheads.
QPR is a great club but it is not a massive one. We only have 20 odd big events a year - our home games. During the week we have a small number of staff working very hard. Much of what we do now is online anyway, such as ticket sales.
You are on record as saying that QPR are looking to build a new stadium on the pitches in South Africa Road. How can QPR afford this?
A new 30,000 seater stadium would probably cost over £40m and the combination of what you might get for the existing site and the debt you could (safely) raise against the extra seat income doesn't look to me to be anything like enough to pay for it.
Mick Beaman
Every day I get people offering me things. Six months ago we were approached by a company that built Leyton Orient's ground. They wanted to build us a new ground next to Loftus Road. I told them to investigate it as it was not costing the club any money just to have a look.
If you own a Jaguar and someone offers you a Rolls-Royce for free you'd be silly not to look. The deal would mean a 30,000 all-seater stadium, our £10 million loan would be paid off and we'd also have £5 million in cash. I think you would agree we'd be silly not to look at it. But I don't want fans to get too excited, this is just one of many offers I get everyday.
I was also approached by Brian Rowe who heads up a group of people. He thinks a new ground can be built in Shepherds Bush, so I told him to have a look. Once again it isn't costing the club any money just to investigate.
If something ever does materialise then we wouldn't leave Loftus Road until the new stadium was built. I'd also like to investigate the possibility of upgrading the current stadium but until we have paid off our debt we just cannot afford to do it.
Are there firm plans to invest more money in QPR so that we can be more of a challenge in this Division?
Paul Downs
Firstly none of the investors are a new Roman Abramovich. We need to raise more revenue by improving on current deals, for example we want to increase the amount we get from sponsorship. We are bringing the loss down every year and within a few years we hope to break even. Then we can really move forward.
At the beginning of this season, season ticket prices went up massively despite the fact that match ticket prices stayed the same. For my full season ticket in the Lower Loft I pay £19.22 per game. Now, in the run up to Christmas you are offering half season tickets at a cost of £18.00 per game for the same area of the ground.
It appears to me that loyal full season ticket holder supporters are getting 'stung' in every way possible.
Can you explain why Season ticket holders are getting treated like this, because I am sure I am not the only person getting disillusioned with the club we love?
James Clinch
I hold my hands up to that. I am very sorry about that as it is not a good message to send out to our fans. But we are trying to rectify a mistake.
There are many Premiership London clubs with good players who can not make it into the first team. Why do they go to on loan to teams out of London when we should be getting them like we used to in the older days from teams like Chelsea and Arsenal.
Wayne Butcher
We do try. But they have to be good enough to get into our first team. There's no point spending money on someone who is going to sit on the bench. We have already taken Matthew Hislop, Dominic Shimmin and Shabazz Baidoo from Arsenal.
What are your expectations on the pitch this season?
George Ladd
At the start of the season I thought we were good enough for the play-offs. But we have had a terrible time with injuries. I don't think I have ever seen so many hamstring injuries! I do not think this is the fault of our medical staff, it's just bad luck. If we can have a bit of luck with injuries I hope we may be able to push for a play-off spot.
I am surprised and shocked to see it mentioned that QPR are considering Barbados/ Trinidad & Tobago for a pre season tour. Not that I have anything against that part of the world, but I believe a trip nearer home (ie Ireland) would be more beneficial to the club and rewarding to the faithful supporters.
Brendan Costello
There is a possibility of an end of season tour to Trinidad and Tobago. But I hope it doesn't go ahead because it is at the same time as the play-offs. This is still a long way from being confirmed though.
For pre-season we are looking to take the team to Italy as I have many contacts there. Once again though, this is in a very early stage.
Is it true we are behind with our payments?
David Pratt
We are paying people. In October we paid out £1.2 million. When we took over we found that many of our suppliers hadn't been paid since May. There is a backlog but we are putting a new structure in place. Instead of writing cheques out every day of the week, we will pay our suppliers on the 30th of every month. Therefore they know when they will get paid and we can also budget better.
Dan Shittu
Will Dan Shittu be sold in January?
Lisa Foulkes
We chased after his signature all summer and he signed a three year deal. I certainly don't want to sell Dan Shittu.
I'm still smarting over the fact that I paid out a lot of money (according to my budget) so I could bring my two daughters to the Coventry game, which I now cannot due to it being moved to the Monday for Sky.
Decisions like this, as well as the fact it meant we go the whole of December without a Saturday home game are exceptionally disappointing, and I'm sure aren't taken lightly, but do the club really hope to gain anything by receiving only £60,000 from Sky, against further disenfranchising loyal supporters?
John McInnes
It is good to get on TV, you get £60,000 plus you get exposure for your sponsors. In our current situation it is very hard to say no to that. We could say no but that is a lot of extra fans we need to get in to make up that money plus we'd have to pay for extra policing for the extra fans.
But I do also understand that our fans are the most important thing to this club. I understand your concern and we will look at this carefully in the future.
People have been talking in the press on your behalf? Why can't you do it yourself?
Ian Jones
I don't ask anyone to talk on my behalf. I don't use e-mail so I always talk with people on the phone. I have many people talk to me and ask my opinions. Perhaps that's why sometimes people post things and think it is me talking.
OFFICIAL SITE - Q&A With Paladini
OTHER
November 3: QPR Official Site - BARNABY HOLDINGS
Barnaby Holdings have increased their shareholding in Queens Park Rangers.
The consortium, which already enjoyed a 10% stake in the Club, have purchased the shareholding of former Chairman Bill Power for a sum in the region of £1.1million.
This now takes their overall stake in the Club to 27.8%.
QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini is delighted with the news and believes it underlines Barnaby's commitment to the Club.
"Barnaby are investing in both the short and long term future of Queens Park Rangers and I am very pleased to know that they share my optimism about the prospects for this great club.
"I would also like to personally thank Bill Power for everything he has done and although he is no longer financially involved, he will always be a big part of the club and someone I will always love and respect."
Official
December 6, 2005CHAIRMAN SPEAKS
Gianni Paladini has spoken about comments made by Harold Winton about Ian Holloway in the press last week.
The honorary Life President made his feelings towards the Rangers manager known in a national newspaper last week, but Paladini has staunchly defended Holloway.
He said: "Harold is QPR through and through and he is entitled to his opinion but he shouldn't have gone to the press. Harold is not part of the board, he is not involved in the running of the club."
The QPR Chairman is only too pleased with the manager who has taken Rangers to within four points of the play-off places.
"Ian Holloway has got two and a half years left on his contract and we are talking about extending it.
"He is the most fantastic human being I have met in my life. He has had a very difficult time with everything going behind the scenes.
"I was at the training ground with Ian the other day sorting out our new scouting system. We are looking to get the best young players from the UK, France, Spain and all over the world."
Paladini was also pleased to confirm a new member to the board.
"We are delighted to announce that Franco Zanotti has now joined the board and he is representing Wanlock. He joins myself, Antonio Caliendo, Carlos Dunga and Olga Paladini."
The Rangers chairman this afternoon also spoke about season ticket prices for next season.
"We are looking at the financial viability of various season tickets prices for next season. We will pay particular attention to junior and student prices. I have members of staff working on this now and we will present proposals to the board in January."
YOU CAN SEE PALADINI'S WHOLE INTERVIEW ON QPR WORLD
QPR World
QPR
7-12 OFficial Site- STANDARD RESPONSE
Today the Evening Standard issued an apology to QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini.
The statement comes two months after the London newspaper printed articles relating to business dealings conducted by Paladini.
London's evening paper also falsely claimed that the FA were investigating how much QPR had paid agents to bring players into the club.
The apology reads:
On September 30 we published two articles which referred to Gianni Paladini, the chairman of Queens Park Rangers.
If these articles were interpreted by readers as suggesting that Mr Paladini was guilty of fraud, corruption and malpractice, we apologise.
We did not intend to give this impression and have no reason to believe such allegations are true.
We are happy to set the record straight.
Paladini was delighted with the retraction.
"Justice has been done for myself and most importantly, for the club. That was always the most important point for me to get across as I do not want the club's name blackened.
"I hope that now this matter can be put behind us and everyone connected with Queens Park Rangers can now focus on getting behind the team in what I hope will be successful season."
QPR/Standard Response
NEW YEAR GREETINGS
APPY NEW YEAR
Rangers Chairman Gianni Paladini and the Board of Directors would like to wish all QPR fans a Happy New Year.
After an eventful 2005, Paladini has issued the following statement to supporters of Queens Park Rangers:
"As you all know, as a club we went through difficult times and the new board had to bear quite a challenge and responsibility.
"Thanks to some huge efforts in renewing its organization and bringing in some new investments, QPR are now sailing in safe waters.
"We are optimistic when looking ahead for the New Year and for the whole of 2006, especially as we know we can always count on your continuous support.
"Our hope and aim is that QPR will never again have to struggle against organizational confusion and financial distress that have badly hit the good name of our glorious club.
"A special mention must go to Ian Holloway, who has shown his passion and devotion to the club and as someone who gives us positive hopes for promotion.
"We are proud of our players and we are confident that we can continue to strengthen our team with some new arrivals at the beginning of the next year.
"A special thanks must also go to all our colleagues and staff and of course to all our fans who, from generation to generation, continue to support the club.
"We wish to embrace them all, one by one, with our motto "We are QPR!"
"We wish you all the best for a wonderful 2006."
