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ON THE FIELD...
The week began with QPR's away victory at Wycombe...then 3-0 win at Harrow Borough and ended with QPR's home victory over Fulham. But obviously the biggest on-the-field news was Simon Walton's seeming having broken his leg. Ben Sahar and Mancienne supposedly officially began their QPR loans August 1, although there was no official statement by Chelsea (or QPR)
Gregory spoke about how close he was to giving up on Lee Camp chase and how had no more money to spend after Camp and Walton signings..
Meanwhile Tribal Football reported that Italian Serie B club, Brescia give chance to QPR's Nick Ward
OFF THE FIELD..ALLEGATION & DENIAL RE TRANSFER EMBARGO...ABC LOAN...SUPPOSED TALKS WITH POTENTIAL NEW BUYERS...CLUB'S FINANCIAL STATUS
September 29 - Sunday Mirror QPR chief Paladini to sell up
EXCLUSIVE By Paul Smith 29/07/2007
Gianni Paladini's troubled reign as QPR owner is set to come to an end this week.
The former football agent has agreed a £5million takeover at Loftus Road - just as Rangers have been hit by Football League sanctions.
Paladini said last night: "I've agreed in principle to sell the club. I'm selling the vast majority of my shares but I will be retaining a position at the club. The deal has not been signed off yet but I expect it to go through next week."
League bosses have withheld central funds from the club and placed a transfer embargo on Rangers, who have announced several recent deals.
Rangers must re-pay the entire £500,000 loan they received from Oldham Athletic which breached League regulations. Paladini insists the outstanding £300,000 from this loan will be repaid this week. Sunday Mirror
Sky Sports and News of the World just reporting/repeating what was in the Sunday Mirror story - Sky Report
July 29 QPR1st Statement - Recent Events at QPR
July 30 - QPR1st "Further Response from QPR"
"Further response from QPR on the ABC Loan" including from Nick De Marco - QPRst-
September 30 - QPR DIRECTOR NICK DE MARCO (Via QPR1sT)
The original ABC loan
Last week former QPR chairman, Nick Blackburn, contacted me about the statement I made about the ABC loan last weekend. He was keen to correct what he said was a widespread misapprehension repeated in my statement, namely that QPR “came out of administration with far greater debts than it went into it”. According to Mr Blackburn, QPR went into administration with £13 million debts and came out with a debt of £10 million to ABC. I said that I would look into this and would be happy to correct the misunderstanding if the figures matched Mr Blackburn’s assertion.
I have looked at the various account for the period before, during and after administration. They are not as clear as our accounts are these days because at that stage they included the accounts for other parts of the then “Loftus Road plc” group which included the Rugby team. However, I see no reason to disbelieve Mr Blackburn’s assertions, and so it should not be said that the Club came out of administration with more debts than it had when it went in, and I have asked that that part of the previous statement I made be deleted.
The discussion with Mr Blackburn opened up some other interesting issues concerning the origins of the ABC loan. Mr Blackburn confirmed that the loan was used primarily to pay back creditors, the largest of which was Chris Wright, as was the sale of the Club’s Twyford Avenue training ground. The accounts show the Club paid £3.5 million back to to Chris Wright on coming out of administration, which meant he received just over 50p in the pound for his investment into QPR. Much of the remainder of the monies went to lawyers and other people involved in the administration process who were charging very high professional fees. It would appear that Chris Wright was able to secure a relatively good, considering administration, return as a result of the ABC loan being taken out. For example, people will be aware that following the administration of Leeds, creditors have been offered 8p in the pound. There is nothing improper about this, but as a matter of opinion I don’t think it appropriate, from the Club’s point of view, to come out of administration with a crippling loan in order to repay an investor who has, after all, taken the risk of football investment. Taking a loan out for this purpose (as opposed to avoiding administration) is something I would hope the Club would never repeat.
There are also further questions that have arisen out of the circumstances of the loan. Many of these have been rehearsed before. I don’t personally intend to go over old ground and examine these matters again – although if Mr Blackburn is concerned that the Administrators decision to take out the ABC loan has been unfairly criticised, then I would encourage him to set the record straight.
It remains our opinion that many of the financial difficulties the Club has faced since go back to the ABC loan itself and of course the financial circumstances that led to the loan being taken out. There is no doubt that running a football club such as ours, with the best will in the world, has always been extremely difficult from a financial point of view. Whatever the criticisms people have of past or current boards of directors, I am sure all have done their best to balance the books in difficult circumstances.
There is now, however, some light at the end of the tunnel and a serious prospect of attracting new investment and putting these difficulties, and the ABC loan, permanently behind us. Many of us are working hard to secure this investment over the next few weeks. If it comes off, we will be able to consign the discussions and post mortems about ABC and all the rest to the musings of football historians and concentrate on what should be a very bright future. I am sure fans will understand if the Board concentrates on securing the new investment over the next period, rather than responding to every piece of speculation in the media. As soon as it is possible to make an official announcement one will be made" QPR1st
July 30 - Gianni Paladini on BBC Radio London - QPR Rivals's Clive Whittingham report of Paladini's comments including "...The embargo was put on us before we started to pay money back to Blitz - now we're paying it back the embargo has been lifted..." - QPR Rivals
July 31 - Daily Mail - QPR's new stars may sit it out
New signings Simon Walton and Lee Camp may be banned from starting the season with QPR.
The Football League are refusing to allow Rangers to register new players until they repay a £500,000 loan from Oldham chairman Simon Blitz - there is understood to be £300,000 left.
Rangers announced the signings of Walton from Charlton for £200,000 and Camp from Derby for £300,000 last week.
But the transfers are yet to be ratified by the League who will block any move to play them in the Championship. Daily Mail
August 2? The Paddington Mercury (according to a Messageboard report) that QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini told the paper: “If the deal doesn’t happen by the end of the month the club will go bust. I’ve been like magician Paul Daniels to this club but I can’t do it anymore, I haven’t got any more money to put in. I’m prepared not to take a penny for my shared if it means the club will move forward but we need to get new investors in. I’m crossing my fingers and toes everything really. “This deal if it goes through will be the best thing to happen to QPR in a long time,. I know the people involved but there is still a lot of negotiating to do, I’d be surprised if anything happened by the end of the week.”
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August 3, 2007 Mail - Rangers quartet banned until Oldham loan is repaid
Lord Mawhinney today warned Queens Park Rangers to repay their outstanding debt to Oldham chairman Simon Blitz or start the season without four of their new signings.
The Football League chairman says a transfer embargo applied to Rangers over the £500,000 loan means July recruits Simon Walton, Lee Camp, Michael Mancienne and Ben Sahar are not registered to play for the club.
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini borrowed the cash from Blitz earlier in the year without realising that the deal broke a league rule which forbids directors from investing in more than one club.
When details of the loan emerged in May, QPR promised to repay the money but three months later part of the debt - understood to be around £300,000 - has still not been repaid. At their latest meeting two weeks' ago, the League's board imposed a transfer embargo on QPR and held back around £1million in funding.
But the embargo did not stop QPR announcing a £200,000 deal for Walton from Charlton and a £300,000 move for Camp from Derby last week. The club also confirmed the loan signings of Mancienne and Sahar from Chelsea.
Although they have appeared in pre-season friendlies, Mawhinney confirmed that none of the quartet will be eligible for Championship matches until the loan is repaid.
QPR's first game is at Bristol City a week tomorrow. Mawhinney said: "There is a financial issue relating to QPR which needs to be resolved. Therefore, we have said that restrictions will be applied to the club's transactions.
"As soon as the financial issue has been resolved it will be back to normal. I understand promises have been made. I assume it will be resolved very soon but we've been waiting for quite a long time."
Paladini has insisted Blitz's money will be repaid this week. He also revealed today QPR have an agreement with Chelsea to sign three young players every year on loan.
He added: "They don't tell us which players. It's the ones manager John Gregory wants." Daily Mail
AUGUST 3 - QPR Official Site - NO EMBARGO
QPR would like to assure its fans that there is no embargo on the registration of the Club's new signings.
The Club have satisfied the Football League with regard to the Blitz loan.
All of John Gregory's new signings will be able to play for the Club against Bristol City on the opening day of the new Championship campaign.
"I was very disappointed with the nature of some of the articles that appeared in the press today,'' Chairman Gianni Paladini told www.qpr.co.uk.
"However, I would like to take this opportunity to reassure our fans that everything is in order ahead of the new season.'' QPR
See Also: PREVIOUS STATEMENTS RE BLITZ LOAN and Aftermath
All material (and links) are at QPR Report
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
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Flashback: QPR's 2006-2007 Team Photo, Opening Day Lineup and First Team Squad
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August 2006 -QUEENS PARK RANGERS FC 2006/07 - TEAM PHOTO Photo
Back (l-r): Nick Ward, Ray Jones, Jon Munday, Dan Shittu, Ian Evatt, Pat Kanyuka, Marc Nygaard, Damion Stewart, Mauro Milanese, Stefan Moore, Armel Tchakounte, Egutu Oliseh, Paul Furlong, Matthew Rose.
Middle: Graeme Staddon (Massage Therapist), Tony Roberts (Goalkeeping Goach), Tommy Doherty, Andrew Howell, Scott Donnelly, Jake Cole, Sean Thomas, Simon Royce, Paul Jones, Stefan Bailey, Dominic Shimmin, Matthew Hislop, Justin Skinner (Reserve Manager), John O'Brien (Head of Recruitment).
Front: Mark Barry (Sports Scientist), Prav Mathema (Physiotherapist), Steve Lomas, Marc Bircham, Martin Rowlands, Kevin Gallen, Alan McDonald (Assistant Manager), Gary Waddock (Manager), Gareth Ainsworth, Marcus Bignot, Lee Cook, Shabazz Baidoo, Gary Doyle (Kit Man), Bobby Bacic (Assistant Physiotherapist). QPR
August 5, 2006: Lineup for QPR's opening Game vs Burnley (lost 0-2): Paul Jones; Bignot, Stewart, Rose, Milanese; Ainsworth, Lomas (R Jones 66), Rowlands (Donnelly 79), Cook; Ward; Czerkas (Bircham 71). Subs: Cole, Kanyuka. Reports
QPR's TEAM NUMBERS
July 2006 - QPR Announce Team Numbers-
[List included a number of people who are transfer listed and before a few additional players came in during the season]
*1. Simon Royce
2. Marcus Bignot
*3. Mauro Milanese
*4. Ian Evatt
*5. Dan Shittu
6. Tommy Doherty
*7. Matthew Rose
*8. Marc Bircham
9. Nick Ward
*10. Kevin Gallen
11. Gareth Ainsworth
12. Jake Cole
14. Martin Rowlands
15. Dominic Shimmin
*16. Steve Lomas
*17. Lee Cook
18. Stefan Moore
*19. Tchakounte-A
*20. Scott Donnelly
*21. Paul Jones
22. Shabazz Baidoo
23. Stefan Bailey
24. Pat Kanyuka
25. Damion Stewart
26. Sean Thomas
*29. Paul Furlong
30. Marc Nygaard
*34. Matthew Hislop
*35. John Munday
QPR
* = Gone.
August 2006 -QUEENS PARK RANGERS FC 2006/07 - TEAM PHOTO Photo
Back (l-r): Nick Ward, Ray Jones, Jon Munday, Dan Shittu, Ian Evatt, Pat Kanyuka, Marc Nygaard, Damion Stewart, Mauro Milanese, Stefan Moore, Armel Tchakounte, Egutu Oliseh, Paul Furlong, Matthew Rose.
Middle: Graeme Staddon (Massage Therapist), Tony Roberts (Goalkeeping Goach), Tommy Doherty, Andrew Howell, Scott Donnelly, Jake Cole, Sean Thomas, Simon Royce, Paul Jones, Stefan Bailey, Dominic Shimmin, Matthew Hislop, Justin Skinner (Reserve Manager), John O'Brien (Head of Recruitment).
Front: Mark Barry (Sports Scientist), Prav Mathema (Physiotherapist), Steve Lomas, Marc Bircham, Martin Rowlands, Kevin Gallen, Alan McDonald (Assistant Manager), Gary Waddock (Manager), Gareth Ainsworth, Marcus Bignot, Lee Cook, Shabazz Baidoo, Gary Doyle (Kit Man), Bobby Bacic (Assistant Physiotherapist). QPR
August 5, 2006: Lineup for QPR's opening Game vs Burnley (lost 0-2): Paul Jones; Bignot, Stewart, Rose, Milanese; Ainsworth, Lomas (R Jones 66), Rowlands (Donnelly 79), Cook; Ward; Czerkas (Bircham 71). Subs: Cole, Kanyuka. Reports
QPR's TEAM NUMBERS
July 2006 - QPR Announce Team Numbers-
[List included a number of people who are transfer listed and before a few additional players came in during the season]
*1. Simon Royce
2. Marcus Bignot
*3. Mauro Milanese
*4. Ian Evatt
*5. Dan Shittu
6. Tommy Doherty
*7. Matthew Rose
*8. Marc Bircham
9. Nick Ward
*10. Kevin Gallen
11. Gareth Ainsworth
12. Jake Cole
14. Martin Rowlands
15. Dominic Shimmin
*16. Steve Lomas
*17. Lee Cook
18. Stefan Moore
*19. Tchakounte-A
*20. Scott Donnelly
*21. Paul Jones
22. Shabazz Baidoo
23. Stefan Bailey
24. Pat Kanyuka
25. Damion Stewart
26. Sean Thomas
*29. Paul Furlong
30. Marc Nygaard
*34. Matthew Hislop
*35. John Munday
QPR
* = Gone.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Reports: QPR Beat Fulham...Ben Sahar Scoring...But Walton Badly Injured
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Updated Aug 4: 10:45am:
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - DON'T GET CARRIED AWAY!
John Gregory has asked QPR fans not to expect too much, too soon from his side, despite Friday's impressive victory against Fulham.
A Ben Sahar doubled cancelled out Brian McBride's opener, as the R's came from behind to beat Lawrie Sanchez's men at Loftus Road.
"It's a great boost for us to beat a Premiership side a week before the start of the season, but the real stuff begins next Saturday,'' Gregory told www.qpr.co.uk.
"We'll probably be expected to win the Championship after this result - maybe by 20 points or so, or I'll be sacked at the end of the season!
"In all seriousness, the fans still need to be patient with us. There's a lot more to come from this group of players yet and one victory over Fulham, although very nice, isn't the making of this side.''
Gregory heaped praise on the R's players though, commenting: "The energy we showed was quite remarkable.
"Fulham have spent £25 million or so over the summer and we matched them in every department.
"We were very good value for the victory and I don't think the fans at Loftus Road or those watching on TV, could have any complaints with the final scoreline.''
Gregory added: "As I've always said with friendly matches, the outcome is immaterial. There were plenty of good points, but also some not so good.
"The goal we conceded was an absolute shocker from a defensive point of view and that's something we'll be sitting down and chatting about in the next few days.
"Having said, wasn't it great to beat them. It was a really good night.'' QPR
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/TheGaffer/0,,10373~1084779,00.html
BBC - QPR await X-rays on Walton injury
Queens Park Rangers are waiting for the results of X-rays after new signing Simon Walton suffered a suspected broken leg on Friday evening.
The midfielder, 19, joined QPR from Charlton last week, but was injured in their friendly against Fulham.
"It appears he's broken his leg, but we should know more in the next 48 hours or so," Rangers manager John Gregory told his club's website.
"It looks like our worst suspicions will be confirmed." BBC
Simon Skinner/QPR Net Match Report - Match Report
Clive Whittingham/QPR Rivals Match Report
QPR defeated Fulham 2-1 tonight, with two goals from Sahar, but the big news is that Simon Walton suffered a probable broken leg.
(Walton's injuries conjures up memories of a couple of past terrible injuries playing against Fulham: Clarke Carlisle and Richard Langley both suffered cruciate injuries in the same game against Fulham and back in 1972, Martyn Busby broke his leg playing at Fulham.)
QPR Official Site - WALTON INJURY UPDATE
Rangers are awaiting the results of an X-ray, but it is suspected new signing Simon Walton sustained a broken leg against Fulham tonight (Friday).
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, gaffer John Gregory gave us the latest news from the R's treatment room.
"It appears he's broken his leg, but we're waiting on the X-rays and we should know more in the next 48 hours or so,'' said Gregory.
"I've just had a brief conversation with our Assistant Physio Shane Annun who's with him at the hospital and it looks like our worst suspicions will be confirmed.
"You wouldn't wish it on anybody, especially Simon, who has been a shining light since he arrived here.
"It takes the gloss off what was a great evening, but knowing Simon as I do, I'm convinced he'll come back bigger, better and stronger.'' QPR
TEAM NEWS
QPR: Camp, Rehman, Mancienne, Stewart, Barker, Rowlands, Bolder, Walton, Moore, Blackstock, Sahar.
Subs: Cole, Bignot, Nardiello, Simmonds, Shimmin, Nygaard, St Aimie, Baidoo, Bailey, Timoska.
Fulham: Niemi, Baird, Konchesky, Bocanegra, Knight, Davis, Smertin, Healy, McBride, Dempsey, Cook.
Subs: Warner, Elliott, Diop, John, Rosenior, Volz, Pearce, Christanval. QPR
FULHAM OFFICIAL SITE
QPR V Fulham QPR QPR2 Sahar (58, 68)
Fulham FC Fulham1 McBride (10)
Fulham were defeated by two goals to one at Loftus Road on Friday evening.
Two clinical finishes by Ben Sahar in the second half punished the Whites in their final pre-season friendly ahead of next Sunday's Premiership opener at the Emirates.
Brian McBride was handed the captaincy for the game against QPR and it was the American’s instinctive finish which gave Fulham a one-nil lead going into the break.
The home side made a promising start with Ben Sahar looking dangerous in the opening exchanges. Rangers earned two corners in the opening two minutes and produced the first clear cut opportunity of the game.
Former Fulham player Zesh Rehman produced a fine delivery into the area from deep. Dexter Blackstock latched onto the cross 8 yards from goal and sent the ball seering towards the far post. Fortunately for Fulham Niemi was alert and produced a fine fingertip save round the post.
Despite early pressure from the home side it was Fulham who scored the opener after ten minutes of play. Davis, Smertin and Dempsey linked up well in midfield before the ball found Baird on the right flank. Baird sent in a deep cross to the far post which found Healy. The striker’s header across goal was met by McBride who swept the ball home from 8 yards to give Fulham the lead.
The game was brought to a halt on 16 minutes when Simon Walton fell awkwardly following a challenge inside Fulham’s half. Unfortunately the player was stretchered from the field of play and replaced by Stefan Bailey.
Fulham’s central defence remained solid throughout the first period with Zat Knight producing several good interceptions and a fine piece of skill under pressure on 26 minutes.
Zesh Rehman was booked for a late challenge on Lee Cook after 27 minutes. The game did not lack any competitve edge with some full-blooded challenges from both sides during the first period.
