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Bristol City Mad - Past QPR vs Bristol City Encounters
Football 365 - Bristol City v QPR 10/08/07
Bristol City duo Jamie McCombe and Ivan Sproule will miss the opening game of the season at home to QPR.
Defender McCombe missed much of the Robins' pre-season preparations with shin problems and is short of fitness ahead of Saturday's Championship curtain-raiser.
Forward Sproule, a summer signing from Hibernian, will miss promoted City's first four fixtures of the new campaign through suspension following his disciplinary problems with the SPL side last season.
However, fellow new arrivals Stephen Henderson, Michael McIndoe, Tamas Vasko, Lee Trundle and Marvin Elliott are all in contention to make their debuts for the club in their first game at this level since being relegated in 1999.
Chris Weale and Jennison Myrie-Williams have temporarily left Ashton Gate to undertake loan spells with Hereford and Cheltenham respectively.
QPR are set to be without six players for the Ashton Gate clash
As well as summer signing Simon Walton, who faces six months on the sidelines with a broken leg, defender Pat Kanyuka (thigh), winger Gareth Ainsworth (fractured fibula) and forward Ray Jones (foot) will also be missing at Ashton Gate.
Physio Paul Hunter said: ``Ray has had a tough pre-season, with ankle and foot injuries, while Gareth is making steady progress from his leg fracture.
``Pat will be out of action for some time, after he had an operation to fix his torn thigh muscle.''
Defenders Chris Barker - a summer signing from Cardiff - and Sampsa Timoska are also out as they must serve three- and one-match suspensions respectively
But Gregory is expected to hand debuts to some of his other summer signings, who comprise goalkeeper Lee Camp, defender John Curtis, midfielder Daniel Nardiello and forward Ben Sahar, who is on loan from Chelsea. Football 365
BRISTOL CITY OFFICIAL - QPR GAME NOW ALL-TICKET
Following discussions between the club, Avon & Somerset Police and Bristol City Council a decision has been made to make the Bristol City v QPR match all-ticket.
The surge in sales over the past 24 hours has been taken into account, along with the anticipated sales on Friday.
Whilst it is accepted that this will inconvenience some supporters, the decision has been made with spectator safety in mind, along with the fact the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is taking place on Saturday.
Tickets will remain on sale until 6pm tomorrow (Friday) from 0871 222 66 66, to personal callers at the stadium and online whilst stocks last. The all-ticket ruling means no tickets will be available for purchase on the day of the game.
A crowd in excess of 19,000 is now anticipated for City's first game back in the Coca-Cola Championship. Approximately 1,200 remain on sale. Bristol City
QPR OFFICIAL SITE THE FRIDAY PREVIEW: BRISTOL CITY
Rangers travel to Ashton Gate - the home of Championship newcomers Bristol City - on the opening day of the 2007/08 campaign.
Gary Johnson's side secured a place in the Championship for the first time in nine years with victory against Rotherham United on the final day of the League One season.
A brace from David Noble and an Alex Russell goal secured the Robins the second automatic promotion spot in League One.
Johnson's men finished the campaign six points adrift of Champions Scunthorpe United, on 85 points.
Man to watch: Louis CAREY
Local lad Louis Carey was a rock at the heart of the Robins' defence last season.
The Bristol-born skipper burst on to the Ashton Gate scene in 1995, before rejecting a new contract in 2004.
He joined Coventry City, but having failed to settle in the Midlands, he was back at Ashton Gate just six months later.
Carey signed a new two-year deal in 2007 and is an integral part of the City squad.
Transfers
In's
I Sproule (Hibernian - undiscolsed)
Marvin Elliott (Millwall - free)
Michael McIndoe (Wolves - free)
Lee Trundle (Swansea - £1,000,000)
Tamas Vasco (Ujpest Dopzsa - loan)
Out's
Aaron Ledgister (Cheltenham - free)
Frankie Artus (Exeter - loan)
Chris Weale (Hereford United - loan)
Jennison Myrie-Williams (Cheltenham Town - loan)
Head-to-head:
QPR wins: 26
Draws: 18
Bristol City wins: 24
Match odds:
Bristol City 11/10
Draw 11/5
QPR 11/5
QPR
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
Friday, August 10, 2007
Flashback: 39 Years Ago today - QPR's First-Ever Game in the First Division
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Nostalgia: August 10, 1968: Our First Division 'Debut' - QPR 1 Leicester 1-
21,000+ saw QPR play their first-ever game in the First Division. QPR drew 1-1 at Loftus Road, with the new stand not yet complete! Substitute Les Allen , soon to be our manager, scored our first goal while Leicester had English record transfer signing (Allan Clarke, 150,000 pounds from Fulham) making his debut.
QPR's team:
Springett -Finch Hazell Watson Harris
Sibley Keen - Morgan Wilks Clarke Morgan
Sub: Allen
And Five Years ago today, August 10, 2002 QPR kicked off their "Playoff ('Fire Alarm Final') season with a 3-1 win over Chesterfield. (Scorers Furlong, Langley & Gallen)
Culkin, Forbes, Palmer, Shittu, Rose, Bircham, Gallen, Connolly, Murphy, Daly, Thomson. SUBS. Williams, Lovell, Langley, Furlong, Doudou.
(See Match Report)
Nostalgia: August 10, 1968: Our First Division 'Debut' - QPR 1 Leicester 1-
21,000+ saw QPR play their first-ever game in the First Division. QPR drew 1-1 at Loftus Road, with the new stand not yet complete! Substitute Les Allen , soon to be our manager, scored our first goal while Leicester had English record transfer signing (Allan Clarke, 150,000 pounds from Fulham) making his debut.
QPR's team:
Springett -Finch Hazell Watson Harris
Sibley Keen - Morgan Wilks Clarke Morgan
Sub: Allen
And Five Years ago today, August 10, 2002 QPR kicked off their "Playoff ('Fire Alarm Final') season with a 3-1 win over Chesterfield. (Scorers Furlong, Langley & Gallen)
Culkin, Forbes, Palmer, Shittu, Rose, Bircham, Gallen, Connolly, Murphy, Daly, Thomson. SUBS. Williams, Lovell, Langley, Furlong, Doudou.
(See Match Report)
Snippets: Ben Sahar Turns 18....Les Ferdinand Q&A...No QPR Players in "Hardest Men" List
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Ex-QPR Marcus Bean joins Rotherham on loan (from Blackpool) "Rotherham United have completed the signing of Blackpool midfielder Marcus Bean on a month's loan with a view to extending the deal....BBC
QPR's Chelsea Loanee, Ben Sahar turns 18: Born August 10, 1989.
Ben Sahar. See Ben Sahar/Wikipedia
Guardian Q&A with Les Ferdinand
"... At which of your many clubs were you most happy?
I'd have to say Newcastle. It was a great time to play for them and because we were winning there was a real buzz about the city. Also, moving away from London meant I was away from my family and friends for the first time so I had to grow up - I decided to learn life skills like cooking, cleaning and all that sort of stuff. I even learned the saxophone and how to ride a motorbike. Actually, I'm not sure riding motorbikes counts as a life skill but you get my drift..." - Ferdinand Q&A
Lee Cook/ICONS - Ready for a difficult season
After recovering from a knee problem it was brilliant to play my first 45 minutes since the back-end of last season on Friday night. It was also especially nice to make my first Fulham appearance at Loftus Road, so that I could say a proper goodbye to the Hoops fans – and I was really happy with the reception they gave me. Mind you, I did hear one or two jibes, but you can never please everyone can you?!
Considering it was my first match I felt OK fitness-wise, and overall I was satisfied with how things went. I was also on the receiving end of a couple of very hard tackles but I didn't mind that one bit. In fact they did me good. It was a proper test for my knee and thankfully I haven't felt any ill-effects from the game
I am due to have another run-out against Aldershot on Tuesday night. The gaffer has had a chat to me, and says I can have an hour if I feel up to it. If I can manage that, which I hope I will, then I may be considered for a place in the squad for the big one on Sunday – Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium... |
It's a pity for me that the Arsenal game is our first one, because that is one of the matches I was looking forward to most when I joined Fulham. It's come a bit early for me to start, but I will be pleased to be part of the squad nonetheless if I'm given the opportunity.
I am starting to really settle in now. It wasn't easy at first because I was injured and had to stay at home while the lads were in Hong Kong, but now that I'm training I feel as if I'm getting to know everyone much better. We have a mixture of foreign and British lads, including a whole load from Northern Ireland, so it's a good blend..." Icons
For better or worse, no QPR players listed in The Times "Football's 50 greatest hard men" - The Times Hardest Men
Ex-QPR Marcus Bean joins Rotherham on loan (from Blackpool) "Rotherham United have completed the signing of Blackpool midfielder Marcus Bean on a month's loan with a view to extending the deal....BBC
QPR's Chelsea Loanee, Ben Sahar turns 18: Born August 10, 1989.
Ben Sahar. See Ben Sahar/Wikipedia
Guardian Q&A with Les Ferdinand
"... At which of your many clubs were you most happy?
I'd have to say Newcastle. It was a great time to play for them and because we were winning there was a real buzz about the city. Also, moving away from London meant I was away from my family and friends for the first time so I had to grow up - I decided to learn life skills like cooking, cleaning and all that sort of stuff. I even learned the saxophone and how to ride a motorbike. Actually, I'm not sure riding motorbikes counts as a life skill but you get my drift..." - Ferdinand Q&A
Lee Cook/ICONS - Ready for a difficult season
After recovering from a knee problem it was brilliant to play my first 45 minutes since the back-end of last season on Friday night. It was also especially nice to make my first Fulham appearance at Loftus Road, so that I could say a proper goodbye to the Hoops fans – and I was really happy with the reception they gave me. Mind you, I did hear one or two jibes, but you can never please everyone can you?!
Considering it was my first match I felt OK fitness-wise, and overall I was satisfied with how things went. I was also on the receiving end of a couple of very hard tackles but I didn't mind that one bit. In fact they did me good. It was a proper test for my knee and thankfully I haven't felt any ill-effects from the game
I am due to have another run-out against Aldershot on Tuesday night. The gaffer has had a chat to me, and says I can have an hour if I feel up to it. If I can manage that, which I hope I will, then I may be considered for a place in the squad for the big one on Sunday – Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium... |
It's a pity for me that the Arsenal game is our first one, because that is one of the matches I was looking forward to most when I joined Fulham. It's come a bit early for me to start, but I will be pleased to be part of the squad nonetheless if I'm given the opportunity.
I am starting to really settle in now. It wasn't easy at first because I was injured and had to stay at home while the lads were in Hong Kong, but now that I'm training I feel as if I'm getting to know everyone much better. We have a mixture of foreign and British lads, including a whole load from Northern Ireland, so it's a good blend..." Icons
For better or worse, no QPR players listed in The Times "Football's 50 greatest hard men" - The Times Hardest Men
QPR Set for Takeover: New owners to be Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone
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[For more re Flavio Briatore, see Flavio Briatore/Wikipedia and Flavio Briatore Website. For more re Bernie Ecclestone, see Bernie Ecclestone/Wikpedia. Ecclestone and Briatore were recently reported to have been interested in buying Arsenal and before that(pre-Abromovich) buying Chelsea (but obviously wanted only the best!).
Daily Mail - Overtaking? No, taking over as Ecclestone and Briatore plan QPR swoop EXCLUSIVE: By MATT LAWTON -
Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone is set to buy Queens Park Rangers, Sportsmail can reveal.
Ecclestone, worth £2.25billion and the 20th richest man in Britain, has linked up with Renault F1 chief Flavio Briatore to acquire the west London club from Gianni Paladini.
The three men are understood to have shaken hands on the deal within the last fortnight. Paladini has been looking to sell for around £30million but has told friends he would accept substantially less if the deal was right.
Under the deal, Paladini would stay on as chairman, running the Championship club on a day-to-day basis, but Ecclestone and Briatore - a football-mad Italian - have the financial clout to transform a side with one of the wealthiest catchment areas in the country. Ecclestone, who has transformed the fortunes of Formula One with his tough management style, has no track record in football but was recently linked to a possible takeover of Arsenal.
Last night, Paladini denied that a deal had been completed, saying: "I wish it was true."
The move is unusual in that it involves a partnership between a British and a foreign investor and comes on a day when two of English football's most influential figures warned of the dangers of too much foreign money coming into the domestic game.
With Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Fulham, Portsmouth, Sunderland and West Ham all now having non-English owners, Bolton chairman Phil Gartside voiced fears that too much foreign investment will damage the Premier League.
He said: "The trouble is that the more foreign owners you get, the greater the danger of the balance of power changing.
"Football, as it has been regulated for years, could be in danger. If the foreignowned clubs gain a majority and decide to get together, they could start to dictate how the league is run....." Daily Mail
The Times - Flamboyant Briatore on track to take over at QPR
Gary Jacob and Kevin Eason
Flavio Briatore is in advanced talks about taking control of Queens Park Rangers. The Renault team principal is believed to be considering a deal worth about £25 million for the club, including taking on the debt of about £21 million. The flamboyant businessman is not known for a love of football, although his shrewd brain has given him a unique place in Formula One. He helped to mastermind the transfer of a little-known Michael Schumacher and spotted Fernando Alonso, the world champion.
Briatore is the latest individual – including a consortium involving Ronny Rosenthal, the former Liverpool forward – that has been entertained by the Coca-Cola Championship club this summer in an attempt to ensure that do not fall into administration.
Briatore has promised John Gregory, the QPR manager, about £10 million to spend on players in Janaury and he is willing to repay the £10 million that is owed to the ABC Corporation, a loan that helped the club to exit administration five years ago, but has become a noose because of the hefty repayments. More than £7 million is still owed to club directors and the HM Revenue and Customs.
Born in Italy, Briatore ran Benetton’s operations in the United States, turning five stores into 800 branches. When Benetton sent him to Formula One to transform a moribund team he recruited the best – including Ross Brawn, who later became the technical director of Ferrari – and snatched a young driver from Jordan. Schumacher won two world titles at Benetton and a further five with Ferrari.
When Renault bought the Benetton team, Briatore who had briefly left Formula One returned, and spotted another brilliant talent, Alonso, who has won two world titles. Away from the track, Briatore, 57, lives a life reflected in the choice of title for his range of fashion and nightclub businesses, called simply Billionaire. He has yachts, a house in Sardinia and an apartment in London. The Times
[For more re Flavio Briatore, see Flavio Briatore/Wikipedia and Flavio Briatore Website. For more re Bernie Ecclestone, see Bernie Ecclestone/Wikpedia. Ecclestone and Briatore were recently reported to have been interested in buying Arsenal and before that(pre-Abromovich) buying Chelsea (but obviously wanted only the best!).
Daily Mail - Overtaking? No, taking over as Ecclestone and Briatore plan QPR swoop EXCLUSIVE: By MATT LAWTON -
Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone is set to buy Queens Park Rangers, Sportsmail can reveal.
Ecclestone, worth £2.25billion and the 20th richest man in Britain, has linked up with Renault F1 chief Flavio Briatore to acquire the west London club from Gianni Paladini.
The three men are understood to have shaken hands on the deal within the last fortnight. Paladini has been looking to sell for around £30million but has told friends he would accept substantially less if the deal was right.
Under the deal, Paladini would stay on as chairman, running the Championship club on a day-to-day basis, but Ecclestone and Briatore - a football-mad Italian - have the financial clout to transform a side with one of the wealthiest catchment areas in the country. Ecclestone, who has transformed the fortunes of Formula One with his tough management style, has no track record in football but was recently linked to a possible takeover of Arsenal.
Last night, Paladini denied that a deal had been completed, saying: "I wish it was true."
The move is unusual in that it involves a partnership between a British and a foreign investor and comes on a day when two of English football's most influential figures warned of the dangers of too much foreign money coming into the domestic game.
With Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Fulham, Portsmouth, Sunderland and West Ham all now having non-English owners, Bolton chairman Phil Gartside voiced fears that too much foreign investment will damage the Premier League.
He said: "The trouble is that the more foreign owners you get, the greater the danger of the balance of power changing.
"Football, as it has been regulated for years, could be in danger. If the foreignowned clubs gain a majority and decide to get together, they could start to dictate how the league is run....." Daily Mail
The Times - Flamboyant Briatore on track to take over at QPR
Gary Jacob and Kevin Eason
Flavio Briatore is in advanced talks about taking control of Queens Park Rangers. The Renault team principal is believed to be considering a deal worth about £25 million for the club, including taking on the debt of about £21 million. The flamboyant businessman is not known for a love of football, although his shrewd brain has given him a unique place in Formula One. He helped to mastermind the transfer of a little-known Michael Schumacher and spotted Fernando Alonso, the world champion.
Briatore is the latest individual – including a consortium involving Ronny Rosenthal, the former Liverpool forward – that has been entertained by the Coca-Cola Championship club this summer in an attempt to ensure that do not fall into administration.
Briatore has promised John Gregory, the QPR manager, about £10 million to spend on players in Janaury and he is willing to repay the £10 million that is owed to the ABC Corporation, a loan that helped the club to exit administration five years ago, but has become a noose because of the hefty repayments. More than £7 million is still owed to club directors and the HM Revenue and Customs.