29.12.2005 Latest HAPPY NEW YEAR Gianni Paladini and the Board of Directors would like to wish all QPR fans a Happy New Yea
2-1-2006 BOARD STATEMENT
Following the weekend's media reports, the Board of Directors have issued a statement.
Numerous stories alleged that QPR were on the brink of selling some of their most valuable players, most notably Dan Shittu, but the Board would like to state there is no such truth in the rumours.
The statement reads:
"The board unanimously condemns recent allegations from some badly informed newspapers with regards to the sale of some of our players for ridiculous amounts of money and also the replacement of our manager.
"We would like to clarify that there is absolutely no need to sell players in order to settle monies due to the Inland Revenue as we are fully up to date with our repayments.
"Furthermore, stories claiming that Jim Smith is to become the Director of Football at Loftus Road are completely unfounded."
QPR
Continuing, with Part II, covering November 2005-January 2006
NOVEMBER 2005
03.11.2005 Latest BARNABY HOLDINGS Barnaby Holdings have increased their shareholding in Queens Park Ranger
">30.11 - LEAVES Commercial and Marketing Manager Mike Pink is leaving the club after four years
DECEMBER
6.12 -Chairman Speaks
6-12 Chairman on QPR World
7-12 Standard Response - Today the Evening Standard issued an apology to QPR Chairman Gianni Paladin
29.12.2005 Latest HAPPY NEW YEAR Gianni Paladini and the Board of Directors would like to wish all QPR fans a Happy New Yea
JANUARY 2006
2-1-2006 Board Statement "Following the weekend's media reports, the Board of Directors have issued a statement
13-1 Agents Fees - The Football League has released its fourth publication on club's spending on agent's fee
20.01.2006 Latest PENNINGTON DEPARTS - QPR's Chief Financial Officer Chris Pennington is leaving the club and moving on to pastures new
25-01 Giant (Sponsorship) Deal QPR are pleased to announce next year's shirt sponsors - Car Gian
OTHER
Q&A with Paladini -QPR Official Site
QPR Net/Ron Norris Interview with Paladini
November 7, LSA Meeting with Paladini
Also Bill Power and Mark Devlin respond to specific Paladini's November 7 comments
QPR 1st - "Recent Tax Bill" - December 16, 2005
OFFICIAL SITE PALADINI Q & A
Paladini
QPR.CO.UK invited fans to send in their questions for QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini to answer.
We had a tremendous response and Paladini got through as many questions as possible. Many of the questions were similar, in that instance only one question of a particular subject was used.
Thank you to all fans who took the time to send in their questions.
The club is looking into the possibility of staging a fans forum in the near future.
What made you want to invest in Queens Park Rangers, even though we are best team in London and the Championship?
Daniel, Watford
I was initially interested in Port Vale but that fell through. I first heard about QPR through my accountant and I went to the game against Wycombe where it was very windy and we came back from 2-0 down. I met Bill Power at the game and I got hooked. The club then asked me to help out and I did.
How much money will Holloway have in the transfer window and will we buy Lloyd Dyer?
Andrew Platoon
If we are in a promising position in January then we will try and give Ian Holloway as much help as we can. We are looking at sorting out a new scouting set up, so hopefully we can bring some more players in January. Ian really likes Lloyd Dyer and we are talking to his people.
Holloway
Do you think that Ian Holloway has taken the club as far as he can, and do we need a manager that will be able to take us to the next level?
Mark Horton
I think Ian is the man to take us forward, that's why we gave him a three year contract. Ian is a very good manager and I think he is the man to take us forward.
Our relationship is very good, we speak everyday. I have commented on our relationship very often. I love Ian.
How much truth was there in the rumour of Ramon Diaz coming to Rangers?
William Wall
When I first joined I didn't know Ian Holloway. My friend Ramon Diaz came to watch our matches but he couldn't work for us anyway due to work permits. But once I got to know Ian then I knew he was the man for the job.
Where do you see QPR in three years time?
Paul Downs
First of all we need to clear our debts; we only took over from the October 1 and we found out we owed more than we originally thought. You need solid foundations, I'd love us to go up this year or next year, but we have to be realistic and budget accordingly.
When we first took over there was a big outstanding tax bill and Caliendo and I had to go down to Brighton to stop us going into Liquidation. We had to give our personal guarantee that the bill would be paid.
When we found out you can imagine our panic. The first thing you have to do as a company is pay the tax man as they can wind you up.
PaladiniRegarding 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?
John Hardman
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.
Can you please explain how the club are aiming to (re)attract fans after Christmas or next season? In view of our average gates going down by a couple of thousand, how are you going to get fans back and especially the younger ones?
Mark Jamieson
It was a mistake to raise the children's season tickets prices so high. We are currently preparing our prices for next season and I am speaking to fans' groups. The main areas we will look at are children's prices. But I want to stress that these are only discussions we are having and it is still at an early stage.
What is the truth behind the stories that you signed players over the head of Holloway?
Jools
My background is an agent and I know many players. We couldn't afford many players in England so we looked abroad. I brought over Milanese, Nygaard and Ukah. Ian Holloway was able to look at them before they were signed.
An awful lot of people seem to have left the Rangers behind the scenes staff. Are you sure that the club can function with so few behind the scenes?
David Price
We have reduced the staff wage bill. You need to balance your income with your overheads.
QPR is a great club but it is not a massive one. We only have 20 odd big events a year - our home games. During the week we have a small number of staff working very hard. Much of what we do now is online anyway, such as ticket sales.
You are on record as saying that QPR are looking to build a new stadium on the pitches in South Africa Road. How can QPR afford this?
A new 30,000 seater stadium would probably cost over £40m and the combination of what you might get for the existing site and the debt you could (safely) raise against the extra seat income doesn't look to me to be anything like enough to pay for it.
Mick Beaman
Every day I get people offering me things. Six months ago we were approached by a company that built Leyton Orient's ground. They wanted to build us a new ground next to Loftus Road. I told them to investigate it as it was not costing the club any money just to have a look.
If you own a Jaguar and someone offers you a Rolls-Royce for free you'd be silly not to look. The deal would mean a 30,000 all-seater stadium, our £10 million loan would be paid off and we'd also have £5 million in cash. I think you would agree we'd be silly not to look at it. But I don't want fans to get too excited, this is just one of many offers I get everyday.
I was also approached by Brian Rowe who heads up a group of people. He thinks a new ground can be built in Shepherds Bush, so I told him to have a look. Once again it isn't costing the club any money just to investigate.
If something ever does materialise then we wouldn't leave Loftus Road until the new stadium was built. I'd also like to investigate the possibility of upgrading the current stadium but until we have paid off our debt we just cannot afford to do it.
Are there firm plans to invest more money in QPR so that we can be more of a challenge in this Division?
Paul Downs
Firstly none of the investors are a new Roman Abramovich. We need to raise more revenue by improving on current deals, for example we want to increase the amount we get from sponsorship. We are bringing the loss down every year and within a few years we hope to break even. Then we can really move forward.
At the beginning of this season, season ticket prices went up massively despite the fact that match ticket prices stayed the same. For my full season ticket in the Lower Loft I pay £19.22 per game. Now, in the run up to Christmas you are offering half season tickets at a cost of £18.00 per game for the same area of the ground.
It appears to me that loyal full season ticket holder supporters are getting 'stung' in every way possible.
Can you explain why Season ticket holders are getting treated like this, because I am sure I am not the only person getting disillusioned with the club we love?
James Clinch
I hold my hands up to that. I am very sorry about that as it is not a good message to send out to our fans. But we are trying to rectify a mistake.
There are many Premiership London clubs with good players who can not make it into the first team. Why do they go to on loan to teams out of London when we should be getting them like we used to in the older days from teams like Chelsea and Arsenal.
Wayne Butcher
We do try. But they have to be good enough to get into our first team. There's no point spending money on someone who is going to sit on the bench. We have already taken Matthew Hislop, Dominic Shimmin and Shabazz Baidoo from Arsenal.
What are your expectations on the pitch this season?
George Ladd
At the start of the season I thought we were good enough for the play-offs. But we have had a terrible time with injuries. I don't think I have ever seen so many hamstring injuries! I do not think this is the fault of our medical staff, it's just bad luck. If we can have a bit of luck with injuries I hope we may be able to push for a play-off spot.
I am surprised and shocked to see it mentioned that QPR are considering Barbados/ Trinidad & Tobago for a pre season tour. Not that I have anything against that part of the world, but I believe a trip nearer home (ie Ireland) would be more beneficial to the club and rewarding to the faithful supporters.
Brendan Costello
There is a possibility of an end of season tour to Trinidad and Tobago. But I hope it doesn't go ahead because it is at the same time as the play-offs. This is still a long way from being confirmed though.
For pre-season we are looking to take the team to Italy as I have many contacts there. Once again though, this is in a very early stage.
Is it true we are behind with our payments?
David Pratt
We are paying people. In October we paid out £1.2 million. When we took over we found that many of our suppliers hadn't been paid since May. There is a backlog but we are putting a new structure in place. Instead of writing cheques out every day of the week, we will pay our suppliers on the 30th of every month. Therefore they know when they will get paid and we can also budget better.
Dan Shittu
Will Dan Shittu be sold in January?
Lisa Foulkes
We chased after his signature all summer and he signed a three year deal. I certainly don't want to sell Dan Shittu.