Bocanegra delivered the resulting free-kick from deep and despite McBride winning his aerial battle against keeper Camp, the referee blew for an infringement.
Striker Healy was given his first chance on goal from 25 yards on 29 minutes. The striker controlled the ball before firing in a thunderous volley - once again Camp was alert to the danger and gathered with ease from a good central position. Healy was in the wars during the first period with some no-nonsense marking from QPR’s back-line.
However Healy persevered and on 35 minutes his efforts almost doubled Fulham’s lead. The striker raced after a lost cause in QPR’s area and won possession against the odds before teeing up McBride, unmarked in the middle of the area. McBride controlled the ball but failed to gain the pace and direction to beat Camp.
McBride’s goal earned Fulham a on-nil lead going in the second half it was QPR striker Ben Sahar was to turn the tide in the second period with some fine finishing.
QPR1Lawrie Sanchez made one change for the second half, replacing Lee Cook with Moritz Volz. Bocanegra shifted to left back with Konchesky moving forward to left midfield.
Rangers once again made a bright start but failed to find a cutting edge in the final third. On 51 minutes Rangers produced two opportunities to bring the game level. A delivery to the far post swept across goal and evaded Rangers front line. Sahar collected on the far post and fired the ball over the bar from close range.
Two minutes later Brian McBride was sent through on goal following a defensive error by Rangers. 12 yards from goal on the left of the area McBride fired his shot straight at Camp who saved with ease.
On 58 minutes QPR drew level. As the ball was played along the Whites back line Sahar dispossessed Zat Knight on the edge of the area. The striker raced into the area before smashing the ball past Niemi and into the roof of the net.
Five minutes later Sanchez made four changes to the spine of his side. In goal Tony Warner replaced Niemi. Ian Pearce came on for Zat Knight, Bouba Diop replaced Davis in midfield and Collins John came on for Healy.
The home side increased their lead on 68 minutes with another fine finish from Ben Sahar. After winning the ball in the area the striker showed good composure in front of goal and side footed the ball past Niemi into the far corner of the net. Sahar was replaced by Adam Bolder shortly after grabbing his brace.
Sanchez made one further change to his eleven 15 minutes before time with Liam Rosenior replacing Clint Dempsey on the right hand side of midfield.
Collins John almost brought the game level following Paul Konchesky’s surging run down the left. A sweet delivery into the area found John but his downward header from 12 yards was well covered by Camp in goal.
On 81 minutes Rosenior burst down the right flank and produced a cross to the near post. McBride raced in and clipped the ball under Camp. The bounce took the ball flying over the bar and McBride was unfortunate not to add to his first half strike.
On 87 minutes Diop was bundled over 25 yards from goal in a central position. Konchesky sent in a left footed strike into the wall and as full-time approached Fulham’s chances were few and far between.
QPR held on in the final exchanges to earn a 2-1 victory over Fulham. The Whites will now begin their preparations for next Sunday’s Premiership opener against Arsenal.
Fulham Team
Antti Niemi, Chris Baird, Paul Konchesky, Carlos Bocanegra, Zat Knight, Steven Davis, Alexey Smertin, David Healy, Brian McBride, Lee Cook
Substitutes: Tony Warner, Elliot Omozusi, Papa Bouba Diop, Collins John, Liam Rosenior, Moritz Volz, Ian Pearce, Philippe Christanval
QPR Team
Lee Camp, Chris Barker, Zesh Rehman, Damion Stewart, Michael Mancienne, Adam Bolder, Dexter Blackstock, Martin Rowlands, Ben Sahar, Stefan Moore, Simon Walton
Substitutes: Jake Cole (gk), Marcus Bignot, Daniel Nardiello, James Simmonds, Dominic Shimmin, Marc Nygaard, Kieron Minto-St Aimie, Shabazz Baidoo, Stefan Bailey, Sampsa Timoska Fulham
Updated Aug 4: 10:45am:
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - DON'T GET CARRIED AWAY!
John Gregory has asked QPR fans not to expect too much, too soon from his side, despite Friday's impressive victory against Fulham.
A Ben Sahar doubled cancelled out Brian McBride's opener, as the R's came from behind to beat Lawrie Sanchez's men at Loftus Road.
"It's a great boost for us to beat a Premiership side a week before the start of the season, but the real stuff begins next Saturday,'' Gregory told www.qpr.co.uk.
"We'll probably be expected to win the Championship after this result - maybe by 20 points or so, or I'll be sacked at the end of the season!
"In all seriousness, the fans still need to be patient with us. There's a lot more to come from this group of players yet and one victory over Fulham, although very nice, isn't the making of this side.''
Gregory heaped praise on the R's players though, commenting: "The energy we showed was quite remarkable.
"Fulham have spent £25 million or so over the summer and we matched them in every department.
"We were very good value for the victory and I don't think the fans at Loftus Road or those watching on TV, could have any complaints with the final scoreline.''
Gregory added: "As I've always said with friendly matches, the outcome is immaterial. There were plenty of good points, but also some not so good.
"The goal we conceded was an absolute shocker from a defensive point of view and that's something we'll be sitting down and chatting about in the next few days.
"Having said, wasn't it great to beat them. It was a really good night.'' QPR
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/TheGaffer/0,,10373~1084779,00.html
BBC - QPR await X-rays on Walton injury
Queens Park Rangers are waiting for the results of X-rays after new signing Simon Walton suffered a suspected broken leg on Friday evening.
The midfielder, 19, joined QPR from Charlton last week, but was injured in their friendly against Fulham.
"It appears he's broken his leg, but we should know more in the next 48 hours or so," Rangers manager John Gregory told his club's website.
"It looks like our worst suspicions will be confirmed." BBC
Simon Skinner/QPR Net Match Report - Match Report
Clive Whittingham/QPR Rivals Match Report
QPR defeated Fulham 2-1 tonight, with two goals from Sahar, but the big news is that Simon Walton suffered a probable broken leg.
(Walton's injuries conjures up memories of a couple of past terrible injuries playing against Fulham: Clarke Carlisle and Richard Langley both suffered cruciate injuries in the same game against Fulham and back in 1972, Martyn Busby broke his leg playing at Fulham.)
QPR Official Site - WALTON INJURY UPDATE
Rangers are awaiting the results of an X-ray, but it is suspected new signing Simon Walton sustained a broken leg against Fulham tonight (Friday).
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, gaffer John Gregory gave us the latest news from the R's treatment room.
"It appears he's broken his leg, but we're waiting on the X-rays and we should know more in the next 48 hours or so,'' said Gregory.
"I've just had a brief conversation with our Assistant Physio Shane Annun who's with him at the hospital and it looks like our worst suspicions will be confirmed.
"You wouldn't wish it on anybody, especially Simon, who has been a shining light since he arrived here.
"It takes the gloss off what was a great evening, but knowing Simon as I do, I'm convinced he'll come back bigger, better and stronger.'' QPR
TEAM NEWS
QPR: Camp, Rehman, Mancienne, Stewart, Barker, Rowlands, Bolder, Walton, Moore, Blackstock, Sahar.
Subs: Cole, Bignot, Nardiello, Simmonds, Shimmin, Nygaard, St Aimie, Baidoo, Bailey, Timoska.
Fulham: Niemi, Baird, Konchesky, Bocanegra, Knight, Davis, Smertin, Healy, McBride, Dempsey, Cook.
Subs: Warner, Elliott, Diop, John, Rosenior, Volz, Pearce, Christanval. QPR
FULHAM OFFICIAL SITE
QPR V Fulham QPR QPR2 Sahar (58, 68)
Fulham FC Fulham1 McBride (10)
Fulham were defeated by two goals to one at Loftus Road on Friday evening.
Two clinical finishes by Ben Sahar in the second half punished the Whites in their final pre-season friendly ahead of next Sunday's Premiership opener at the Emirates.
Brian McBride was handed the captaincy for the game against QPR and it was the American’s instinctive finish which gave Fulham a one-nil lead going into the break.
The home side made a promising start with Ben Sahar looking dangerous in the opening exchanges. Rangers earned two corners in the opening two minutes and produced the first clear cut opportunity of the game.
Former Fulham player Zesh Rehman produced a fine delivery into the area from deep. Dexter Blackstock latched onto the cross 8 yards from goal and sent the ball seering towards the far post. Fortunately for Fulham Niemi was alert and produced a fine fingertip save round the post.
Despite early pressure from the home side it was Fulham who scored the opener after ten minutes of play. Davis, Smertin and Dempsey linked up well in midfield before the ball found Baird on the right flank. Baird sent in a deep cross to the far post which found Healy. The striker’s header across goal was met by McBride who swept the ball home from 8 yards to give Fulham the lead.
The game was brought to a halt on 16 minutes when Simon Walton fell awkwardly following a challenge inside Fulham’s half. Unfortunately the player was stretchered from the field of play and replaced by Stefan Bailey.
Fulham’s central defence remained solid throughout the first period with Zat Knight producing several good interceptions and a fine piece of skill under pressure on 26 minutes.
Zesh Rehman was booked for a late challenge on Lee Cook after 27 minutes. The game did not lack any competitve edge with some full-blooded challenges from both sides during the first period.
Bocanegra delivered the resulting free-kick from deep and despite McBride winning his aerial battle against keeper Camp, the referee blew for an infringement.
Striker Healy was given his first chance on goal from 25 yards on 29 minutes. The striker controlled the ball before firing in a thunderous volley - once again Camp was alert to the danger and gathered with ease from a good central position. Healy was in the wars during the first period with some no-nonsense marking from QPR’s back-line.
However Healy persevered and on 35 minutes his efforts almost doubled Fulham’s lead. The striker raced after a lost cause in QPR’s area and won possession against the odds before teeing up McBride, unmarked in the middle of the area. McBride controlled the ball but failed to gain the pace and direction to beat Camp.
McBride’s goal earned Fulham a on-nil lead going in the second half it was QPR striker Ben Sahar was to turn the tide in the second period with some fine finishing.
QPR1Lawrie Sanchez made one change for the second half, replacing Lee Cook with Moritz Volz. Bocanegra shifted to left back with Konchesky moving forward to left midfield.
Rangers once again made a bright start but failed to find a cutting edge in the final third. On 51 minutes Rangers produced two opportunities to bring the game level. A delivery to the far post swept across goal and evaded Rangers front line. Sahar collected on the far post and fired the ball over the bar from close range.
Two minutes later Brian McBride was sent through on goal following a defensive error by Rangers. 12 yards from goal on the left of the area McBride fired his shot straight at Camp who saved with ease.
On 58 minutes QPR drew level. As the ball was played along the Whites back line Sahar dispossessed Zat Knight on the edge of the area. The striker raced into the area before smashing the ball past Niemi and into the roof of the net.
Five minutes later Sanchez made four changes to the spine of his side. In goal Tony Warner replaced Niemi. Ian Pearce came on for Zat Knight, Bouba Diop replaced Davis in midfield and Collins John came on for Healy.
The home side increased their lead on 68 minutes with another fine finish from Ben Sahar. After winning the ball in the area the striker showed good composure in front of goal and side footed the ball past Niemi into the far corner of the net. Sahar was replaced by Adam Bolder shortly after grabbing his brace.
Sanchez made one further change to his eleven 15 minutes before time with Liam Rosenior replacing Clint Dempsey on the right hand side of midfield.
Collins John almost brought the game level following Paul Konchesky’s surging run down the left. A sweet delivery into the area found John but his downward header from 12 yards was well covered by Camp in goal.
On 81 minutes Rosenior burst down the right flank and produced a cross to the near post. McBride raced in and clipped the ball under Camp. The bounce took the ball flying over the bar and McBride was unfortunate not to add to his first half strike.
On 87 minutes Diop was bundled over 25 yards from goal in a central position. Konchesky sent in a left footed strike into the wall and as full-time approached Fulham’s chances were few and far between.
QPR held on in the final exchanges to earn a 2-1 victory over Fulham. The Whites will now begin their preparations for next Sunday’s Premiership opener against Arsenal.
Fulham Team
Antti Niemi, Chris Baird, Paul Konchesky, Carlos Bocanegra, Zat Knight, Steven Davis, Alexey Smertin, David Healy, Brian McBride, Lee Cook
Substitutes: Tony Warner, Elliot Omozusi, Papa Bouba Diop, Collins John, Liam Rosenior, Moritz Volz, Ian Pearce, Philippe Christanval
QPR Team
Lee Camp, Chris Barker, Zesh Rehman, Damion Stewart, Michael Mancienne, Adam Bolder, Dexter Blackstock, Martin Rowlands, Ben Sahar, Stefan Moore, Simon Walton
Substitutes: Jake Cole (gk), Marcus Bignot, Daniel Nardiello, James Simmonds, Dominic Shimmin, Marc Nygaard, Kieron Minto-St Aimie, Shabazz Baidoo, Stefan Bailey, Sampsa Timoska Fulham
QPR Official Statement: NO Embargo
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QPR Official Statement - NO EMBARGO
QPR would like to assure its fans that there is no embargo on the registration of the Club's new signings.
The Club have satisfied the Football League with regard to the Blitz loan.
All of John Gregory's new signings will be able to play for the Club against Bristol City on the opening day of the new Championship campaign.
"I was very disappointed with the nature of some of the articles that appeared in the press today,'' Chairman Gianni Paladini told www.qpr.co.uk.
"However, I would like to take this opportunity to reassure our fans that everything is in order ahead of the new season.'' QPR
QPR Official Statement - NO EMBARGO
QPR would like to assure its fans that there is no embargo on the registration of the Club's new signings.
The Club have satisfied the Football League with regard to the Blitz loan.
All of John Gregory's new signings will be able to play for the Club against Bristol City on the opening day of the new Championship campaign.
"I was very disappointed with the nature of some of the articles that appeared in the press today,'' Chairman Gianni Paladini told www.qpr.co.uk.
"However, I would like to take this opportunity to reassure our fans that everything is in order ahead of the new season.'' QPR
QPR's "Transfer Embargo" - What's Previously Been Reported/Explained/Denied
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Updated: QPR posted a statement on its official site today, saying there was no embargo. See QPR statement (or below)
Today's Daily Mail quoted the Football League Chairman saying there was a transfer embargo on QPR until they had paid back their loan to Oldham Chairman Simon Blitz.
The mail reported League Chairman, "[Lord] Mawhinney confirmed that none of the quartet will be eligible for Championship matches until the loan is repaid.
QPR's first game is at Bristol City a week tomorrow. Mawhinney said: "There is a financial issue relating to QPR which needs to be resolved. Therefore, we have said that restrictions will be applied to the club's transactions.
"As soon as the financial issue has been resolved it will be back to normal. I understand promises have been made. I assume it will be resolved very soon but we've been waiting for quite a long time."
Paladini has insisted Blitz's money will be repaid this week...." Daily Mail
PREVIOUSLY SAID AND REPORTED
AUGUST 3 - QPR Official Site - NO EMBARGO
QPR would like to assure its fans that there is no embargo on the registration of the Club's new signings.
The Club have satisfied the Football League with regard to the Blitz loan.
All of John Gregory's new signings will be able to play for the Club against Bristol City on the opening day of the new Championship campaign.
"I was very disappointed with the nature of some of the articles that appeared in the press today,'' Chairman Gianni Paladini told www.qpr.co.uk.
"However, I would like to take this opportunity to reassure our fans that everything is in order ahead of the new season.'' QPR
July 31: Daily Mail - QPR's new stars may sit it out
New signings Simon Walton and Lee Camp may be banned from starting the season with QPR.
The Football League are refusing to allow Rangers to register new players until they repay a £500,000 loan from Oldham chairman Simon Blitz - there is understood to be £300,000 left.
Rangers announced the signings of Walton from Charlton for £200,000 and Camp from Derby for £300,000 last week.
But the transfers are yet to be ratified by the League who will block any move to play them in the Championship. Daily Mail
July 30 - On BBC Radio London, QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini reportedly said (according to QPR Rivals' Clive Whittingham's report of the programme: "...The embargo was put on us before we started to pay money back to Blitz - now we're paying it back the embargo has been lifted..." (From Rivals' Clive Whittingham's report)
July 28 The Sunday Mirror and the News of the World both reported on a transfer embargo.
Sunday Mirror: "Rangers have been hit by Football League sanctions.... League bosses have withheld central funds from the club and placed a transfer embargo on Rangers, who have announced several recent deals.
Rangers must re-pay the entire £500,000 loan they received from Oldham Athletic which breached League regulations. Paladini insists the outstanding £300,000 from this loan will be repaid this week. Sunday Mirror
July OLDHAM CHRONICLE - League probes Rangers loan
MICHAEL YARWOOD
FOOTBALL League officials are set to probe Simon Blitz’s £500,000 loan to Queens Park Rangers.
The Boundary Park chairman lent the money from his own account, insisting it was a personal transaction with no connection to Athletic, but the league will discuss a possible conflict of interests.
It seems unlikely that either Athletic or QPR will receive a heavy punishment, even though football investors are not supposed to get involved with more than one club.
Mr Blitz declined to make any comment today, but the expected outcome from the league’s monthly meeting was a slap on the wrist.
The New York-based tycoon offered his loan towards the end of last season as Championship side QPR were going through serious cash-flow problems.
They had to debts to pay, and Mr Blitz helped them out as he had some “extra funds” in his account.
He stressed it was a business deal which did not go through Athletic’s books and on which QPR were charged interest, leaving him with a personal profit.
Everything was registered through the correct channels, with the loan secured against QPR’s star player, Lee Cook.
League officials have opted to discuss the matter, but all parties have taken steps to resolve the issue quickly and avoid any damaging penalties.
Contrary to reports last week, a cheque sent to Mr Blitz by QPR did not bounce – part of the £500,000 has been repaid, with the rest to come within days.
Rangers fans were alarmed about losing 24-year-old winger Cook if the Loftus Road board, who accepted the loan over two months ago, were unable to come up with the necessary payments.
Ironically, Cook is now poised to leave QPR in an expensive transfer to Fulham.
Athletic were not asked to send a representative to the Football League’s meeting, while a spokesman for QPR said: “The arrangements the club has already put in place remain acceptable. No charges have been brought.”
THE Football League will today also decide whether Leeds will be allowed to start life in Coca–Cola League One next month.
Months of uncertainty over the Elland Road club's future were seemingly ended yesterday when administrators KPMG announced Ken Bates' consortium had bought back the club for an undisclosed sum.
But KPMG's decision to sell the club outside of a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) could have grave consequences for Leeds' future in League One. Oldham Chronicle
July 12 - Daily Mail - QPR face League probe over loan
QPR could be in trouble with the authorities after today's meeting of the Football League board.
The club face the possibility of sanction over a £500,000 loan from Oldham chairman Simon Blitz.
The deal may be considered a breach of Football League regulation 80 which forbids individuals linked with one club lending money to another without permission.
Cook's potential transfer is at the centre of the investigation
Details of the loan, which Blitz claims was secured against the future sale of Rangers winger Lee Cook, emerged in April and prompted a League investigation.