Born in Italy, Briatore ran Benetton’s operations in the United States, turning five stores into 800 branches. When Benetton sent him to Formula One to transform a moribund team he recruited the best – including Ross Brawn, who later became the technical director of Ferrari – and snatched a young driver from Jordan. Schumacher won two world titles at Benetton and a further five with Ferrari.
When Renault bought the Benetton team, Briatore who had briefly left Formula One returned, and spotted another brilliant talent, Alonso, who has won two world titles. Away from the track, Briatore, 57, lives a life reflected in the choice of title for his range of fashion and nightclub businesses, called simply Billionaire. He has yachts, a house in Sardinia and an apartment in London. The Times
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Bristol City's Enoch Shwounmi on Being Rejected by QPR
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Bristol City Official Site - ENOCH: SNUB SPURS ME ON
Enoch Showunmi has revealed how QPR's decision to once turn him down for a pro deal will be inspiring him on Saturday.
Then R's boss Ian Holloway sent scouts to watch Enoch play for his non-league side Willeden & Constatine when he was aged 18.
But despite scoring a hat-trick in the game, the London club never followed up their interest.
Enoch told bcfc.co.uk: "QPR have always been my local team and I like playing against them.
"I had a few links with them before I came into the professional game and you could say I'm a little bit bitter.
"They watched me once when Ian Holloway was the manager. At the time they said I wasn't quite fit enough or maybe even good enough - I thought I was.
"I played against them with Luton and scored a few goals so hopefully on Saturday I'll get to play and can score a few more against them."
Enoch is one of a few City players in the camp with previous Championship experience.
He added: "You need to be on top of your game because it's a good league with some top class players who can punish you if you make a mistake.
"The last time I played in the Championship I was restricted to playing in midfield for the majority of the time.
"Hopefully this time I'll get a run up front and score as many, if not more than I did last season and play more games too.
"We've got a good squad with quality players, almost enough for two separate elevens.
"It'll be good competition and that's only going to spur on the lads for the rest of the season." Bristol City
Bristol City Official Site - ENOCH: SNUB SPURS ME ON
Enoch Showunmi has revealed how QPR's decision to once turn him down for a pro deal will be inspiring him on Saturday.
Then R's boss Ian Holloway sent scouts to watch Enoch play for his non-league side Willeden & Constatine when he was aged 18.
But despite scoring a hat-trick in the game, the London club never followed up their interest.
Enoch told bcfc.co.uk: "QPR have always been my local team and I like playing against them.
"I had a few links with them before I came into the professional game and you could say I'm a little bit bitter.
"They watched me once when Ian Holloway was the manager. At the time they said I wasn't quite fit enough or maybe even good enough - I thought I was.
"I played against them with Luton and scored a few goals so hopefully on Saturday I'll get to play and can score a few more against them."
Enoch is one of a few City players in the camp with previous Championship experience.
He added: "You need to be on top of your game because it's a good league with some top class players who can punish you if you make a mistake.
"The last time I played in the Championship I was restricted to playing in midfield for the majority of the time.
"Hopefully this time I'll get a run up front and score as many, if not more than I did last season and play more games too.
"We've got a good squad with quality players, almost enough for two separate elevens.
"It'll be good competition and that's only going to spur on the lads for the rest of the season." Bristol City
John Gregory Selects His QPR Captain
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QPR OFFICIAL SITE - CAPTAIN MARVEL (Adam Bolder)
Adam Bolder has been named as the new captain of Queens Park Rangers Football Club.
The no-nonsense midfielder was informed of the news by gaffer John Gregory this afternoon.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Bolder said "I got a phone call from the Manager as I was leaving the training ground. He said he wanted to have a chat with me, and when I got back he told me I was going to be the captain.
"It came as a surprise, but it's nice to be given the responsibility and it's a great honour to be captain of a Club like QPR.''
Bolder, who joined the R's in January from Derby County, added: "It won't affect my game at all. I'm fairly vocal on the pitch anyway, so I don't think I will feel the need to talk anymore than I already do.
"There are 11 captains out there for us anyway, so I don't see it as added pressure.
"I never like losing but maybe I will take it more personally if we lose when I'm the captain of the side."
Gregory added: "I have decided to make Adam team captain. He is the outstanding candidate for the job - simple as that!"
*A full interview with Bolder will be available tomorrow, exclusively to QPR World subscribers. QPR
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - CAPTAIN MARVEL (Adam Bolder)
Adam Bolder has been named as the new captain of Queens Park Rangers Football Club.
The no-nonsense midfielder was informed of the news by gaffer John Gregory this afternoon.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Bolder said "I got a phone call from the Manager as I was leaving the training ground. He said he wanted to have a chat with me, and when I got back he told me I was going to be the captain.
"It came as a surprise, but it's nice to be given the responsibility and it's a great honour to be captain of a Club like QPR.''
Bolder, who joined the R's in January from Derby County, added: "It won't affect my game at all. I'm fairly vocal on the pitch anyway, so I don't think I will feel the need to talk anymore than I already do.
"There are 11 captains out there for us anyway, so I don't see it as added pressure.
"I never like losing but maybe I will take it more personally if we lose when I'm the captain of the side."
Gregory added: "I have decided to make Adam team captain. He is the outstanding candidate for the job - simple as that!"
*A full interview with Bolder will be available tomorrow, exclusively to QPR World subscribers. QPR
Chelsea's Ben Sahar and Mancienne Officially Join QPR on Loan!
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Chelsea Official Site DUO TO HOOPS
Chelsea Football Club has agreed for the loan of youngsters Ben Sahar and Michael Mancienne to Queens Park Rangers.
Mancienne's long term loan with The Hoops will last the entire Championship season, until May 4 2008, while Israel international Sahar, who featured five times as a subsitute last season, will go to Loftus Road on a short term loan until January 2. Chelsea
QPR Official Site - SAHAR DEAL
Queens Park Rangers Football Club are delighted to announce that Chelsea loanee Ben Sahar will stay with the Club until January 2nd 2008.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, gaffer John Gregory revealed his delight at the news: "We've been able to sign him until the January transfer window.
"It's rather longer than we first anticipated, but we're delighted that Chelsea have given us permission to keep him until then.
"He has already shown us glimpses of his potential in two pre-season friendlies and now we are just looking for him to repeat his goal-scoring prowess in the Championship itself."
As part of the agreement with Chelsea, Sahar is not allowed to play in any Cup matches for the R's.
The teenage hot-shot - who turns 18 tomorrow (Friday) - is in line to make his competitive debut for the R's against Bristol City on Saturday QPR
Chelsea Official Site DUO TO HOOPS
Chelsea Football Club has agreed for the loan of youngsters Ben Sahar and Michael Mancienne to Queens Park Rangers.
Mancienne's long term loan with The Hoops will last the entire Championship season, until May 4 2008, while Israel international Sahar, who featured five times as a subsitute last season, will go to Loftus Road on a short term loan until January 2. Chelsea
QPR Official Site - SAHAR DEAL
Queens Park Rangers Football Club are delighted to announce that Chelsea loanee Ben Sahar will stay with the Club until January 2nd 2008.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, gaffer John Gregory revealed his delight at the news: "We've been able to sign him until the January transfer window.
"It's rather longer than we first anticipated, but we're delighted that Chelsea have given us permission to keep him until then.
"He has already shown us glimpses of his potential in two pre-season friendlies and now we are just looking for him to repeat his goal-scoring prowess in the Championship itself."
As part of the agreement with Chelsea, Sahar is not allowed to play in any Cup matches for the R's.
The teenage hot-shot - who turns 18 tomorrow (Friday) - is in line to make his competitive debut for the R's against Bristol City on Saturday QPR
Ex-QPR's Joe Gallen Assuming New Job (still waiting for formal QPR release)
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UPDATED - AUGUST 11
Exeter Echo - JOE HAS EXPERTISE TO LAY FIRM FOUNDATIONS AT CITY
Paul Tisdale says that Joe Gallen possesses the level of expertise to help lay firm foundations for the future at Exeter City.The Grecians look set to appoint the 34-year-old as their new assistant manager if he can complete the formalities on his departure from QPR.
Tisdale has been on the lookout for a new No. 2 throughout the summer following Paul Buckle's departure to Torquay United.
He approached the former Republic of Ireland international about the possibility of becoming an eventual successor
Initially Gallen will arrive on a trial basis because he is still under contract at QPR.
And Tisdale believes Gallen can be a major asset to the club in the short-term, and hopefully, the long-term.
"We have identified Joe as someone who has got the expertise to help this club," he said. "He will be working with us in the short term and it will be great to have another pair of hands helping us out.
"Joe has still not resolved his situation at QPR so in the meantime this keeps him in the game and it helps me. I am very pleased he has arrived and I will be looking forward to his help at Altrincham on Saturday."
Gallen is unable to take the job on a permanent basis at this current time as he completes a messy divorce from Loftus Road, where he enjoyed considerable success as head of youth development.
According to the official R's website, Gallen was sacked in June after it emerged that John Gregory wished to overhaul certain areas of the club.
He has been spotted at a number of City's pre-season games in recent weeks and will be a welcome relief to Tisdale, who has been forced to take charge of the Grecians almost single-handedly during pre-season.
"The first few days he will pick up on what we are trying to do and assess it all. I am sure he is going to provide a useful body in terms of the active part of the job on the training ground.
"In the short-term he will definitely help me in terms of sharing the work load a little bit."
Tisdale points to Gallen's success in grooming youngsters through the youth ranks into the first team at Loftus Road as evidence of the impact he can make at St James's Park.
"He is definitely made of the right stuff," added Tisdale. "His pedigree is good and he has considerable experience in youth development.
"He won't be afraid of the long hours and hard work and anybody who has been involved in youth football will know what it involves.
"It is very important to have enough knowledge and energy to deal with all the various challenges that lie ahead." This is Exeter
Exter Official Site - Joe Gallen
Over the last few weeks Joe Gallen has shown interest and has been involved in discussions with the club with regard to the Exeter City Assistant managers position, should he, as he suspects, be released by QPR his current employer.
Joe will help Paul Tisdale on a trial basis in everyway he can whilst considering the eventual possibility of taking the position on a permanent basis should he, in due course, be released by his current employer and ultimately that he and the club find it suitable as well as being able to agree terms. Exter
GALLEN SET FOR EXETER
This is Cornwall
Exeter City look set to appoint Joe Gallen as their new assistant manager with the former Queen's Park Rangers youth coach agreeing to help manager Paul Tisdale on a trial basis as the formalities on his departure from Loftus Road are finalised.The Grecians have been on the look-out for a new number two throughout the summer following Paul Buckle's departure to Torquay United and it is believed that City have been in talks with Gallen over the past few weeks.
However, he is not free to assume the role as he completes a rather messy divorce from Rangers, where had enjoyed considerable success as head of youth. According to the official R's website, Gallen was sacked after being called to a meeting with first-team manager John Gregory at the end of June, but it could be a while before he is officially allowed to join the Grecians should he wish to do so.
Last season, Plymouth Argyle encountered problems as manager Ian Holloway attempted to add Tim Breacker and Gary Penrice to his backroom staff. The pair were put on gardening leave by Rangers in February 2006 and their arrival at Home Park was delayed by a wrangle over their contract pay-offs. They were eventually freed to join up with the Pilgrims three months after Holloway was appointed manager in June 2006.
Gallen is no stranger to St James' Park as he played seven games for City in a loan spell from Watford under Alan Ball during the 1992/93 season. Yesterday, a statement released by the club read: "Over the last few weeks Joe Gallen has shown interest and has been involved in discussions with the club with regard to the Exeter City assistant managers position, should he, as he suspects, be released by QPR, his current employer.
"Joe will help Paul Tisdale on a trial basis in every way he can whilst considering the eventual possibility of taking the position on a permanent basis should he, in due course, be released by his current employer and ultimately that he and the club find it suitable as well as being able to agree terms."
Gallen has been spotted at a number of Exeter's pre-season games in recent weeks and his arrival will be a huge relief to manager Tisdale, who has almost single handedly taken charge of the Grecians throughout pre-season.
The Exeter boss said that finding a number two was his priority as far back as June, but he was always adamant that he would be prepared to wait for the right man.
"We will view Joe with a view that he might be the right person should his QPR situation be resolved," Tisdale said. "But I will be very glad of professional help now the season is starting. It is very important to have enough knowledge and energy to deal with all the various challenges and elements that lie ahead."
City's vice chairman and sporting director, Julian Tagg, is hopeful that Gallen's trial is a success and a deal can be concluded adding: "Should it work out then in Joe, we have someone that is very well connected and who has an excellent track record of achievement in coaching at all levels. Should it work out then we feel Joe has the right personality to fit into Exeter City."
Gallen will not be the only new face helping Tisdale though. The Grecians boss has got Mangotsfield United midfielder Ellis Wilmot helping him out both this week and next.
"Ellis has been helping us and he will be with us next week as well," Tisdale added. "He was a young pro at Bristol City before he came to Team Bath and he was my captain in the early days when we won the National Championship and two promotions.
"He is someone I admire greatly and someone I would like to work with in the future."
This is Cornwall
UPDATED - AUGUST 11
Exeter Echo - JOE HAS EXPERTISE TO LAY FIRM FOUNDATIONS AT CITY
Paul Tisdale says that Joe Gallen possesses the level of expertise to help lay firm foundations for the future at Exeter City.The Grecians look set to appoint the 34-year-old as their new assistant manager if he can complete the formalities on his departure from QPR.
Tisdale has been on the lookout for a new No. 2 throughout the summer following Paul Buckle's departure to Torquay United.
He approached the former Republic of Ireland international about the possibility of becoming an eventual successor
Initially Gallen will arrive on a trial basis because he is still under contract at QPR.
And Tisdale believes Gallen can be a major asset to the club in the short-term, and hopefully, the long-term.
"We have identified Joe as someone who has got the expertise to help this club," he said. "He will be working with us in the short term and it will be great to have another pair of hands helping us out.
"Joe has still not resolved his situation at QPR so in the meantime this keeps him in the game and it helps me. I am very pleased he has arrived and I will be looking forward to his help at Altrincham on Saturday."
Gallen is unable to take the job on a permanent basis at this current time as he completes a messy divorce from Loftus Road, where he enjoyed considerable success as head of youth development.
According to the official R's website, Gallen was sacked in June after it emerged that John Gregory wished to overhaul certain areas of the club.
He has been spotted at a number of City's pre-season games in recent weeks and will be a welcome relief to Tisdale, who has been forced to take charge of the Grecians almost single-handedly during pre-season.
"The first few days he will pick up on what we are trying to do and assess it all. I am sure he is going to provide a useful body in terms of the active part of the job on the training ground.
"In the short-term he will definitely help me in terms of sharing the work load a little bit."
Tisdale points to Gallen's success in grooming youngsters through the youth ranks into the first team at Loftus Road as evidence of the impact he can make at St James's Park.
"He is definitely made of the right stuff," added Tisdale. "His pedigree is good and he has considerable experience in youth development.
"He won't be afraid of the long hours and hard work and anybody who has been involved in youth football will know what it involves.
"It is very important to have enough knowledge and energy to deal with all the various challenges that lie ahead." This is Exeter
Exter Official Site - Joe Gallen
Over the last few weeks Joe Gallen has shown interest and has been involved in discussions with the club with regard to the Exeter City Assistant managers position, should he, as he suspects, be released by QPR his current employer.
Joe will help Paul Tisdale on a trial basis in everyway he can whilst considering the eventual possibility of taking the position on a permanent basis should he, in due course, be released by his current employer and ultimately that he and the club find it suitable as well as being able to agree terms. Exter
GALLEN SET FOR EXETER
This is Cornwall
Exeter City look set to appoint Joe Gallen as their new assistant manager with the former Queen's Park Rangers youth coach agreeing to help manager Paul Tisdale on a trial basis as the formalities on his departure from Loftus Road are finalised.The Grecians have been on the look-out for a new number two throughout the summer following Paul Buckle's departure to Torquay United and it is believed that City have been in talks with Gallen over the past few weeks.
However, he is not free to assume the role as he completes a rather messy divorce from Rangers, where had enjoyed considerable success as head of youth. According to the official R's website, Gallen was sacked after being called to a meeting with first-team manager John Gregory at the end of June, but it could be a while before he is officially allowed to join the Grecians should he wish to do so.
Last season, Plymouth Argyle encountered problems as manager Ian Holloway attempted to add Tim Breacker and Gary Penrice to his backroom staff. The pair were put on gardening leave by Rangers in February 2006 and their arrival at Home Park was delayed by a wrangle over their contract pay-offs. They were eventually freed to join up with the Pilgrims three months after Holloway was appointed manager in June 2006.
Gallen is no stranger to St James' Park as he played seven games for City in a loan spell from Watford under Alan Ball during the 1992/93 season. Yesterday, a statement released by the club read: "Over the last few weeks Joe Gallen has shown interest and has been involved in discussions with the club with regard to the Exeter City assistant managers position, should he, as he suspects, be released by QPR, his current employer.