I'm still smarting over the fact that I paid out a lot of money (according to my budget) so I could bring my two daughters to the Coventry game, which I now cannot due to it being moved to the Monday for Sky.
Decisions like this, as well as the fact it meant we go the whole of December without a Saturday home game are exceptionally disappointing, and I'm sure aren't taken lightly, but do the club really hope to gain anything by receiving only £60,000 from Sky, against further disenfranchising loyal supporters?
John McInnes
It is good to get on TV, you get £60,000 plus you get exposure for your sponsors. In our current situation it is very hard to say no to that. We could say no but that is a lot of extra fans we need to get in to make up that money plus we'd have to pay for extra policing for the extra fans.
But I do also understand that our fans are the most important thing to this club. I understand your concern and we will look at this carefully in the future.
People have been talking in the press on your behalf? Why can't you do it yourself?
Ian Jones
I don't ask anyone to talk on my behalf. I don't use e-mail so I always talk with people on the phone. I have many people talk to me and ask my opinions. Perhaps that's why sometimes people post things and think it is me talking.
OFFICIAL SITE - Q&A With Paladini
OTHER
November 3: QPR Official Site - BARNABY HOLDINGS
Barnaby Holdings have increased their shareholding in Queens Park Rangers.
The consortium, which already enjoyed a 10% stake in the Club, have purchased the shareholding of former Chairman Bill Power for a sum in the region of £1.1million.
This now takes their overall stake in the Club to 27.8%.
QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini is delighted with the news and believes it underlines Barnaby's commitment to the Club.
"Barnaby are investing in both the short and long term future of Queens Park Rangers and I am very pleased to know that they share my optimism about the prospects for this great club.
"I would also like to personally thank Bill Power for everything he has done and although he is no longer financially involved, he will always be a big part of the club and someone I will always love and respect."
Official
December 6, 2005CHAIRMAN SPEAKS
Gianni Paladini has spoken about comments made by Harold Winton about Ian Holloway in the press last week.
The honorary Life President made his feelings towards the Rangers manager known in a national newspaper last week, but Paladini has staunchly defended Holloway.
He said: "Harold is QPR through and through and he is entitled to his opinion but he shouldn't have gone to the press. Harold is not part of the board, he is not involved in the running of the club."
The QPR Chairman is only too pleased with the manager who has taken Rangers to within four points of the play-off places.
"Ian Holloway has got two and a half years left on his contract and we are talking about extending it.
"He is the most fantastic human being I have met in my life. He has had a very difficult time with everything going behind the scenes.
"I was at the training ground with Ian the other day sorting out our new scouting system. We are looking to get the best young players from the UK, France, Spain and all over the world."
Paladini was also pleased to confirm a new member to the board.
"We are delighted to announce that Franco Zanotti has now joined the board and he is representing Wanlock. He joins myself, Antonio Caliendo, Carlos Dunga and Olga Paladini."
The Rangers chairman this afternoon also spoke about season ticket prices for next season.
"We are looking at the financial viability of various season tickets prices for next season. We will pay particular attention to junior and student prices. I have members of staff working on this now and we will present proposals to the board in January."
YOU CAN SEE PALADINI'S WHOLE INTERVIEW ON QPR WORLD
QPR World
QPR
7-12 OFficial Site- STANDARD RESPONSE
Today the Evening Standard issued an apology to QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini.
The statement comes two months after the London newspaper printed articles relating to business dealings conducted by Paladini.
London's evening paper also falsely claimed that the FA were investigating how much QPR had paid agents to bring players into the club.
The apology reads:
On September 30 we published two articles which referred to Gianni Paladini, the chairman of Queens Park Rangers.
If these articles were interpreted by readers as suggesting that Mr Paladini was guilty of fraud, corruption and malpractice, we apologise.
We did not intend to give this impression and have no reason to believe such allegations are true.
We are happy to set the record straight.
Paladini was delighted with the retraction.
"Justice has been done for myself and most importantly, for the club. That was always the most important point for me to get across as I do not want the club's name blackened.
"I hope that now this matter can be put behind us and everyone connected with Queens Park Rangers can now focus on getting behind the team in what I hope will be successful season."
QPR/Standard Response
NEW YEAR GREETINGS
APPY NEW YEAR
Rangers Chairman Gianni Paladini and the Board of Directors would like to wish all QPR fans a Happy New Year.
After an eventful 2005, Paladini has issued the following statement to supporters of Queens Park Rangers:
"As you all know, as a club we went through difficult times and the new board had to bear quite a challenge and responsibility.
"Thanks to some huge efforts in renewing its organization and bringing in some new investments, QPR are now sailing in safe waters.
"We are optimistic when looking ahead for the New Year and for the whole of 2006, especially as we know we can always count on your continuous support.
"Our hope and aim is that QPR will never again have to struggle against organizational confusion and financial distress that have badly hit the good name of our glorious club.
"A special mention must go to Ian Holloway, who has shown his passion and devotion to the club and as someone who gives us positive hopes for promotion.
"We are proud of our players and we are confident that we can continue to strengthen our team with some new arrivals at the beginning of the next year.
"A special thanks must also go to all our colleagues and staff and of course to all our fans who, from generation to generation, continue to support the club.
"We wish to embrace them all, one by one, with our motto "We are QPR!"
"We wish you all the best for a wonderful 2006."
29.12.2005 Latest HAPPY NEW YEAR Gianni Paladini and the Board of Directors would like to wish all QPR fans a Happy New Yea
2-1-2006 BOARD STATEMENT
Following the weekend's media reports, the Board of Directors have issued a statement.
Numerous stories alleged that QPR were on the brink of selling some of their most valuable players, most notably Dan Shittu, but the Board would like to state there is no such truth in the rumours.
The statement reads:
"The board unanimously condemns recent allegations from some badly informed newspapers with regards to the sale of some of our players for ridiculous amounts of money and also the replacement of our manager.
"We would like to clarify that there is absolutely no need to sell players in order to settle monies due to the Inland Revenue as we are fully up to date with our repayments.
"Furthermore, stories claiming that Jim Smith is to become the Director of Football at Loftus Road are completely unfounded."
QPR
QPR's Past Year, Off-the-Field: Official Declarations - Part I, August-October 2005
-
On August 13, 2005, QPR defeated Sheffield United 2-1 at Loftus Road. But it was an alleged off-the-field incident which made the major news. This "Year Retrospective" focuses on OFF-the-field related statements made in the year, since.
[With possibly a couple of exceptions, all material in this "Year Retrospective" comes either from statements and interviews on the QPR Official Site; or interviews with QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini given to QPR Rivals and QPR Net; or reports by LSA and QPR 1st of their Meetings with Paladini]
-
QPR OFF-THE-FIELD STATEMENTS PART I: AUGUST-OCTOBER 2005
AUGUST 2005
15.08.2005 Latest CHAIRMAN: BEWILDERED Bill Power has spoken of his bewilderment and distress following an alleged incident on Saturday
25.08.2005 Latest STATEMENT A statement from the Board of Directors of QPR Holdings Ltd
30.08.2005 Latest BRIGHT FUTURE Gianni Paladini has promised a bright future for QPR following changes at Boardroom level
SEPTEMBER 2005
01.09.2005 Latest BILL POWER Bill Power has issued a statement to all supporters of Queens Park Rangers Football Club
09.09.2005 TV News PALADINI TALKS Gianni Paladini talks to QPR World about the recent changes at the and his plans for the future of the club
09.09.2005 Latest PALADINI ON CHANGES FREE VIDEO! Gianni Paladini on Boardroom changes, 'the legend' Ian Holloway and more
16.09.2005 Latest AUSTIN DEPARTURE Queens Park Rangers Commercial & Marketing Director Mark Austin is to leave the Club
22.09.2005 Latest ANGER & DISTRESS Gianni Paladini has reacted with anger and distress regarding allegations made in the press on Thursday
23.09.2005 Latest NO FA PROBE Gianni Paladini tells qpr.co.uk that the FA are NOT investigating Queens Park Rangers
28.09.2005 Latest GIANNI PALADINI Gianni Paladini has been appointed Chairman of QPR Football Club and QPR Holdings Ltd
30.09.2005 Latest THE REAL STORY No investigation, no probe and nothing but nonsense from the Evening Standard
30.09.2005 Latest ENOUGH IS ENOUGH QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini has today begun legal action against the London Evening Standard
OCTOBER 2005
25.10.2005 Latest OLLIE ANSWERS Ian Holloway answered your questions in a live Q&A - here is what he had to say
31.10.2005 Latest HARRIS DEPARTS Queens Park Rangers Communications Manager Phil Harris is to leave the club
OTHER
QPR LSA Meeting with Club Representatives - September 5...Also, ousted CEO's Mark Devlin's Response
QPR 1st Report on Meeting with Club/Board - September 15 2005
Ross Jones Responds to some of the Comments
QPR1st Report on Meeting with Gianni Paladini and Antonio Caliendo - October 21, 2005
AND A FEW OF THE STATEMENTS (FROM THE LINKS ABOVE)
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - August 30, 2006
PALADINI - BRIGHT FUTURE
Gianni Paladini has promised a bright future for Queens Park Rangers following the changes at Boardroom level last week.
Bill Power is no longer Chairman and Mark Devlin's position as Chief Executive was made redundant following a Board meeting at Loftus Road.
But the Director insists that the decisions taken were made with only the Club's interest at heart and he has played down suggestions of turmoil at the highest level.