Rangers promised to pay back the cash but the League have yet to see evidence the repayment has taken place.
The matter is on the agenda at today's meeting of the league's executive board who may refer it to an independent Football Disciplinary Commission. If found guilty, both clubs could be fined or deducted points.
Blitz said the loan was a private business deal and had no connection to his Oldham role.
Rangers director Nick De Marco said: “The club have been assured by authorities that the arrangements we have put in place to resolve this remain acceptable.”
Daily Mail
JULY 8 Sunday Mirror/Paul Smith "QPR FACE DROP OVER LOAN DEAL"
QUEENS Park Rangers face being relegated from the Championship or handicapped with a severe points deduction when the Football League board meet on Thursday.
The League is furious that QPR seriously breached their rules by entering into an illegal loan agreement with League One Oldham.
They borrowed £500,000 against the future sale of 24-year-old winger Lee Cook. The Football League has ordered QPR to repay the money.
But QPR's financial crisis has deepened leaving them in a perilous position after the original cheque they issued to - repay Oldham bounced.
However, QPR chairman Gianni Paladini insisted last night: "We paid the cheque to Oldham on Friday. I can tell you now that everything is satisfactory."
A Football League source said: "We have unlimited powers to take an acceptable course of action in the case of QPR." Sunday Mirror
July 9, RESPONSE On LSA FAN BOARD BY QPR DIRECTOR/LEGAL COUNCIL, Nick De Marco, Responding in his personal capacity
Query and Response
NICK DE MARCO RESPONSE
"...I will do my best to answer, in a personal capacity and to my best ability, the questions you have raised....
Taking your questions in the order you raised them:
I know that in a previous email on this you said there would be no further ramifications to QPRFC, do you and the rest of the board still feel this to be the case?
Yes. Indeed it is my understanding the story in the press is not reliable. I understand the Club has been assured today by the relevant authorities that the arrangements the Club has already put in place to resolve this issue remain acceptable. No charges have been brought against QPR. QPR have not been invited to attend any meeting or make representations to any meeting dealing with this matter in the next week, or beyond that. No disciplinary charge has been laid against QPR. No suggestion has been made by the relevant authorities of any sanction involving the deduction of points being considered.
The journalist’s story was incorrect on a number of other counts, the most significant of which I understand are as follows:
(i) The alleged loan reported was not made by Oldham FC and
(ii) No cheque bounced.
I do not know who is purported to have told the journalist that “"We have unlimited powers to take an acceptable course of action in the case of QPR." However the statement is pretty non committal. If you consider it in full it amounts to saying, “we can do whatever is appropriate”. That if course is true. If a journalist telephoned an officer of the FL and asked for a comment, I would not be surprised if such a non-committed comment was made. I don’t think too much needs to be read into it seeing as the Club has, I understand, been assured that the resolution it has put in place is acceptable.
It would seem to the average lay man that with several law people on the board, something of this nature should never have occurred, without wishing to sound rude, what checks were carried out as to the legality of this loan?
I was not involved in the negotiation of this matter nor was I involved in any initial review of it. I understand that the initial discussions concerned a proposal by Mr Blitz to assist in re-financing the ABC loan, and the money advanced was done so as a deposit or down payment in respect of those discussions. I understand those involved at QPR relied on the assurances of the lawyers representing Mr Blitz that the arrangement had been cleared with the football authorities and was not in breach of the rules. It remains a matter of debate as to whether any material rule was breached, but given the concerns raised, and our own review of the rules, it was agreed that it would be better to pay the money back and not pursue further the discussions about the re-financing of the loan rather than risk any breach.
With speculation that there is a chance QPRFC could face relegation or start the new season with points deducted, why has there been no official word on this from the Club, I would have thought it of uppermost important to put the supporters minds at rest on this? Can we expect an official statement?
The only speculation about a points deduction and relegation that has been made is in one small article of one newspaper. The article has a number of flaws and we do not believe there is any basis for that speculation. If the Club responded to every piece of speculation about it reported in the press it would probably only further fuel such speculation, would do little to quell it amongst those who wish to speculate, and would take up a disproportionate amount of time. I have, however, attempted to provide you with answers to the questions you have sent me on behalf of the LSA, and I hope that is a proportionate response to the issues raised.
Kind regards Nick De Marco
JULY 10 Kilburn Times/Ben Kosky - League may probe Blitz loan
QPR are confident they will face no action when the Football League meets tomorrow to discuss their controversial loan from Simon Blitz.
Rangers are in the process of repaying the £500,000 they received from Blitz, the Oldham Athletic chairman, as part of his proposed investment in the club earlier this summer.
A national newspaper report claimed last weekend that the Rs could be deducted points or even relegated if the League's board decides that a breach of their rules took place.
QPR have strongly denied that, as the newspaper claimed, their cheque to Blitz 'bounced' - and have also stressed that their dealings have always been with Blitz as an individual, never with Oldham.
A Loftus Road insider told the Times: "We were surprised by the story. We haven't been asked to attend the Football League meeting or told there is anything we need to reply to.
"The loan will be repaid in full. The club has contacted both the FA and Football League and they have confirmed they are not taking any action."
Football League spokesman Jon Nagle stated: "To our knowledge, at this point in time, the monies have not been paid. The matter will be discussed by the League board at their monthly meeting on Thursday."
Rangers accepted Blitz's money as part of their attempts to refinance the crippling ABC loan, but agreed to return it after learning that the FA had not authorised the arrangement...
. Kilburn Times
EARLY MAY PIECES RE LOAN POSTED AT QPR REPORT
QPR Statement re Blitz Loan, ABC Refinancing and Returning Loan
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QPR OFFICIAL SITE - CLUB STATEMENT
The Board have today (Sunday) issued the following statement with regards to on-going speculation in the national press.
Queens Park Rangers FC have been involved in discussions with Simon Blitz about possibilities of re-financing the ABC loan at a better interest rate for QPR.
As part of those negotiations, and by way of a down-payment to demonstrate his interest in assisting with this in the future, Mr Blitz agreed to loan QPR £500,000.
It was agreed that the loan was not in violation of the Football Association or Football League rules.
Mr Blitz, as the lending party, assured QPR that he was satisfied, having received his own legal advice, that the loan did not violate any football rules.
The loan, and the security for the loan was not hidden and was made public by the registration of the security at Companies House.
Contrary to press reports, the loan was not made to help QPR with its payroll, but was made in the context of the ABC re-financing discussions.
Having taken further advice, and having discovered that Simon Blitz did not have the prior written authorisation of the F.A. to make this loan, QPR has agreed to pay the loan back forthwith.
QPR would like to assure its supporters that it has no intention of selling Lee Cook, and the fact that the proceeds of any future sale was offered as a security does not suggest this.
Mr Blitz had no say in any potential sale of Lee Cook, and now it is agreed to repay the loan he will not have a security over him.
QPR will continue to work hard to try and re-finance the ABC loan in the near future.
The contents of this statement have been shown to Simon Blitz and agreed by him. It will also been sent to the Football Association.QPR
"Oldham Chairman Simon Blitz Explains £500,000 Loan to QPR"
FROM LAST WEEK re LEAGUE/OLDHAM-QPR INVESTIGATION
Friday's Standard QPR probe spells chaos for League
RAOUL SIMONS Sports News Editor
THE climax of the Championship season was thrown into chaos today by the Football League’s decision to probe Queens Park Rangers.
The club are under investigation after taking out a £500,000 loan from Oldham Athletic chairman Simon Blitz.
If found guilty of breaking League rules, Rangers could be deducted points — opening up the sensational possibility of rivals Leeds United escaping relegation.
Nineteenth-placed Rangers are six points ahead of Leeds — who are third bottom — but results on Sunday when QPR face Stoke and Leeds meet Derby could see that gap close to three.
The outcome of the League investigation is not expected soon, which means the arguments over the final make-up of the table could extend long into the close-season.
In a further twist, Leeds are understood to be close to going into administration which, if announced before the end of the season, could render the QPR issue academic.
The Yorkshire club would automatically be deducted 10 points as punishment for financial mismanagement.
The League have announced they are investigating the bizarre arrangement between Rangers and Blitz, which involves the loan being secured against the future sale of star winger Lee Cook.
Asked if the probe could theoretically lead to a points deduction, a League spokesman today refused to comment.
Blitz is understood to be a friend of Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini and was asked to provide funds to help the club cover wages while they overcame cashf low problems.
Paladini said: “I arranged something in the best interests of the club. I am not telling lies when I say we have no intention of selling Lee Cook — that is unless we get an offer we just cannot refuse.”
Blitz said: “I was talking to the QPR chairman and he asked me for a short-term loan because they had problems covering the payroll. Usually the collateral is something like a house but QPR couldn’t use their land to guarantee the loan so I agreed they could use a player.”
May 3, 2007 BBC -League to probe Oldham-QPR link
The Football League has launched an investigation into a £500,000 personal loan made by Oldham chairman Simon Blitz to Championship side QPR.
A League spokesman said: "An issue, relating to Oldham and Queens Park Rangers, was brought to our attention."
The loan, which was registered with Companies House on 18 April, has been confirmed by Blitz.
However, neither QPR chairman Gianni Paladini nor the Football Association would comment on the matter.
Blitz told the Oldham Chronicle: "This is a business deal on a personal level which has no bearing whatsoever on Latics."
QPR's supporters' trust co-ordinator Tracy Stent added: "We are interested in finding out more about this, and we will be trying to do so (after Sunday's game against Stoke)." BBC
May 3, 2007 Sporting Life -LEAGUE PROBE LOAN TO QPR
By Tom Collomosse, PA Sport
The Football League has launched an investigation into a £500,000 personal loan made by Oldham chairman Simon Blitz to Coca-Cola Championship outfit QPR.
The loan, registered with Companies House on April 18, is believed to be secured against the potential sale of Rangers' star player Lee Cook and has been confirmed by Blitz, although Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini did not want to comment when approached.
A Football League spokesman said: "An issue, relating to Oldham Athletic and Queen's Park Rangers, was brought to our attention. This is now being investigated."
The League did not reveal possible punishments for Rangers or Oldham should they be deemed to be guilty of wrongdoing, while the Football Association would not comment on the matter.
Members of the Rangers Supporters' Trust are to meet Paladini on Sunday, when Rangers play their final Championship match of the season against Stoke, to discuss the matter.
Blitz said the loan would have no negative impact on Oldham's finances, and told the Oldham Chronicle this week: "This is a business deal on a personal level which has no bearing whatsoever on Latics."
Rangers' Supporters Trust Co-ordinator Tracy Stent added: "We are interested in finding out more about this, and we will be trying to do so [after Sunday's game against Stoke]." Sporting Life
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Oldham Chairman Simon Blitz Explains £500,000 Loan to QPR
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Update:
SPORTING LIFE - RANGERS FANS QUESTION LATICS LOAN
The QPR Supporters Trust is to meet chairman Gianni Paladini to discuss a £500,000 personal loan to Rangers from Oldham supremo Simon Blitz.
The loan, believed to be secured against the potential sale of Rangers winger Lee Cook, has been confirmed by Latics chairman Blitz although Paladini did not want to comment when approached.
The loan was registered with Companies House on April 18 and Blitz insists it will have no negative impact on Oldham's finances.
"We are interested in finding out more about this, and we will be trying to do so [after Sunday's game against Stoke]," said Tracy Stent, the Rangers Supporters' Trust Co-ordinator.
Blitz told the Oldham Chronicle: "It is something I do. People borrow money from me and they pay it back with interest. Business is business.
"People can say whatever they like but this is a business deal on a personal level which has no bearing whatsoever on Latics." Sporting Life
QPR 1st Statement - New loan for QPR Holdings Ltd
May 2, 2007
Following the file updated at Companies House on Monday concerning a £500,000 loan to QPR Holdings Ltd, QPR 1st Chair, Tracy Stent, yesterday morning spoke to club director, Kevin Steele.
Kevin informed her that that whilst confidentiality clauses had been signed between the various parties involved with this loan, it is a short term one; it's basically a floating charge; that he is confident it will mean good news for the longer term of the club; and that there are other discussions ongoing in relation to the ABC loan. He also informed that because of the nature and sensitivity involved in such discussions, the Board and/or those involved are unable to update regarding this at the current moment in time, but would do so when there is any news to report on.
QPR 1st will update with any further news on this as and when we receive it. QPR1st
Oldham Evening Chronicle Blitz defends loan to QPR
by MICHAEL YARWOOD
ATHLETIC chairman Simon Blitz has made a personal loan of £500,000 to Queens Park Rangers.
Mr Blitz was approached by QPR chief Gianni Paladini as the London club were going through cash-flow difficulties, and he agreed to lend them the money to help cover wages.
The New York-based tycoon, whose main interest is a telecommunications company, said it was entirely a personal business transaction which had “no bearing whatsoever” on Athletic.
Questions have been raised by Athletic supporters, but the funds, secured against the transfer of QPR player Lee Cook, did not go through Boundary Park accounts.
Mr Blitz said: “I was talking to the QPR chairman and he asked me for a short-term loan because they had problems covering the payroll.
“I told him ‘Actually, I can help you out’ because I had some extra funds in my personal account.
“I do this sort of thing – agreeing to a loan, getting the money back quite quickly and making profit from the interest.
“It’s something I do. People borrow money from me and they pay it back with interest. Business is business.
“Usually the collateral is something like a house, but QPR couldn’t use their land to guarantee the loan so I agreed they could use a player.
“There’s no conflict with my position at Oldham Athletic because I haven’t invested in another club, just lent them some personal funds for a few weeks.
“People can say whatever they like, but this is a business deal on a personal level which has no bearing whatsoever on Latics.
“I haven’t contravened any rules and I registered it all with Companies House – it’s a way of making money and, in the long term, that can only benefit the club.”
Mr Blitz has several business interests in America and Britain and co-owns Athletic with Simon Corney and Danny Gazal.
He expects to be paid back when QPR, who have had long-term financial problems, receive money from the sale of season tickets. Oldham Evening Chronicle
Julia/Boardroom Blues reporting "[Lee] Cook Used As Loan Security"- That QPR Holdings Ltd has borrowed £500,000 from Oldham Chairman/Co-owner Simon Blitz secured against the future sale of Lee Cook. Report
May 1, 2007 - Boardroom Blues Site "[Lee] Cook Used As Loan Security"
May 2, 2007 - Oldham Chairman Simon Blitz Explains £500,000 Loan to QPR
May 6, 2007 - QPR Statement re Blitz Loan, ABC Refinancing and Returning Loan
May 8, 2007 QPR & Simon Blitz & Future Investment
May 8, 2007 - QPR's Return of Money to Oldham's Simon Blitz Noted
[See Timeline re QPR's Simon Blitz Loan, Reported Repayment, Transfer Embargo? - Official Responses - Claims, Statements, Responses
Updated: QPR posted a statement on its official site today, saying there was no embargo. See QPR statement (or below)
Today's Daily Mail quoted the Football League Chairman saying there was a transfer embargo on QPR until they had paid back their loan to Oldham Chairman Simon Blitz.
The mail reported League Chairman, "[Lord] Mawhinney confirmed that none of the quartet will be eligible for Championship matches until the loan is repaid.
QPR's first game is at Bristol City a week tomorrow. Mawhinney said: "There is a financial issue relating to QPR which needs to be resolved. Therefore, we have said that restrictions will be applied to the club's transactions.
"As soon as the financial issue has been resolved it will be back to normal. I understand promises have been made. I assume it will be resolved very soon but we've been waiting for quite a long time."
Paladini has insisted Blitz's money will be repaid this week...." Daily Mail
PREVIOUSLY SAID AND REPORTED
AUGUST 3 - QPR Official Site - NO EMBARGO
QPR would like to assure its fans that there is no embargo on the registration of the Club's new signings.
The Club have satisfied the Football League with regard to the Blitz loan.
All of John Gregory's new signings will be able to play for the Club against Bristol City on the opening day of the new Championship campaign.
"I was very disappointed with the nature of some of the articles that appeared in the press today,'' Chairman Gianni Paladini told www.qpr.co.uk.
"However, I would like to take this opportunity to reassure our fans that everything is in order ahead of the new season.'' QPR
July 31: Daily Mail - QPR's new stars may sit it out
New signings Simon Walton and Lee Camp may be banned from starting the season with QPR.
The Football League are refusing to allow Rangers to register new players until they repay a £500,000 loan from Oldham chairman Simon Blitz - there is understood to be £300,000 left.
Rangers announced the signings of Walton from Charlton for £200,000 and Camp from Derby for £300,000 last week.
But the transfers are yet to be ratified by the League who will block any move to play them in the Championship. Daily Mail
July 30 - On BBC Radio London, QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini reportedly said (according to QPR Rivals' Clive Whittingham's report of the programme: "...The embargo was put on us before we started to pay money back to Blitz - now we're paying it back the embargo has been lifted..." (From Rivals' Clive Whittingham's report)
July 28 The Sunday Mirror and the News of the World both reported on a transfer embargo.
Sunday Mirror: "Rangers have been hit by Football League sanctions.... League bosses have withheld central funds from the club and placed a transfer embargo on Rangers, who have announced several recent deals.
Rangers must re-pay the entire £500,000 loan they received from Oldham Athletic which breached League regulations. Paladini insists the outstanding £300,000 from this loan will be repaid this week. Sunday Mirror
July OLDHAM CHRONICLE - League probes Rangers loan
MICHAEL YARWOOD
FOOTBALL League officials are set to probe Simon Blitz’s £500,000 loan to Queens Park Rangers.
The Boundary Park chairman lent the money from his own account, insisting it was a personal transaction with no connection to Athletic, but the league will discuss a possible conflict of interests.
It seems unlikely that either Athletic or QPR will receive a heavy punishment, even though football investors are not supposed to get involved with more than one club.
Mr Blitz declined to make any comment today, but the expected outcome from the league’s monthly meeting was a slap on the wrist.
The New York-based tycoon offered his loan towards the end of last season as Championship side QPR were going through serious cash-flow problems.
They had to debts to pay, and Mr Blitz helped them out as he had some “extra funds” in his account.
He stressed it was a business deal which did not go through Athletic’s books and on which QPR were charged interest, leaving him with a personal profit.
Everything was registered through the correct channels, with the loan secured against QPR’s star player, Lee Cook.
League officials have opted to discuss the matter, but all parties have taken steps to resolve the issue quickly and avoid any damaging penalties.
Contrary to reports last week, a cheque sent to Mr Blitz by QPR did not bounce – part of the £500,000 has been repaid, with the rest to come within days.
Rangers fans were alarmed about losing 24-year-old winger Cook if the Loftus Road board, who accepted the loan over two months ago, were unable to come up with the necessary payments.
Ironically, Cook is now poised to leave QPR in an expensive transfer to Fulham.
Athletic were not asked to send a representative to the Football League’s meeting, while a spokesman for QPR said: “The arrangements the club has already put in place remain acceptable. No charges have been brought.”