"Joe will help Paul Tisdale on a trial basis in every way he can whilst considering the eventual possibility of taking the position on a permanent basis should he, in due course, be released by his current employer and ultimately that he and the club find it suitable as well as being able to agree terms."
Gallen has been spotted at a number of Exeter's pre-season games in recent weeks and his arrival will be a huge relief to manager Tisdale, who has almost single handedly taken charge of the Grecians throughout pre-season.
The Exeter boss said that finding a number two was his priority as far back as June, but he was always adamant that he would be prepared to wait for the right man.
"We will view Joe with a view that he might be the right person should his QPR situation be resolved," Tisdale said. "But I will be very glad of professional help now the season is starting. It is very important to have enough knowledge and energy to deal with all the various challenges and elements that lie ahead."
City's vice chairman and sporting director, Julian Tagg, is hopeful that Gallen's trial is a success and a deal can be concluded adding: "Should it work out then in Joe, we have someone that is very well connected and who has an excellent track record of achievement in coaching at all levels. Should it work out then we feel Joe has the right personality to fit into Exeter City."
Gallen will not be the only new face helping Tisdale though. The Grecians boss has got Mangotsfield United midfielder Ellis Wilmot helping him out both this week and next.
"Ellis has been helping us and he will be with us next week as well," Tisdale added. "He was a young pro at Bristol City before he came to Team Bath and he was my captain in the early days when we won the National Championship and two promotions.
"He is someone I admire greatly and someone I would like to work with in the future."
This is Cornwall
Marking One Year at Loftus Road: Dextor Blackstock
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A year ago today, QPR signed Dextor Blackstock from Southampton for around half-a-million pounds. Asides from the cost (a lot for QPR these days), Blackstock stood out for being a successful transfer signing out of multitude of mostly failed signings.
QPR Official Site - STRIKING A BALANCE
QPR have added to their attacking options by completing the signing of Southampton striker Dextor Blackstock, for an undisclosed fee.
The 20 year-old front-man today penned a three year contract at Loftus Road, and in doing so becomes Gary Waddock's seventh signing of the summer.
A scorer of three goals in just seven first team starts last season, Blackstock - who is a quick, athletic and powerful predator - is in line to make his debut against Southend United this weekend.
"It's great to be here,'' Blackstock told qpr.co.uk moments after putting pen to paper.
"It had all gone a bit stale for me at Southampton and the chance to move to London was just too good to turn down. It's a fresh challenge for me and I couldn't be any happier.
"I had a nice chat with Gary Waddock, who told me about the hunger and desire of the Rangers squad, so there was never any doubt I'd sign.
"I've always enjoyed playing at Loftus Road in the past, so I'm really excited about making my debut here.''
Waddock believes Blackstock will perfectly complement the group of strikers he currently has at his disposal, commenting: "He was at the top of my list when I first took over as Caretaker Manager, so I'm ecstatic.
"I've been monitoring his progress since he was a kid, so it's magnificent that we've finally got him on board.
"He's quick, intelligent and is a natural goalscorer.''
Chairman Gianni Paladini is delighted that the R's prolonged search for a striker is finally over, saying: "It's a huge signing for us - we've been after him for the last four months or so.
"He's the type of player Gary has been looking for and I'm delighted we've beat a number of top Club's to his signature.
"He's a young player, with superb potential and I'm confident he can achieve big things here.
"It's a sign of our intent that we've signed a player of his calibre and I'm sure the fans will join me in wishing him a successful stay at Loftus Road.''QPR Official Site
Southampton Official Site - Dexter Blackstock has joined QPR for an undisclosed fee.
The 20-year-old striker has moved on to the Londoners after three years on the south coast.
He joined Saints as a scholar from Oxford United but quickly became popular amongst fans after bagging a hat-trick against Colchester and scoring against local rivals Portsmouth in the 2004/5 season.
The arrivals of Grzegorz Rasiak and Bradley Wright Philips this season however have pushed Blackstock down the pecking order prompting his switch to the capital.
Blackstock has today put pen to paper on a three year deal at Loftus Road.
Southampton
Dexter Blackstock's Stats: Clubs/Games/Goals
A couple of days previously:
Skysports Claims QPR Agree Fee for Southampton's Blackstock (Blackstock has NOT yet agreed)
Rangers agree fee for Blackstock -
By Peter ORourke - Created on 8 Aug 2006
Skysports.com understand Queens Park Rangers have agreed a fee with Southampton for striker Dexter Blackstock.
Rangers opened negotiations with The Saints over a possible transfer and, after the Loftus Road outfit were initially thwarted, the club have now agreed a price in the region of £500,000.
Blackstock was also the subject of a failed bid from Championship rivals Wolves, while Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday have registered an interest as well.
Rangers boss Gary Waddock is a keen admirer of the front man and made his interest known after Bradley Wright-Phillips's arrival at St Mary's restricted the former Oxford man's first team opportunities.
Rangers now appear to have jumped to the head of a queue of clubs for Blackstock, and are expected to open contract talks with the 20-year-old shortly.
Blackstock joined Saints from Oxford in May 2003 for a fee of £275,000 and, after a loan spell at Plymouth in the previous season, spent two months of the last campaign at Derby Skysports
A year ago today, QPR signed Dextor Blackstock from Southampton for around half-a-million pounds. Asides from the cost (a lot for QPR these days), Blackstock stood out for being a successful transfer signing out of multitude of mostly failed signings.
QPR Official Site - STRIKING A BALANCE
QPR have added to their attacking options by completing the signing of Southampton striker Dextor Blackstock, for an undisclosed fee.
The 20 year-old front-man today penned a three year contract at Loftus Road, and in doing so becomes Gary Waddock's seventh signing of the summer.
A scorer of three goals in just seven first team starts last season, Blackstock - who is a quick, athletic and powerful predator - is in line to make his debut against Southend United this weekend.
"It's great to be here,'' Blackstock told qpr.co.uk moments after putting pen to paper.
"It had all gone a bit stale for me at Southampton and the chance to move to London was just too good to turn down. It's a fresh challenge for me and I couldn't be any happier.
"I had a nice chat with Gary Waddock, who told me about the hunger and desire of the Rangers squad, so there was never any doubt I'd sign.
"I've always enjoyed playing at Loftus Road in the past, so I'm really excited about making my debut here.''
Waddock believes Blackstock will perfectly complement the group of strikers he currently has at his disposal, commenting: "He was at the top of my list when I first took over as Caretaker Manager, so I'm ecstatic.
"I've been monitoring his progress since he was a kid, so it's magnificent that we've finally got him on board.
"He's quick, intelligent and is a natural goalscorer.''
Chairman Gianni Paladini is delighted that the R's prolonged search for a striker is finally over, saying: "It's a huge signing for us - we've been after him for the last four months or so.
"He's the type of player Gary has been looking for and I'm delighted we've beat a number of top Club's to his signature.
"He's a young player, with superb potential and I'm confident he can achieve big things here.
"It's a sign of our intent that we've signed a player of his calibre and I'm sure the fans will join me in wishing him a successful stay at Loftus Road.''QPR Official Site
Southampton Official Site - Dexter Blackstock has joined QPR for an undisclosed fee.
The 20-year-old striker has moved on to the Londoners after three years on the south coast.
He joined Saints as a scholar from Oxford United but quickly became popular amongst fans after bagging a hat-trick against Colchester and scoring against local rivals Portsmouth in the 2004/5 season.
The arrivals of Grzegorz Rasiak and Bradley Wright Philips this season however have pushed Blackstock down the pecking order prompting his switch to the capital.
Blackstock has today put pen to paper on a three year deal at Loftus Road.
Southampton
Dexter Blackstock's Stats: Clubs/Games/Goals
A couple of days previously:
Skysports Claims QPR Agree Fee for Southampton's Blackstock (Blackstock has NOT yet agreed)
Rangers agree fee for Blackstock -
By Peter ORourke - Created on 8 Aug 2006
Skysports.com understand Queens Park Rangers have agreed a fee with Southampton for striker Dexter Blackstock.
Rangers opened negotiations with The Saints over a possible transfer and, after the Loftus Road outfit were initially thwarted, the club have now agreed a price in the region of £500,000.
Blackstock was also the subject of a failed bid from Championship rivals Wolves, while Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday have registered an interest as well.
Rangers boss Gary Waddock is a keen admirer of the front man and made his interest known after Bradley Wright-Phillips's arrival at St Mary's restricted the former Oxford man's first team opportunities.
Rangers now appear to have jumped to the head of a queue of clubs for Blackstock, and are expected to open contract talks with the 20-year-old shortly.
Blackstock joined Saints from Oxford in May 2003 for a fee of £275,000 and, after a loan spell at Plymouth in the previous season, spent two months of the last campaign at Derby Skysports
Luton's Ex-QPR Richard Langley to Miss Most of Season After Cruciate Ligament Injury
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Luton Today - Hatters midfielder requires surgery on knee injury
Hatters midfielder Richard Langley looks set to be out for the majority of the season after damaging knee ligaments.
Langley was stretchered off late on in the 0-0 friendly draw at Rushden & Diamonds the weekend before last.
Scans have revealed that the 27-year-old has injured his cruciate ligaments and the former QPR man will now require surgery.
Luton manager Kevin
Blackwell told Luton Today: "Langley's going to have to have an operation as he's done his cruciate ligaments.
"I don't think we're going to be seeing him again this side of Easter. It's a blow for Richard because I know he was keen to impress this season."
Langley's injury is an added set-back to Blackwell as the midfielder had been used as an emergency centre-half during the pre-season to cover for Town's lack of defensive options.
Luton Today - Hatters midfielder requires surgery on knee injury
Hatters midfielder Richard Langley looks set to be out for the majority of the season after damaging knee ligaments.
Langley was stretchered off late on in the 0-0 friendly draw at Rushden & Diamonds the weekend before last.
Scans have revealed that the 27-year-old has injured his cruciate ligaments and the former QPR man will now require surgery.
Luton manager Kevin
Blackwell told Luton Today: "Langley's going to have to have an operation as he's done his cruciate ligaments.
"I don't think we're going to be seeing him again this side of Easter. It's a blow for Richard because I know he was keen to impress this season."
Langley's injury is an added set-back to Blackwell as the midfielder had been used as an emergency centre-half during the pre-season to cover for Town's lack of defensive options.
Simon Walton on Choosing QPR... Gregory on Walton's Injury and his QPR Impact
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August 7: QPR Official Site -WALTON UPDATE
Simon Walton has undergone surgery at the Princess Grace Hospital by Mr. Haddad (who is a foot and ankle specialist).
Simon has a transverse fracture of his left fibula and it was decided to fix the fracture with a plate and two pins to optimize the healing position of the fracture.
He will have a short time in plaster and then be placed in a boot so that the rehabilitation process can commence. QPR
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Walton's week ended by cruel blow
THERE'S little room for doubt about just how eager Simon Walton was to be a QPR player.
The 19-year-old Yorkshireman signed for Rangers within days of being told he was surplus to requirements by Charlton boss Alan Pardew and went straight into the team for their pre-season friendlies at Wycombe and Harrow Borough.
Now, though, the teenager faces a long spell on the sidelines after X-rays confirmed that he suffered a broken left leg during his home debut against Fulham.
In an exclusive interview with the Times prior to Friday's game, Walton revealed that he had turned down offers from two other Championship clubs to move to Loftus Road.
He said: "When you're not wanted, you just want to go and, although there were a couple of other clubs involved, they weren't as big as QPR. This was the only place I wanted to come and I'm delighted to be here.
"I have great respect for Alan Pardew because he came out and told me straight - he could have kept me there sat on the bench or in the stands, but he realised I needed to be playing and I'm glad he was honest.
"John Gregory met with me and my parents and after that there was no doubt in my mind - he sold the club well. He was enthusiastic, good to talk to and I felt I could relate to him.
"I played with Mike Mancienne for the England youth team and other than him, there weren't any familiar faces when I arrived, but they're a good set of lads who made me feel welcome very quickly.
"They work hard for each other and I'm looking forward to helping them improve on last year, which I'm sure we can."
All being well, Walton will return to play a significant part in Rangers' season, having spent the whole of last year on loan to Ipswich and Cardiff after failing to break into the Charlton side.
For his part, Gregory had no hesitation in forking out £200,000 for the tough-tackling midfielder, who made his debut for Leeds at the age of 16 and has since racked up more than a half-century of appearances at this level.
The Rs boss said: "He's taken to this place like you'd never believe - he'd been here a week and he settled in so well. The boys love him to bits and it's like he's found his home again after quite a disastrous time at Charlton."
Walton's mishap echoes the sad tale of defender Richard Ord, who joined QPR in a £675,000 move from Sunderland in 1998, but never played in a competitive match.
Ord was injured in a pre-season friendly at Aylesbury and, at the age of 28, was forced to retire from the game without ever kicking a ball again - but Gregory is confident that Walton's tender years will protect him from a similar fate.
"We will obviously miss him big time over the next couple of months, but, if there's any positive to come out of this, it's that he's still a young boy with a long, long time ahead of him," added the QPR manager.
"We'll look after him, he will come back stronger and fitter than ever and I hope he's going to be here for many years to come.
"He's very ambitious and hungry, he wants to do so well for his new club and hopefully by the time he comes back, we might have a few points on the board and make his return a little bit easier. Kilburn Times
August 7: QPR Official Site -WALTON UPDATE
Simon Walton has undergone surgery at the Princess Grace Hospital by Mr. Haddad (who is a foot and ankle specialist).
Simon has a transverse fracture of his left fibula and it was decided to fix the fracture with a plate and two pins to optimize the healing position of the fracture.
He will have a short time in plaster and then be placed in a boot so that the rehabilitation process can commence. QPR
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Walton's week ended by cruel blow
THERE'S little room for doubt about just how eager Simon Walton was to be a QPR player.
The 19-year-old Yorkshireman signed for Rangers within days of being told he was surplus to requirements by Charlton boss Alan Pardew and went straight into the team for their pre-season friendlies at Wycombe and Harrow Borough.
Now, though, the teenager faces a long spell on the sidelines after X-rays confirmed that he suffered a broken left leg during his home debut against Fulham.
In an exclusive interview with the Times prior to Friday's game, Walton revealed that he had turned down offers from two other Championship clubs to move to Loftus Road.
He said: "When you're not wanted, you just want to go and, although there were a couple of other clubs involved, they weren't as big as QPR. This was the only place I wanted to come and I'm delighted to be here.
"I have great respect for Alan Pardew because he came out and told me straight - he could have kept me there sat on the bench or in the stands, but he realised I needed to be playing and I'm glad he was honest.
"John Gregory met with me and my parents and after that there was no doubt in my mind - he sold the club well. He was enthusiastic, good to talk to and I felt I could relate to him.
"I played with Mike Mancienne for the England youth team and other than him, there weren't any familiar faces when I arrived, but they're a good set of lads who made me feel welcome very quickly.
"They work hard for each other and I'm looking forward to helping them improve on last year, which I'm sure we can."
All being well, Walton will return to play a significant part in Rangers' season, having spent the whole of last year on loan to Ipswich and Cardiff after failing to break into the Charlton side.
For his part, Gregory had no hesitation in forking out £200,000 for the tough-tackling midfielder, who made his debut for Leeds at the age of 16 and has since racked up more than a half-century of appearances at this level.
The Rs boss said: "He's taken to this place like you'd never believe - he'd been here a week and he settled in so well. The boys love him to bits and it's like he's found his home again after quite a disastrous time at Charlton."
Walton's mishap echoes the sad tale of defender Richard Ord, who joined QPR in a £675,000 move from Sunderland in 1998, but never played in a competitive match.
Ord was injured in a pre-season friendly at Aylesbury and, at the age of 28, was forced to retire from the game without ever kicking a ball again - but Gregory is confident that Walton's tender years will protect him from a similar fate.
"We will obviously miss him big time over the next couple of months, but, if there's any positive to come out of this, it's that he's still a young boy with a long, long time ahead of him," added the QPR manager.
"We'll look after him, he will come back stronger and fitter than ever and I hope he's going to be here for many years to come.
"He's very ambitious and hungry, he wants to do so well for his new club and hopefully by the time he comes back, we might have a few points on the board and make his return a little bit easier. Kilburn Times
Ex-QPR Star, Don Givens Turns 58
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Former QPR STAR, DON Givens
Don Givens turns 58: Born August 9th 1949.
Signed from Luton for 35,000 pounds in the summer of 1972 as a partial replacement for Rodney Marsh. Between July and October of that year, The ex-Man United forward and two other forwards were signed that formed the QPR attack for the next five years: Givens, Bowles and Thomas, that took QPR out of the Second Division and was part of QPR's Championshp team in 1975/1976. Givens scored 23 goals in 41 appearances in that first season.
Eventually was sold to Jim Smith's Birmingham in 1978 for about 150,000 pounds...Ended up playing in Switzerland. And is currently the Republic of Ireland's U-21 Coach.
Also scored prolifically for the Republic of Ireland
QPR & Birmingham Record
Republic of Ireland Record
See Also:
QPRNet's Interview with Don Givens - QPR Net/Givens
Wikipedia/Givens
Former QPR STAR, DON Givens
Don Givens turns 58: Born August 9th 1949.