"I am still friends with Bill. We go out for lunch and we talk on the phone every day. I have no problem with Bill.
"This is not about individuals or personalities, it is about the future of this great Club and all of us - Bill included -want nothing more than to see QPR continue to grow and improve."
Paladini is also sympathetic with supporters who may have been worried about the situation.
He appreciates that the supporters are concerned and has stressed that their feelings are at the forefront of his mind.
"The supporters are what makes this Club great and from the moment I arrived at Loftus Road I have been overwhelmed by their passion and devotion.
"All supporters will worry when they see change and I can understand that. But I believe that change was necessary for long term stability.
"The investors and directors are ambitious - I am ambitious - but we are not turning things upside down. We are going to make sensible steady progress and take Rangers back to where we belong - the Premiership."
Paladini also believes that the root of stability lies with the manager and that is why he hopes to sit down with Ian Holloway this week to discuss a new contract.
"Ollie is responsible for so much that has happened here during the past few years. Our successes on the pitch are down to him and he should be rewarded accordingly."
QPR - AUGUST 30, 2005
BILL POWER - September 1, 2005
Today following advice from my doctor and after lengthy discussions with my family and each member of the board I am confirming my departure as chairman of QPR.
I am well aware of the feelings of supporters having received literally hundreds of goodwill messages. But I must be selfish and think of my own health and also the health of two family members, both lifelong R's - my beautiful mum and my lovely father-in-law, who are both in hospital and not in the best of health.
I have been in discussions for the last two months with my fellow board members regarding who could, should or would 'pick up the baton'. I have told Gianni that he should become chairman with immediate effect to help focus everyone on going forward and I have advised him to meet with the supporters groups as quickly as he can.
As I write this, I have just enjoyed a day talking and having lunch with Gianni and on the phone with Ollie discussing possible new signings and things that we thought could take the club forward. I hope, and am sure, that those discussions and my advice will be acted upon and that we all see the benefits for ourselves .
In all honesty, and perhaps selfishly again, I must say it was like a weight being lifted from my shoulders having previously known that a decision I might make as Chairman could affect the hopes and dreams of so many fellow R's. Now it is time to let another friend push us forward. I am not leaving, just taking a well earned rest.
Words fail to express how much I have enjoyed my tenure as chairman, living every fan's dream of helping the club they love. I'm sure I will think of dozens of things I should have said, so for now I will just say a big thank you to everyone I have met and wish you all well.
Once again I ask you to get behind Gianni, Kevin, Ollie and the boys. I know that when we all pull together we are unstoppable.
Come on you R's.
Official
Sept 28 - PALADINI APPOINTED CHAIRMAN
GIANNI PALADINI
Gianni Paladini has been appointed Chairman of Queens Park Rangers Football Club and QPR Holdings Ltd.
Interim Chairman Gualtiero Trucco has stepped down and the Board of Directors have unanimously chosen Paladini to take on the role on a full-time basis.
The changes were agreed at a Loftus Road Board Meeting on Wednesday afternoon and Paladini is delighted by the honour of this 'challenging but exciting' role.
"The Monaco investors have recommended that I be appointed Chairman and I am deeply honoured that the Directors have allowed me this opportunity.
"I hope now that after a period of instability we can all look forward to the brightest of futures at Loftus Road.
"We have a wonderful manager, an exciting and improving squad and a real opportunity to push for a place in the play-offs and even the Premiership.
"I believe these are wonderful times to be a QPR supporter and I just want to play whatever part I can in bringing both success and stability to this Club.
"I fully appreciate that supporters will have been a little bewildered by recent events and I wish that so much of what has happened could have happened differently.
"But I believe we now have the right people in place, both on the pitch and behind the scenes, to take this club forward.
"I would like to thank every single fan for their continued, passionate support for QPR and I would also like to pay tribute to all the staff here.
"Life hasn't been particularly easy for them recently either but every single one continues to work as hard as ever for the benefit of this club.
"It has never been clearer to me that, both in the stands and behind the scenes, this is a wonderful place full of very special people."
QPR
Paladini Official Site - September 30 ANGER & DISTRESS
Gianni Paladini has reacted with anger and distress regarding allegations made in the press on Thursday.
Paladini strongly refutes allegations that have been made and asserts that they are without foundation.
He said: "All of our players have agents, if you are negotiating a contract you have to go through an agent. All of our payments have been done in the proper way."
"With the exception of Milanese, Langley & Lomas all the other deals were signed by either the ex-Chairman or the Chief Executive"
"The article lists players who were here before I even invested in the club. If we go over budget who has to pay? The fellow directors and I"
"I am very angry that both myself and the club are being dragged through the mud. We have had a difficult few months and we just want to concentrate on running the club properly and pushing up the league. I am incredibly angry about this and am taking legal advice."
Ian Holloway added: "I like to think the fans trust me and I trust Gianni. I cannot believe some of the stuff I've read today but I can assure everyone no matter what people throw at us it can only make us stronger."
"I have nothing but the utmost respect for Gianni Paladini and what he is trying to achieve at Queens Park Rangers. It seems to me that people are looking at the job that Gianni used to do before he came to QPR and are jumping to ridiculous conclusions."
"Gianni has the best interests of QPR at heart - I've absolutely no doubt about that."
QPR
EXCERPTS FROM HOLLOWAY INTERVIEW - OCTOBER 25, 2005
OLLIE ANSWERS
Ian Holloway spent Tuesday afternoon answering your questions in a live Q&A session on QPR World.
...
Do you feel under pressure?
That's part of the job, but I don't like it when I hear people saying not to believe me because I'm just trying to get a new contract. I don't control the board I just pick the side.
I've had four chairman, two Chief Executives and now I don't have one. But at the end of the day, QPR fans still have a club and that's one thing I'm proud of - totally.
I have got the hump from the weekend because I believe certain things aren't right, there are rumours. But this will all take care of itself. You'll all know what happened, it will all be there. All you have to worry about is judging our players fairly.
If I had to leave today I'd be very proud of what my team and staff, past and present, have achieved.
Who has been a major factor for this club? It's everyone who buys a ticket - so don't leave us. If you don't agree with team selection, no problem. But don't pick sides in an argument you don't know anything about.
Will we see any players coming in or out in the next transfer window?
The board are trying to sort out all the bills at the moment. But I've been told I can look for some signings in the January transfer window, I just don't know how much I've got.
As for letting people go, there are some who aren't happy and have been out on loan and might not like having to fight for a place here.....
What's the latest on your future with the club?
Gianni said he wanted to give some stability to the club, but I feel the most important thing is that the board get sorted and I get some direction regarding the future because that's what matters to the fans.
My focus is on the team more than myself. If the board wants to talk to my agent that's fine, but I want to put that on the back burner. I'm more than happy to work for the new board in the same way that I was happy to work for the last board.
As long as whoever is in charge is happy to pick up the baton and run with it, I'm happy to work for them.
Do you want to increase the size of the squad and in what position?
I've got some loan signings lined up if people get injured and we're also looking at some targets. The most I've ever spent was borrowed from a fan and that was £250,000
QPR
On August 13, 2005, QPR defeated Sheffield United 2-1 at Loftus Road. But it was an alleged off-the-field incident which made the major news. This "Year Retrospective" focuses on OFF-the-field related statements made in the year, since.
[With possibly a couple of exceptions, all material in this "Year Retrospective" comes either from statements and interviews on the QPR Official Site; or interviews with QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini given to QPR Rivals and QPR Net; or reports by LSA and QPR 1st of their Meetings with Paladini]
-
QPR OFF-THE-FIELD STATEMENTS PART I: AUGUST-OCTOBER 2005
AUGUST 2005
15.08.2005 Latest CHAIRMAN: BEWILDERED Bill Power has spoken of his bewilderment and distress following an alleged incident on Saturday
25.08.2005 Latest STATEMENT A statement from the Board of Directors of QPR Holdings Ltd
30.08.2005 Latest BRIGHT FUTURE Gianni Paladini has promised a bright future for QPR following changes at Boardroom level
SEPTEMBER 2005
01.09.2005 Latest BILL POWER Bill Power has issued a statement to all supporters of Queens Park Rangers Football Club
09.09.2005 TV News PALADINI TALKS Gianni Paladini talks to QPR World about the recent changes at the and his plans for the future of the club
09.09.2005 Latest PALADINI ON CHANGES FREE VIDEO! Gianni Paladini on Boardroom changes, 'the legend' Ian Holloway and more
16.09.2005 Latest AUSTIN DEPARTURE Queens Park Rangers Commercial & Marketing Director Mark Austin is to leave the Club
22.09.2005 Latest ANGER & DISTRESS Gianni Paladini has reacted with anger and distress regarding allegations made in the press on Thursday
23.09.2005 Latest NO FA PROBE Gianni Paladini tells qpr.co.uk that the FA are NOT investigating Queens Park Rangers
28.09.2005 Latest GIANNI PALADINI Gianni Paladini has been appointed Chairman of QPR Football Club and QPR Holdings Ltd
30.09.2005 Latest THE REAL STORY No investigation, no probe and nothing but nonsense from the Evening Standard
30.09.2005 Latest ENOUGH IS ENOUGH QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini has today begun legal action against the London Evening Standard
OCTOBER 2005
25.10.2005 Latest OLLIE ANSWERS Ian Holloway answered your questions in a live Q&A - here is what he had to say
31.10.2005 Latest HARRIS DEPARTS Queens Park Rangers Communications Manager Phil Harris is to leave the club
OTHER
QPR LSA Meeting with Club Representatives - September 5...Also, ousted CEO's Mark Devlin's Response
QPR 1st Report on Meeting with Club/Board - September 15 2005
Ross Jones Responds to some of the Comments
QPR1st Report on Meeting with Gianni Paladini and Antonio Caliendo - October 21, 2005
AND A FEW OF THE STATEMENTS (FROM THE LINKS ABOVE)
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - August 30, 2006
PALADINI - BRIGHT FUTURE
Gianni Paladini has promised a bright future for Queens Park Rangers following the changes at Boardroom level last week.