THE Football League will today also decide whether Leeds will be allowed to start life in Coca–Cola League One next month.
Months of uncertainty over the Elland Road club's future were seemingly ended yesterday when administrators KPMG announced Ken Bates' consortium had bought back the club for an undisclosed sum.
But KPMG's decision to sell the club outside of a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) could have grave consequences for Leeds' future in League One. Oldham Chronicle
July 12 - Daily Mail - QPR face League probe over loan
QPR could be in trouble with the authorities after today's meeting of the Football League board.
The club face the possibility of sanction over a £500,000 loan from Oldham chairman Simon Blitz.
The deal may be considered a breach of Football League regulation 80 which forbids individuals linked with one club lending money to another without permission.
Cook's potential transfer is at the centre of the investigation
Details of the loan, which Blitz claims was secured against the future sale of Rangers winger Lee Cook, emerged in April and prompted a League investigation.
Rangers promised to pay back the cash but the League have yet to see evidence the repayment has taken place.
The matter is on the agenda at today's meeting of the league's executive board who may refer it to an independent Football Disciplinary Commission. If found guilty, both clubs could be fined or deducted points.
Blitz said the loan was a private business deal and had no connection to his Oldham role.
Rangers director Nick De Marco said: “The club have been assured by authorities that the arrangements we have put in place to resolve this remain acceptable.”
Daily Mail
JULY 8 Sunday Mirror/Paul Smith "QPR FACE DROP OVER LOAN DEAL"
QUEENS Park Rangers face being relegated from the Championship or handicapped with a severe points deduction when the Football League board meet on Thursday.
The League is furious that QPR seriously breached their rules by entering into an illegal loan agreement with League One Oldham.
They borrowed £500,000 against the future sale of 24-year-old winger Lee Cook. The Football League has ordered QPR to repay the money.
But QPR's financial crisis has deepened leaving them in a perilous position after the original cheque they issued to - repay Oldham bounced.
However, QPR chairman Gianni Paladini insisted last night: "We paid the cheque to Oldham on Friday. I can tell you now that everything is satisfactory."
A Football League source said: "We have unlimited powers to take an acceptable course of action in the case of QPR." Sunday Mirror
July 9, RESPONSE On LSA FAN BOARD BY QPR DIRECTOR/LEGAL COUNCIL, Nick De Marco, Responding in his personal capacity
Query and Response
NICK DE MARCO RESPONSE
"...I will do my best to answer, in a personal capacity and to my best ability, the questions you have raised....
Taking your questions in the order you raised them:
I know that in a previous email on this you said there would be no further ramifications to QPRFC, do you and the rest of the board still feel this to be the case?
Yes. Indeed it is my understanding the story in the press is not reliable. I understand the Club has been assured today by the relevant authorities that the arrangements the Club has already put in place to resolve this issue remain acceptable. No charges have been brought against QPR. QPR have not been invited to attend any meeting or make representations to any meeting dealing with this matter in the next week, or beyond that. No disciplinary charge has been laid against QPR. No suggestion has been made by the relevant authorities of any sanction involving the deduction of points being considered.
The journalist’s story was incorrect on a number of other counts, the most significant of which I understand are as follows:
(i) The alleged loan reported was not made by Oldham FC and
(ii) No cheque bounced.
I do not know who is purported to have told the journalist that “"We have unlimited powers to take an acceptable course of action in the case of QPR." However the statement is pretty non committal. If you consider it in full it amounts to saying, “we can do whatever is appropriate”. That if course is true. If a journalist telephoned an officer of the FL and asked for a comment, I would not be surprised if such a non-committed comment was made. I don’t think too much needs to be read into it seeing as the Club has, I understand, been assured that the resolution it has put in place is acceptable.
It would seem to the average lay man that with several law people on the board, something of this nature should never have occurred, without wishing to sound rude, what checks were carried out as to the legality of this loan?
I was not involved in the negotiation of this matter nor was I involved in any initial review of it. I understand that the initial discussions concerned a proposal by Mr Blitz to assist in re-financing the ABC loan, and the money advanced was done so as a deposit or down payment in respect of those discussions. I understand those involved at QPR relied on the assurances of the lawyers representing Mr Blitz that the arrangement had been cleared with the football authorities and was not in breach of the rules. It remains a matter of debate as to whether any material rule was breached, but given the concerns raised, and our own review of the rules, it was agreed that it would be better to pay the money back and not pursue further the discussions about the re-financing of the loan rather than risk any breach.
With speculation that there is a chance QPRFC could face relegation or start the new season with points deducted, why has there been no official word on this from the Club, I would have thought it of uppermost important to put the supporters minds at rest on this? Can we expect an official statement?
The only speculation about a points deduction and relegation that has been made is in one small article of one newspaper. The article has a number of flaws and we do not believe there is any basis for that speculation. If the Club responded to every piece of speculation about it reported in the press it would probably only further fuel such speculation, would do little to quell it amongst those who wish to speculate, and would take up a disproportionate amount of time. I have, however, attempted to provide you with answers to the questions you have sent me on behalf of the LSA, and I hope that is a proportionate response to the issues raised.
Kind regards Nick De Marco
JULY 10 Kilburn Times/Ben Kosky - League may probe Blitz loan
QPR are confident they will face no action when the Football League meets tomorrow to discuss their controversial loan from Simon Blitz.
Rangers are in the process of repaying the £500,000 they received from Blitz, the Oldham Athletic chairman, as part of his proposed investment in the club earlier this summer.
A national newspaper report claimed last weekend that the Rs could be deducted points or even relegated if the League's board decides that a breach of their rules took place.
QPR have strongly denied that, as the newspaper claimed, their cheque to Blitz 'bounced' - and have also stressed that their dealings have always been with Blitz as an individual, never with Oldham.
A Loftus Road insider told the Times: "We were surprised by the story. We haven't been asked to attend the Football League meeting or told there is anything we need to reply to.
"The loan will be repaid in full. The club has contacted both the FA and Football League and they have confirmed they are not taking any action."
Football League spokesman Jon Nagle stated: "To our knowledge, at this point in time, the monies have not been paid. The matter will be discussed by the League board at their monthly meeting on Thursday."
Rangers accepted Blitz's money as part of their attempts to refinance the crippling ABC loan, but agreed to return it after learning that the FA had not authorised the arrangement...
. Kilburn Times
EARLY MAY PIECES RE LOAN POSTED AT QPR REPORT
QPR Statement re Blitz Loan, ABC Refinancing and Returning Loan
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QPR OFFICIAL SITE - CLUB STATEMENT
The Board have today (Sunday) issued the following statement with regards to on-going speculation in the national press.
Queens Park Rangers FC have been involved in discussions with Simon Blitz about possibilities of re-financing the ABC loan at a better interest rate for QPR.
As part of those negotiations, and by way of a down-payment to demonstrate his interest in assisting with this in the future, Mr Blitz agreed to loan QPR £500,000.
It was agreed that the loan was not in violation of the Football Association or Football League rules.
Mr Blitz, as the lending party, assured QPR that he was satisfied, having received his own legal advice, that the loan did not violate any football rules.
The loan, and the security for the loan was not hidden and was made public by the registration of the security at Companies House.
Contrary to press reports, the loan was not made to help QPR with its payroll, but was made in the context of the ABC re-financing discussions.
Having taken further advice, and having discovered that Simon Blitz did not have the prior written authorisation of the F.A. to make this loan, QPR has agreed to pay the loan back forthwith.
QPR would like to assure its supporters that it has no intention of selling Lee Cook, and the fact that the proceeds of any future sale was offered as a security does not suggest this.
Mr Blitz had no say in any potential sale of Lee Cook, and now it is agreed to repay the loan he will not have a security over him.
QPR will continue to work hard to try and re-finance the ABC loan in the near future.
The contents of this statement have been shown to Simon Blitz and agreed by him. It will also been sent to the Football Association.QPR
"Oldham Chairman Simon Blitz Explains £500,000 Loan to QPR"
FROM LAST WEEK re LEAGUE/OLDHAM-QPR INVESTIGATION
Friday's Standard QPR probe spells chaos for League
RAOUL SIMONS Sports News Editor
THE climax of the Championship season was thrown into chaos today by the Football League’s decision to probe Queens Park Rangers.
The club are under investigation after taking out a £500,000 loan from Oldham Athletic chairman Simon Blitz.
If found guilty of breaking League rules, Rangers could be deducted points — opening up the sensational possibility of rivals Leeds United escaping relegation.
Nineteenth-placed Rangers are six points ahead of Leeds — who are third bottom — but results on Sunday when QPR face Stoke and Leeds meet Derby could see that gap close to three.
The outcome of the League investigation is not expected soon, which means the arguments over the final make-up of the table could extend long into the close-season.
In a further twist, Leeds are understood to be close to going into administration which, if announced before the end of the season, could render the QPR issue academic.
The Yorkshire club would automatically be deducted 10 points as punishment for financial mismanagement.
The League have announced they are investigating the bizarre arrangement between Rangers and Blitz, which involves the loan being secured against the future sale of star winger Lee Cook.
Asked if the probe could theoretically lead to a points deduction, a League spokesman today refused to comment.
Blitz is understood to be a friend of Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini and was asked to provide funds to help the club cover wages while they overcame cashf low problems.
Paladini said: “I arranged something in the best interests of the club. I am not telling lies when I say we have no intention of selling Lee Cook — that is unless we get an offer we just cannot refuse.”
Blitz said: “I was talking to the QPR chairman and he asked me for a short-term loan because they had problems covering the payroll. Usually the collateral is something like a house but QPR couldn’t use their land to guarantee the loan so I agreed they could use a player.”
May 3, 2007 BBC -League to probe Oldham-QPR link
The Football League has launched an investigation into a £500,000 personal loan made by Oldham chairman Simon Blitz to Championship side QPR.
A League spokesman said: "An issue, relating to Oldham and Queens Park Rangers, was brought to our attention."
The loan, which was registered with Companies House on 18 April, has been confirmed by Blitz.
However, neither QPR chairman Gianni Paladini nor the Football Association would comment on the matter.
Blitz told the Oldham Chronicle: "This is a business deal on a personal level which has no bearing whatsoever on Latics."
QPR's supporters' trust co-ordinator Tracy Stent added: "We are interested in finding out more about this, and we will be trying to do so (after Sunday's game against Stoke)." BBC
May 3, 2007 Sporting Life -LEAGUE PROBE LOAN TO QPR
By Tom Collomosse, PA Sport
The Football League has launched an investigation into a £500,000 personal loan made by Oldham chairman Simon Blitz to Coca-Cola Championship outfit QPR.
The loan, registered with Companies House on April 18, is believed to be secured against the potential sale of Rangers' star player Lee Cook and has been confirmed by Blitz, although Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini did not want to comment when approached.
A Football League spokesman said: "An issue, relating to Oldham Athletic and Queen's Park Rangers, was brought to our attention. This is now being investigated."
The League did not reveal possible punishments for Rangers or Oldham should they be deemed to be guilty of wrongdoing, while the Football Association would not comment on the matter.
Members of the Rangers Supporters' Trust are to meet Paladini on Sunday, when Rangers play their final Championship match of the season against Stoke, to discuss the matter.
Blitz said the loan would have no negative impact on Oldham's finances, and told the Oldham Chronicle this week: "This is a business deal on a personal level which has no bearing whatsoever on Latics."
Rangers' Supporters Trust Co-ordinator Tracy Stent added: "We are interested in finding out more about this, and we will be trying to do so [after Sunday's game against Stoke]." Sporting Life
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Oldham Chairman Simon Blitz Explains £500,000 Loan to QPR
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Update:
SPORTING LIFE - RANGERS FANS QUESTION LATICS LOAN
The QPR Supporters Trust is to meet chairman Gianni Paladini to discuss a £500,000 personal loan to Rangers from Oldham supremo Simon Blitz.
The loan, believed to be secured against the potential sale of Rangers winger Lee Cook, has been confirmed by Latics chairman Blitz although Paladini did not want to comment when approached.
The loan was registered with Companies House on April 18 and Blitz insists it will have no negative impact on Oldham's finances.
"We are interested in finding out more about this, and we will be trying to do so [after Sunday's game against Stoke]," said Tracy Stent, the Rangers Supporters' Trust Co-ordinator.
Blitz told the Oldham Chronicle: "It is something I do. People borrow money from me and they pay it back with interest. Business is business.
"People can say whatever they like but this is a business deal on a personal level which has no bearing whatsoever on Latics." Sporting Life
QPR 1st Statement - New loan for QPR Holdings Ltd
May 2, 2007
Following the file updated at Companies House on Monday concerning a £500,000 loan to QPR Holdings Ltd, QPR 1st Chair, Tracy Stent, yesterday morning spoke to club director, Kevin Steele.
Kevin informed her that that whilst confidentiality clauses had been signed between the various parties involved with this loan, it is a short term one; it's basically a floating charge; that he is confident it will mean good news for the longer term of the club; and that there are other discussions ongoing in relation to the ABC loan. He also informed that because of the nature and sensitivity involved in such discussions, the Board and/or those involved are unable to update regarding this at the current moment in time, but would do so when there is any news to report on.
QPR 1st will update with any further news on this as and when we receive it. QPR1st
Oldham Evening Chronicle Blitz defends loan to QPR
by MICHAEL YARWOOD
ATHLETIC chairman Simon Blitz has made a personal loan of £500,000 to Queens Park Rangers.
Mr Blitz was approached by QPR chief Gianni Paladini as the London club were going through cash-flow difficulties, and he agreed to lend them the money to help cover wages.
The New York-based tycoon, whose main interest is a telecommunications company, said it was entirely a personal business transaction which had “no bearing whatsoever” on Athletic.
Questions have been raised by Athletic supporters, but the funds, secured against the transfer of QPR player Lee Cook, did not go through Boundary Park accounts.
Mr Blitz said: “I was talking to the QPR chairman and he asked me for a short-term loan because they had problems covering the payroll.
“I told him ‘Actually, I can help you out’ because I had some extra funds in my personal account.
“I do this sort of thing – agreeing to a loan, getting the money back quite quickly and making profit from the interest.
“It’s something I do. People borrow money from me and they pay it back with interest. Business is business.
“Usually the collateral is something like a house, but QPR couldn’t use their land to guarantee the loan so I agreed they could use a player.
“There’s no conflict with my position at Oldham Athletic because I haven’t invested in another club, just lent them some personal funds for a few weeks.
“People can say whatever they like, but this is a business deal on a personal level which has no bearing whatsoever on Latics.
“I haven’t contravened any rules and I registered it all with Companies House – it’s a way of making money and, in the long term, that can only benefit the club.”
Mr Blitz has several business interests in America and Britain and co-owns Athletic with Simon Corney and Danny Gazal.
He expects to be paid back when QPR, who have had long-term financial problems, receive money from the sale of season tickets. Oldham Evening Chronicle
Julia/Boardroom Blues reporting "[Lee] Cook Used As Loan Security"- That QPR Holdings Ltd has borrowed £500,000 from Oldham Chairman/Co-owner Simon Blitz secured against the future sale of Lee Cook. Report
May 1, 2007 - Boardroom Blues Site "[Lee] Cook Used As Loan Security"
May 2, 2007 - Oldham Chairman Simon Blitz Explains £500,000 Loan to QPR
May 6, 2007 - QPR Statement re Blitz Loan, ABC Refinancing and Returning Loan
May 8, 2007 QPR & Simon Blitz & Future Investment
May 8, 2007 - QPR's Return of Money to Oldham's Simon Blitz Noted
[See Timeline re QPR's Simon Blitz Loan, Reported Repayment, Transfer Embargo? - Official Responses - Claims, Statements, Responses
Banned - QPR! - Rangers quartet banned until Oldham loan is repaid
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Daily Mail - Rangers quartet banned until Oldham loan is repaid
Lord Mawhinney today warned Queens Park Rangers to repay their outstanding debt to Oldham chairman Simon Blitz or start the season without four of their new signings.
The Football League chairman says a transfer embargo applied to Rangers over the £500,000 loan means July recruits Simon Walton, Lee Camp, Michael Mancienne and Ben Sahar are not registered to play for the club.
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini borrowed the cash from Blitz earlier in the year without realising that the deal broke a league rule which forbids directors from investing in more than one club.
When details of the loan emerged in May, QPR promised to repay the money but three months later part of the debt - understood to be around £300,000 - has still not been repaid. At their latest meeting two weeks' ago, the League's board imposed a transfer embargo on QPR and held back around £1million in funding.
But the embargo did not stop QPR announcing a £200,000 deal for Walton from Charlton and a £300,000 move for Camp from Derby last week. The club also confirmed the loan signings of Mancienne and Sahar from Chelsea.
Although they have appeared in pre-season friendlies, Mawhinney confirmed that none of the quartet will be eligible for Championship matches until the loan is repaid.
QPR's first game is at Bristol City a week tomorrow. Mawhinney said: "There is a financial issue relating to QPR which needs to be resolved. Therefore, we have said that restrictions will be applied to the club's transactions.
"As soon as the financial issue has been resolved it will be back to normal. I understand promises have been made. I assume it will be resolved very soon but we've been waiting for quite a long time."
Paladini has insisted Blitz's money will be repaid this week. He also revealed today QPR have an agreement with Chelsea to sign three young players every year on loan.
He added: "They don't tell us which players. It's the ones manager John Gregory wants." Daily Mail
Also: QPR Rivals's Clive Whittingham's Assessment
Daily Mail - Rangers quartet banned until Oldham loan is repaid
Lord Mawhinney today warned Queens Park Rangers to repay their outstanding debt to Oldham chairman Simon Blitz or start the season without four of their new signings.
The Football League chairman says a transfer embargo applied to Rangers over the £500,000 loan means July recruits Simon Walton, Lee Camp, Michael Mancienne and Ben Sahar are not registered to play for the club.
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini borrowed the cash from Blitz earlier in the year without realising that the deal broke a league rule which forbids directors from investing in more than one club.
When details of the loan emerged in May, QPR promised to repay the money but three months later part of the debt - understood to be around £300,000 - has still not been repaid. At their latest meeting two weeks' ago, the League's board imposed a transfer embargo on QPR and held back around £1million in funding.
But the embargo did not stop QPR announcing a £200,000 deal for Walton from Charlton and a £300,000 move for Camp from Derby last week. The club also confirmed the loan signings of Mancienne and Sahar from Chelsea.
Although they have appeared in pre-season friendlies, Mawhinney confirmed that none of the quartet will be eligible for Championship matches until the loan is repaid.
QPR's first game is at Bristol City a week tomorrow. Mawhinney said: "There is a financial issue relating to QPR which needs to be resolved. Therefore, we have said that restrictions will be applied to the club's transactions.
"As soon as the financial issue has been resolved it will be back to normal. I understand promises have been made. I assume it will be resolved very soon but we've been waiting for quite a long time."
Paladini has insisted Blitz's money will be repaid this week. He also revealed today QPR have an agreement with Chelsea to sign three young players every year on loan.