Signed from Luton for 35,000 pounds in the summer of 1972 as a partial replacement for Rodney Marsh. Between July and October of that year, The ex-Man United forward and two other forwards were signed that formed the QPR attack for the next five years: Givens, Bowles and Thomas, that took QPR out of the Second Division and was part of QPR's Championshp team in 1975/1976. Givens scored 23 goals in 41 appearances in that first season.
Eventually was sold to Jim Smith's Birmingham in 1978 for about 150,000 pounds...Ended up playing in Switzerland. And is currently the Republic of Ireland's U-21 Coach.
Also scored prolifically for the Republic of Ireland
QPR & Birmingham Record
Republic of Ireland Record
See Also:
QPRNet's Interview with Don Givens - QPR Net/Givens
Wikipedia/Givens
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Football League Confirms Embargo on QPR is Lifted...Gregory on Players and Prospects
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Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - League OK Rangers' new faces
THE Football League have confirmed that QPR WILL be allowed to field their new signings in this weekend's Championship opener at Bristol City.
Rangers could have been forced to leave out goalkeeper Lee Camp and loan signings Michael Mancienne and Ben Sahar, if they had failed to pay back their £500,000 loan from Oldham chairman Simon Blitz.
But Football League spokesman John Nagle said: "The monies have now been repaid and there is no longer a transfer embargo on the club."
Once the League were satisfied that the loan had been fully repaid, they permitted Rangers to complete their registrations of Camp, Mancienne and Sahar in time for Saturday's trip to Ashton Gate.
Midfielder Simon Walton would also have been eligible, but the broken leg he suffered against Fulham last week will delay his Hoops debut for several months.
Stefan Bailey is likely to deputise against the Robins, but Rs manager John Gregory plans to enter the loan market in an attempt to fill the void left by Walton's injury.
"We'd earmarked Simon to play in that central midfield role, he's a solid, dependable player and person, and now we're going to be without him, so we'll have to make one or two adjustments," said Gregory.
"That may mean we need to try and bring one more in, even though there's no money left. But we'll definitely be ready and hopefully we can do better than last year."
As well as Walton, Gregory will have to do without defensive duo Chris Barker and Sami Timoska, who are serving suspensions from last season, and winger Gareth Ainsworth, yet to recover from a broken leg.
Danny Cullip is also doubtful after missing Rangers' recent friendlies with an ankle problem, although he did play in their 1-0 training ground defeat at Reading on Tuesday.
Mancienne is likely to partner Damion Stewart in central defence, with Sahar the favourite to start up front with Dexter Blackstock following his two-goal performance against Fulham.
While supporters' expectations were raised by that victory over their near neighbours, Gregory is keen to downplay suggestions that his team could challenge for the top six this season.
He said: "We've come a long way, but we've got a long way to go yet - there are a lot of teams better than us in this division, but the one thing you'll get off this bunch of lads is total commitment to the job of wearing that blue and white shirt.
"Hopefully we can get off to a good start. If we do, it's great, if we don't, then we have to put it right."
Left-sided midfielder James Simmonds, who has been on trial at Loftus Road during pre-season, may also feature at Ashton Gate as Rangers consider his future.
The 19-year-old former England youth international who came through Chelsea's youth team and ended last season on loan at Cardiff City, is available on a free transfer.
Gregory added: "He's going to continue with us over the next couple of weeks and then we'll get the opportunity of possibly taking him on full-time."
Meanwhile, midfielder Nick Ward has been on trial this week with Italian Serie B club Brescia and will be allowed to leave QPR if he is offered a deal there. Kilburn Times
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - League OK Rangers' new faces
THE Football League have confirmed that QPR WILL be allowed to field their new signings in this weekend's Championship opener at Bristol City.
Rangers could have been forced to leave out goalkeeper Lee Camp and loan signings Michael Mancienne and Ben Sahar, if they had failed to pay back their £500,000 loan from Oldham chairman Simon Blitz.
But Football League spokesman John Nagle said: "The monies have now been repaid and there is no longer a transfer embargo on the club."
Once the League were satisfied that the loan had been fully repaid, they permitted Rangers to complete their registrations of Camp, Mancienne and Sahar in time for Saturday's trip to Ashton Gate.
Midfielder Simon Walton would also have been eligible, but the broken leg he suffered against Fulham last week will delay his Hoops debut for several months.
Stefan Bailey is likely to deputise against the Robins, but Rs manager John Gregory plans to enter the loan market in an attempt to fill the void left by Walton's injury.
"We'd earmarked Simon to play in that central midfield role, he's a solid, dependable player and person, and now we're going to be without him, so we'll have to make one or two adjustments," said Gregory.
"That may mean we need to try and bring one more in, even though there's no money left. But we'll definitely be ready and hopefully we can do better than last year."
As well as Walton, Gregory will have to do without defensive duo Chris Barker and Sami Timoska, who are serving suspensions from last season, and winger Gareth Ainsworth, yet to recover from a broken leg.
Danny Cullip is also doubtful after missing Rangers' recent friendlies with an ankle problem, although he did play in their 1-0 training ground defeat at Reading on Tuesday.
Mancienne is likely to partner Damion Stewart in central defence, with Sahar the favourite to start up front with Dexter Blackstock following his two-goal performance against Fulham.
While supporters' expectations were raised by that victory over their near neighbours, Gregory is keen to downplay suggestions that his team could challenge for the top six this season.
He said: "We've come a long way, but we've got a long way to go yet - there are a lot of teams better than us in this division, but the one thing you'll get off this bunch of lads is total commitment to the job of wearing that blue and white shirt.
"Hopefully we can get off to a good start. If we do, it's great, if we don't, then we have to put it right."
Left-sided midfielder James Simmonds, who has been on trial at Loftus Road during pre-season, may also feature at Ashton Gate as Rangers consider his future.
The 19-year-old former England youth international who came through Chelsea's youth team and ended last season on loan at Cardiff City, is available on a free transfer.
Gregory added: "He's going to continue with us over the next couple of weeks and then we'll get the opportunity of possibly taking him on full-time."
Meanwhile, midfielder Nick Ward has been on trial this week with Italian Serie B club Brescia and will be allowed to leave QPR if he is offered a deal there. Kilburn Times
Ex-QPR Chairman Bill Power's "Dispute" With Swindon
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Western Daily Press - NOW POWER SERVES WRIT ON SWINDON
BY JAMES MCNAMARA
Swindon Town are believed to have been served with a writ over the money Bill Power claims he is owed by the club.Power and the current board have been in a wrangle over the £1.2 million the former Queens Park Rangers chairman put into the club in April 2006.
He has claimed all along the money was in the form of a loan, while Swindon maintain it was an investment in return for shares.
The Daily Press understands the club were served with the papers last week and have been given 14 days to respond to the complaint. Swindon were unavailable for comment last night.
Power has been threatening legal action for months after his attempts to mount a takeover - as the financial backer of a fans' consortium - were blocked when both parties failed to get to the negotiating table.
Swindon's current hierarchy have since opened discussions with another set of potential investors and are believed to be closing in on a deal.
But the Daily Press also understands Power has not given up entirely on the fans' consortium's interest in the club
Western Press
Swindon Advertizer - Town hit with £1.2m writ from Power
Exclusive By Andy Cryer
SWINDON Town have been hit with a threat of court action after being issued a writ for £1.2million by disgruntled investor Bill Power.
The County Ground outfit have been given until the end of the week to respond with Power, pictured right, at the end of his tether after months of accusations and counter-allegations.
Power's bid to takeover the club, along with the fans consortium, seems dead in the water with Town on the verge of sealing a major investment with a mystery foreign consortium.
But the former QPR chairman is insistent a £1.2million loan' be repaid in full and is prepared to take the case to court.
Town have always stated they believe Power's money was part of a share issue and, with neither party likely to give way, a courtroom battle seems the inevitable outcome.
A Town spokesman said: "We have received some correspondence from Bill Power's lawyers and it is in the hands of our lawyers. There is not a lot else we can say at the moment."
With a £900,000 unpaid Company Voluntary Arrangement hanging over their heads, with the initial payment deadline passed, Town are waiting to hear whether creditors have voted in favour of possibly extending the CVA.
The vote was closed on Monday and an announcement is expected soon from the administrators as to whether a meeting will be called to discuss the extension.
With Conference outfit Crawley the latest to be hit with a points deduction, after failing to meet their CVA, Town will be hoping the promise of some major new investment will win them more time.
It is thought the Portuguese-led consortium are moving closer to finalising the deal at the County Ground, although the club are still keeping the exact details close to their chest. Swindon Advertizer
Western Daily Press - NOW POWER SERVES WRIT ON SWINDON
BY JAMES MCNAMARA
Swindon Town are believed to have been served with a writ over the money Bill Power claims he is owed by the club.Power and the current board have been in a wrangle over the £1.2 million the former Queens Park Rangers chairman put into the club in April 2006.
He has claimed all along the money was in the form of a loan, while Swindon maintain it was an investment in return for shares.
The Daily Press understands the club were served with the papers last week and have been given 14 days to respond to the complaint. Swindon were unavailable for comment last night.
Power has been threatening legal action for months after his attempts to mount a takeover - as the financial backer of a fans' consortium - were blocked when both parties failed to get to the negotiating table.
Swindon's current hierarchy have since opened discussions with another set of potential investors and are believed to be closing in on a deal.
But the Daily Press also understands Power has not given up entirely on the fans' consortium's interest in the club
Western Press
Swindon Advertizer - Town hit with £1.2m writ from Power
Exclusive By Andy Cryer
SWINDON Town have been hit with a threat of court action after being issued a writ for £1.2million by disgruntled investor Bill Power.
The County Ground outfit have been given until the end of the week to respond with Power, pictured right, at the end of his tether after months of accusations and counter-allegations.
Power's bid to takeover the club, along with the fans consortium, seems dead in the water with Town on the verge of sealing a major investment with a mystery foreign consortium.
But the former QPR chairman is insistent a £1.2million loan' be repaid in full and is prepared to take the case to court.
Town have always stated they believe Power's money was part of a share issue and, with neither party likely to give way, a courtroom battle seems the inevitable outcome.
A Town spokesman said: "We have received some correspondence from Bill Power's lawyers and it is in the hands of our lawyers. There is not a lot else we can say at the moment."
With a £900,000 unpaid Company Voluntary Arrangement hanging over their heads, with the initial payment deadline passed, Town are waiting to hear whether creditors have voted in favour of possibly extending the CVA.
The vote was closed on Monday and an announcement is expected soon from the administrators as to whether a meeting will be called to discuss the extension.
With Conference outfit Crawley the latest to be hit with a points deduction, after failing to meet their CVA, Town will be hoping the promise of some major new investment will win them more time.
It is thought the Portuguese-led consortium are moving closer to finalising the deal at the County Ground, although the club are still keeping the exact details close to their chest. Swindon Advertizer
Short-term at QPR...Long Term at Chelsea: Mancienne Signs New Chelsea Deal
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CHELSEA OFFICIAL SITE - MANCIENNE EXTENDS CONTRACT
Chelsea Football Club is pleased to announce that Michael Mancienne has signed a new three-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
The young central defender is yet to appear for the first team, having been a regular for our youth and reserve teams before appearing 30 times on loan for Queens Park Rangers last season.
Mancienne, 19, turned pro in January 2006, and has featured as an unused substitute several times, notably in last season's Community Shield at Cardiff. Chelsea
BBC - Mancienne signs new Chelsea deal
Michael Mancienne
Mancienne made 30 appearances for QPR last season
Young Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne has signed a new three-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
The 19-year-old centre-back is set to begin a season-long loan at Championship side QPR, having spent seven months at Loftus Road last term.
Mancienne has not yet made a senior appearance for Jose Mourinho's side, but the Portuguese coach is keen to keep him at the club.
QPR start the season at newly-promoted Bristol City on Saturday. BBC
CHELSEA OFFICIAL SITE - MANCIENNE EXTENDS CONTRACT
Chelsea Football Club is pleased to announce that Michael Mancienne has signed a new three-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
The young central defender is yet to appear for the first team, having been a regular for our youth and reserve teams before appearing 30 times on loan for Queens Park Rangers last season.
Mancienne, 19, turned pro in January 2006, and has featured as an unused substitute several times, notably in last season's Community Shield at Cardiff. Chelsea
BBC - Mancienne signs new Chelsea deal
Michael Mancienne
Mancienne made 30 appearances for QPR last season
Young Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne has signed a new three-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
The 19-year-old centre-back is set to begin a season-long loan at Championship side QPR, having spent seven months at Loftus Road last term.
Mancienne has not yet made a senior appearance for Jose Mourinho's side, but the Portuguese coach is keen to keep him at the club.
QPR start the season at newly-promoted Bristol City on Saturday. BBC
QPR Embargo Now Lifted
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Daily Mail - Embargo lifted after Rangers repay loan
The transfer embargo on Queens Park Rangers has been lifted after the club finally paid back a £500,000 loan which broke Football League rules.
The move means new signings Lee Camp, Michael Mancienne and Ben Sahar will be eligible for Saturday's Championship clash with Bristol City.
The League imposed the ban two weeks' ago as punishment for Rangers' failure to return the cash to Oldham chairman Simon Blitz as the League forbid directors from investing in more than one club. Daily Mail
Daily Mail - Embargo lifted after Rangers repay loan
The transfer embargo on Queens Park Rangers has been lifted after the club finally paid back a £500,000 loan which broke Football League rules.
The move means new signings Lee Camp, Michael Mancienne and Ben Sahar will be eligible for Saturday's Championship clash with Bristol City.
The League imposed the ban two weeks' ago as punishment for Rangers' failure to return the cash to Oldham chairman Simon Blitz as the League forbid directors from investing in more than one club. Daily Mail
Ex-QPR: Arthur Gnohere Signs to Play for Oxford United
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Former QPR defender Arthur Gnohere joins Jim Smith's Oxford United on a month-to-month deal...Also Mark Bircham, now at Yeovil, has a hamstring injury..and Alan McDonald talks about Glentoran, Manchester United and his greatest football day: Winning at Manchester United with QPR!
Belfast Telegraph
Winning 4-1 at United was highlight of my career - By Stuart McKinley
Alan McDonald played against Brazil in the World Cup finals with fewer than 10 international appearances under his belt.
He went on to captain his country and clock up over 50 caps for Northern Ireland.
In a club career that spanned over a decade in England's top flight with Queens Park Rangers he clocked up over 400 appearance in the famous blue and white hoops.
Ask him which is the most memorable of those games and he doesn't have to think for even a second.
" We beat Manchester 4-1 on New Year's Day 1992, going 3-0 up inside the first 20 minutes or so and we really shocked them," said McDonald.
" You don't get many days like that in your career and it is definitely one of the highlights of my career.
"Denis Bailey scored a hat-trick, he was still quite a young lad at the time and ended up getting quite a lot of attention after that game and rightly so.
"I don't think they could believe what happened, but we just made sure we enjoyed the occasion."
United were riding high at the top of the old First Division at the end of 1991, but come the end of the season they were pipped to the title by Leeds United.
They had to wait 12 months to be crowned champions, taking the inaugural Premier League crown and Sir Alex Ferguson has led the Old Trafford club to unprecedented success over the last 14 years.
Recognised as one of the world's leading clubs, that is why Glentoran invited the Red Devils to the Oval to play a friendly fixture as part of this year's 125th anniversary celebrations.
Tonight is the night when star names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and John O'Shea will grace the east Belfast turf.
Now manager of the Glens, McDonald is delighted that his players are getting the opportunity to face such illustrious opposition in one of the most high-profile club fixtures to take place in Northern Ireland for some years.
"I was fortunate enough to play against Manchester United many times," said McDonald.
"We really took those games against Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle and the like for granted because we had a long time in the top flight at QPR.
"Now my players have a chance to play against them.
"I hope they enjoy what will be a great occasion for the club and maybe get the chance to play against Manchester United again at some time in the future."
A no-nonsense centre-half during his playing days, McDonald wasn't the kind of player that the opposition warmed too very quickly.
Sir Alex Ferguson won't be at the Oval tonight, so that means there will be no exchanges on the touchline between him and McDonald.
"I've been up against Sir Alex Ferguson quite a few times with a few choice words spoken on occasions," he said.
"There is nothing that I can say about him that hasn't been said or written before.
"He has built three or four successful teams at Manchester United and his record speaks for itself."
On the pitch, however, it was someone else who McDonald used to relish facing when United were the opposition.
"I always loved playing at Old Trafford. It was a magnificent stadium even then," he said.
"I used to enjoy my great battles with Mark Hughes. We had some really good tussles and he was the kind of player you enjoyed playing against because you knew you were in a game.
"It is great to have this fixture and I think the club deserves to have a team like Manchester United here for it's 125th anniversary."
Belfast Telegraph
Oxford United Official Site -Standing and Gnohere sign
United today completed the signings of Arthur Gnohere and Michael Standing.