Bill Power is no longer Chairman and Mark Devlin's position as Chief Executive was made redundant following a Board meeting at Loftus Road.
But the Director insists that the decisions taken were made with only the Club's interest at heart and he has played down suggestions of turmoil at the highest level.
"I am still friends with Bill. We go out for lunch and we talk on the phone every day. I have no problem with Bill.
"This is not about individuals or personalities, it is about the future of this great Club and all of us - Bill included -want nothing more than to see QPR continue to grow and improve."
Paladini is also sympathetic with supporters who may have been worried about the situation.
He appreciates that the supporters are concerned and has stressed that their feelings are at the forefront of his mind.
"The supporters are what makes this Club great and from the moment I arrived at Loftus Road I have been overwhelmed by their passion and devotion.
"All supporters will worry when they see change and I can understand that. But I believe that change was necessary for long term stability.
"The investors and directors are ambitious - I am ambitious - but we are not turning things upside down. We are going to make sensible steady progress and take Rangers back to where we belong - the Premiership."
Paladini also believes that the root of stability lies with the manager and that is why he hopes to sit down with Ian Holloway this week to discuss a new contract.
"Ollie is responsible for so much that has happened here during the past few years. Our successes on the pitch are down to him and he should be rewarded accordingly."
QPR - AUGUST 30, 2005
BILL POWER - September 1, 2005
Today following advice from my doctor and after lengthy discussions with my family and each member of the board I am confirming my departure as chairman of QPR.
I am well aware of the feelings of supporters having received literally hundreds of goodwill messages. But I must be selfish and think of my own health and also the health of two family members, both lifelong R's - my beautiful mum and my lovely father-in-law, who are both in hospital and not in the best of health.
I have been in discussions for the last two months with my fellow board members regarding who could, should or would 'pick up the baton'. I have told Gianni that he should become chairman with immediate effect to help focus everyone on going forward and I have advised him to meet with the supporters groups as quickly as he can.
As I write this, I have just enjoyed a day talking and having lunch with Gianni and on the phone with Ollie discussing possible new signings and things that we thought could take the club forward. I hope, and am sure, that those discussions and my advice will be acted upon and that we all see the benefits for ourselves .
In all honesty, and perhaps selfishly again, I must say it was like a weight being lifted from my shoulders having previously known that a decision I might make as Chairman could affect the hopes and dreams of so many fellow R's. Now it is time to let another friend push us forward. I am not leaving, just taking a well earned rest.
Words fail to express how much I have enjoyed my tenure as chairman, living every fan's dream of helping the club they love. I'm sure I will think of dozens of things I should have said, so for now I will just say a big thank you to everyone I have met and wish you all well.
Once again I ask you to get behind Gianni, Kevin, Ollie and the boys. I know that when we all pull together we are unstoppable.
Come on you R's.
Official
Sept 28 - PALADINI APPOINTED CHAIRMAN
GIANNI PALADINI
Gianni Paladini has been appointed Chairman of Queens Park Rangers Football Club and QPR Holdings Ltd.
Interim Chairman Gualtiero Trucco has stepped down and the Board of Directors have unanimously chosen Paladini to take on the role on a full-time basis.
The changes were agreed at a Loftus Road Board Meeting on Wednesday afternoon and Paladini is delighted by the honour of this 'challenging but exciting' role.
"The Monaco investors have recommended that I be appointed Chairman and I am deeply honoured that the Directors have allowed me this opportunity.
"I hope now that after a period of instability we can all look forward to the brightest of futures at Loftus Road.
"We have a wonderful manager, an exciting and improving squad and a real opportunity to push for a place in the play-offs and even the Premiership.
"I believe these are wonderful times to be a QPR supporter and I just want to play whatever part I can in bringing both success and stability to this Club.
"I fully appreciate that supporters will have been a little bewildered by recent events and I wish that so much of what has happened could have happened differently.
"But I believe we now have the right people in place, both on the pitch and behind the scenes, to take this club forward.
"I would like to thank every single fan for their continued, passionate support for QPR and I would also like to pay tribute to all the staff here.
"Life hasn't been particularly easy for them recently either but every single one continues to work as hard as ever for the benefit of this club.
"It has never been clearer to me that, both in the stands and behind the scenes, this is a wonderful place full of very special people."
QPR
Paladini Official Site - September 30 ANGER & DISTRESS
Gianni Paladini has reacted with anger and distress regarding allegations made in the press on Thursday.
Paladini strongly refutes allegations that have been made and asserts that they are without foundation.
He said: "All of our players have agents, if you are negotiating a contract you have to go through an agent. All of our payments have been done in the proper way."
"With the exception of Milanese, Langley & Lomas all the other deals were signed by either the ex-Chairman or the Chief Executive"
"The article lists players who were here before I even invested in the club. If we go over budget who has to pay? The fellow directors and I"
"I am very angry that both myself and the club are being dragged through the mud. We have had a difficult few months and we just want to concentrate on running the club properly and pushing up the league. I am incredibly angry about this and am taking legal advice."
Ian Holloway added: "I like to think the fans trust me and I trust Gianni. I cannot believe some of the stuff I've read today but I can assure everyone no matter what people throw at us it can only make us stronger."
"I have nothing but the utmost respect for Gianni Paladini and what he is trying to achieve at Queens Park Rangers. It seems to me that people are looking at the job that Gianni used to do before he came to QPR and are jumping to ridiculous conclusions."
"Gianni has the best interests of QPR at heart - I've absolutely no doubt about that."
QPR
EXCERPTS FROM HOLLOWAY INTERVIEW - OCTOBER 25, 2005
OLLIE ANSWERS
Ian Holloway spent Tuesday afternoon answering your questions in a live Q&A session on QPR World.
...
Do you feel under pressure?
That's part of the job, but I don't like it when I hear people saying not to believe me because I'm just trying to get a new contract. I don't control the board I just pick the side.
I've had four chairman, two Chief Executives and now I don't have one. But at the end of the day, QPR fans still have a club and that's one thing I'm proud of - totally.
I have got the hump from the weekend because I believe certain things aren't right, there are rumours. But this will all take care of itself. You'll all know what happened, it will all be there. All you have to worry about is judging our players fairly.
If I had to leave today I'd be very proud of what my team and staff, past and present, have achieved.
Who has been a major factor for this club? It's everyone who buys a ticket - so don't leave us. If you don't agree with team selection, no problem. But don't pick sides in an argument you don't know anything about.
Will we see any players coming in or out in the next transfer window?
The board are trying to sort out all the bills at the moment. But I've been told I can look for some signings in the January transfer window, I just don't know how much I've got.
As for letting people go, there are some who aren't happy and have been out on loan and might not like having to fight for a place here.....
What's the latest on your future with the club?
Gianni said he wanted to give some stability to the club, but I feel the most important thing is that the board get sorted and I get some direction regarding the future because that's what matters to the fans.
My focus is on the team more than myself. If the board wants to talk to my agent that's fine, but I want to put that on the back burner. I'm more than happy to work for the new board in the same way that I was happy to work for the last board.
As long as whoever is in charge is happy to pick up the baton and run with it, I'm happy to work for them.
Do you want to increase the size of the squad and in what position?
I've got some loan signings lined up if people get injured and we're also looking at some targets. The most I've ever spent was borrowed from a fan and that was £250,000
QPR
Ex-QPR Director Dunga Gets Set for Tomorrow's London Brazil vs Argentina "Friendly"
-
[And further news from today, about those with a recent QPR-connection: Until recently-QPR Director (and possibly continuing-QPR investor), Brazil coach Dunga!]
Dunga in good voice as Brazil start rebuilding
Alex Bello, The Guardian - Saturday September 2, 2006
When Dunga, the new Brazil coach, arrived at Sao Paulo airport on Thursday night to fly to London he was mistaken for a member of staff of the bankrupt national airline, Varig, and heckled by angry passengers whose flights had been cancelled. After shouting back he was removed by security officials.
The incident is revealing for two reasons - first, for the low respect that the Brazil team now commands at home, and, second, for the pugilistic characteristics of the man responsible for rebuilding the team after their poor World Cup.
Tomorrow at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium Brazil take on Argentina in football's most glamorous international fixture, with both seeking to make amends for the disappointment of quarter-final eliminations in Germany.
With the teams at full strength the match promises much entertainment and will give British audiences their first chances of seeing West Ham's new signings, Carlos Tévez and Javier Mascherano.
Dunga was the surprise choice as coach of Brazil after the inevitable resignation of Carlos Alberto Parreira in the post-World Cup recriminations. The captain of Brazil's 1994 World Cup winners - Dunga's tireless, gritty style a symbol for that team's pragmatism - his new job is his first as a coach. His deputy is the right wing-back from 1994, Jorginho.