He added: "They don't tell us which players. It's the ones manager John Gregory wants." Daily Mail
Also: QPR Rivals's Clive Whittingham's Assessment
Fulham at QPR Tonight
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Fulham Official Site - QPR Tickets
Friday 3rd August 2007
Lawrie Sanchez' Fulham side travel to Loftus Road this evening to play QPR in their final pre-season friendly ahead of the 07/08 Premiership season (kick-off 8pm).
Following the Club's participation in the Barclays Asia Trophy, tonight's game offers Fulham fans the chance to see Sanchez' side before the big kick-off at the Emirates next Sunday.
Over a 1,000 tickets have already been sold to Whites fans for tonight's game and supporters who wish to attend can purchase tickets on the gate.
Ticket Prices
Adults: £15
Seniors: £10 (over 60)
Juniors: £5 (16) Fulham Official
QPR Official Site - Fulham Match Preview
Rangers welcome a much-changed Fulham outfit to Loftus Road tonight (Friday) for their final pre-season friendly of the campaign.
The latter stages of the 2006/07 season marked a huge period of change at Craven Cottage.
Hot on the heels of heavy Premiership defeats against Manchester City and Everton, Manager Chris Coleman and his assistant Steve Kean were replaced at the helm by Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez in mid-April.
Sanchez was appointed Caretaker Manager until the end of the season, but the early signs were less than positive, with a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal seeing them slip to within just one point of the dreaded relegation zone.
But victory against a Liverpool side that made wholesale changes after a mid-week Champions League tie, eventually ensured Sanchez's first win and with it their Premiership status.
Days later, Sanchez resigned from his position as Manager of Northern Ireland to become the permanent Fulham boss.
The transformation since then has been nothing short of remarkable.
Sanchez has been given the licence to spend, spend, spend by Chairman Mohamed Al Fayed and he's wasted no time at all in recruiting a hatful of new players, to add to his already experienced squad.
At the back, goalkeeper Antti Niemi has put pen to paper on a new deal, while Northern Ireland defensive pair Chris Baird and Aaron Hughes and England full-back Paul Konchesky have all inked deals at the Cottage.
Highly-rated midfielder Steve Davis joined from Aston Villa in a £4.5million transfer, while former R's winger Lee Cook penned a four-year deal for a fee of £2.5million, which could potentially rise to as much as £4.5million.
In attack, Diomansy Kamara and David Healy have joined the Fulham ranks, but Michael Brown and Heidar Helguson have left the Club, to join Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers respectively.
Whether or not the new faces make an immediate difference remains to be seen, but hope suddenly springs eternal at the Cottage, with a top-ten finish the least Fulham fans will expect in Sanchez's first full season in charge of the Premiership Club.
QPR
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - STRONG SIDE EXPECTED
Rangers boss John Gregory is expected to name a strong side for the visit of Fulham this evening.
The R's chief took a cautious approach to Tuesday night's match at Harrow Borough - no-one was involved for the full 90 minutes - but is likely to push his players harder tonight when a number are expected to play the entire match.
Lee Camp will be making his first appearance at Loftus Road since completing his permanent transfer from Derby County.
The match will also see home debuts for recent acquisitions Ben Sahar (loan) and Simon Walton, while defender Michael Mancienne (loan) will also be making his return to W12.
R's old boy Lee Cook is expected to make his debut for Fulham tonight, on his 25th birthday. QPR
Also: Preview by QPR Rivals' Clive Whittingham
Fulham Official Site - QPR Tickets
Friday 3rd August 2007
Lawrie Sanchez' Fulham side travel to Loftus Road this evening to play QPR in their final pre-season friendly ahead of the 07/08 Premiership season (kick-off 8pm).
Following the Club's participation in the Barclays Asia Trophy, tonight's game offers Fulham fans the chance to see Sanchez' side before the big kick-off at the Emirates next Sunday.
Over a 1,000 tickets have already been sold to Whites fans for tonight's game and supporters who wish to attend can purchase tickets on the gate.
Ticket Prices
Adults: £15
Seniors: £10 (over 60)
Juniors: £5 (16) Fulham Official
QPR Official Site - Fulham Match Preview
Rangers welcome a much-changed Fulham outfit to Loftus Road tonight (Friday) for their final pre-season friendly of the campaign.
The latter stages of the 2006/07 season marked a huge period of change at Craven Cottage.
Hot on the heels of heavy Premiership defeats against Manchester City and Everton, Manager Chris Coleman and his assistant Steve Kean were replaced at the helm by Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez in mid-April.
Sanchez was appointed Caretaker Manager until the end of the season, but the early signs were less than positive, with a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal seeing them slip to within just one point of the dreaded relegation zone.
But victory against a Liverpool side that made wholesale changes after a mid-week Champions League tie, eventually ensured Sanchez's first win and with it their Premiership status.
Days later, Sanchez resigned from his position as Manager of Northern Ireland to become the permanent Fulham boss.
The transformation since then has been nothing short of remarkable.
Sanchez has been given the licence to spend, spend, spend by Chairman Mohamed Al Fayed and he's wasted no time at all in recruiting a hatful of new players, to add to his already experienced squad.
At the back, goalkeeper Antti Niemi has put pen to paper on a new deal, while Northern Ireland defensive pair Chris Baird and Aaron Hughes and England full-back Paul Konchesky have all inked deals at the Cottage.
Highly-rated midfielder Steve Davis joined from Aston Villa in a £4.5million transfer, while former R's winger Lee Cook penned a four-year deal for a fee of £2.5million, which could potentially rise to as much as £4.5million.
In attack, Diomansy Kamara and David Healy have joined the Fulham ranks, but Michael Brown and Heidar Helguson have left the Club, to join Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers respectively.
Whether or not the new faces make an immediate difference remains to be seen, but hope suddenly springs eternal at the Cottage, with a top-ten finish the least Fulham fans will expect in Sanchez's first full season in charge of the Premiership Club.
QPR
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - STRONG SIDE EXPECTED
Rangers boss John Gregory is expected to name a strong side for the visit of Fulham this evening.
The R's chief took a cautious approach to Tuesday night's match at Harrow Borough - no-one was involved for the full 90 minutes - but is likely to push his players harder tonight when a number are expected to play the entire match.
Lee Camp will be making his first appearance at Loftus Road since completing his permanent transfer from Derby County.
The match will also see home debuts for recent acquisitions Ben Sahar (loan) and Simon Walton, while defender Michael Mancienne (loan) will also be making his return to W12.
R's old boy Lee Cook is expected to make his debut for Fulham tonight, on his 25th birthday. QPR
Also: Preview by QPR Rivals' Clive Whittingham
Year Ago: QPR and WBA Announce Danny Shittu Sale Agreement...Then Shittu Joined Watford
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On this day a year ago, QPR and WBA agree terms for the sale of Danny Shittu. A couple of days laters, QPR and Watford agreed terms, and Shittu (of course) instead signed for Watford.
August 3, 2006 _QPR Official Site - Deal Agreed
QPR have reached agreement with fellow Championship outfit West Bromwich Albion for the £3million transfer of Dan Shittu.
The player is due to travel to The Hawthorns on Friday to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms.
The overall deal is worth £3million in total and the R's have negotiated a 10 per-cent sell on clause for any future transfer involving the player. QPR
West Bromwich Albion Official Site - QPR accept £1.5m Shittu bid
ALBION have had a £1.5million offer accepted by QPR for central defender Dan Shittu.
The fee could rise to £3million if certain criteria are met.
Nigerian international Shittu will travel to the Black Country tomorrow (Friday) to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical.
Stay tuned WBA
BBC - QPR accept Baggies bid for Shittu
QPR have accepted an initial offer of £1.5m from West Bromwich Albion for defender Danny Shittu.
The Baggies have struck a deal which could rise to £3m according to his performance and that of the club.
The 25-year-old is set to travel to the Hawthorns on Friday discuss personal terms and undergo a medical.
WBA boss Bryan Robson wants to bring in defensive cover for Neil Clement and Thomas Gaardsoe who will both miss the start of the season through injury.
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini had previously insisted his club would not accept less than £3m for defender Danny Shittu.
Watford had a bid for the giant centre-back rejected.
Shittu moved to Loftus Road from Charlton in 2002 in a £350,000 deal funded by QPR fans Matthew and Alex Winton.
He has since made 162 league appearances and is a firm favourite among supporters.
BBC
SKY - QPR accept Shittu bid - By Alex Dunn - Created on 3 Aug 2006
West Bromwich Albion have agreed a fee for Queens Park Rangers defender Danny Shittu.
After a period of negotiation between the Championship rivals an accord has been struck whereby West Brom will pay an initial fee of £1.5 million.
The fee could eventually rise to £3 million depending on various criteria that will be appearance and success related....
Shittu will travel to the Midlands on Friday for a medical and to discuss personal terms. Sky
BBC - Watford bag Shittu from Rangers
"...Watford have signed QPR defender Danny Shittu for an initial fee of £1.6m.
The 25-year-old had looked to be heading for West Bromwich Albion after Rangers accepted a £1.5m offer. But the Hornets scuppered West Brom's plans, signing the Nigerian international on a three-year contract in a deal that could rise to £3m.
"We're signing another player who fits the Watford way, hungry to learn and to prove his worth at the very top level," said Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd..."
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/w/watford/5250308.stm
THEN SHITTU TO WATFORD
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - SHITTU HORNETTED
Dan Shittu has today signed for Watford after the Hornets made an improved offer for the Rangers defender.
The verbal agreement QPR had previously reached with West Bromwich Albion on Thursday was sidelined after Watford presented an offer which couldn't be ignored.
QPR will now see an improved sum up front as soon as Shittu makes the short journey to Hertfordshire, plus further potential earnings subject to various criteria being fulfilled.
The terms and conditions of further revenue generators, which incorporate appearances and future Watford success, were also an improvement on the initial offer that the Baggies had put on the table.
The lure of Premiership football and the fact Shittu would now no longer have to relocate was also too tempting for the defender to turn down.
Shittu's contract will see him stay at Vicarage Road for the next three seasons and he will be eligible to play in Tuesday night's game against Inter Milan...QPR
WATFORD OFFICIAL SITE - DANNY DEAL CONFIRMED
WATFORD have today (Sunday) completed the signing of central defender Danny Shittu from Queens Park Rangers for an initial fee of £1.6m.
The 25-year-old completed formalities late last night, penning a deal that will see him stay at Vicarage Road for the next three seasons.
Shittu sat out the Hoops' seasonal opener at Burnley yesterday having previously made nearly 200 appearances for the Loftus Road outfit.
And a delighted Hornets' boss Aidy Boothroyd hailed the signing of Shittu as a major stepping-stone in his Premiership preparations.
"In Danny we're signing another player who fits the Watford way - hungry to learn, and eager to prove his worth at the very, very top level against the best.
"He is somebody that we have been chasing for some time and I'm pleased that he will now have the chance to fight for a place along with the other excellent centre-halves we have at the club."
Shittu will now link up with his new team mates and will be available for Tuesday night's high-profile friendly with Inter Milan.
The Hornets could pay up to a further £1.4m for the Nigerian international depending on appearances and further Watford successes.
Shittu was subject to a £1.5m bid earlier this week by Championship side West Bromwich Albion, but Watford subsequently had there slightly improved offer accepted by QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini Watford
August 06, 2006 - WBA Comment on Shittu's Watford Choice
WATFORD BOUND...Shittu has joined the Hornets
ALBION target Dan Shittu has turned down a move to The Hawthorns in favour of joining newly-promoted Premiership outfit Watford.
After having a £1.5million offer for the Nigerian international accepted by QPR late Thursday night, the Baggies held talks with the player on Friday.
However, Shittu has rejected Albion's offer of a long-term deal and, after subsequent discussions with Watford, who had a similar bid accepted by QPR, he has decided to join the Vicarage Road outfit.
Chairman Jeremy Peace said: "We were well aware of Watford's initial interest in the player but were told by his agent that their interest had ended.
"Therefore, we negotiated a fee for the player with QPR in good faith and reached agreement with them on Thursday night.
"We arranged for the player to travel to The Hawthorns on Friday morning.
"The player arrived at the club with his agent. He underwent a medical and was offered what we believe were very good terms over a long-term contract.
"We feel we did everything possible to secure the player.
"However, we found out during the course of our negotiations that Watford's interest had been rekindled and that the player wanted to have talks with them.
"Clearly, the lure of playing in the Premiership has influenced the player's decision." WBA
Skysport - Shittu reveals Prem motivation - By Tom Adams - 7 Aug 2006
Watford new-boy Danny Shittu says he had to leave QPR in order to pursue a career in The Premiership.
The stopper snubbed strong interest from West Brom to join The Hornets in a £3 million deal on Sunday, leaving a gaping hole in the Rangers backline in the process.
After almost five years at Loftus Road, Shittu was sad to leave the London outfit, but the short trip to Watford offered him an irresistible chance to test himself at a higher level during the coming season.
"To test myself in The Premiership is something I have wanted to do for a long time," said Shittu.
"I am sorry that I have to leave QPR - but it's something that had to happen.
"It's hard leaving a club that has been like a family to me for the last four years.
"I feel I'm ready for The Premiership. I will work hard.
"I believe I can deal with whatever is thrown at me, and I hope I can make a bigger name for myself than I did at QPR." Skysports
Ron Norris on QPR Net "Picture Specials - Danny Shittu
Thursday 3rd August 2006
"...take a look back through his Rangers career in his very own picture special..".
On this day a year ago, QPR and WBA agree terms for the sale of Danny Shittu. A couple of days laters, QPR and Watford agreed terms, and Shittu (of course) instead signed for Watford.
August 3, 2006 _QPR Official Site - Deal Agreed
QPR have reached agreement with fellow Championship outfit West Bromwich Albion for the £3million transfer of Dan Shittu.
The player is due to travel to The Hawthorns on Friday to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms.
The overall deal is worth £3million in total and the R's have negotiated a 10 per-cent sell on clause for any future transfer involving the player. QPR
West Bromwich Albion Official Site - QPR accept £1.5m Shittu bid
ALBION have had a £1.5million offer accepted by QPR for central defender Dan Shittu.
The fee could rise to £3million if certain criteria are met.
Nigerian international Shittu will travel to the Black Country tomorrow (Friday) to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical.
Stay tuned WBA
BBC - QPR accept Baggies bid for Shittu
QPR have accepted an initial offer of £1.5m from West Bromwich Albion for defender Danny Shittu.
The Baggies have struck a deal which could rise to £3m according to his performance and that of the club.
The 25-year-old is set to travel to the Hawthorns on Friday discuss personal terms and undergo a medical.
WBA boss Bryan Robson wants to bring in defensive cover for Neil Clement and Thomas Gaardsoe who will both miss the start of the season through injury.
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini had previously insisted his club would not accept less than £3m for defender Danny Shittu.
Watford had a bid for the giant centre-back rejected.
Shittu moved to Loftus Road from Charlton in 2002 in a £350,000 deal funded by QPR fans Matthew and Alex Winton.
He has since made 162 league appearances and is a firm favourite among supporters.
BBC
SKY - QPR accept Shittu bid - By Alex Dunn - Created on 3 Aug 2006
West Bromwich Albion have agreed a fee for Queens Park Rangers defender Danny Shittu.
After a period of negotiation between the Championship rivals an accord has been struck whereby West Brom will pay an initial fee of £1.5 million.
The fee could eventually rise to £3 million depending on various criteria that will be appearance and success related....
Shittu will travel to the Midlands on Friday for a medical and to discuss personal terms. Sky
BBC - Watford bag Shittu from Rangers
"...Watford have signed QPR defender Danny Shittu for an initial fee of £1.6m.
The 25-year-old had looked to be heading for West Bromwich Albion after Rangers accepted a £1.5m offer. But the Hornets scuppered West Brom's plans, signing the Nigerian international on a three-year contract in a deal that could rise to £3m.
"We're signing another player who fits the Watford way, hungry to learn and to prove his worth at the very top level," said Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd..."
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/w/watford/5250308.stm
THEN SHITTU TO WATFORD
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - SHITTU HORNETTED
Dan Shittu has today signed for Watford after the Hornets made an improved offer for the Rangers defender.
The verbal agreement QPR had previously reached with West Bromwich Albion on Thursday was sidelined after Watford presented an offer which couldn't be ignored.
QPR will now see an improved sum up front as soon as Shittu makes the short journey to Hertfordshire, plus further potential earnings subject to various criteria being fulfilled.
The terms and conditions of further revenue generators, which incorporate appearances and future Watford success, were also an improvement on the initial offer that the Baggies had put on the table.
The lure of Premiership football and the fact Shittu would now no longer have to relocate was also too tempting for the defender to turn down.
Shittu's contract will see him stay at Vicarage Road for the next three seasons and he will be eligible to play in Tuesday night's game against Inter Milan...QPR
WATFORD OFFICIAL SITE - DANNY DEAL CONFIRMED
WATFORD have today (Sunday) completed the signing of central defender Danny Shittu from Queens Park Rangers for an initial fee of £1.6m.
The 25-year-old completed formalities late last night, penning a deal that will see him stay at Vicarage Road for the next three seasons.
Shittu sat out the Hoops' seasonal opener at Burnley yesterday having previously made nearly 200 appearances for the Loftus Road outfit.
And a delighted Hornets' boss Aidy Boothroyd hailed the signing of Shittu as a major stepping-stone in his Premiership preparations.
"In Danny we're signing another player who fits the Watford way - hungry to learn, and eager to prove his worth at the very, very top level against the best.
"He is somebody that we have been chasing for some time and I'm pleased that he will now have the chance to fight for a place along with the other excellent centre-halves we have at the club."
Shittu will now link up with his new team mates and will be available for Tuesday night's high-profile friendly with Inter Milan.
The Hornets could pay up to a further £1.4m for the Nigerian international depending on appearances and further Watford successes.
Shittu was subject to a £1.5m bid earlier this week by Championship side West Bromwich Albion, but Watford subsequently had there slightly improved offer accepted by QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini Watford
August 06, 2006 - WBA Comment on Shittu's Watford Choice
WATFORD BOUND...Shittu has joined the Hornets
ALBION target Dan Shittu has turned down a move to The Hawthorns in favour of joining newly-promoted Premiership outfit Watford.
After having a £1.5million offer for the Nigerian international accepted by QPR late Thursday night, the Baggies held talks with the player on Friday.
However, Shittu has rejected Albion's offer of a long-term deal and, after subsequent discussions with Watford, who had a similar bid accepted by QPR, he has decided to join the Vicarage Road outfit.
Chairman Jeremy Peace said: "We were well aware of Watford's initial interest in the player but were told by his agent that their interest had ended.
"Therefore, we negotiated a fee for the player with QPR in good faith and reached agreement with them on Thursday night.
"We arranged for the player to travel to The Hawthorns on Friday morning.
"The player arrived at the club with his agent. He underwent a medical and was offered what we believe were very good terms over a long-term contract.
"We feel we did everything possible to secure the player.