Midfielder Standing and French defender Gnohere have been very impressive throughout pre-season and signed deals this afternoon. Standing joins on non-contract basis, Gnohere on a month by month deal.
... Gnohere is a tough tackling centre half who first came to Jim Smith's attention when Jim was at Portsmouth. Gnohere came to Pompey on trial from Caen, and from there had successful spells at Burnely and QPR. A knee injury meant a year out of the game for the 28 year old, but now fully fit he has looked stronger with each game in pre-season. Oxford
[Gnohere did play - coming on as sub - in our promotion-clinching game at Sheffield Wednesday, back in May 2004. - Report
SEE: QPR Sign Gnohere
QPR Release Gnohere
Former QPR defender Arthur Gnohere joins Jim Smith's Oxford United on a month-to-month deal...Also Mark Bircham, now at Yeovil, has a hamstring injury..and Alan McDonald talks about Glentoran, Manchester United and his greatest football day: Winning at Manchester United with QPR!
Belfast Telegraph
Winning 4-1 at United was highlight of my career - By Stuart McKinley
Alan McDonald played against Brazil in the World Cup finals with fewer than 10 international appearances under his belt.
He went on to captain his country and clock up over 50 caps for Northern Ireland.
In a club career that spanned over a decade in England's top flight with Queens Park Rangers he clocked up over 400 appearance in the famous blue and white hoops.
Ask him which is the most memorable of those games and he doesn't have to think for even a second.
" We beat Manchester 4-1 on New Year's Day 1992, going 3-0 up inside the first 20 minutes or so and we really shocked them," said McDonald.
" You don't get many days like that in your career and it is definitely one of the highlights of my career.
"Denis Bailey scored a hat-trick, he was still quite a young lad at the time and ended up getting quite a lot of attention after that game and rightly so.
"I don't think they could believe what happened, but we just made sure we enjoyed the occasion."
United were riding high at the top of the old First Division at the end of 1991, but come the end of the season they were pipped to the title by Leeds United.
They had to wait 12 months to be crowned champions, taking the inaugural Premier League crown and Sir Alex Ferguson has led the Old Trafford club to unprecedented success over the last 14 years.
Recognised as one of the world's leading clubs, that is why Glentoran invited the Red Devils to the Oval to play a friendly fixture as part of this year's 125th anniversary celebrations.
Tonight is the night when star names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and John O'Shea will grace the east Belfast turf.
Now manager of the Glens, McDonald is delighted that his players are getting the opportunity to face such illustrious opposition in one of the most high-profile club fixtures to take place in Northern Ireland for some years.
"I was fortunate enough to play against Manchester United many times," said McDonald.
"We really took those games against Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle and the like for granted because we had a long time in the top flight at QPR.
"Now my players have a chance to play against them.
"I hope they enjoy what will be a great occasion for the club and maybe get the chance to play against Manchester United again at some time in the future."
A no-nonsense centre-half during his playing days, McDonald wasn't the kind of player that the opposition warmed too very quickly.
Sir Alex Ferguson won't be at the Oval tonight, so that means there will be no exchanges on the touchline between him and McDonald.
"I've been up against Sir Alex Ferguson quite a few times with a few choice words spoken on occasions," he said.
"There is nothing that I can say about him that hasn't been said or written before.
"He has built three or four successful teams at Manchester United and his record speaks for itself."
On the pitch, however, it was someone else who McDonald used to relish facing when United were the opposition.
"I always loved playing at Old Trafford. It was a magnificent stadium even then," he said.
"I used to enjoy my great battles with Mark Hughes. We had some really good tussles and he was the kind of player you enjoyed playing against because you knew you were in a game.
"It is great to have this fixture and I think the club deserves to have a team like Manchester United here for it's 125th anniversary."
Belfast Telegraph
Oxford United Official Site -Standing and Gnohere sign
United today completed the signings of Arthur Gnohere and Michael Standing.
Midfielder Standing and French defender Gnohere have been very impressive throughout pre-season and signed deals this afternoon. Standing joins on non-contract basis, Gnohere on a month by month deal.
... Gnohere is a tough tackling centre half who first came to Jim Smith's attention when Jim was at Portsmouth. Gnohere came to Pompey on trial from Caen, and from there had successful spells at Burnely and QPR. A knee injury meant a year out of the game for the 28 year old, but now fully fit he has looked stronger with each game in pre-season. Oxford
[Gnohere did play - coming on as sub - in our promotion-clinching game at Sheffield Wednesday, back in May 2004. - Report
SEE: QPR Sign Gnohere
QPR Release Gnohere
QPR Birthdays Today - Phil Parkes & Damion Stewart
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Today is QPR's Jamaican International defender Damion Stewart birthday. Stewart turns 27 (born August 8, 1980) - Stewart
Also - Wikipedia/Stewart
Today is also the birthday of possibly QPR's greatest-ever goalkeeper (competing for that honour with Ron Springett, Reggie Allen and maybe David Seaman)...Phil Parkes. Parkes turns 57: Born August 8, 1950.
Then QPR-Manager, Les Allen signed Parkes from Walsall in the summer of 1970 for 15,000 pounds (and recouped the money by sellig then QPR-goalie, Mike Kelly to Birmingham for slightly more.) One paper at the time of his transfer characterized Parkes as "strongly tipped for England U-23 honours.)
Parkes made his debut at home to Leicester, in August 1970. QPR lost, but Parkes was brilliant from the first game on.
Parkes crazily played only ONE game for England - kept out by first Gordon Banks; then Peter Shilton and Ray Clemence.
Parkes played an integral part in getting QPR out of the second Division; and almost winning the First Division Championship...
Parkes was sold to then Division-Two West Ham in February 1979,for a world record goalie fee of 550,000 pounds. (But it still wasn't enough!). Played 344 games for QPR and the 344 for West Ham! (+ 52 games for Walsall)
Whether Parkes was QPR's Greatest-ever goalie can always be argued. (Also Reg Allen, Peter Springett, David Seaman, etc.) But he was brilliant, consistent, and almost an ever-present for QPR.
See: Dave's Queens Park Rangers site Phil Parkes Profile
Also: Sporting Hero and also Wikipedia/Phil Parkes
Today is QPR's Jamaican International defender Damion Stewart birthday. Stewart turns 27 (born August 8, 1980) - Stewart
Also - Wikipedia/Stewart
Today is also the birthday of possibly QPR's greatest-ever goalkeeper (competing for that honour with Ron Springett, Reggie Allen and maybe David Seaman)...Phil Parkes. Parkes turns 57: Born August 8, 1950.
Then QPR-Manager, Les Allen signed Parkes from Walsall in the summer of 1970 for 15,000 pounds (and recouped the money by sellig then QPR-goalie, Mike Kelly to Birmingham for slightly more.) One paper at the time of his transfer characterized Parkes as "strongly tipped for England U-23 honours.)
Parkes made his debut at home to Leicester, in August 1970. QPR lost, but Parkes was brilliant from the first game on.
Parkes crazily played only ONE game for England - kept out by first Gordon Banks; then Peter Shilton and Ray Clemence.
Parkes played an integral part in getting QPR out of the second Division; and almost winning the First Division Championship...
Parkes was sold to then Division-Two West Ham in February 1979,for a world record goalie fee of 550,000 pounds. (But it still wasn't enough!). Played 344 games for QPR and the 344 for West Ham! (+ 52 games for Walsall)
Whether Parkes was QPR's Greatest-ever goalie can always be argued. (Also Reg Allen, Peter Springett, David Seaman, etc.) But he was brilliant, consistent, and almost an ever-present for QPR.
See: Dave's Queens Park Rangers site Phil Parkes Profile
Also: Sporting Hero and also Wikipedia/Phil Parkes
One Year Flashback: Rehman Signs for QPR
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August 8, 2006 - QPR Official Site - REH OF LIGHT
QPR have completed the signing of Fulham defender Zesh Rehman for an undisclosed fee.
The 22 year-old centre-half has today (Tuesday) put pen to paper on a three year deal 'll be at Loftus Road tonight for the Leeds game and I'm looking forward to seeing my new team-mates in action."
A gifted central defender with bags of potential, Zesh played five times for Fulham in the 2005/06 campaign, before being farmed out on loan to Norwich City.
Quiet, but self-assured, Zesh made his Fulham debut as a substitute in the 1-0 League Cup defeat to Wigan in September 2003.
Rehman in action against Pompey last season
A product of the Fulham academy system, Rehman made 26 appearances for the Cottagers, scoring once, against Lincoln City in a nine goal thriller in October.
R's boss Gary Waddock is delighted with the capture of the former Fulham defender, commenting: "It's a superb signing for the Club.
"We've got a player with Premiership experience and who is undoubtedly Prermiership class.
"He's an out-and-out defender but also has the unique ability of being able to bring the ball out of defence. There aren't many central defenders who can do that in the present day, so I'm delighted he's signed for us.
"He's very ambitious - like we all are at this Club - and hopefully he can achieve great things with us.''
Rehman will wear the number five shirt vacated by Danny Shittu. QPR
FULHAM OFFICIAL SITE -Zesh Moves On
Tue 8th Aug 2006
Central defender Zesh Rehman makes the move to QPR
Fulham Football Club can confirm that Zesh Rehman has joined Queens Park Rangers on a permanent basis. The defender signed a three-year deal with Rangers on Tuesday morning.
Rehman, a Fulham Academy graduate, played five times for the Whites in the 05/06 season and scored his first senior goal against Lincoln City in the League Cup before spending four months on loan at Norwich City.
All at Fulham Football Club would like to thank him for his services to the Club and wish him and his family the very best for the future Fulham
FA Profile of Rehman
August 8, 2006 - QPR Official Site - REH OF LIGHT
QPR have completed the signing of Fulham defender Zesh Rehman for an undisclosed fee.
The 22 year-old centre-half has today (Tuesday) put pen to paper on a three year deal 'll be at Loftus Road tonight for the Leeds game and I'm looking forward to seeing my new team-mates in action."
A gifted central defender with bags of potential, Zesh played five times for Fulham in the 2005/06 campaign, before being farmed out on loan to Norwich City.
Quiet, but self-assured, Zesh made his Fulham debut as a substitute in the 1-0 League Cup defeat to Wigan in September 2003.
Rehman in action against Pompey last season
A product of the Fulham academy system, Rehman made 26 appearances for the Cottagers, scoring once, against Lincoln City in a nine goal thriller in October.
R's boss Gary Waddock is delighted with the capture of the former Fulham defender, commenting: "It's a superb signing for the Club.
"We've got a player with Premiership experience and who is undoubtedly Prermiership class.
"He's an out-and-out defender but also has the unique ability of being able to bring the ball out of defence. There aren't many central defenders who can do that in the present day, so I'm delighted he's signed for us.
"He's very ambitious - like we all are at this Club - and hopefully he can achieve great things with us.''
Rehman will wear the number five shirt vacated by Danny Shittu. QPR
FULHAM OFFICIAL SITE -Zesh Moves On
Tue 8th Aug 2006
Central defender Zesh Rehman makes the move to QPR
Fulham Football Club can confirm that Zesh Rehman has joined Queens Park Rangers on a permanent basis. The defender signed a three-year deal with Rangers on Tuesday morning.
Rehman, a Fulham Academy graduate, played five times for the Whites in the 05/06 season and scored his first senior goal against Lincoln City in the League Cup before spending four months on loan at Norwich City.
All at Fulham Football Club would like to thank him for his services to the Club and wish him and his family the very best for the future Fulham
FA Profile of Rehman
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Reading Defeat QPR in Pre-season Friendly
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Reading Official Site -Reading 1 QPR 0
Convey scores in friendly win
The Royals took on QPR in a friendly at Hogwood Park, and readingfc.co.uk has full details.
A detailed report will follow, as well as more pictures and video highlights.
Reading: Hahnemann; De La Cruz, Golbourne, Pearce (c), Sodje; Cisse (Karacan 83), Fae, Henry, Convey, S Cox (Church 80), Long
Subs: Hamer, Spence, Bozanic
12:00pm - Game kicks off in glorious sunshine. Alex Pearce won the toss and decided to change ends.
1min - QPR's team includes the likes of Danny Cullip, Marcus Bignot, Marc Nygaard and Danny Nardiello.
8mins - Kalifa Cisse has a half chance with his head but gets under it.
9mins - Emerse Fae shoots but it is well off target.
10mins - Sam Sodje attacks a corner but heads just over.
15 mins - Cisse does well in the air again and sees his effort hit the bar. Simon Cox tries to follow in but it's cleared.
16mins - Reading are on top in a good tempo game. Both Cox and Shane Long get into the box b
19mins - Cisse does well to find Cox with a nice pass. The frontman puts in a great cross but Long heads a very good chance over.
25mins - 1-0 Convey. Reading win the ball through Fae, who finds Long. The striker is fouled 25 yards from goal, and Bobby Convey curls home a free kick that QPR's keeoer can only get a hand to.
26mins - Hahnemann makes his first save of the game, and it's an easy one.
30mins - Stopppage for an injury to a QPR player. Reading have been well on top.
31mins - Free kick to Rangers right on the edge of the box, but it is overshit straight out.
38mins - More good forward play by Cox, and Long fires just wide on the turn.
40mins - Scramble as the Rangers keeper drops a corner. Cisse and Sodje both go for goal but they're blocked.
43mins - Good interchange from Fae and Golbourne gives Convey a shooting chance but it's blocked.
HALF TIME - Reading have been well on top and incisive. It's a good game. The players are staying out for the half time break so it will be a quick turnaround.
12:57PM - Second half underway. No changes for Reading.
5mins - Sodje unlucky as his header goes inches wide
13mins - Fae breaks up play to release Henry, and Cox almost gets in.
19mins - Good play by Golbourn but Fae's cross is gathered by the keeper.
20mins - Nice turn by Fae to get in on goal but he drags wide.
25mins - Pearce drives goalward but it's blocked.
26mins - QPR have a lot more possession but Marcus has barely been tested, save for a couple of simple saves.
27mins - Rare foray forward for QPR but Hahnemann gets down comforatbly.
29mins - Good challenge from Pearce to stop an attack.
30mins - Nice strength from Cisse but Henry can't get a cross in.
35mins - Slight knock for Cox and he's replaced by Church.
37mins - Nice turn from Fae wins a free kick. It eventually comes to Convey, whose good shot is saved.
38mins - Karacan on for Cisse, who looked sharp.
41mins - Good play by Long but his shot is right at the keeper with Church looking for a cutback.
42mins - Good break by Golbourne but his cross is cut out.
44mins - Long gets in and finds Convey, but his volley is well over.
45mins - Karacan has a decent chance but it's well blocked.
FULL TIME.
Reading
Reading Official Site -Reading 1 QPR 0
Convey scores in friendly win
The Royals took on QPR in a friendly at Hogwood Park, and readingfc.co.uk has full details.
A detailed report will follow, as well as more pictures and video highlights.
Reading: Hahnemann; De La Cruz, Golbourne, Pearce (c), Sodje; Cisse (Karacan 83), Fae, Henry, Convey, S Cox (Church 80), Long
Subs: Hamer, Spence, Bozanic
12:00pm - Game kicks off in glorious sunshine. Alex Pearce won the toss and decided to change ends.
1min - QPR's team includes the likes of Danny Cullip, Marcus Bignot, Marc Nygaard and Danny Nardiello.
8mins - Kalifa Cisse has a half chance with his head but gets under it.
9mins - Emerse Fae shoots but it is well off target.
10mins - Sam Sodje attacks a corner but heads just over.
15 mins - Cisse does well in the air again and sees his effort hit the bar. Simon Cox tries to follow in but it's cleared.
16mins - Reading are on top in a good tempo game. Both Cox and Shane Long get into the box b
19mins - Cisse does well to find Cox with a nice pass. The frontman puts in a great cross but Long heads a very good chance over.
25mins - 1-0 Convey. Reading win the ball through Fae, who finds Long. The striker is fouled 25 yards from goal, and Bobby Convey curls home a free kick that QPR's keeoer can only get a hand to.
26mins - Hahnemann makes his first save of the game, and it's an easy one.
30mins - Stopppage for an injury to a QPR player. Reading have been well on top.
31mins - Free kick to Rangers right on the edge of the box, but it is overshit straight out.
38mins - More good forward play by Cox, and Long fires just wide on the turn.
40mins - Scramble as the Rangers keeper drops a corner. Cisse and Sodje both go for goal but they're blocked.
43mins - Good interchange from Fae and Golbourne gives Convey a shooting chance but it's blocked.
HALF TIME - Reading have been well on top and incisive. It's a good game. The players are staying out for the half time break so it will be a quick turnaround.
12:57PM - Second half underway. No changes for Reading.
5mins - Sodje unlucky as his header goes inches wide
13mins - Fae breaks up play to release Henry, and Cox almost gets in.
19mins - Good play by Golbourn but Fae's cross is gathered by the keeper.
20mins - Nice turn by Fae to get in on goal but he drags wide.
25mins - Pearce drives goalward but it's blocked.
26mins - QPR have a lot more possession but Marcus has barely been tested, save for a couple of simple saves.
27mins - Rare foray forward for QPR but Hahnemann gets down comforatbly.