Brazil's failure in Germany this year was seen by the Brazilian Football Confederation as the result of the perceived lack of moral authority Parriera held over his star players. It was widely reported that the veterans in the team - such as Ronaldo, Cafu and Roberto Carlos - were more concerned about breaking personal records than winning the title.
Tomorrow's match is Dunga's first with his A team. In a friendly against Norway in Oslo last month he fielded a second string line-up, which drew 1-1. Ronaldinho, Kaka, Robinho, Juan and Lucio are all expected to start tomorrow.
In the immediate aftermath of the World Cup Brazilians reacted badly to the news that Ronaldinho and Adriano had been partying until the early hours the day after the team had lost 1-0 to France. In the following weeks, however, more attention turned on Ronaldo, who has now become, together with Parreira, one of the main scapegoats for the defeat.
Stories have emerged of Ronaldo's heavy smoking in the team hotel, his vast appetite for soft drinks and his habit of boasting about his sexual conquests. He has not been called up for the squad and his place will be disputed tomorrow between the CSKA Moscow pair Daniel Carvalho and Vagner Love, or possibly Rafael Sobis of Internacional, who last month won the Libertadores Cup.
Whereas Brazil returned from the World Cup to an angry nation, Argentinians welcomed their team back as moral victors - after impressive performances and a feeling that the team gave their all. The coach Jose Pekerman, however, was replaced by Alfio Basile, who is also coach of Boca Juniors, and his squad tomorrow includes Lionel Messi and Juan Roman Riquelme as well as two prodigies, Sergio Agüero and Clemente RodrÃguez.
Guardian
[And further news from today, about those with a recent QPR-connection: Until recently-QPR Director (and possibly continuing-QPR investor), Brazil coach Dunga!]
Dunga in good voice as Brazil start rebuilding
Alex Bello, The Guardian - Saturday September 2, 2006
When Dunga, the new Brazil coach, arrived at Sao Paulo airport on Thursday night to fly to London he was mistaken for a member of staff of the bankrupt national airline, Varig, and heckled by angry passengers whose flights had been cancelled. After shouting back he was removed by security officials.
The incident is revealing for two reasons - first, for the low respect that the Brazil team now commands at home, and, second, for the pugilistic characteristics of the man responsible for rebuilding the team after their poor World Cup.
Tomorrow at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium Brazil take on Argentina in football's most glamorous international fixture, with both seeking to make amends for the disappointment of quarter-final eliminations in Germany.
With the teams at full strength the match promises much entertainment and will give British audiences their first chances of seeing West Ham's new signings, Carlos Tévez and Javier Mascherano.
Dunga was the surprise choice as coach of Brazil after the inevitable resignation of Carlos Alberto Parreira in the post-World Cup recriminations. The captain of Brazil's 1994 World Cup winners - Dunga's tireless, gritty style a symbol for that team's pragmatism - his new job is his first as a coach. His deputy is the right wing-back from 1994, Jorginho.
Brazil's failure in Germany this year was seen by the Brazilian Football Confederation as the result of the perceived lack of moral authority Parriera held over his star players. It was widely reported that the veterans in the team - such as Ronaldo, Cafu and Roberto Carlos - were more concerned about breaking personal records than winning the title.
Tomorrow's match is Dunga's first with his A team. In a friendly against Norway in Oslo last month he fielded a second string line-up, which drew 1-1. Ronaldinho, Kaka, Robinho, Juan and Lucio are all expected to start tomorrow.
In the immediate aftermath of the World Cup Brazilians reacted badly to the news that Ronaldinho and Adriano had been partying until the early hours the day after the team had lost 1-0 to France. In the following weeks, however, more attention turned on Ronaldo, who has now become, together with Parreira, one of the main scapegoats for the defeat.
Stories have emerged of Ronaldo's heavy smoking in the team hotel, his vast appetite for soft drinks and his habit of boasting about his sexual conquests. He has not been called up for the squad and his place will be disputed tomorrow between the CSKA Moscow pair Daniel Carvalho and Vagner Love, or possibly Rafael Sobis of Internacional, who last month won the Libertadores Cup.
Whereas Brazil returned from the World Cup to an angry nation, Argentinians welcomed their team back as moral victors - after impressive performances and a feeling that the team gave their all. The coach Jose Pekerman, however, was replaced by Alfio Basile, who is also coach of Boca Juniors, and his squad tomorrow includes Lionel Messi and Juan Roman Riquelme as well as two prodigies, Sergio Agüero and Clemente RodrÃguez.
Guardian
The Coaching Genius of Ex-QPR Player/Manager, Terry Venables Profiled
-
Nice article about the brilliance of Terry Venables as a coach at QPR (and Crystal Palace). (And the article doesn't even mention the tactical impact of Venables even when he was still a player - Some of those Venables free kicks when he was still a QPR player)
Richard Williams/The Guardian - Saturday September 2, 2006
Secrets of 30 years in the Venables laboratory
Not many people outwitted Brian Clough, but Terry Venables did. It happened almost a quarter of a century ago, and the Venables-inspired free-kick with which Queen's Park Rangers got the better of Nottingham Forest one Saturday afternoon in the early 80s encapsulates all the streetwise inventiveness that Steve McClaren will hope to get from his 63-year-old assistant as England begin their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign today.
"Absolutely," John Gregory replied this week as he was reminded of an incident that forms a telling snapshot of the Venables effect. Gregory, then a member of the QPR midfield, had positioned himself next to the defender on the right-hand edge of Forest's four-man wall as Mike Flanagan prepared to take a direct free-kick from 10 yards outside the penalty area. A couple of seconds later Flanagan's low drive was whistling into the corner of the net, having passed through a gap where the defender no longer was.
As Flanagan celebrated with his team-mates, Gregory ran over to the bench. Approaching the applauding Venables, he grinned and drew his forefinger across his throat. Job done. Another dividend from those hours spent on the training ground. "You just wheeled him round," Gregory continued, reflecting on the defender's unscheduled disappearance. "We spent an hour on things like that every Friday."
In those days Venables' training sessions were like laboratory experiments. "He was a really deep thinker and he was always looking to innovate," Gregory said. "We always practised free-kicks and sometimes you needed to be Einstein to understand what was going on. We spent hours on them. He was very meticulous, but it was always enjoyable."
Not a few people were dismayed by McClaren's decision to persuade the FA to allow him to recall a man whose contract as head coach had not been renewed after England's semi-final exit from the 1996 European Championship, because of a disapproval of his commercial adventures. Even his admirers recognise his sometimes dangerous addiction to risk, summed up by Jim Cannon, a member of his Crystal Palace team of the late 70s, who fondly described his former coach as "a wide boy, always looking for a deal".
But those who distrusted Venables were shouted down by those who had actually played under him, and who regard him - with rare unanimity - as possessing one of this country's very few exceptional football intellects. "Terry opened my eyes to things that no one else has," Gareth Southgate, a member of the Euro 96 squad, said on hearing of his recall. "He has fantastic tactical awareness. Every senior player in the group went away having learnt a lot from him, which is an achievement."
The secrets of Venables' success as a coach are not simple, but they are straightforward. He treats his players well, he gets them to enjoy themselves and, most profitably of all, he engages their minds.
"I was 27 years old when I signed for QPR," Gregory said, "and I'd spent about a week in pre-season training with Terry Venables when I suddenly realised that although I'd been in the game for 11 years, I'd never been coached.
"He occupied your brain. Everything he did was so imaginative. In the four years I was with him, he rarely repeated coaching sessions. There was always something new, and it made going to work feel exciting. And he wasn't a dictator. It wasn't 'my way or no way'. He'd throw ideas back to you and invite you to have your say."
By the time Venables arrived at QPR, he had already nurtured Palace's team of young stars. Among them was Kenny Sansom, later an England full-back, who remembers the excitement and enthusiasm radiating from a coach not much older than his players.
"He had a great bunch of lads at Palace then," Sansom said. "Good players, and good listeners, too. We all had big ears at that stage, and Terry could make young players feel capable of doing anything. We wanted to learn, and we were being taught by someone who wanted to be a great coach.
"And he was always like a friend. He'd tell you stories about his own early days in the game, about the things he got up to as a lad, and he could make you listen, like a great singer or a comedian can. He could be your friend on a Saturday night when you were out having a few drinks, but on Monday morning you'd call him Boss. That's a hard thing to bring off."
On the tactical side, both Gregory and Sansom emphasised Venables' debt to the Liverpool of the 1970s. "He stole the offside game from Liverpool," Gregory said. "We even practised it in five-a-side games every day, so that it would become a habit. And then George Graham, who was a youth-team coach at QPR under Terry, took it to Arsenal very effectively."
Sansom remembered another aspect of that influence. "There was the gamesmanship side as well. He taught us how to do that. Not cheating. But if the ref gave a decision against you, you'd get four or five of your players round him. Then there was a good chance that the next decision might go in your favour."
The diligence of Venables' tactical preparation also impressed Sansom. "I'm a pundit now, and when you look at throw-ins and free-kicks, what you see is very few people working on them. Terry would have us working on throw-ins deep in our own half, to make sure we got the ball up the field more efficiently. We'd practise things at free-kicks and then we'd try them on a Saturday. Not if we were two-nil up, mind you. Then he'd say, 'Don't use it - save it for another time.'"
Southgate, now managing Middlesbrough, is convinced time has not eroded Venables' ability to impart his knowledge. "The England players will learn an enormous amount from working with Terry, and I'm sure Steve will as well."