"However, we found out during the course of our negotiations that Watford's interest had been rekindled and that the player wanted to have talks with them.
"Clearly, the lure of playing in the Premiership has influenced the player's decision." WBA
Skysport - Shittu reveals Prem motivation - By Tom Adams - 7 Aug 2006
Watford new-boy Danny Shittu says he had to leave QPR in order to pursue a career in The Premiership.
The stopper snubbed strong interest from West Brom to join The Hornets in a £3 million deal on Sunday, leaving a gaping hole in the Rangers backline in the process.
After almost five years at Loftus Road, Shittu was sad to leave the London outfit, but the short trip to Watford offered him an irresistible chance to test himself at a higher level during the coming season.
"To test myself in The Premiership is something I have wanted to do for a long time," said Shittu.
"I am sorry that I have to leave QPR - but it's something that had to happen.
"It's hard leaving a club that has been like a family to me for the last four years.
"I feel I'm ready for The Premiership. I will work hard.
"I believe I can deal with whatever is thrown at me, and I hope I can make a bigger name for myself than I did at QPR." Skysports
Ron Norris on QPR Net "Picture Specials - Danny Shittu
Thursday 3rd August 2006
"...take a look back through his Rangers career in his very own picture special..".
Year Ago - Assessing QPR's 2006-07 Championship Prospects
-
Most of the newspapers haven't yet given their pre-season assessment of how clubs will do, although the bookies have spoken - and are not rating QPR's prospects too highly. See: Recent bookie's assessment. Early Bookies' (beginning of June) look at QPR prosects for 2007-2008
A reminder of what was said a year ago about QPR's Prospects in 2006-2007:
The Times - Championship Preview
"QUEENS PARK RANGERS - There will be plenty of new faces on the pitch at Loftus Road this season, but unfortunately for Rangers supporters, most of Gary Waddock’s signings, who come from all corners of the globe, are untried both in this country and at this level. Expect to see a new face in the home dugout if they do not gel quickly into a winning side. Last season: 21st. This season: could go down"
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,27-2292825,00.html
BBC - The Championship form guide
QPR - "...BBC Sport verdict: New boss Gary Waddock had a difficult introduction to the job last season. But although results were bad, some performances showed promise. Waddock has the club in his blood and has pledged to play attractive football too. He has strengthened his squad over the summer but needs a good start to avoid a lengthy battle against the drop.
Key man: Nick Ward. Big things are expected from this Aussie youngster.
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/5175924.stm
Soccernet's Championship preview 2006/7
Richard Jolly
"...QPR Last season: 21st Manager: Gary Waddock - A QPR favourite who offers the prospect of better football at Loftus Road, despite a mediocre end to the season.
In: Damion Stewart (Bradford, free), Adam Czerkas (Kolporter Korona, loan), Egutu Oliseh (La Louviere, free), Armel Tchakounte (Kitchee FC, free), Nick Ward (Perth Glory, free).
Out: Dean Sturridge (Kidderminster, free), Richard Langley (Luton, free).
A largely unprofitable March and April did not stop QPR promoting Gary Waddock to succeed Ian Holloway, whose style of football may be deemed more suitable for the lower divisions.
Despite an eclectic bunch of rather cheap signings, he will operate with basically the same squad. The benefit is that it still includes Danny Shittu, the giant centre back whose uncompromising displays have attracted attention. The downside is that an ageing forward line requires rejuvenation and, as Marc Nygaard (9) was the most successful, a prolific scorer.
Waddock also needs to ease a reliance on Gareth Ainsworth to create while proving an end-of-season slump was not a sign of things to come.
Key man: Danny Shittu - QPR's leader in defence. He could be rather overworked this season.
One to watch: Shabazz Baidoo - Lively young striker who was normally used as a substitute last year.
Must do better: Stefan Moore - Came from Aston Villa in search of first-team football, but did not really make the most of it.
Prediction: If Waddock can ally a greater emphasis on passing with the spirit and resilience that were trademarks of Holloway's team, mid-table. If not, they may be among the strugglers. Soccernet
Guardian August 4, 2006:
Key man Nick Ward The 21-year-old has caught the eye in his first pre-season at QPR. The attacking central midfielder was called into an Australia squad in February.
Prediction Oscurity Mid-table would be decent for a club who finished one place above the drop last season. A regimented, punishing pre-season is expected to reap rewards. Commentator's kit Last month Dunga became the first director to leave Loftus Road to take over as Brazil coach.
In Egutu Oliseh (La Louvière) free, Nick Ward (Perth Glory) free, Adam Czerkas (Odra Wodzislaw) season loan, Armel Tchakounte (Kitchee) free, Damion Stewart (Harbour View) free. Out Richard Langley (Luton) free, Dean Sturridge (Kidderminster) free, Ugo Ukah released, George Santos released. Guardian
Daily Telegraph
Manager: Gary Waddock (July 2006).
In: Damion Stewart (Harbour View, U), Egutu Oliseh (La Louviere), Adam Czerkas (Odra Wodzislaw), Armel Tchakounte (Carshalton), Nick Ward (Perth Glory, U).
Out: Marcus Bean (Blackpool), Richard Langley (Luton), Dean Sturridge (Kidderminster), Ugo Ukah (Nouresa Calcio).
Released: Marcin Kus, George Santos, Sammy Youssef.
Squad numbers: 1 Simon Royce, 2 Marcus Bignot, 3 Mauro Milanese, 4 Ian Evatt, 5 Danny Shittu, 6 Tom Doherty, 7 Matthew Rose, 8 Marc Bircham, 9 Nick Ward, 10 Kevin Gallen, 11 Gareth Ainsworth, 12 Jake Cole, 14 Martin Rowlands, 15 Dominic Shimmin, 16 Steve Lomas, 17 Lee Cook, 18 Stefan Moore, 19 Armel Tchakounte, 20 Scott Donnelly, 21 Paul Jones, 22 Shabazz Baidoo, 23 Stefan Bailey, 24 Patrick Kanyuka, 25 Damion Stewart, 26 Sean Thomas, 27 Egutu Oliseh, 28 Adam Czerkas, 29 Paul Furlong, 30 Mark Nygaard, 34 Matthew Hislop, 35 Jonathan Munday.
Website: www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk Odds: C: 100-1, P: 40-1, R: 2-1. Telegraph
Predicted Championship - Final League Table
Championship
1. West Brom2. Southampton3. Crystal Palace4. Birmingham City5. Coventry City6. Sunderland7. Derby County8. Leeds United9. Wolves10. Burnley11. Norwich City12. Preston 13. Leicester City14. Cardiff City15. Stoke City16. Hull17. Ipswich Town18. Sheffield Wednesday19. Plymouth Argyle20. Southend United21. Luton Town22. Barnsley23. QPR24. Colchester United - Soccernet
SPORTING LIFE FANZINE
PA Sport
"...If last season's late form is anything to go by, QPR are already relegated. Defeat in six of their final seven games suggests new boss Gary Waddock has his work cut out, just like predecessor Ian Holloway - sent on gardening leave by Rangers in February - and now Plymouth manager.... Sporting Life
Coral - Championship Betting PLymouth
14th last season, Plymouth Argyle are under new management following Tony Pulis’s return to Stoke City.... Coral’s match bet market, Plymouth are 5/6 to finish ahead of Ian Holloway’s old club QPR.
Coral
And Les Ferdinand was saying...
BBC - Ferdinand's Concerns - Ferdinand troubled by QPR unease
By Chris Charles
QPR legend Les Ferdinand is hoping the club can put their problems off the pitch behind them as they get ready for the new season.
The striker, who scored 90 goals in 170 appearances for Rangers, is concerned stories of boardroom upheaval and mounting debts will take their toll.
Ferdinand told BBC Sport: "I'm upset with all the off-the-field antics at QPR that have overshadowed the club.
"I wish they could resolve this stuff and concentrate on the football."
Ferdinand, dubbed 'Sir Les' by the QPR fans during his eight-year spell at Loftus Road, admitted things were not looking great but had every confidence manager Gary Waddock and his assistant Alan McDonald would turn things around.
"My old team-mates Gary and Alan know all about Queens Park Rangers and I hope they can do the business," he said.
"They've got blue and white flowing through their blood so hopefully they can bring them back to where they need to be."
The bookmakers are not convinced, making QPR one of the the favourites to be relegated from the Championship after they failed to win any of their final 11 games last season.
A summer of discontent has seen the club's reputation dragged through the gutter, with a court clearing seven men of forcing then-director Gianni Paladini to resign at gunpoint during the home clash with Sheffield United last season.
Since then, Carlos Dunga has quit as a director after being asked to coach Brazil and Paladini, currently chairman of the west London side, has hinted that Rangers' main investor, Antonio Caliendo, could be ready to pull the plug.
Ferdinand, 39, remains upbeat about the future of the club where he made his name, saying: "I wish they'd stop talking about all the issues off the pitch and get back to talking about the great football Rangers traditionally play.
"If Gary and Alan are allowed to do their jobs, I really hope they can get QPR back into the Premiership as soon as possible." BBC
Most of the newspapers haven't yet given their pre-season assessment of how clubs will do, although the bookies have spoken - and are not rating QPR's prospects too highly. See: Recent bookie's assessment. Early Bookies' (beginning of June) look at QPR prosects for 2007-2008
A reminder of what was said a year ago about QPR's Prospects in 2006-2007:
The Times - Championship Preview
"QUEENS PARK RANGERS - There will be plenty of new faces on the pitch at Loftus Road this season, but unfortunately for Rangers supporters, most of Gary Waddock’s signings, who come from all corners of the globe, are untried both in this country and at this level. Expect to see a new face in the home dugout if they do not gel quickly into a winning side. Last season: 21st. This season: could go down"
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,27-2292825,00.html
BBC - The Championship form guide
QPR - "...BBC Sport verdict: New boss Gary Waddock had a difficult introduction to the job last season. But although results were bad, some performances showed promise. Waddock has the club in his blood and has pledged to play attractive football too. He has strengthened his squad over the summer but needs a good start to avoid a lengthy battle against the drop.
Key man: Nick Ward. Big things are expected from this Aussie youngster.
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/5175924.stm
Soccernet's Championship preview 2006/7
Richard Jolly
"...QPR Last season: 21st Manager: Gary Waddock - A QPR favourite who offers the prospect of better football at Loftus Road, despite a mediocre end to the season.
In: Damion Stewart (Bradford, free), Adam Czerkas (Kolporter Korona, loan), Egutu Oliseh (La Louviere, free), Armel Tchakounte (Kitchee FC, free), Nick Ward (Perth Glory, free).
Out: Dean Sturridge (Kidderminster, free), Richard Langley (Luton, free).
A largely unprofitable March and April did not stop QPR promoting Gary Waddock to succeed Ian Holloway, whose style of football may be deemed more suitable for the lower divisions.
Despite an eclectic bunch of rather cheap signings, he will operate with basically the same squad. The benefit is that it still includes Danny Shittu, the giant centre back whose uncompromising displays have attracted attention. The downside is that an ageing forward line requires rejuvenation and, as Marc Nygaard (9) was the most successful, a prolific scorer.
Waddock also needs to ease a reliance on Gareth Ainsworth to create while proving an end-of-season slump was not a sign of things to come.
Key man: Danny Shittu - QPR's leader in defence. He could be rather overworked this season.
One to watch: Shabazz Baidoo - Lively young striker who was normally used as a substitute last year.
Must do better: Stefan Moore - Came from Aston Villa in search of first-team football, but did not really make the most of it.
Prediction: If Waddock can ally a greater emphasis on passing with the spirit and resilience that were trademarks of Holloway's team, mid-table. If not, they may be among the strugglers. Soccernet
Guardian August 4, 2006:
Key man Nick Ward The 21-year-old has caught the eye in his first pre-season at QPR. The attacking central midfielder was called into an Australia squad in February.
Prediction Oscurity Mid-table would be decent for a club who finished one place above the drop last season. A regimented, punishing pre-season is expected to reap rewards. Commentator's kit Last month Dunga became the first director to leave Loftus Road to take over as Brazil coach.
In Egutu Oliseh (La Louvière) free, Nick Ward (Perth Glory) free, Adam Czerkas (Odra Wodzislaw) season loan, Armel Tchakounte (Kitchee) free, Damion Stewart (Harbour View) free. Out Richard Langley (Luton) free, Dean Sturridge (Kidderminster) free, Ugo Ukah released, George Santos released. Guardian
Daily Telegraph
Manager: Gary Waddock (July 2006).
In: Damion Stewart (Harbour View, U), Egutu Oliseh (La Louviere), Adam Czerkas (Odra Wodzislaw), Armel Tchakounte (Carshalton), Nick Ward (Perth Glory, U).
Out: Marcus Bean (Blackpool), Richard Langley (Luton), Dean Sturridge (Kidderminster), Ugo Ukah (Nouresa Calcio).
Released: Marcin Kus, George Santos, Sammy Youssef.
Squad numbers: 1 Simon Royce, 2 Marcus Bignot, 3 Mauro Milanese, 4 Ian Evatt, 5 Danny Shittu, 6 Tom Doherty, 7 Matthew Rose, 8 Marc Bircham, 9 Nick Ward, 10 Kevin Gallen, 11 Gareth Ainsworth, 12 Jake Cole, 14 Martin Rowlands, 15 Dominic Shimmin, 16 Steve Lomas, 17 Lee Cook, 18 Stefan Moore, 19 Armel Tchakounte, 20 Scott Donnelly, 21 Paul Jones, 22 Shabazz Baidoo, 23 Stefan Bailey, 24 Patrick Kanyuka, 25 Damion Stewart, 26 Sean Thomas, 27 Egutu Oliseh, 28 Adam Czerkas, 29 Paul Furlong, 30 Mark Nygaard, 34 Matthew Hislop, 35 Jonathan Munday.
Website: www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk Odds: C: 100-1, P: 40-1, R: 2-1. Telegraph
Predicted Championship - Final League Table
Championship
1. West Brom2. Southampton3. Crystal Palace4. Birmingham City5. Coventry City6. Sunderland7. Derby County8. Leeds United9. Wolves10. Burnley11. Norwich City12. Preston 13. Leicester City14. Cardiff City15. Stoke City16. Hull17. Ipswich Town18. Sheffield Wednesday19. Plymouth Argyle20. Southend United21. Luton Town22. Barnsley23. QPR24. Colchester United - Soccernet
SPORTING LIFE FANZINE
PA Sport
"...If last season's late form is anything to go by, QPR are already relegated. Defeat in six of their final seven games suggests new boss Gary Waddock has his work cut out, just like predecessor Ian Holloway - sent on gardening leave by Rangers in February - and now Plymouth manager.... Sporting Life
Coral - Championship Betting PLymouth
14th last season, Plymouth Argyle are under new management following Tony Pulis’s return to Stoke City.... Coral’s match bet market, Plymouth are 5/6 to finish ahead of Ian Holloway’s old club QPR.
Coral
And Les Ferdinand was saying...
BBC - Ferdinand's Concerns - Ferdinand troubled by QPR unease
By Chris Charles
QPR legend Les Ferdinand is hoping the club can put their problems off the pitch behind them as they get ready for the new season.
The striker, who scored 90 goals in 170 appearances for Rangers, is concerned stories of boardroom upheaval and mounting debts will take their toll.
Ferdinand told BBC Sport: "I'm upset with all the off-the-field antics at QPR that have overshadowed the club.
"I wish they could resolve this stuff and concentrate on the football."
Ferdinand, dubbed 'Sir Les' by the QPR fans during his eight-year spell at Loftus Road, admitted things were not looking great but had every confidence manager Gary Waddock and his assistant Alan McDonald would turn things around.
"My old team-mates Gary and Alan know all about Queens Park Rangers and I hope they can do the business," he said.
"They've got blue and white flowing through their blood so hopefully they can bring them back to where they need to be."
The bookmakers are not convinced, making QPR one of the the favourites to be relegated from the Championship after they failed to win any of their final 11 games last season.
A summer of discontent has seen the club's reputation dragged through the gutter, with a court clearing seven men of forcing then-director Gianni Paladini to resign at gunpoint during the home clash with Sheffield United last season.
Since then, Carlos Dunga has quit as a director after being asked to coach Brazil and Paladini, currently chairman of the west London side, has hinted that Rangers' main investor, Antonio Caliendo, could be ready to pull the plug.
Ferdinand, 39, remains upbeat about the future of the club where he made his name, saying: "I wish they'd stop talking about all the issues off the pitch and get back to talking about the great football Rangers traditionally play.
"If Gary and Alan are allowed to do their jobs, I really hope they can get QPR back into the Premiership as soon as possible." BBC
Ex-QPR Update
-
Former QPR winger, Lee Cook turns 25 Born August 3, 1982 - Profile
Also Lee Cook/Wikipedia
Ossie Ardiles turns 55 - Born August 3, 1952 - Profile
Also Ossie Ardiles/Wikipedia
Tomorrow, August 4, Tony Roberts (still listed as QPR's goalkeeping coach) turns 38. Currently still goalkeeping for Dagenham. Over a decade at QPR, between 1987 and 1997, Roberts made 122 appearances. Profile and also Wikipedia/Roberts
Steve Lomas, now at Gillingham talks to Gillingham's Official Site (no QPR focus) - Gillingham
Former QPR winger, Lee Cook turns 25 Born August 3, 1982 - Profile
Also Lee Cook/Wikipedia
Ossie Ardiles turns 55 - Born August 3, 1952 - Profile
Also Ossie Ardiles/Wikipedia
Tomorrow, August 4, Tony Roberts (still listed as QPR's goalkeeping coach) turns 38. Currently still goalkeeping for Dagenham. Over a decade at QPR, between 1987 and 1997, Roberts made 122 appearances. Profile and also Wikipedia/Roberts
Steve Lomas, now at Gillingham talks to Gillingham's Official Site (no QPR focus) - Gillingham
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Injury-Caused Retirement for Non-QPR Player With Strong QPR Connection
-
Brighton's captain Charlie Oatway has been forced to retire from injury. Oatway's QPR connection? He was named after the entire 1973 squad: His full name is Anthony Philip David Terry Frank Donald Stanley Gerry Gordon Stephen James Oatway -Wikipedia/Oataway. Sadly/ironically, the injury which led to Oatway being out of football for 18 months came in a game against QPR, from a tackle from QPR's Marcus Bean - BBC Report
(If Brighton have a testimonial, it would be a nice gesture for QPR to volunteer to be the opponents)
Brighton Official Site - Oatway Forced To Retire By Paul Camillin
Albion club captain Charlie Oatway has been forced to retire from professional football after suffering a second serious injury, just weeks after returning from the broken ankle which ruled him out for over 18 months.
Oatway made his long-awaited return from successful ankle surgery this summer - but in a cruel twist of fate another injury, this time to his knee, suffered in the pre-season friendly at Billericay - left the 33-year-old with little option.
The midfielder ruptured his cartilage in a tackle during the game, and further diagnoses by the club's surgeon revealed he had also damaged the highline articular surface of the knee.