29mins - Good challenge from Pearce to stop an attack.
30mins - Nice strength from Cisse but Henry can't get a cross in.
35mins - Slight knock for Cox and he's replaced by Church.
37mins - Nice turn from Fae wins a free kick. It eventually comes to Convey, whose good shot is saved.
38mins - Karacan on for Cisse, who looked sharp.
41mins - Good play by Long but his shot is right at the keeper with Church looking for a cutback.
42mins - Good break by Golbourne but his cross is cut out.
44mins - Long gets in and finds Convey, but his volley is well over.
45mins - Karacan has a decent chance but it's well blocked.
FULL TIME.
Reading
Half-a-Year After "China Brawl" QPR Finally Cease to List Richard Hill as one of its Coaches
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In the last few days, QPR have (without any announcement) finally ceased to list QPR Assistant Manager, Richard Hill as one of the QPR coaches on its club's official site staff directory- Staff List
Hill was only at the club for a few months before becoming "involved" in the "China brawl" (in the game that QPR never announced was actually taking place) - which took place exactly six months ago, today. (Hill was also involved in arranging - and then arranging - a pre-season friendly against non-League game against Witney United: A match whose eventual non-playing evoked some strong comments from Witney United's Chairman.]
In June, the FA fined £40,000 for their involvement in a brawl with the Chinese U22 team ...£20,000 of which is suspended until 31 May 2008. It can be reactivated in full or in part in the event of a proved similar offence.
The club admitted a charge of failing to ensure that its players and/or officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and refrained from violent and/or threatening and/or provocative behaviour.
A charge of violent conduct against assistant coach Richard Hill was found proved. He has been suspended from all football and football management until 30 September 2007. He has 14 days to appeal. Penalty
Also:
QPR Report - China Update
No Police Penalty
Original QPR Suspension
Happier Times: Richard Hill Joining QPR:
Official Site - NEW ADDITIONS
Queens Park Rangers Football Club are delighted to welcome Richard Hill and Joe Dunbar to the Club.
Hill joins John Gregory's backroom staff as a coach, while Dunbar is employed as a Sports Performance Coach.
The pair will work closely alongside the new gaffer, who was understandably pleased with their appointments: "Joe was Lennox Lewis' personal trainer. When Lennox was getting ready for a fight, he had a ten week period where Joe was the guy who had to get him up to speed.
"Since Lennox has retired, Joe has had a bit more time on his hands and has been working for me here at the Club on a semi-part-time basis.
"Hilly worked with me at Wycombe between 1996 and 1998. When I went to Aston Villa he went to Gillingham, so he knows this division very well and knows how to survive in it. He will be working alongside me.''
Stay tuned to www.qpr.co.uk for further news and interviews regarding the appointments.
Official Site
Tom Harvey, Kilburn Times, October 4 re John Gregory Assistant, Richard Hill
"...John Gregory's management team at QPR is beginning to take shape with former Stevenage Borough boss Richard Hill set to be named as his assistant.
Hill, who spent two years at Stevenage after being appointed manager in 1998, knows Gregory well from their time together at Aston Villa.
Hill enjoyed a spell as a coach during Gregory's reign at Villa Park, before moving on to Stevenage.
After his exit from the Hertfordshire side, Hill worked as assistant boss to Andy Hessenthaler at Gillingham, before taking a similar role under Brian Little at Tranmere and then becoming number two at Northampton Town until 2003.
Hill's arrival is expected to be followed by further management changes at Loftus Road, with four staff set to leave in the next few days.
Kilburn Times
QPR Fans Consultative Group Meeting
Tuesday 13th February 2007 -
2.3. China game - update about the situation
When asked about an update on this, GP said that there had been apologies from both China and Chelsea; the Richard Hill suspension; that everyone is trying to be as fair as possible; and that threats from the Triads had allegedly been made and the police were around on Friday re: the Southend game.
In the last few days, QPR have (without any announcement) finally ceased to list QPR Assistant Manager, Richard Hill as one of the QPR coaches on its club's official site staff directory- Staff List
Hill was only at the club for a few months before becoming "involved" in the "China brawl" (in the game that QPR never announced was actually taking place) - which took place exactly six months ago, today. (Hill was also involved in arranging - and then arranging - a pre-season friendly against non-League game against Witney United: A match whose eventual non-playing evoked some strong comments from Witney United's Chairman.]
In June, the FA fined £40,000 for their involvement in a brawl with the Chinese U22 team ...£20,000 of which is suspended until 31 May 2008. It can be reactivated in full or in part in the event of a proved similar offence.
The club admitted a charge of failing to ensure that its players and/or officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and refrained from violent and/or threatening and/or provocative behaviour.
A charge of violent conduct against assistant coach Richard Hill was found proved. He has been suspended from all football and football management until 30 September 2007. He has 14 days to appeal. Penalty
Also:
QPR Report - China Update
No Police Penalty
Original QPR Suspension
Happier Times: Richard Hill Joining QPR:
Official Site - NEW ADDITIONS
Queens Park Rangers Football Club are delighted to welcome Richard Hill and Joe Dunbar to the Club.
Hill joins John Gregory's backroom staff as a coach, while Dunbar is employed as a Sports Performance Coach.
The pair will work closely alongside the new gaffer, who was understandably pleased with their appointments: "Joe was Lennox Lewis' personal trainer. When Lennox was getting ready for a fight, he had a ten week period where Joe was the guy who had to get him up to speed.
"Since Lennox has retired, Joe has had a bit more time on his hands and has been working for me here at the Club on a semi-part-time basis.
"Hilly worked with me at Wycombe between 1996 and 1998. When I went to Aston Villa he went to Gillingham, so he knows this division very well and knows how to survive in it. He will be working alongside me.''
Stay tuned to www.qpr.co.uk for further news and interviews regarding the appointments.
Official Site
Tom Harvey, Kilburn Times, October 4 re John Gregory Assistant, Richard Hill
"...John Gregory's management team at QPR is beginning to take shape with former Stevenage Borough boss Richard Hill set to be named as his assistant.
Hill, who spent two years at Stevenage after being appointed manager in 1998, knows Gregory well from their time together at Aston Villa.
Hill enjoyed a spell as a coach during Gregory's reign at Villa Park, before moving on to Stevenage.
After his exit from the Hertfordshire side, Hill worked as assistant boss to Andy Hessenthaler at Gillingham, before taking a similar role under Brian Little at Tranmere and then becoming number two at Northampton Town until 2003.
Hill's arrival is expected to be followed by further management changes at Loftus Road, with four staff set to leave in the next few days.
Kilburn Times
QPR Fans Consultative Group Meeting
Tuesday 13th February 2007 -
2.3. China game - update about the situation
When asked about an update on this, GP said that there had been apologies from both China and Chelsea; the Richard Hill suspension; that everyone is trying to be as fair as possible; and that threats from the Triads had allegedly been made and the police were around on Friday re: the Southend game.
Study of Football Finances in Premiership and Championship
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PKF Accountants and Business Advisors - Football’s fine line between silverware and insolvency
Extra Premier League TV money raises stakes in football’s big gambles
06 August 2007: Football clubs in the English Premiership and Championship are increasingly risking insolvency as the game’s economy begins to overheat, according to an in-depth survey of football club Finance Directors published today by PKF Accountants & business advisers.
Members of PKF’s Football Industry Group point out that increased Premiership television revenue has piled the pressure on the clubs in England’s top two leagues without adding to their bottom line profitability as clubs spend more on players’ wages in a bid to win or retain Premiership status.
Mindful of the dramatic decline at Leeds United, the report shows that banks are applying more pressure to top clubs seeking to increase their borrowing and increasingly demanding personal guarantees for debt from club directors.
Philip Long, head of corporate recovery at PKF and a football sector specialist, said: “There are clear warning signs that the football economy is overheating. The fact that 62% of Premier League clubs have increased their overdraft will be ringing alarm bells at the banks. Television money has increased but the banks will be worried that the money is effectively by-passing the clubs to be spent on buying and paying increasingly expensive players.
“The banks’ attitude suggests that, with player costs spiralling, not enough money is going towards the clubs’ balance sheets. The upcoming campaign is being financed through extra borrowings in an attempt to secure the rewards of a successful season but there is growing pressure on the clubs which don’t win. The excessive spending that brought Leeds to its knees is in danger of being repeated and could end with more clubs facing administration and ultimately insolvency.
“Backers like Roman Abramovich have taken the need for profitability out of the financial equation for a few Premiership clubs. But while they can spend money on new players almost at will, other clubs without the same financial muscle are being driven to borrow and spend more - potentially more than they can afford. The pressure is worse for Championship clubs seeking promotion as the pressure to spend is as great but the available resources are so much less.”
Premiership goldmine
In the English Premiership, 69% of clubs expect to make a pre-tax profit in their next accounting period. However, 62% of clubs have increased the level of their overdraft in the last 12 months and 31% of FDs said they were under more pressure from their banks....
Championship roulette
The Championship has become the football pressure cooker with the research showing 78% of clubs – the highest of any league - not expecting to make a pre-tax profit and 77% of FDs coming under pressure to allow greater spending than the club can afford. No Championship respondents had increased their overdraft facility suggesting the leagues’ bankers are not keen to increase their exposure.
When it comes to player costs, the Championship appears polarised. A third anticipated increasing the size of the first team squad and 44% said they would spend more on wages. However 56% were looking to reduce its size and the cost. Only 22% will be increasing the transfer budget for the coming season.
Stuart Barnsdall commented: “The top half of the Championship is increasing spending, undoubtedly incentivised by the financial rewards of winning promotion. However the results suggest that more than half of Championship clubs either believe their squad does not have the capacity to win promotion or, more likely, are not prepared for the financial consequences of mounting a serious but ultimately unsuccessful challenge.
“Ultimately this is the league where the biggest risks may be taken. The gamble is how much you can afford to spend to win promotion and some gamblers may spend more than they can afford. If they succeed, the gamble will be worthwhile but the price of failure could be very high.”
Free copies of the PKF survey On the line between silverware and insolvency – the annual survey of football club finance directors 2007 are available from the PKF Football Industry Group via margot.lohan@uk.pkf.com or from the firm’s website – www.pkf.co.uk. PKF FOOTBALL REPORT
... PKF’s Football Industry Group commissioned an independent research company in May 2007 to undertake structured telephone interviews with finance directors of football clubs. A total of 59 interviews were completed with finance directors in the English Premier League, Football league Championship, Football Leagues One and Two, Scottish Premier League and Scottish First Division. All responses were recorded anonymously to ensure the confidentiality of the respondent. PFK Press Release
Full PKF Report
PKF Accountants and Business Advisors - Football’s fine line between silverware and insolvency
Extra Premier League TV money raises stakes in football’s big gambles
06 August 2007: Football clubs in the English Premiership and Championship are increasingly risking insolvency as the game’s economy begins to overheat, according to an in-depth survey of football club Finance Directors published today by PKF Accountants & business advisers.
Members of PKF’s Football Industry Group point out that increased Premiership television revenue has piled the pressure on the clubs in England’s top two leagues without adding to their bottom line profitability as clubs spend more on players’ wages in a bid to win or retain Premiership status.
Mindful of the dramatic decline at Leeds United, the report shows that banks are applying more pressure to top clubs seeking to increase their borrowing and increasingly demanding personal guarantees for debt from club directors.
Philip Long, head of corporate recovery at PKF and a football sector specialist, said: “There are clear warning signs that the football economy is overheating. The fact that 62% of Premier League clubs have increased their overdraft will be ringing alarm bells at the banks. Television money has increased but the banks will be worried that the money is effectively by-passing the clubs to be spent on buying and paying increasingly expensive players.
“The banks’ attitude suggests that, with player costs spiralling, not enough money is going towards the clubs’ balance sheets. The upcoming campaign is being financed through extra borrowings in an attempt to secure the rewards of a successful season but there is growing pressure on the clubs which don’t win. The excessive spending that brought Leeds to its knees is in danger of being repeated and could end with more clubs facing administration and ultimately insolvency.
“Backers like Roman Abramovich have taken the need for profitability out of the financial equation for a few Premiership clubs. But while they can spend money on new players almost at will, other clubs without the same financial muscle are being driven to borrow and spend more - potentially more than they can afford. The pressure is worse for Championship clubs seeking promotion as the pressure to spend is as great but the available resources are so much less.”
Premiership goldmine
In the English Premiership, 69% of clubs expect to make a pre-tax profit in their next accounting period. However, 62% of clubs have increased the level of their overdraft in the last 12 months and 31% of FDs said they were under more pressure from their banks....
Championship roulette
The Championship has become the football pressure cooker with the research showing 78% of clubs – the highest of any league - not expecting to make a pre-tax profit and 77% of FDs coming under pressure to allow greater spending than the club can afford. No Championship respondents had increased their overdraft facility suggesting the leagues’ bankers are not keen to increase their exposure.
When it comes to player costs, the Championship appears polarised. A third anticipated increasing the size of the first team squad and 44% said they would spend more on wages. However 56% were looking to reduce its size and the cost. Only 22% will be increasing the transfer budget for the coming season.
Stuart Barnsdall commented: “The top half of the Championship is increasing spending, undoubtedly incentivised by the financial rewards of winning promotion. However the results suggest that more than half of Championship clubs either believe their squad does not have the capacity to win promotion or, more likely, are not prepared for the financial consequences of mounting a serious but ultimately unsuccessful challenge.
“Ultimately this is the league where the biggest risks may be taken. The gamble is how much you can afford to spend to win promotion and some gamblers may spend more than they can afford. If they succeed, the gamble will be worthwhile but the price of failure could be very high.”
Free copies of the PKF survey On the line between silverware and insolvency – the annual survey of football club finance directors 2007 are available from the PKF Football Industry Group via margot.lohan@uk.pkf.com or from the firm’s website – www.pkf.co.uk. PKF FOOTBALL REPORT
... PKF’s Football Industry Group commissioned an independent research company in May 2007 to undertake structured telephone interviews with finance directors of football clubs. A total of 59 interviews were completed with finance directors in the English Premier League, Football league Championship, Football Leagues One and Two, Scottish Premier League and Scottish First Division. All responses were recorded anonymously to ensure the confidentiality of the respondent. PFK Press Release
Full PKF Report
Monday, August 06, 2007
QPR's Championship Prospects - I
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BBC Championship Prospects - Club by Club
QPR
Nickname: Rangers/R's/Hoops
Ground: Loftus Road
Capacity: 19,148
Last season: 18th
Manager: John Gregory (September 2006)
In: Chris Barker (Cardiff), Daniel Nardiello (Barnsley), Simon Walton (Charlton), Ed de Goey (Stoke), Lee Camp (Derby), John Curtis (Nottingham Forest), Michael Mancienne (Chelsea, loan), Ben Sahar (Chelsea, loan).
Out: Lee Cook (Fulham), Marc Bircham (Yeovil), Simon Royce (Gillingham), Ricky Stapleton (Leicester), Kevin Gallen (MK Dons), John Munday (Kidderminster), Ian Evatt (Blackpool), Steve Lomas (Gillingham), Paul Furlong, Paul Jones, Mauro Milanese, Armel Tchakounte,
BBC Sport verdict: They spent most of last season nervously eyeing the relegation places until a little spurt of results banished any lingering concerns but fears of the drop will be back again this season.
Key man: Daniel Nardiello BBC
IAN Holloway on Championship Prospects - BBC
".....It is such a tough division that it is hard to predict the teams at the bottom.
My old side QPR are one of the bookies' tips for the drop but I think they will be fine. " BBC
BBC Championship Prospects - Club by Club
QPR
Nickname: Rangers/R's/Hoops
Ground: Loftus Road
Capacity: 19,148
Last season: 18th
Manager: John Gregory (September 2006)
In: Chris Barker (Cardiff), Daniel Nardiello (Barnsley), Simon Walton (Charlton), Ed de Goey (Stoke), Lee Camp (Derby), John Curtis (Nottingham Forest), Michael Mancienne (Chelsea, loan), Ben Sahar (Chelsea, loan).
Out: Lee Cook (Fulham), Marc Bircham (Yeovil), Simon Royce (Gillingham), Ricky Stapleton (Leicester), Kevin Gallen (MK Dons), John Munday (Kidderminster), Ian Evatt (Blackpool), Steve Lomas (Gillingham), Paul Furlong, Paul Jones, Mauro Milanese, Armel Tchakounte,
BBC Sport verdict: They spent most of last season nervously eyeing the relegation places until a little spurt of results banished any lingering concerns but fears of the drop will be back again this season.
Key man: Daniel Nardiello BBC
IAN Holloway on Championship Prospects - BBC
".....It is such a tough division that it is hard to predict the teams at the bottom.
My old side QPR are one of the bookies' tips for the drop but I think they will be fine. " BBC
Lee Cook Gives QPR £250,000 and Talks about QPR and Fulham
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Daily Mail - Fulham's Cook hands QPR a £250,000 lifeline
New Fulham signing Lee Cook revealed today he has donated £250,000 to his former club Queens Park Rangers to help steer them through their financial troubles.