Andorra might not be much of a test of his tactical skills, but by the time England return from Zagreb next month the nation should have a better idea of the old master's ability to rise to the challenge once again. Meanwhile, a memo to Croatia: watch out for those free-kicks.
Guardian
Nice article about the brilliance of Terry Venables as a coach at QPR (and Crystal Palace). (And the article doesn't even mention the tactical impact of Venables even when he was still a player - Some of those Venables free kicks when he was still a QPR player)
Richard Williams/The Guardian - Saturday September 2, 2006
Secrets of 30 years in the Venables laboratory
Not many people outwitted Brian Clough, but Terry Venables did. It happened almost a quarter of a century ago, and the Venables-inspired free-kick with which Queen's Park Rangers got the better of Nottingham Forest one Saturday afternoon in the early 80s encapsulates all the streetwise inventiveness that Steve McClaren will hope to get from his 63-year-old assistant as England begin their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign today.
"Absolutely," John Gregory replied this week as he was reminded of an incident that forms a telling snapshot of the Venables effect. Gregory, then a member of the QPR midfield, had positioned himself next to the defender on the right-hand edge of Forest's four-man wall as Mike Flanagan prepared to take a direct free-kick from 10 yards outside the penalty area. A couple of seconds later Flanagan's low drive was whistling into the corner of the net, having passed through a gap where the defender no longer was.
As Flanagan celebrated with his team-mates, Gregory ran over to the bench. Approaching the applauding Venables, he grinned and drew his forefinger across his throat. Job done. Another dividend from those hours spent on the training ground. "You just wheeled him round," Gregory continued, reflecting on the defender's unscheduled disappearance. "We spent an hour on things like that every Friday."
In those days Venables' training sessions were like laboratory experiments. "He was a really deep thinker and he was always looking to innovate," Gregory said. "We always practised free-kicks and sometimes you needed to be Einstein to understand what was going on. We spent hours on them. He was very meticulous, but it was always enjoyable."
Not a few people were dismayed by McClaren's decision to persuade the FA to allow him to recall a man whose contract as head coach had not been renewed after England's semi-final exit from the 1996 European Championship, because of a disapproval of his commercial adventures. Even his admirers recognise his sometimes dangerous addiction to risk, summed up by Jim Cannon, a member of his Crystal Palace team of the late 70s, who fondly described his former coach as "a wide boy, always looking for a deal".
But those who distrusted Venables were shouted down by those who had actually played under him, and who regard him - with rare unanimity - as possessing one of this country's very few exceptional football intellects. "Terry opened my eyes to things that no one else has," Gareth Southgate, a member of the Euro 96 squad, said on hearing of his recall. "He has fantastic tactical awareness. Every senior player in the group went away having learnt a lot from him, which is an achievement."
The secrets of Venables' success as a coach are not simple, but they are straightforward. He treats his players well, he gets them to enjoy themselves and, most profitably of all, he engages their minds.
"I was 27 years old when I signed for QPR," Gregory said, "and I'd spent about a week in pre-season training with Terry Venables when I suddenly realised that although I'd been in the game for 11 years, I'd never been coached.
"He occupied your brain. Everything he did was so imaginative. In the four years I was with him, he rarely repeated coaching sessions. There was always something new, and it made going to work feel exciting. And he wasn't a dictator. It wasn't 'my way or no way'. He'd throw ideas back to you and invite you to have your say."
By the time Venables arrived at QPR, he had already nurtured Palace's team of young stars. Among them was Kenny Sansom, later an England full-back, who remembers the excitement and enthusiasm radiating from a coach not much older than his players.
"He had a great bunch of lads at Palace then," Sansom said. "Good players, and good listeners, too. We all had big ears at that stage, and Terry could make young players feel capable of doing anything. We wanted to learn, and we were being taught by someone who wanted to be a great coach.
"And he was always like a friend. He'd tell you stories about his own early days in the game, about the things he got up to as a lad, and he could make you listen, like a great singer or a comedian can. He could be your friend on a Saturday night when you were out having a few drinks, but on Monday morning you'd call him Boss. That's a hard thing to bring off."
On the tactical side, both Gregory and Sansom emphasised Venables' debt to the Liverpool of the 1970s. "He stole the offside game from Liverpool," Gregory said. "We even practised it in five-a-side games every day, so that it would become a habit. And then George Graham, who was a youth-team coach at QPR under Terry, took it to Arsenal very effectively."
Sansom remembered another aspect of that influence. "There was the gamesmanship side as well. He taught us how to do that. Not cheating. But if the ref gave a decision against you, you'd get four or five of your players round him. Then there was a good chance that the next decision might go in your favour."
The diligence of Venables' tactical preparation also impressed Sansom. "I'm a pundit now, and when you look at throw-ins and free-kicks, what you see is very few people working on them. Terry would have us working on throw-ins deep in our own half, to make sure we got the ball up the field more efficiently. We'd practise things at free-kicks and then we'd try them on a Saturday. Not if we were two-nil up, mind you. Then he'd say, 'Don't use it - save it for another time.'"
Southgate, now managing Middlesbrough, is convinced time has not eroded Venables' ability to impart his knowledge. "The England players will learn an enormous amount from working with Terry, and I'm sure Steve will as well."
Andorra might not be much of a test of his tactical skills, but by the time England return from Zagreb next month the nation should have a better idea of the old master's ability to rise to the challenge once again. Meanwhile, a memo to Croatia: watch out for those free-kicks.
Guardian
EX-QPR Defender Danny Shittu Turns 26!
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Ex-QPR Center Half, Danny Shittu Turns 26
Born September 2, 1980.
What else needs to be said! Signed by Ian Holloway from Charlton, initially on loan. made his debut in October 2001. The deal was unusual in that the deal was funded by a QPR fan. Shittu was sold a few weeks ago to Watford in a 1.6 million pound (possibly rising to 3 million pounds) deal. At QPR, Shittu played 162 league games, scoring 17 goals.
Career
Career
Recent Season by Season
Ex-QPR Center Half, Danny Shittu Turns 26
Born September 2, 1980.
What else needs to be said! Signed by Ian Holloway from Charlton, initially on loan. made his debut in October 2001. The deal was unusual in that the deal was funded by a QPR fan. Shittu was sold a few weeks ago to Watford in a 1.6 million pound (possibly rising to 3 million pounds) deal. At QPR, Shittu played 162 league games, scoring 17 goals.
Career
Career
Recent Season by Season
Friday, September 01, 2006
Ex-QPRs - BP & Devlin's Swindon Goes Marching on - Six Wins out of Six
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Six Wins out of Six for Swindon.
Swindon Official
Congratulations to Bill Power and Mark Devlin (and Dennis Wise et al)
Six Wins out of Six for Swindon.
Swindon Official
Congratulations to Bill Power and Mark Devlin (and Dennis Wise et al)
Ex-QPR Manager Shares Nationwide Conference 'Manager of the Month' Award
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Oxford United's Jim Smith - who a few months ago, almost returned to QPR after Gary Waddock was appointed caretaker manager - today shared the Nationwide Conference Manager of the Month Award.
Oxford Official Site
Jim shares Manager of the Month award
The Nationwide Conference season kicked off to a fantastic start in August and manager Jim Smith has shared the August Manager of the Month award.
Jim, along with Grays Athletic's Frank Gray, and York City's Billy McEwan are joint winners of the Nationwide Conference Manager of the Month award for August tying at the top of the table with 13 points.
Carl Macauley from Vauxhall Motors is the Nationwide North winner and Steve Fallon from Histon picks up the Nationwide South award.
The Nationwide Conference judges the Nationwide Manager of the Month Award on a points system - four points for an away win, three for a home win, two for an away draw and one for a draw at home.
All five managers will be presented with a specially commissioned magnum of champagne by Nationwide prior to a forthcoming home fixture.
FIFA 07
Oxford
Oxford United's Jim Smith - who a few months ago, almost returned to QPR after Gary Waddock was appointed caretaker manager - today shared the Nationwide Conference Manager of the Month Award.
Oxford Official Site
Jim shares Manager of the Month award
The Nationwide Conference season kicked off to a fantastic start in August and manager Jim Smith has shared the August Manager of the Month award.
Jim, along with Grays Athletic's Frank Gray, and York City's Billy McEwan are joint winners of the Nationwide Conference Manager of the Month award for August tying at the top of the table with 13 points.
Carl Macauley from Vauxhall Motors is the Nationwide North winner and Steve Fallon from Histon picks up the Nationwide South award.
The Nationwide Conference judges the Nationwide Manager of the Month Award on a points system - four points for an away win, three for a home win, two for an away draw and one for a draw at home.
All five managers will be presented with a specially commissioned magnum of champagne by Nationwide prior to a forthcoming home fixture.
FIFA 07
Oxford
One Year Ago Today, Bill Power's Gracious Farewell
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QPR OFFICIAL SITE - SEPTEMBER 1, 2005
BILL POWER
Today following advice from my doctor and after lengthy discussions with my family and each member of the board I am confirming my departure as chairman of QPR.
I am well aware of the feelings of supporters having received literally hundreds of goodwill messages. But I must be selfish and think of my own health and also the health of two family members, both lifelong R's - my beautiful mum and my lovely father-in-law, who are both in hospital and not in the best of health.