Oatway said, "It has been a nightmare over the past year and a half, but having come back from one major injury I was hopeful of making a full return to action, but to suffer another just as serious left me facing a difficult decision.
"It is with an extremely heavy heart that I have made the decision to quit the professional game - as I always felt I had a few more years left to offer - but I have very little choice for the sake of my future health.
"The last 18 months or so have been very tough for me, but I have been helped through it by my family, friend and the club's medical staff - who I cannot praise enough and have been second to none.
"The club doctors Tim Stevenson and Alistair Raiman; and the medical staff, Malcolm Stuart, Matt Miller and Kim Eaton, have all been incredibly supportive throughout that time - and I cannot thank them enough."
Charlie Oatway
Oatway on his return to action this pre-season
Dean Wilkins added, "To suffer such a serious injury so soon after making such a determined recovery from his broken ankle is horrendous bad luck for Charlie and my heart goes out to him.
"Having finally beaten what had been a persistent and stubborn injury, he was taking a full role in our pre-season preparations and would have been a valuable member of the squad this season - so for him to suffer a second career-ending blow like this is very sad.
"Charlie's presence, both on the field and in the dressing room, will be sorely missed. He has been a tremendous servant to the club over the last eight years and all of the coaching staff and players will miss his presence."
Dick Knight said, "Charlie joined us as part of Micky Adams's revolution and has been an effervescent and inspirational presence ever since. It is sad that after all his hard recovery work over the past 18 months, injury has forced his retirement now.
"But the important job in our community programme I offered him some time ago will now take immediate effect, and I'm certain that Charlie will bring the same leadership qualities to his new challenge with the Albion as he did to his playing career.
"Albion fans will join me in saying thanks for everything Charlie and best wishes for your future career with the club." Brighton Official Site
Brighton Argus - Goodbye Charlie and thanks for the memories
By Brian Owen
Comment
IT might seem a strange thing to say this morning, as Charlie Oatway contemplates the start of life as an ex-footballer, but the popular Albion club captain bowed out in style.
Forget those images of him being taken away on a stretcher on that freezing Boxing Day against QPR.
Forget, if you can, the long months of treatment and re-hab and the short-lived comeback in pre-season at Worthing.
And, if you went to Billericay recently, consign images of his final Albion performance to the recesses of your memory (if you hadn't forgotten that sorry 0-0 draw already).
Try to think about two titles and a play-off success. And remember this fact: Charlie Oatway, not known as a goal machine, scored the winner in his final full game as a professional footballer.
That's why you could say he finished in style.
It was a cracking goal too, fired in from the edge of the box right on half-time to earn a 2-1 win over Peter Taylor's Hull City at Withdean to lift Albion out of the Championship relegation zone.
Glowing with pride after the match, he told The Argus: "I don't really like talking about those things when I'm fortunate enough to score a goal. The gaffer says to get things on target and I just tried to do that.
"What was pleasing was, having gone 1-0 down after being beaten 5-1 at Reading last week, we rolled our sleeves up and had a go.
"We managed to stand strong and everybody stood up and was counted."
That was the spirit which galvanised the Albion team which Micky Adams built. Gathering players from around the lower divisions who he knew, and who he knew could do a specific job, Adams took the Seagulls out of the bottom flight.
They did it at the second attempt in 2000-01. By then, Adams and Albion had had a first season at Withdean, during which Oatway and Paul Rogers emerged as the central midfield pairing.
In some ways, Rogers and Oatway were Albion's version of David Platt and Gazza.
Oatway was the joker. In Q&A sessions, players would always name him as the funniest character in the changing room.
He was there through two titles, the play-offs and a relegation and his injury was seen as a major factor as to why Albion went down in 2006.
He started exactly 200 League games for the Seagulls, the first of them coming in that 6-0 welcome-to-Withdean rout of Mansfield in August 1999.
Even after his injury, he remained club captain and a popular figure around the club.
Just recently, Adam Hinshelwood highlighted how having Oatway to keep him company helped him through the long, monotonous process of recovering from cruciate ligament surgery.
While fans see Oatway as a comedian and a midfielder not afraid to get stuck in, those behind the scenes tell of a more thoughtful character, who has found the last few days and weeks exceptionally hard to handle.
There was, of course, one final irony about the tackle, right in front of the North Stand, which broke his ankle and, as it turned out, ended his career.
And that was that it came against QPR, the team Oatway and his family have always supported.
When he first joined the Seagulls from Brentford, the Sports Argus headline read: "Albion sign the biggest name in football."
We then highlighted how Anthony, Philip, David, Terry, Frank, Donald, Stanley, Gerry, Gordon, Stephen, James Oatway was named after the QPR side which won the Second Division in 1973.
Then came a quote from Adams as he prepared to add Oatway and Paul Watson to his new-look squad.
The relatively new Seagulls boss told us: "Oatway is a midfield terrier who enjoys the physical aspect of the game.
"I think the fans will like him. I've had letters asking me to get players who will die for the shirt and that's the way Charlie plays the game."
Oatway did not disappoint. Brighton Argus
Brighton's captain Charlie Oatway has been forced to retire from injury. Oatway's QPR connection? He was named after the entire 1973 squad: His full name is Anthony Philip David Terry Frank Donald Stanley Gerry Gordon Stephen James Oatway -Wikipedia/Oataway. Sadly/ironically, the injury which led to Oatway being out of football for 18 months came in a game against QPR, from a tackle from QPR's Marcus Bean - BBC Report
(If Brighton have a testimonial, it would be a nice gesture for QPR to volunteer to be the opponents)
Brighton Official Site - Oatway Forced To Retire By Paul Camillin
Albion club captain Charlie Oatway has been forced to retire from professional football after suffering a second serious injury, just weeks after returning from the broken ankle which ruled him out for over 18 months.
Oatway made his long-awaited return from successful ankle surgery this summer - but in a cruel twist of fate another injury, this time to his knee, suffered in the pre-season friendly at Billericay - left the 33-year-old with little option.
The midfielder ruptured his cartilage in a tackle during the game, and further diagnoses by the club's surgeon revealed he had also damaged the highline articular surface of the knee.
Oatway said, "It has been a nightmare over the past year and a half, but having come back from one major injury I was hopeful of making a full return to action, but to suffer another just as serious left me facing a difficult decision.
"It is with an extremely heavy heart that I have made the decision to quit the professional game - as I always felt I had a few more years left to offer - but I have very little choice for the sake of my future health.
"The last 18 months or so have been very tough for me, but I have been helped through it by my family, friend and the club's medical staff - who I cannot praise enough and have been second to none.
"The club doctors Tim Stevenson and Alistair Raiman; and the medical staff, Malcolm Stuart, Matt Miller and Kim Eaton, have all been incredibly supportive throughout that time - and I cannot thank them enough."
Charlie Oatway
Oatway on his return to action this pre-season
Dean Wilkins added, "To suffer such a serious injury so soon after making such a determined recovery from his broken ankle is horrendous bad luck for Charlie and my heart goes out to him.
"Having finally beaten what had been a persistent and stubborn injury, he was taking a full role in our pre-season preparations and would have been a valuable member of the squad this season - so for him to suffer a second career-ending blow like this is very sad.
"Charlie's presence, both on the field and in the dressing room, will be sorely missed. He has been a tremendous servant to the club over the last eight years and all of the coaching staff and players will miss his presence."
Dick Knight said, "Charlie joined us as part of Micky Adams's revolution and has been an effervescent and inspirational presence ever since. It is sad that after all his hard recovery work over the past 18 months, injury has forced his retirement now.
"But the important job in our community programme I offered him some time ago will now take immediate effect, and I'm certain that Charlie will bring the same leadership qualities to his new challenge with the Albion as he did to his playing career.
"Albion fans will join me in saying thanks for everything Charlie and best wishes for your future career with the club." Brighton Official Site
Brighton Argus - Goodbye Charlie and thanks for the memories
By Brian Owen
Comment
IT might seem a strange thing to say this morning, as Charlie Oatway contemplates the start of life as an ex-footballer, but the popular Albion club captain bowed out in style.
Forget those images of him being taken away on a stretcher on that freezing Boxing Day against QPR.
Forget, if you can, the long months of treatment and re-hab and the short-lived comeback in pre-season at Worthing.
And, if you went to Billericay recently, consign images of his final Albion performance to the recesses of your memory (if you hadn't forgotten that sorry 0-0 draw already).
Try to think about two titles and a play-off success. And remember this fact: Charlie Oatway, not known as a goal machine, scored the winner in his final full game as a professional footballer.
That's why you could say he finished in style.
It was a cracking goal too, fired in from the edge of the box right on half-time to earn a 2-1 win over Peter Taylor's Hull City at Withdean to lift Albion out of the Championship relegation zone.
Glowing with pride after the match, he told The Argus: "I don't really like talking about those things when I'm fortunate enough to score a goal. The gaffer says to get things on target and I just tried to do that.
"What was pleasing was, having gone 1-0 down after being beaten 5-1 at Reading last week, we rolled our sleeves up and had a go.
"We managed to stand strong and everybody stood up and was counted."
That was the spirit which galvanised the Albion team which Micky Adams built. Gathering players from around the lower divisions who he knew, and who he knew could do a specific job, Adams took the Seagulls out of the bottom flight.
They did it at the second attempt in 2000-01. By then, Adams and Albion had had a first season at Withdean, during which Oatway and Paul Rogers emerged as the central midfield pairing.
In some ways, Rogers and Oatway were Albion's version of David Platt and Gazza.
Oatway was the joker. In Q&A sessions, players would always name him as the funniest character in the changing room.
He was there through two titles, the play-offs and a relegation and his injury was seen as a major factor as to why Albion went down in 2006.
He started exactly 200 League games for the Seagulls, the first of them coming in that 6-0 welcome-to-Withdean rout of Mansfield in August 1999.
Even after his injury, he remained club captain and a popular figure around the club.
Just recently, Adam Hinshelwood highlighted how having Oatway to keep him company helped him through the long, monotonous process of recovering from cruciate ligament surgery.
While fans see Oatway as a comedian and a midfielder not afraid to get stuck in, those behind the scenes tell of a more thoughtful character, who has found the last few days and weeks exceptionally hard to handle.
There was, of course, one final irony about the tackle, right in front of the North Stand, which broke his ankle and, as it turned out, ended his career.
And that was that it came against QPR, the team Oatway and his family have always supported.
When he first joined the Seagulls from Brentford, the Sports Argus headline read: "Albion sign the biggest name in football."
We then highlighted how Anthony, Philip, David, Terry, Frank, Donald, Stanley, Gerry, Gordon, Stephen, James Oatway was named after the QPR side which won the Second Division in 1973.
Then came a quote from Adams as he prepared to add Oatway and Paul Watson to his new-look squad.
The relatively new Seagulls boss told us: "Oatway is a midfield terrier who enjoys the physical aspect of the game.
"I think the fans will like him. I've had letters asking me to get players who will die for the shirt and that's the way Charlie plays the game."
Oatway did not disappoint. Brighton Argus
QPR "Snippets" - Finances/Takeover...Ward to Brescia?...Season Assessmen...Rehman on Stereotypes..Chelsea's Loan Philosophy
-
re Takeover/QPR Finances
According to a QPR messageboard poster reporting on what's in today's Paddington Mercury, QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini told the paper: “If the deal doesn’t happen by the end of the month the club will go bust. I’ve been like magician Paul Daniels to this club but I can’t do it anymore, I haven’t got any more money to put in. I’m prepared not to take a penny for my shared if it means the club will move forward but we need to get new investors in. I’m crossing my fingers and toes everything really. “This deal if it goes through will be the best thing to happen to QPR in a long time,. I know the people involved but there is still a lot of negotiating to do, I’d be surprised if anything happened by the end of the week.” Reported
Tribal Football - Brescia give chance to QPR's Ward
"Brescia are taking a look at Australian midfielder Nick Ward.
The Serie B club are considering Ward, who is available from QPR after a spell last season on-loan with Brighton. Tribal Football
[NB: QPR's Marc Nygaard was formerly with Brescia]
BetBonus.co.uk - Championship 2007-08 Betting Odds Preview and Free Bets - July 13, 2007 "....These are the six teams most likely to be vying for promotion.
Charlton Athletic...West Bromwich Albion...Wolves...Watford..Sheffield United...Southampton...
Here are the teams perhaps most likely to face the drop next season:
Scunthorpe United...Barnsley defied the odds last season and avoided relegation with three successive wins in April while striker Daniel Nardiello netted six goals in the final six matches of the season. ...
Queens Park Rangers
QPR ended the season in the lower reaches of the Championship and next season is likely to be more of the same as the club’s Italian owners are attempting to sell up. Rangers signed Daniel Nardiello who scored nine league goals for struggling Barnsley last season while left back Chris Barker, who spent last season on loan at Colchester United, arrived on a free transfer from Cardiff City.
Relegation 3.5 (Paddy Power - £25 in Free Bets!)... Preview
Zesh Rehman on Sterotyes
Slam Sports - Pakistan chasing talent in UK
"....There are almost 750,000 British Pakistanis. Not one plays in the Premier League and just three are on the books of England's lower leagues clubs.
Zesh Rahman, a 23-year-old centre back who spent three seasons with Premier League club Fulham before joining Championship side Queens Park Rangers last year, said some agents were biased.
"Before an agent or scout has a look at a player, they are going into it with stereotypes - with the perception that religion is going to interfere with the football," said Rahman, a Muslim who now plays for Pakistan despite reaching England's under-19 team.... Report
Interview with Chelsea CEO, Peter Kenyon - Philosophy of Loaning out Players
How difficult will it be when the first team is at such a high level to actually bring youngsters through?
"....we've had people out in LA with us, we've had three young boys, we've got a good crop coming back, we've been putting our players who are not quite ready to join the first team squad and to other teams to learn the skills, and to learn the skills of a footballer, you've got to play regular football ...
Do we have to, because of our level be a little bit more patient than we might have had to have been when even John Terry came into the team because, for instance, we've signed Steve Sidwell who was an Arsenal youngster at 24 years of age, do we almost have to give these guys until 24 going out on loan and coming back?
I think it varies, but I think one of the issues we have introduced is at 18 or 19 they can sit on a bench and go backwards at 20, 21 even so I think we have to look as part of the development here is we will put you out to various clubs, keep an eye on you, you come back regularly to the campus, medically you're supervised, you're our player, even if you're playing at another club but it is important because the last thing you want to do is develop a player from 12, and 19 move him on and at 24 he becomes the star you thought he was at 12 and it is a time process and within that there will always be one guy who comes through at 18 and blows everyone away so you've got to be prepared for everything. ChelseaFC
re Takeover/QPR Finances
According to a QPR messageboard poster reporting on what's in today's Paddington Mercury, QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini told the paper: “If the deal doesn’t happen by the end of the month the club will go bust. I’ve been like magician Paul Daniels to this club but I can’t do it anymore, I haven’t got any more money to put in. I’m prepared not to take a penny for my shared if it means the club will move forward but we need to get new investors in. I’m crossing my fingers and toes everything really. “This deal if it goes through will be the best thing to happen to QPR in a long time,. I know the people involved but there is still a lot of negotiating to do, I’d be surprised if anything happened by the end of the week.” Reported
Tribal Football - Brescia give chance to QPR's Ward
"Brescia are taking a look at Australian midfielder Nick Ward.
The Serie B club are considering Ward, who is available from QPR after a spell last season on-loan with Brighton. Tribal Football
[NB: QPR's Marc Nygaard was formerly with Brescia]
BetBonus.co.uk - Championship 2007-08 Betting Odds Preview and Free Bets - July 13, 2007 "....These are the six teams most likely to be vying for promotion.
Charlton Athletic...West Bromwich Albion...Wolves...Watford..Sheffield United...Southampton...
Here are the teams perhaps most likely to face the drop next season:
Scunthorpe United...Barnsley defied the odds last season and avoided relegation with three successive wins in April while striker Daniel Nardiello netted six goals in the final six matches of the season. ...
Queens Park Rangers
QPR ended the season in the lower reaches of the Championship and next season is likely to be more of the same as the club’s Italian owners are attempting to sell up. Rangers signed Daniel Nardiello who scored nine league goals for struggling Barnsley last season while left back Chris Barker, who spent last season on loan at Colchester United, arrived on a free transfer from Cardiff City.
Relegation 3.5 (Paddy Power - £25 in Free Bets!)... Preview
Zesh Rehman on Sterotyes
Slam Sports - Pakistan chasing talent in UK
"....There are almost 750,000 British Pakistanis. Not one plays in the Premier League and just three are on the books of England's lower leagues clubs.
Zesh Rahman, a 23-year-old centre back who spent three seasons with Premier League club Fulham before joining Championship side Queens Park Rangers last year, said some agents were biased.
"Before an agent or scout has a look at a player, they are going into it with stereotypes - with the perception that religion is going to interfere with the football," said Rahman, a Muslim who now plays for Pakistan despite reaching England's under-19 team.... Report
Interview with Chelsea CEO, Peter Kenyon - Philosophy of Loaning out Players
How difficult will it be when the first team is at such a high level to actually bring youngsters through?
"....we've had people out in LA with us, we've had three young boys, we've got a good crop coming back, we've been putting our players who are not quite ready to join the first team squad and to other teams to learn the skills, and to learn the skills of a footballer, you've got to play regular football ...
Do we have to, because of our level be a little bit more patient than we might have had to have been when even John Terry came into the team because, for instance, we've signed Steve Sidwell who was an Arsenal youngster at 24 years of age, do we almost have to give these guys until 24 going out on loan and coming back?
I think it varies, but I think one of the issues we have introduced is at 18 or 19 they can sit on a bench and go backwards at 20, 21 even so I think we have to look as part of the development here is we will put you out to various clubs, keep an eye on you, you come back regularly to the campus, medically you're supervised, you're our player, even if you're playing at another club but it is important because the last thing you want to do is develop a player from 12, and 19 move him on and at 24 he becomes the star you thought he was at 12 and it is a time process and within that there will always be one guy who comes through at 18 and blows everyone away so you've got to be prepared for everything. ChelseaFC
Ex-QPR Update
-
Simon Royce signs for Gillingham (joining Steve Lomas)...Birthdays for two former QPR members of the QPR's "1976 Championship" Squad, Ron Abbott & Peter Eastoe, Both turn 54. It was Kevin Gallen vs Clarke Carlisle last night as MK Dons and Watford drew 0-0. (Also playing, ex-QPR loans Leon Knight and Dyer. No Danny Shittu - Match Report
Ron Abbott
Born August 2, 1953. Ron Abbott began as a "big/strong" center forward and there had been big hopes about his future (along with fellow forward, Alan Mayes). Abbott made his debut in August 1973 away at West Ham, scoring. Over the next few years, Abbott played a handful of games as a center back (including in QPR amazing 5-1 win at then Champions Derby in August 1976...almost exactly 30 years ago. In that game, Abbott played alongside another youngster, Tony Tagg.)