Cook — one of eight players to join Lawrie Sanchez's Craven Cottage revolution this summer — decided to give the sum, which equates to 10 per cent of his £2.5million transfer fee, when he left Loftus Road last month.
“Rangers are struggling for money and, as everyone knows, I'm a boyhood Rangers fan,” explained Cook.
“The club were saying that not enough money had been paid for me. I said, 'I'll give you 10 per cent of the sale'.
“It was totally my decision — there was no pressure from anyone. The transfer had been agreed but I love Rangers and I don't want to see them hard up.”
Even allowing for the leap in Cook's wages from £4,000-a-week to £18,000-aweek following his move, it is a gesture that will be hugely appreciated by all those at Loftus Road and challenges the assumption that all Premier League footballers are mercenaries.
Cook admits the off-field controversies during his three years at QPR was unsettling for the players.
He said: “Whenever you picked up the paper there was something bad going on a QPR, whether it was the fight against the Chinese or the financial problems. I've heard [chairman] Gianni Paladini saying there are new investors coming. If they are, hopefully everything will be sorted out.
“At times it was difficult. When you are a player, you just want to play football. But it goes through your mind the club might go into administration and that you might not get paid next month.
“But to be fair to the club, they never asked us to take a wage cut and our wages were always paid on the first day of every month.”
The 24-year-old recognises he has joined a whole new world at Fulham, where chairman Mohammed Fayed has reversed his trend of recent seasons by allowing new manager Sanchez to spend heavily in the transfer market.
“I heard Lawrie wanted me in April or May and, then it was just a matter of the clubs agreeing a deal,” said Cook.
“A couple of northern Premiership clubs were also interested but to be honest it was an easy decision. My family are all from the local area and I didn't want to uproot them and my fiancee by moving up north.
“These are exciting times at Fulham. They had a strong squad but they have spent more than £20million in the summer, which shows the ambition.
“To be honest, the money that has been spent this summer has been outrageous. Your Manchester Uniteds and Liverpools will always spend £50m but when you see clubs like West Ham spending fortunes as well, it shows how desperate everyone is not to go down. The clubs have the extra TV money this year and it has had a massive effect.”
Like most of the new Fulham players, Cook will have to make the leap from the Championship to the top tier but, as an orthodox left-winger, he believes he offers something different.
“There aren't that many English leftwingers around,” he said. “My game is all about attacking defenders and putting in crosses.
“In the last three seasons, I provided 47 assists — 18 last season and 14 and 15 in the previous years — which was more than anyone else in the division. I have done it consistently and I'm not worried that I can't make the step up.”
Cook is unlikely to make Fulham's first game — Sunday's visit to Arsenal — as Friday's 2-1 defeat at QPR was his first outing since sustaining a knee injury at the end of last season.
“I was out for three months so I have missed a lot of pre-season,” he said. “I'm a month behind some of the players but I've been training hard the last couple of weeks. Arsenal might be a bit soon, although I hope I can be involved.” Daily Mail
Daily Mail - Fulham's Cook hands QPR a £250,000 lifeline
New Fulham signing Lee Cook revealed today he has donated £250,000 to his former club Queens Park Rangers to help steer them through their financial troubles.
Cook — one of eight players to join Lawrie Sanchez's Craven Cottage revolution this summer — decided to give the sum, which equates to 10 per cent of his £2.5million transfer fee, when he left Loftus Road last month.
“Rangers are struggling for money and, as everyone knows, I'm a boyhood Rangers fan,” explained Cook.
“The club were saying that not enough money had been paid for me. I said, 'I'll give you 10 per cent of the sale'.
“It was totally my decision — there was no pressure from anyone. The transfer had been agreed but I love Rangers and I don't want to see them hard up.”
Even allowing for the leap in Cook's wages from £4,000-a-week to £18,000-aweek following his move, it is a gesture that will be hugely appreciated by all those at Loftus Road and challenges the assumption that all Premier League footballers are mercenaries.
Cook admits the off-field controversies during his three years at QPR was unsettling for the players.
He said: “Whenever you picked up the paper there was something bad going on a QPR, whether it was the fight against the Chinese or the financial problems. I've heard [chairman] Gianni Paladini saying there are new investors coming. If they are, hopefully everything will be sorted out.
“At times it was difficult. When you are a player, you just want to play football. But it goes through your mind the club might go into administration and that you might not get paid next month.
“But to be fair to the club, they never asked us to take a wage cut and our wages were always paid on the first day of every month.”
The 24-year-old recognises he has joined a whole new world at Fulham, where chairman Mohammed Fayed has reversed his trend of recent seasons by allowing new manager Sanchez to spend heavily in the transfer market.
“I heard Lawrie wanted me in April or May and, then it was just a matter of the clubs agreeing a deal,” said Cook.
“A couple of northern Premiership clubs were also interested but to be honest it was an easy decision. My family are all from the local area and I didn't want to uproot them and my fiancee by moving up north.
“These are exciting times at Fulham. They had a strong squad but they have spent more than £20million in the summer, which shows the ambition.
“To be honest, the money that has been spent this summer has been outrageous. Your Manchester Uniteds and Liverpools will always spend £50m but when you see clubs like West Ham spending fortunes as well, it shows how desperate everyone is not to go down. The clubs have the extra TV money this year and it has had a massive effect.”
Like most of the new Fulham players, Cook will have to make the leap from the Championship to the top tier but, as an orthodox left-winger, he believes he offers something different.
“There aren't that many English leftwingers around,” he said. “My game is all about attacking defenders and putting in crosses.
“In the last three seasons, I provided 47 assists — 18 last season and 14 and 15 in the previous years — which was more than anyone else in the division. I have done it consistently and I'm not worried that I can't make the step up.”
Cook is unlikely to make Fulham's first game — Sunday's visit to Arsenal — as Friday's 2-1 defeat at QPR was his first outing since sustaining a knee injury at the end of last season.
“I was out for three months so I have missed a lot of pre-season,” he said. “I'm a month behind some of the players but I've been training hard the last couple of weeks. Arsenal might be a bit soon, although I hope I can be involved.” Daily Mail
One Year Ago: Power and Devlin Survive...Shittu Departs...Opening Day Defeat ...Paladini's Enemy Within
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One year ago...
BBC - Football officials on crash plane
Three senior officials of a football club were among six people on board a light aircraft that crashed on a golf course in Buckinghamshire.
The Cessna 310 came down in woods close to Denham Golf Course on Saturday.
The pilot, aged 57, was seriously injured. He was taken to hospital with four other men and a boy.
Swindon Town Football Club confirmed three officials were injured in the crash as they flew back from the first match of the season at Hartlepool.
'Sealed off'
The passengers, aged 53, 52, 45 and 43 and a 10-year-old boy, are all said to be in a stable condition.
All six injured people were taken to Wexham Park Hospital.
A Denham Airfield spokesman said the plane crashed near the airfield at about 1900 BST on Saturday.
A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said members of the public had reported a twin-engine aircraft going down in a wooded area of the golf course.
Air accident investigators have been examining the wreckage of the aircraft and the site remained sealed off on Sunday BBC
Other Reports from the time
BURNLEY 2 QPR 0The Sunday Times August 06, 2006
Burnley 2 QPR 0: Jones double sinks QPR
Neil Johnston at Turf Moor
IT HAS BEEN a summer of change at Queens Park Rangers but it already looks like being a winter of discontent after Gary Waddock’s reign began with a comprehensive defeat.
Steve Jones, Burnley’s summer signing from Crewe, left Waddock wondering whether he was right to accept the manager’s job last month after capping a fine debut with two excellent second-half finishes. It completed a bad day for Waddock, who revealed afterwards that he tried to sign Jones but failed to lure the Northern Ireland international because he did not want to uproot his family from Cheshire.
“Jones is someone I wanted and he showed his quality with the goals he scored,” Waddock said. “A lot of clubs were after him and we were one of them. We got as far as talking but that was it.”
Since losing to champions Reading on the final day of last season, Rangers have appointed a new manager, brought in a new backroom team and signed five players. Yet it was the same old story as Rangers fell victim to Jones’s outstanding performance. He side-footed his team into a 59th-minute lead before unleashing a left-footed finish 10 minutes later to send Burnley, tipped for a season of struggle, to the top of the table.
“I’m going to go home and freeze Teletext,” Steve Cotterill, the Burnley manager, said after his side’s thoroughly deserved victory. “Jones does hit the ball well and his second goal was fantastic.”
Star Man: Steve Jones (Burnley)
Player ratings: Burnley: Jensen 7, Sinclair 7, Thomas 7, Duff 7, Harley 7, S Jones 8, McCann 7, J O'Connor 7 (Elliott 62mins, 6), Mahon 8 (O’Connor 90min, 5), Gray 6, Lafferty 6 (Hyde 62min, 6)
QPR: P Jones 6, Bignot 5, Rose 5, Stewart 5, Milanese 5, Lomas 5 (R Jones 66min, 5), Ainsworth 5, Rowlands 6 (Donnelly 79min, 5), Ward 5, Cook 5, Czerkas 5 (Bircham 71mins, 5)
Scorers: Burnley: S Jones 59, 69
Referee: M Clattenburg
Attendance: 12,190 Sunday Times
August 6, 2006 - QPR Official Site - SHITTU HORNETTED
Dan Shittu has 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.
Shittu signed for QPR in January 2001 from Charlton Athletic for an initial fee of £250,000, after spending two months on loan at Loftus Road.
Since his move to Loftus Road, Shittu made 172 appearances and netted 16 goals for the Superhoops. 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 £1.6
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.
Sunday Mirror 6 August 2006 - LIVING IN FEAR
Contract killer threat forces QPR chairman to wear a bullet-proof vest GIANNI PALADINI EXCLUSIVE - Anthony Clavane
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini is living in fear after a contract was legedly put out on his life.
Following advice by the police, the controversial Rangers chief now has to wear a bullet-proof vest.
In an exclusive interview with Sunday Mirror Sport, Paladini hit out at fans opposed to his regime at Loftus Road, calling them the "enemy within".
Paladini said: "I find it incredible what's going on here. You have to fight against so many things. This must be the only club where the fans love to put s**t on their own club on the website."
Two weeks ago, a group of men were cleared of forcing Paladini to resign at gunpoint during a match against Sheffield United.
The Italian tycoon claimed he was surrounded by hired thugs, punched and slapped, and then warned he'd be killed if he refused to sign a letter of resignation.
But a judge threw out the case against the men. There is no suggestion that any of those men are involved in the alleged contract on Paladini.
Former agent Paladini invested £600,000 in the West London outfit in March 2004 and was initially employed as a consultant to bring in players.
Last year he ousted Bill Power as QPR chairman, removed chief executive Mark Devlin and claimed victory in a bitter struggle for control of the club.
But one of his strongest allies, former Brazil skipper Carlos Dunga, resigned from the board last week after his shock appointment as his country's new national coach.
Ever since Paladini became a director of the debt-ridden Championship club he has faced hostile criticism from a section of supporters.
The Italian tycoon was furious to discover an attempt to sabotage an interview with him on the QPR website after he returned from the R's pre-season tour of his home country.
He said: "I went mad. It's been cancelled now. They're trying to wind me up. I give up, I really do. I nearly got a heart attack when I saw it.
"They put the face of a fan up there, somebody is stirring things up.
"Sometimes I wonder why I got myself involved in this situation. Whatever you do, you can't win. Even if you win the league and get promoted, you'll still have people who criticise.
"I feel like a dartboard. People are always throwing darts at me.
"We have an enemy within. What kind of people do these things? How can you be a QPR fan when you put this s**t in?"
Paladini also suspected foul play when one newspaper reported last week that Rangers players were turned away from their training ground because the rent had not been paid.
He blasted: "This did not happen. I have a statement showing we paid Imperial College, who we rent the ground from, £32,250 on 18 July. How can they shut it for non-payment two weeks after paying the rent? It's insane.
"There were people from a QPR fan group outside the training ground at 7.20am, putting it out that the players had been locked out.
"But people were asleep at that time. The players didn't go in until 10am.
"They put out so much s**t, so much rubbish, that I just give up.
"Since I've come here there's been problem after problem after problem but now, thank God, it's all left behind. Now we will only concentrate on the football and take this club forward.
"With the players we've brought in and the new manager, Gary Waddock, we're looking forward to an exciting season.
"We've reduced the average age of the team and we've brought in players to give us stability for the next two or three years.
"It's been a very difficult time. But it's business as usual. I just carry on doing my job.
"In this game you need a lot of money. When I came here we were losing more than £500,000 a year but, by the end of next season, we should be out of debt.
"I'm lucky that the people with me they are prepared to put in money. This month, to pay the wages, they had to put in more money."
"When I came here we got promoted and we've been two years in the Championship. Look at clubs like Birmingham, who spend eight or nine million, or Wolves, Coventry, Leeds.
"They spend a fortune every year. They are on a very different level to us.
"Fortunately I've been involved in foot ball for the last 30 years and it's helped me a lot, because I1 can get certain players in." Sunday Mirror
One year ago...
BBC - Football officials on crash plane
Three senior officials of a football club were among six people on board a light aircraft that crashed on a golf course in Buckinghamshire.
The Cessna 310 came down in woods close to Denham Golf Course on Saturday.
The pilot, aged 57, was seriously injured. He was taken to hospital with four other men and a boy.
Swindon Town Football Club confirmed three officials were injured in the crash as they flew back from the first match of the season at Hartlepool.
'Sealed off'
The passengers, aged 53, 52, 45 and 43 and a 10-year-old boy, are all said to be in a stable condition.
All six injured people were taken to Wexham Park Hospital.
A Denham Airfield spokesman said the plane crashed near the airfield at about 1900 BST on Saturday.
A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said members of the public had reported a twin-engine aircraft going down in a wooded area of the golf course.
Air accident investigators have been examining the wreckage of the aircraft and the site remained sealed off on Sunday BBC
Other Reports from the time
BURNLEY 2 QPR 0The Sunday Times August 06, 2006
Burnley 2 QPR 0: Jones double sinks QPR
Neil Johnston at Turf Moor
IT HAS BEEN a summer of change at Queens Park Rangers but it already looks like being a winter of discontent after Gary Waddock’s reign began with a comprehensive defeat.
Steve Jones, Burnley’s summer signing from Crewe, left Waddock wondering whether he was right to accept the manager’s job last month after capping a fine debut with two excellent second-half finishes. It completed a bad day for Waddock, who revealed afterwards that he tried to sign Jones but failed to lure the Northern Ireland international because he did not want to uproot his family from Cheshire.
“Jones is someone I wanted and he showed his quality with the goals he scored,” Waddock said. “A lot of clubs were after him and we were one of them. We got as far as talking but that was it.”
Since losing to champions Reading on the final day of last season, Rangers have appointed a new manager, brought in a new backroom team and signed five players. Yet it was the same old story as Rangers fell victim to Jones’s outstanding performance. He side-footed his team into a 59th-minute lead before unleashing a left-footed finish 10 minutes later to send Burnley, tipped for a season of struggle, to the top of the table.
“I’m going to go home and freeze Teletext,” Steve Cotterill, the Burnley manager, said after his side’s thoroughly deserved victory. “Jones does hit the ball well and his second goal was fantastic.”
Star Man: Steve Jones (Burnley)
Player ratings: Burnley: Jensen 7, Sinclair 7, Thomas 7, Duff 7, Harley 7, S Jones 8, McCann 7, J O'Connor 7 (Elliott 62mins, 6), Mahon 8 (O’Connor 90min, 5), Gray 6, Lafferty 6 (Hyde 62min, 6)
QPR: P Jones 6, Bignot 5, Rose 5, Stewart 5, Milanese 5, Lomas 5 (R Jones 66min, 5), Ainsworth 5, Rowlands 6 (Donnelly 79min, 5), Ward 5, Cook 5, Czerkas 5 (Bircham 71mins, 5)
Scorers: Burnley: S Jones 59, 69
Referee: M Clattenburg
Attendance: 12,190 Sunday Times
August 6, 2006 - QPR Official Site - SHITTU HORNETTED
Dan Shittu has 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.
Shittu signed for QPR in January 2001 from Charlton Athletic for an initial fee of £250,000, after spending two months on loan at Loftus Road.
Since his move to Loftus Road, Shittu made 172 appearances and netted 16 goals for the Superhoops. 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 £1.6
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.
Sunday Mirror 6 August 2006 - LIVING IN FEAR
Contract killer threat forces QPR chairman to wear a bullet-proof vest GIANNI PALADINI EXCLUSIVE - Anthony Clavane
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini is living in fear after a contract was legedly put out on his life.
Following advice by the police, the controversial Rangers chief now has to wear a bullet-proof vest.
In an exclusive interview with Sunday Mirror Sport, Paladini hit out at fans opposed to his regime at Loftus Road, calling them the "enemy within".
Paladini said: "I find it incredible what's going on here. You have to fight against so many things. This must be the only club where the fans love to put s**t on their own club on the website."
Two weeks ago, a group of men were cleared of forcing Paladini to resign at gunpoint during a match against Sheffield United.