I have been in discussions for the last two months with my fellow board members regarding who could, should or would 'pick up the baton'. I have told Gianni that he should become chairman with immediate effect to help focus everyone on going forward and I have advised him to meet with the supporters groups as quickly as he can.
As I write this, I have just enjoyed a day talking and having lunch with Gianni and on the phone with Ollie discussing possible new signings and things that we thought could take the club forward. I hope, and am sure, that those discussions and my advice will be acted upon and that we all see the benefits for ourselves .
In all honesty, and perhaps selfishly again, I must say it was like a weight being lifted from my shoulders having previously known that a decision I might make as Chairman could affect the hopes and dreams of so many fellow R's. Now it is time to let another friend push us forward. I am not leaving, just taking a well earned rest.
Words fail to express how much I have enjoyed my tenure as chairman, living every fan's dream of helping the club they love. I'm sure I will think of dozens of things I should have said, so for now I will just say a big thank you to everyone I have met and wish you all well.
Once again I ask you to get behind Gianni, Kevin, Ollie and the boys. I know that when we all pull together we are unstoppable.
Come on you R's.
QPR
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - SEPTEMBER 1, 2005
BILL POWER
Today following advice from my doctor and after lengthy discussions with my family and each member of the board I am confirming my departure as chairman of QPR.
I am well aware of the feelings of supporters having received literally hundreds of goodwill messages. But I must be selfish and think of my own health and also the health of two family members, both lifelong R's - my beautiful mum and my lovely father-in-law, who are both in hospital and not in the best of health.
I have been in discussions for the last two months with my fellow board members regarding who could, should or would 'pick up the baton'. I have told Gianni that he should become chairman with immediate effect to help focus everyone on going forward and I have advised him to meet with the supporters groups as quickly as he can.
As I write this, I have just enjoyed a day talking and having lunch with Gianni and on the phone with Ollie discussing possible new signings and things that we thought could take the club forward. I hope, and am sure, that those discussions and my advice will be acted upon and that we all see the benefits for ourselves .
In all honesty, and perhaps selfishly again, I must say it was like a weight being lifted from my shoulders having previously known that a decision I might make as Chairman could affect the hopes and dreams of so many fellow R's. Now it is time to let another friend push us forward. I am not leaving, just taking a well earned rest.
Words fail to express how much I have enjoyed my tenure as chairman, living every fan's dream of helping the club they love. I'm sure I will think of dozens of things I should have said, so for now I will just say a big thank you to everyone I have met and wish you all well.
Once again I ask you to get behind Gianni, Kevin, Ollie and the boys. I know that when we all pull together we are unstoppable.
Come on you R's.
QPR
Ex-QPR, Keith Rowlands Turns 35!
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Keith Rowlands
Ex-QPR Defender, Keith Rowlands Turns 35 (Born September 1, 1971)
Rowlands was signed by Ray Harford from West Ham in 1998 (along with Ian Dowie, in a part exchange for Trevor Sinclair.) Rowlands replaced Rufus Brevett who was sold on to Fulham. Rowlands played a relatively small number of QPR as full back and wing. He joined Luton in 2001.
Rowlands
Keith Rowlands
Ex-QPR Defender, Keith Rowlands Turns 35 (Born September 1, 1971)
Rowlands was signed by Ray Harford from West Ham in 1998 (along with Ian Dowie, in a part exchange for Trevor Sinclair.) Rowlands replaced Rufus Brevett who was sold on to Fulham. Rowlands played a relatively small number of QPR as full back and wing. He joined Luton in 2001.
Rowlands
A Decade Ago: Ray Wilkins Axed/"Resigned"
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The Departure of Ray Wilkins
September 1, 1996: QPR having beaten Oxford and Portsmouth and drawn at Wolves; and lost Kevin Gallen through a terrible injury, played promotion-challenging Bolton at Loftus Road (and lost 2-1)
For newly-relegated QPR still under the managership (player manager) of Ray Wilkins and Frank Sibley and under the new ownership of Chris Wright...The QPR Board met with Wilkins, and ostensibly he left because he wanted to continue playing. But there were strong suggestions he was axed, even though Chris Wright and others denied that.
It was such a change from the less than two years previously, when Wilkins returned to QPR after Gerry Francis moved on to Spurs and in his first season, guided QPR to 8th. The following season, QPR sold Ferdinand and made some not-so great purchases: Zelic, Osbourne, Hately, Sommer.
And as a player, signed by Don Howe, in a deal arranged by axed Trevor Francis, Wilkins joined QPR on a free from Glasgow Rangers and made an immediate, brilliant impact on QPR. And for the next several seasons, was QPR's brilliant midfielder. There was a slight irony, since QPR under Dave Sexton in 1974/75 had tried to sign Wilkins as an 18 year old from Chelsea.
So Wilkins left and instead appointed Stuart Houston and Bruce Rioch (instead of Venables, George Graham or Alan Curbishly who were three names that were strongly touted.) And over the next year, Houston spent lavishly )approaching 8 million pounds + high wages) on John Spencer, Gavin Peacock, Steve Morrow, Lee Harper, Matt Rose, and finally....Mike Sheron.
See Ray Wilkins Interview with QPR Net
One of a thousand Wilkins online Bios
The Departure of Ray Wilkins
September 1, 1996: QPR having beaten Oxford and Portsmouth and drawn at Wolves; and lost Kevin Gallen through a terrible injury, played promotion-challenging Bolton at Loftus Road (and lost 2-1)
For newly-relegated QPR still under the managership (player manager) of Ray Wilkins and Frank Sibley and under the new ownership of Chris Wright...The QPR Board met with Wilkins, and ostensibly he left because he wanted to continue playing. But there were strong suggestions he was axed, even though Chris Wright and others denied that.
It was such a change from the less than two years previously, when Wilkins returned to QPR after Gerry Francis moved on to Spurs and in his first season, guided QPR to 8th. The following season, QPR sold Ferdinand and made some not-so great purchases: Zelic, Osbourne, Hately, Sommer.
And as a player, signed by Don Howe, in a deal arranged by axed Trevor Francis, Wilkins joined QPR on a free from Glasgow Rangers and made an immediate, brilliant impact on QPR. And for the next several seasons, was QPR's brilliant midfielder. There was a slight irony, since QPR under Dave Sexton in 1974/75 had tried to sign Wilkins as an 18 year old from Chelsea.
So Wilkins left and instead appointed Stuart Houston and Bruce Rioch (instead of Venables, George Graham or Alan Curbishly who were three names that were strongly touted.) And over the next year, Houston spent lavishly )approaching 8 million pounds + high wages) on John Spencer, Gavin Peacock, Steve Morrow, Lee Harper, Matt Rose, and finally....Mike Sheron.
See Ray Wilkins Interview with QPR Net
One of a thousand Wilkins online Bios
25 Years Ago, QPR Made English Football History: The First Game on Plastic!
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RANGERS "CONTROVERSIAL" PLASTIC PITCH
September 1, 1981: Terry Venables QPR played Luton Town at Loftus Road, for their first home game of the season. (The previous Saturday, QPR won their season opener with a 3-1 win at Wrexham.) Andy King put QPR 1-0 before Luton scored twice to win it.
QPR's plastic was so controversial that originally the FA was not going to allow games to be played at Loftus Road. That never fortuitously didn't occur since that was the season that QPR went on to the FA Cup Final.
In ensuing seasons, following Rangers' example, Preston, Oldham and Luton itself followed suit. But the plastic fields were very controversial, with the claim that they gave an unfair advantage to the home teams, and supposedly players getting certain injuries. Also the bouncing ball off the surface, etc. And the term "controversial" came into almost newspaper match report of QPR games. Within a few years, the clubs had all given up their plastic.
QPR's Team for that opening game at home to Luton.
Burridge - Fenwick Hazell Roeder Gregory
Waddock Francis King
Allen Stainrod Flanagan
A couple of years later, when QPR qualified for the UEFA Cup, their Plastic pitch was not permitted in Europe, so they had to play at Highbury.
Ironically, a few years earlier, Terry Venables had co-authored the book "They Used to Play on Grass"
The Debate About Plastic
"Plastic Pitches: The Purist tackles FIFA’s plastic panacea
RANGERS "CONTROVERSIAL" PLASTIC PITCH
September 1, 1981: Terry Venables QPR played Luton Town at Loftus Road, for their first home game of the season. (The previous Saturday, QPR won their season opener with a 3-1 win at Wrexham.) Andy King put QPR 1-0 before Luton scored twice to win it.
QPR's plastic was so controversial that originally the FA was not going to allow games to be played at Loftus Road. That never fortuitously didn't occur since that was the season that QPR went on to the FA Cup Final.
In ensuing seasons, following Rangers' example, Preston, Oldham and Luton itself followed suit. But the plastic fields were very controversial, with the claim that they gave an unfair advantage to the home teams, and supposedly players getting certain injuries. Also the bouncing ball off the surface, etc. And the term "controversial" came into almost newspaper match report of QPR games. Within a few years, the clubs had all given up their plastic.
QPR's Team for that opening game at home to Luton.
Burridge - Fenwick Hazell Roeder Gregory
Waddock Francis King
Allen Stainrod Flanagan
A couple of years later, when QPR qualified for the UEFA Cup, their Plastic pitch was not permitted in Europe, so they had to play at Highbury.
Ironically, a few years earlier, Terry Venables had co-authored the book "They Used to Play on Grass"
The Debate About Plastic
"Plastic Pitches: The Purist tackles FIFA’s plastic panacea
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