See Abbott's Record
Peter Eastoe..
Also born August 2, 1953, Peter. Eastoe was signed from Swindon in March 1976 (our "Championship" Season) for about 90,000, with Don Rogers returning to Swindon. The ex-Wolves forward didn't play in that Championship season, and the next season slowly got into the team...playing in our League Cup Semi-Final "playoff" (defeat) versus Aston Villa at Highbury (Brian Little hattrick!) Eastoe was transferred to Everton in March 1979 (in our Steve Burtenhaw relegation season) in a straight swop for Everton's ex- Blackpool forward, Mickey Walsh.
See Wikipedia on Peter Eastoe and also: Eastoe's Record
GILLINGHAM OFFICIAL SITE Royce signs on the dotted line
Gillingham have completed the signing of former QPR goalkeeper Simon Royce.
Gillingham Football Club is pleased to announce that goalkeeper Simon Royce has signed for the club on a permanent basis. The experienced 35-year-old has represented a number of clubs, including both Charlton Athletic and Leicester City. He joins the Gills from Championship side QPR.
Gills boss Ronnie Jepson told the official club website: "Simon is a highly experienced keeper and I'm delighted to bring him to the club on a permanent basis. He did a good job for us in his loan spell last season and I'm sure he will prove a great acquisition". Gillingham
Simon Royce signs for Gillingham (joining Steve Lomas)...Birthdays for two former QPR members of the QPR's "1976 Championship" Squad, Ron Abbott & Peter Eastoe, Both turn 54. It was Kevin Gallen vs Clarke Carlisle last night as MK Dons and Watford drew 0-0. (Also playing, ex-QPR loans Leon Knight and Dyer. No Danny Shittu - Match Report
Ron Abbott
Born August 2, 1953. Ron Abbott began as a "big/strong" center forward and there had been big hopes about his future (along with fellow forward, Alan Mayes). Abbott made his debut in August 1973 away at West Ham, scoring. Over the next few years, Abbott played a handful of games as a center back (including in QPR amazing 5-1 win at then Champions Derby in August 1976...almost exactly 30 years ago. In that game, Abbott played alongside another youngster, Tony Tagg.)
See Abbott's Record
Peter Eastoe..
Also born August 2, 1953, Peter. Eastoe was signed from Swindon in March 1976 (our "Championship" Season) for about 90,000, with Don Rogers returning to Swindon. The ex-Wolves forward didn't play in that Championship season, and the next season slowly got into the team...playing in our League Cup Semi-Final "playoff" (defeat) versus Aston Villa at Highbury (Brian Little hattrick!) Eastoe was transferred to Everton in March 1979 (in our Steve Burtenhaw relegation season) in a straight swop for Everton's ex- Blackpool forward, Mickey Walsh.
See Wikipedia on Peter Eastoe and also: Eastoe's Record
GILLINGHAM OFFICIAL SITE Royce signs on the dotted line
Gillingham have completed the signing of former QPR goalkeeper Simon Royce.
Gillingham Football Club is pleased to announce that goalkeeper Simon Royce has signed for the club on a permanent basis. The experienced 35-year-old has represented a number of clubs, including both Charlton Athletic and Leicester City. He joins the Gills from Championship side QPR.
Gills boss Ronnie Jepson told the official club website: "Simon is a highly experienced keeper and I'm delighted to bring him to the club on a permanent basis. He did a good job for us in his loan spell last season and I'm sure he will prove a great acquisition". Gillingham
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
QPR's Relegation/Promotion Odds and Odds re Leading Goalscorer
-
From BET RESCUE
Not too high odds given re QPR winning the Championship!
Leading Goalscorers
Relegation Odds
Finish Bottom
Promotion Odds
Top Southern Team
SEE VARIOUS BOOKIE'S ODDS GIVEN FOR QPR A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO QPR Relegation Odds
From BET RESCUE
Not too high odds given re QPR winning the Championship!
Leading Goalscorers
Relegation Odds
Finish Bottom
Promotion Odds
Top Southern Team
SEE VARIOUS BOOKIE'S ODDS GIVEN FOR QPR A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO QPR Relegation Odds
Gregory Talks About The Lee Camp Transfer Saga and No More Money
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Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - JG: I'd almost given up hope
QPR boss John Gregory admits he was close to abandoning his pursuit of Lee Camp last week and bidding for another goalkeeper.
Gregory finally landed his top transfer target last Friday, paying Derby £300,000 to bring the highly-rated England under-21 international back to Loftus Road after two successful loan spells.
But the Rangers manager acknowledged: "We were heading towards a period when I thought I'd have to get somebody and forget all about Lee Camp. By the end of this week I'd have had to do something else.
"Derby basically said they wanted to keep him and he wasn't for sale. I wasn't too sure whether to believe them or not and whether to start looking elsewhere, but we did.
"We've always had a Plan B and indeed a Plan C, people we were looking at if they need arose. It was a bit cat and mouse and I had a sneaking suspicion Derby were originally trying to get someone else they couldn't get.
"So we had to hold fire and play the waiting game, then their Plan B kicked in and fortunately it all came together."
Derby's purchase of Ipswich keeper Lewis Price finally cleared the way for Camp to move to Loftus Road, turning his back on the newly-promoted Rams in search of first-team football.
Camp, who turns 23 later this month, told the Times: "It was a tough decision leaving my home town, but it was there for all to see that I wasn't going to be number one at Derby.
"The opportunity to play football was one I couldn't turn down. I think it was dragged out more by the press than the two clubs involved but, when it's out of your hands, it can become slightly frustrating.
"I have to thank QPR for their patience - they were fantastic during the time this was going on. They could easily have pulled the plug and signed someone else, but they supported me and hopefully I can repay that."
Camp amassed almost a century of appearances for Derby, but has been a hugely popular player at QPR ever since arriving on loan in 2004 and playing a key role in guiding Ian Holloway's side to promotion.
As Rams boss, Gregory gave the keeper his professional debut and he was quick to send for Camp last season, again with enormous success, after Paul Jones and Simon Royce fell from favour.
Camp added: "There's maybe a fear factor in being in new surroundings and not knowing anyone when you start, but I know the club and the area, the manager and many of the boys well, so that wasn't a problem.
"When you get so much support from the fans and everyone inside the club, it makes life a lot easier. This is certainly a place where I've enjoyed my time in the past and that's all I ever want to do, enjoy my football at QPR.
"I think our form towards the end of last season was championship form and if we can take that into the new season, you never know what could happen."
Gregory quickly followed the capture of Camp by paying Charlton £200,000 for 19-year-old midfielder Simon Walton, bringing his number of permanent signings this summer to five.
That will be complemented by two loan deals today, when Chelsea duo Michael Mancienne and Ben Sahar - both of whom played in Rangers' friendlies against Wycombe and Harrow Borough - formally put pen to paper.
Gregory is expected to add a third Chelsea loanee to the squad before the start of the season, possibly attacking midfielder Scott Sinclair, but the manager admitted: "That's it now, the money's all gone.
"The chairman said I could have £500,000 of the proceeds and spend it whichever way I felt fit, whether it was 10 players or one player. I would have paid the whole £500,000 for Lee Camp, trust me, without question.
"Fortunately we got him at a reasonable price and I was able to spend some more money on Simon Walton, who's still only 19 and I think he's got a big future ahead of him.
"We might have to go into the loan market again as the season progresses, but this will probably be the squad that starts for me."
Rangers currently have another Chelsea player on trial - midfielder James Simmonds, who also played at both Adams Park and Earlsmead. Kilburn Times
Kilburn Times - Boss believes Cook will be a hit at Fulham
"...Speaking about his efforts to fill the void left by Cook, Rangers boss Gregory said: "It's easy for people to talk about replacing Lee Cook, but to go out and do it is another thing.
"Forward players that win matches are more expensive and nobody wants to let them go. It is extremely difficult and we don't have any money, but we've got to try.
"He played fantastically well for us, but it is a big gamble by Fulham to see whether or not Lee can do it in the Premiership. I think he can, but paying £2.5m is still a big gamble..."
. Kilburn Times
Kilburn Times - Danny's ready for battle
DANNY Nardiello has settled in quickly - but don't be surprised to see him involved in a heated clash with new team-mate Martin Rowlands before long.
The summer signing from Barnsley is an affable, easy-going character, whose eyes have a tendency to light up when a shooting opportunity from a free-kick presents itself.
Rowlands is QPR's dead-ball maestro, though - having smashed in a few lethal free-kicks from distance last season, to say nothing of four crucial penalties.
So there could be some keen competition between the two this season for shooting rights and Nardiello grinned: "I'm sure we'll have an argument every now and then.
"I've scored a few free-kicks in the past, so I do like to take them. I don't know whether the other lads will let me but, if I do, I'll be looking for a few goals.
"The more goals I get the better. You do set yourself targets and my main objectives are to stay fit, make a name for myself here and help QPR to success this season."
Nardiello's name is already well known in the Championship after an impressive two seasons at Barnsley, hitting 14 goals to help them survive last year.
Dexter Blackstock, of course, scored an identical total for a struggling team last season - and the early indications are that the pair can form a profitable partnership for Rangers.
Not that their selection is by any means guaranteed, of course - and, as Rs boss John Gregory pointed out recently, the number 10 shirt is yet to be filled.
"Dexter's a great player - I've played against him a few times before and obviously now seen him in training and he's a good finisher," observed Nardiello.
"I like to come off him a bit and he can stay further upfield, so hopefully we can get plenty of goals this season. With that said, you don't want to get complacent.
"There's a strong squad here already and competition for places is always good. I want to play every week, so I've got to work hard and score goals to make sure I get a place in the team and keep it."
And the 24-year-old Wales international is clearly confident of enjoying a successful career with QPR - he not only turned down the offer of a new contract at Oakwell, but also the chance to play for Coventry, the club he supported as a youngster.
Norwich were also keen to secure Nardiello's signature, but the striker admitted: "After speaking to the gaffer, hearing what he had to say and seeing the set-up here, my mind was made up.
"It was a big decision for me to make - Coventry's the team I supported as a kid and my dad [Donato] also played for them - but I felt QPR was the right move for me and hopefully that'll prove to be the right decision.
"I had a nightmare start last season at Barnsley - I broke my collarbone and was out for the first third of the season and came back into the thick of a relegation battle.
"Hopefully this time I can get a full pre-season under my belt and be pushing for promotion rather than having a struggle at the bottom of the table."
There won't be any arguments from anyone at QPR if that particular wish of Nardiello's comes true. Kilburn Times
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - JG: I'd almost given up hope
QPR boss John Gregory admits he was close to abandoning his pursuit of Lee Camp last week and bidding for another goalkeeper.
Gregory finally landed his top transfer target last Friday, paying Derby £300,000 to bring the highly-rated England under-21 international back to Loftus Road after two successful loan spells.
But the Rangers manager acknowledged: "We were heading towards a period when I thought I'd have to get somebody and forget all about Lee Camp. By the end of this week I'd have had to do something else.
"Derby basically said they wanted to keep him and he wasn't for sale. I wasn't too sure whether to believe them or not and whether to start looking elsewhere, but we did.
"We've always had a Plan B and indeed a Plan C, people we were looking at if they need arose. It was a bit cat and mouse and I had a sneaking suspicion Derby were originally trying to get someone else they couldn't get.
"So we had to hold fire and play the waiting game, then their Plan B kicked in and fortunately it all came together."
Derby's purchase of Ipswich keeper Lewis Price finally cleared the way for Camp to move to Loftus Road, turning his back on the newly-promoted Rams in search of first-team football.
Camp, who turns 23 later this month, told the Times: "It was a tough decision leaving my home town, but it was there for all to see that I wasn't going to be number one at Derby.
"The opportunity to play football was one I couldn't turn down. I think it was dragged out more by the press than the two clubs involved but, when it's out of your hands, it can become slightly frustrating.
"I have to thank QPR for their patience - they were fantastic during the time this was going on. They could easily have pulled the plug and signed someone else, but they supported me and hopefully I can repay that."
Camp amassed almost a century of appearances for Derby, but has been a hugely popular player at QPR ever since arriving on loan in 2004 and playing a key role in guiding Ian Holloway's side to promotion.
As Rams boss, Gregory gave the keeper his professional debut and he was quick to send for Camp last season, again with enormous success, after Paul Jones and Simon Royce fell from favour.
Camp added: "There's maybe a fear factor in being in new surroundings and not knowing anyone when you start, but I know the club and the area, the manager and many of the boys well, so that wasn't a problem.
"When you get so much support from the fans and everyone inside the club, it makes life a lot easier. This is certainly a place where I've enjoyed my time in the past and that's all I ever want to do, enjoy my football at QPR.
"I think our form towards the end of last season was championship form and if we can take that into the new season, you never know what could happen."
Gregory quickly followed the capture of Camp by paying Charlton £200,000 for 19-year-old midfielder Simon Walton, bringing his number of permanent signings this summer to five.
That will be complemented by two loan deals today, when Chelsea duo Michael Mancienne and Ben Sahar - both of whom played in Rangers' friendlies against Wycombe and Harrow Borough - formally put pen to paper.
Gregory is expected to add a third Chelsea loanee to the squad before the start of the season, possibly attacking midfielder Scott Sinclair, but the manager admitted: "That's it now, the money's all gone.
"The chairman said I could have £500,000 of the proceeds and spend it whichever way I felt fit, whether it was 10 players or one player. I would have paid the whole £500,000 for Lee Camp, trust me, without question.
"Fortunately we got him at a reasonable price and I was able to spend some more money on Simon Walton, who's still only 19 and I think he's got a big future ahead of him.
"We might have to go into the loan market again as the season progresses, but this will probably be the squad that starts for me."
Rangers currently have another Chelsea player on trial - midfielder James Simmonds, who also played at both Adams Park and Earlsmead. Kilburn Times
Kilburn Times - Boss believes Cook will be a hit at Fulham
"...Speaking about his efforts to fill the void left by Cook, Rangers boss Gregory said: "It's easy for people to talk about replacing Lee Cook, but to go out and do it is another thing.
"Forward players that win matches are more expensive and nobody wants to let them go. It is extremely difficult and we don't have any money, but we've got to try.
"He played fantastically well for us, but it is a big gamble by Fulham to see whether or not Lee can do it in the Premiership. I think he can, but paying £2.5m is still a big gamble..."
. Kilburn Times
Kilburn Times - Danny's ready for battle
DANNY Nardiello has settled in quickly - but don't be surprised to see him involved in a heated clash with new team-mate Martin Rowlands before long.
The summer signing from Barnsley is an affable, easy-going character, whose eyes have a tendency to light up when a shooting opportunity from a free-kick presents itself.
Rowlands is QPR's dead-ball maestro, though - having smashed in a few lethal free-kicks from distance last season, to say nothing of four crucial penalties.
So there could be some keen competition between the two this season for shooting rights and Nardiello grinned: "I'm sure we'll have an argument every now and then.
"I've scored a few free-kicks in the past, so I do like to take them. I don't know whether the other lads will let me but, if I do, I'll be looking for a few goals.
"The more goals I get the better. You do set yourself targets and my main objectives are to stay fit, make a name for myself here and help QPR to success this season."
Nardiello's name is already well known in the Championship after an impressive two seasons at Barnsley, hitting 14 goals to help them survive last year.
Dexter Blackstock, of course, scored an identical total for a struggling team last season - and the early indications are that the pair can form a profitable partnership for Rangers.
Not that their selection is by any means guaranteed, of course - and, as Rs boss John Gregory pointed out recently, the number 10 shirt is yet to be filled.
"Dexter's a great player - I've played against him a few times before and obviously now seen him in training and he's a good finisher," observed Nardiello.
"I like to come off him a bit and he can stay further upfield, so hopefully we can get plenty of goals this season. With that said, you don't want to get complacent.
"There's a strong squad here already and competition for places is always good. I want to play every week, so I've got to work hard and score goals to make sure I get a place in the team and keep it."
And the 24-year-old Wales international is clearly confident of enjoying a successful career with QPR - he not only turned down the offer of a new contract at Oakwell, but also the chance to play for Coventry, the club he supported as a youngster.
Norwich were also keen to secure Nardiello's signature, but the striker admitted: "After speaking to the gaffer, hearing what he had to say and seeing the set-up here, my mind was made up.
"It was a big decision for me to make - Coventry's the team I supported as a kid and my dad [Donato] also played for them - but I felt QPR was the right move for me and hopefully that'll prove to be the right decision.
"I had a nightmare start last season at Barnsley - I broke my collarbone and was out for the first third of the season and came back into the thick of a relegation battle.
"Hopefully this time I can get a full pre-season under my belt and be pushing for promotion rather than having a struggle at the bottom of the table."
There won't be any arguments from anyone at QPR if that particular wish of Nardiello's comes true. Kilburn Times
Chelsea's Ben Sahar and Mancienne to Officially Join QPR Today?
-
Today is August 1: The date that Chelsea's two loaned-to-QPR players are set to start their loan.
QPR statement last week announcing Ben Sahar's signing reported that "The loan deal has been agreed with our West London neighbours, and Sahar will officially join QPR on August 1st"....QPR
"...Ben Sahar has told www.qpr.co.uk that he is looking forward to life as a Ranger.
The 17-year-old, who is set to join on an initial three-month loan from Chelsea at the start of August, said: "I am excited about this move and feel ready to play for the first-team.... QPR
[NB: Links on QPR Official site doesn't seem to be working for right now]
The same for Michael Mancienne EXCLUSIVE: STARLET RETURNS
"Michael Mancienne is about to re-join QPR on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
The formalities of the deal have already been agreed and Mancienne will join QPR on August 1st. QPR
And in the pre-Wycombe look, the club stated "Meanwhile, Ben Sahar and Michael Mancienne - who officially join on loan from Chelsea at the start of next month - have been given permission by their parent club to take part in this fixture...."QPR
Chelsea original announcement re Mancienne and Ben Sahar -
Today is August 1: The date that Chelsea's two loaned-to-QPR players are set to start their loan.
QPR statement last week announcing Ben Sahar's signing reported that "The loan deal has been agreed with our West London neighbours, and Sahar will officially join QPR on August 1st"....QPR
"...Ben Sahar has told www.qpr.co.uk that he is looking forward to life as a Ranger.
The 17-year-old, who is set to join on an initial three-month loan from Chelsea at the start of August, said: "I am excited about this move and feel ready to play for the first-team.... QPR
[NB: Links on QPR Official site doesn't seem to be working for right now]
The same for Michael Mancienne EXCLUSIVE: STARLET RETURNS
"Michael Mancienne is about to re-join QPR on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
The formalities of the deal have already been agreed and Mancienne will join QPR on August 1st. QPR
And in the pre-Wycombe look, the club stated "Meanwhile, Ben Sahar and Michael Mancienne - who officially join on loan from Chelsea at the start of next month - have been given permission by their parent club to take part in this fixture...."QPR
Chelsea original announcement re Mancienne and Ben Sahar -
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