The Italian tycoon claimed he was surrounded by hired thugs, punched and slapped, and then warned he'd be killed if he refused to sign a letter of resignation.
But a judge threw out the case against the men. There is no suggestion that any of those men are involved in the alleged contract on Paladini.
Former agent Paladini invested £600,000 in the West London outfit in March 2004 and was initially employed as a consultant to bring in players.
Last year he ousted Bill Power as QPR chairman, removed chief executive Mark Devlin and claimed victory in a bitter struggle for control of the club.
But one of his strongest allies, former Brazil skipper Carlos Dunga, resigned from the board last week after his shock appointment as his country's new national coach.
Ever since Paladini became a director of the debt-ridden Championship club he has faced hostile criticism from a section of supporters.
The Italian tycoon was furious to discover an attempt to sabotage an interview with him on the QPR website after he returned from the R's pre-season tour of his home country.
He said: "I went mad. It's been cancelled now. They're trying to wind me up. I give up, I really do. I nearly got a heart attack when I saw it.
"They put the face of a fan up there, somebody is stirring things up.
"Sometimes I wonder why I got myself involved in this situation. Whatever you do, you can't win. Even if you win the league and get promoted, you'll still have people who criticise.
"I feel like a dartboard. People are always throwing darts at me.
"We have an enemy within. What kind of people do these things? How can you be a QPR fan when you put this s**t in?"
Paladini also suspected foul play when one newspaper reported last week that Rangers players were turned away from their training ground because the rent had not been paid.
He blasted: "This did not happen. I have a statement showing we paid Imperial College, who we rent the ground from, £32,250 on 18 July. How can they shut it for non-payment two weeks after paying the rent? It's insane.
"There were people from a QPR fan group outside the training ground at 7.20am, putting it out that the players had been locked out.
"But people were asleep at that time. The players didn't go in until 10am.
"They put out so much s**t, so much rubbish, that I just give up.
"Since I've come here there's been problem after problem after problem but now, thank God, it's all left behind. Now we will only concentrate on the football and take this club forward.
"With the players we've brought in and the new manager, Gary Waddock, we're looking forward to an exciting season.
"We've reduced the average age of the team and we've brought in players to give us stability for the next two or three years.
"It's been a very difficult time. But it's business as usual. I just carry on doing my job.
"In this game you need a lot of money. When I came here we were losing more than £500,000 a year but, by the end of next season, we should be out of debt.
"I'm lucky that the people with me they are prepared to put in money. This month, to pay the wages, they had to put in more money."
"When I came here we got promoted and we've been two years in the Championship. Look at clubs like Birmingham, who spend eight or nine million, or Wolves, Coventry, Leeds.
"They spend a fortune every year. They are on a very different level to us.
"Fortunately I've been involved in foot ball for the last 30 years and it's helped me a lot, because I1 can get certain players in." Sunday Mirror
QPR's Last Game at Bristol City
-
QPR play Bristol City in Bristol for the opening game on Saturday. Bristol City's squad plus their million pound signing, Lee Trundle.
The last time QPR played Bristol was in Bristol, April 3 2004. Bristol City were on a hot streak and won 1-0. Bristol City won the game. QPR won promotion!
Both teams now are almost completely different and managed by different managers. Just Camp, Bignot and Rowlands are still at QPR.
BBC April 3, 2004 - Bristol City 1-0 QPR
Christian Roberts' goal revived Bristol City's promotion hopes as the Robins secured a crucial win against QPR.
The Welsh striker latched on to a Scott Murray's cross and coolly slotted the ball past Lee Camp.
City were the better side, but needed a brilliant late save from Steve Phillips to deny their former striker Tony Thorpe an equaliser.
City could have been 2-0 up by then, but Murray saw his shot saved by Camp after the Scot broke clear.
Bristol City: Phillips, Carey, Butler, Coles, Hill, Murray, Doherty, Tinnion, Bell, Peacock, Roberts. Subs: Wilkshire, Miller, Burnell, Fortune, Rougier.
QPR: Camp, Bignot, Carlisle, Gnohere, Rose, Rowlands, Bean, Richard Johnson, McLeod, Furlong, Gallen. Subs: Day, Palmer, Thorpe, Edghill, Cureton.
BBC
That was the season that Bristol City player were saying...
The Sun - Lee's getting Peacocky
By ROSS GREGORY
STRIKER Lee Peacock has ‘done a Wenger’ by claiming Bristol City can go through the rest of the season unbeaten.
The in-form Robins have won 10 league games in a row to climb to the top of Division Two — and they are now hot favourites for promotion.
The league record of 14 straight wins — held jointly by City themselves, Preston, Manchester United and Arsenal — is now firmly in their sights.
And 14-goal striker Peacock is brimming with confidence ahead of the home clash with Wrexham at Ashton Gate today.
He said: “Without sounding arrogant, there’s no reason why we can’t keep this winning run going or remain unbeaten to the end of the season.
“I don’t want to tempt fate like Arsenal boss a***ne Wenger last season but anything is possible.
“We’re top of the table now so people will be gunning for us and it’s all about having the bottle to handle the pressure.
“You can’t afford to look too far ahead because you start to take things for granted and run the risk of blowing up.
“If we do that, it will allow other teams to sneak back into it“We enjoyed the 10th win in a row but now we’ve got to put it to the back of our minds.”Danny Wilson’s men began their amazing winning streak with a 1-0 victory over Stockport on December 20.Prior to that game, they were back in ninth place in the table — having lost four games — 10 points behind leaders QPR and three points away from a play-off place.
But the midweek win at Grimsby took them to the Division Two summit for the first time.
Not that Peacock is getting carried away. He was part of the team that went 19 games unbeaten to lead the table at Christmas 2002.
A disastrous run of eight games without a victory in January and February saw their promotion dreams shattered.
And Peacock believes the memory of that will work to City’s advantage this time around.
The former Manchester City hitman added: “Last season, we went out thinking we were going to win every game and we came unstuck.
“We’ll have to make sure that doesn’t happen again and it means a lot of hard work.
“We don’t want to shout about the fact we are top of the league.
“Christmas is always a vital time because there are so many games in such a short period and that’s how it proved.
“Fortunately for us, we’re pushing on at just the right t
19th February, 2004
Brian Tinnion "...it could be all over bar the shouting by the time we play Plymouth and QPR ..." :
PFA's Website Give Me Football
: Brian Tinnion - Bristol City
: Bristol City have put together an amazing run of results that has seen the Robins register an amazing ten successive victories. Their last two wins, away to Peterborough last Saturday and at Grimsby on Tuesday night, meant Danny Wilson's side leapfrogged Plymouth, temporarily, to take over at the top of the Second Division table. Going into the Christmas programme, City were some 12 points behind both Argyle and QPR, but the club's timely run of form has lifted them into pole position as we approach the business end of the season. One player who has been instrumental in the club's magnificent sequence of results is Brian Tinnion, and Mark Shail got the thoughts of the veteran midfielder.
: Q MUST BE DELIGHTED WITH THE RECENT RUN?
: A Plymouth and QPR probably thought nothing could go wrong when they were 12 points clear at Christmas and everyone was tipping them for promotion. But now things have changed and we are in the driving seat.
:
: Q BOTH PLYMOUTH AND QPR HAVE STUTTERED IN RECENT WEEKS, HAS THAT HELPED CITY'S CAUSE?
: A You can see by their results that we have got them worried. Because we closed the gap so quickly, they're looking over their shoulders and running scared of us. They were up there to be shot at and are clearly feeling the pressure.
:
: Q DID THE PLAYERS BELIEVE THEY COULD PRODUCE A RUN OF RESULTS LIKE THAT?
: A We've been surprised by have quickly we have been able to close the gap. All the momentum has swung our way and timing is everything. We've started well in the past only to fall away after Christmas and miss out on promotion. This time we've started slowly and are coming good at the right time.
:
: Q CONFIDENCE IN THE CAMP MUST BE SKY-HIGH?
: A Because we've been on such a great run we just don't feel like we can be beaten at the moment. But we have to keep it going. If we can hit the front and keep going, it could be all over bar the shouting by the time we play Plymouth and QPR at Ashton Gate next month.
:
: Q TWO AWAY WINS IN FOUR DAYS, THAT MUST HAVE BEEN A REAL BOOST?
: A Yes, the game at Peterborough was tough because Bobby Gould had just been appointed as a coach and you could see that the players were geed up. It made them harder to beat but we still managed to grind out the result. Similarly, at Grimsby there was a new manager in charge and we had to work hard for the win.
:
: Q THERE MUST BE REAL COMPETITION FOR PLACES AT ASHTON GATE THIS SEASON?
: A You dare not lose your place in the side because you might not get back in. Our winning run has been a real squad effort and there are six or seven lads waiting in the wings for their opportunity.
:
: Q GOING INTO THE LAST THIRD OF THIRD OF THE SEASON, YOU MUST NOW BE VERY HOPEFUL OF AN AUTOMATIC PROMOTION PLACE?
: A There's still a long way to go, as they say, and we've goy to try and maintain the high standards that we have set ourselves in recent months. Put it this way, we fancy our chances against anybody at present.
QPR play Bristol City in Bristol for the opening game on Saturday. Bristol City's squad plus their million pound signing, Lee Trundle.
The last time QPR played Bristol was in Bristol, April 3 2004. Bristol City were on a hot streak and won 1-0. Bristol City won the game. QPR won promotion!
Both teams now are almost completely different and managed by different managers. Just Camp, Bignot and Rowlands are still at QPR.
BBC April 3, 2004 - Bristol City 1-0 QPR
Christian Roberts' goal revived Bristol City's promotion hopes as the Robins secured a crucial win against QPR.
The Welsh striker latched on to a Scott Murray's cross and coolly slotted the ball past Lee Camp.
City were the better side, but needed a brilliant late save from Steve Phillips to deny their former striker Tony Thorpe an equaliser.
City could have been 2-0 up by then, but Murray saw his shot saved by Camp after the Scot broke clear.
Bristol City: Phillips, Carey, Butler, Coles, Hill, Murray, Doherty, Tinnion, Bell, Peacock, Roberts. Subs: Wilkshire, Miller, Burnell, Fortune, Rougier.
QPR: Camp, Bignot, Carlisle, Gnohere, Rose, Rowlands, Bean, Richard Johnson, McLeod, Furlong, Gallen. Subs: Day, Palmer, Thorpe, Edghill, Cureton.
BBC
That was the season that Bristol City player were saying...
The Sun - Lee's getting Peacocky
By ROSS GREGORY
STRIKER Lee Peacock has ‘done a Wenger’ by claiming Bristol City can go through the rest of the season unbeaten.
The in-form Robins have won 10 league games in a row to climb to the top of Division Two — and they are now hot favourites for promotion.
The league record of 14 straight wins — held jointly by City themselves, Preston, Manchester United and Arsenal — is now firmly in their sights.
And 14-goal striker Peacock is brimming with confidence ahead of the home clash with Wrexham at Ashton Gate today.
He said: “Without sounding arrogant, there’s no reason why we can’t keep this winning run going or remain unbeaten to the end of the season.
“I don’t want to tempt fate like Arsenal boss a***ne Wenger last season but anything is possible.
“We’re top of the table now so people will be gunning for us and it’s all about having the bottle to handle the pressure.
“You can’t afford to look too far ahead because you start to take things for granted and run the risk of blowing up.
“If we do that, it will allow other teams to sneak back into it“We enjoyed the 10th win in a row but now we’ve got to put it to the back of our minds.”Danny Wilson’s men began their amazing winning streak with a 1-0 victory over Stockport on December 20.Prior to that game, they were back in ninth place in the table — having lost four games — 10 points behind leaders QPR and three points away from a play-off place.
But the midweek win at Grimsby took them to the Division Two summit for the first time.
Not that Peacock is getting carried away. He was part of the team that went 19 games unbeaten to lead the table at Christmas 2002.
A disastrous run of eight games without a victory in January and February saw their promotion dreams shattered.
And Peacock believes the memory of that will work to City’s advantage this time around.
The former Manchester City hitman added: “Last season, we went out thinking we were going to win every game and we came unstuck.
“We’ll have to make sure that doesn’t happen again and it means a lot of hard work.
“We don’t want to shout about the fact we are top of the league.
“Christmas is always a vital time because there are so many games in such a short period and that’s how it proved.
“Fortunately for us, we’re pushing on at just the right t
19th February, 2004
Brian Tinnion "...it could be all over bar the shouting by the time we play Plymouth and QPR ..." :
PFA's Website Give Me Football
: Brian Tinnion - Bristol City
: Bristol City have put together an amazing run of results that has seen the Robins register an amazing ten successive victories. Their last two wins, away to Peterborough last Saturday and at Grimsby on Tuesday night, meant Danny Wilson's side leapfrogged Plymouth, temporarily, to take over at the top of the Second Division table. Going into the Christmas programme, City were some 12 points behind both Argyle and QPR, but the club's timely run of form has lifted them into pole position as we approach the business end of the season. One player who has been instrumental in the club's magnificent sequence of results is Brian Tinnion, and Mark Shail got the thoughts of the veteran midfielder.
: Q MUST BE DELIGHTED WITH THE RECENT RUN?
: A Plymouth and QPR probably thought nothing could go wrong when they were 12 points clear at Christmas and everyone was tipping them for promotion. But now things have changed and we are in the driving seat.
:
: Q BOTH PLYMOUTH AND QPR HAVE STUTTERED IN RECENT WEEKS, HAS THAT HELPED CITY'S CAUSE?
: A You can see by their results that we have got them worried. Because we closed the gap so quickly, they're looking over their shoulders and running scared of us. They were up there to be shot at and are clearly feeling the pressure.
:
: Q DID THE PLAYERS BELIEVE THEY COULD PRODUCE A RUN OF RESULTS LIKE THAT?
: A We've been surprised by have quickly we have been able to close the gap. All the momentum has swung our way and timing is everything. We've started well in the past only to fall away after Christmas and miss out on promotion. This time we've started slowly and are coming good at the right time.
:
: Q CONFIDENCE IN THE CAMP MUST BE SKY-HIGH?
: A Because we've been on such a great run we just don't feel like we can be beaten at the moment. But we have to keep it going. If we can hit the front and keep going, it could be all over bar the shouting by the time we play Plymouth and QPR at Ashton Gate next month.
:
: Q TWO AWAY WINS IN FOUR DAYS, THAT MUST HAVE BEEN A REAL BOOST?
: A Yes, the game at Peterborough was tough because Bobby Gould had just been appointed as a coach and you could see that the players were geed up. It made them harder to beat but we still managed to grind out the result. Similarly, at Grimsby there was a new manager in charge and we had to work hard for the win.
:
: Q THERE MUST BE REAL COMPETITION FOR PLACES AT ASHTON GATE THIS SEASON?
: A You dare not lose your place in the side because you might not get back in. Our winning run has been a real squad effort and there are six or seven lads waiting in the wings for their opportunity.
:
: Q GOING INTO THE LAST THIRD OF THIRD OF THE SEASON, YOU MUST NOW BE VERY HOPEFUL OF AN AUTOMATIC PROMOTION PLACE?
: A There's still a long way to go, as they say, and we've goy to try and maintain the high standards that we have set ourselves in recent months. Put it this way, we fancy our chances against anybody at present.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
40 Years Ago...35 Years Ago...25 Years Ago...QPR Promotion Seasons!
-
40 Years ago, 1967-1968: QPR were set to embark on their first season back in Division Two after their Cup/League Championship the previous season... Nine months later, an own goal a few minutes from time (2-1 at Aston Villa) put QPR into the First Division on Goal aggregate above Blackpool. Table and Season's Results
35 Years ago, 1972-73: QPR, now without Rodney Marsh were set to challenge for promotion under Gordon Jago, Bobby Campbell and Terry Venables and QPR's "Total Football!". Nine months later (and Bowles and Thomas added), QPR went up as runners up to Burnley. Table and Season's Results
25 Years ago, 1982-1983, Fresh from their FA Cup Final Defeat, Terry Venables' QPR were to go on to their First Division Two title. Table and Season's Results
[Ten years ago, 1997-1998, Stuart Huston/Bruce Rioch and Ray Harford's QPR team started out looking for promotion and ended just staying up. Table and Season's Results
40 Years ago, 1967-1968: QPR were set to embark on their first season back in Division Two after their Cup/League Championship the previous season... Nine months later, an own goal a few minutes from time (2-1 at Aston Villa) put QPR into the First Division on Goal aggregate above Blackpool. Table and Season's Results
35 Years ago, 1972-73: QPR, now without Rodney Marsh were set to challenge for promotion under Gordon Jago, Bobby Campbell and Terry Venables and QPR's "Total Football!". Nine months later (and Bowles and Thomas added), QPR went up as runners up to Burnley. Table and Season's Results
25 Years ago, 1982-1983, Fresh from their FA Cup Final Defeat, Terry Venables' QPR were to go on to their First Division Two title. Table and Season's Results
[Ten years ago, 1997-1998, Stuart Huston/Bruce Rioch and Ray Harford's QPR team started out looking for promotion and ended just staying up. Table and Season's Results
QPR Websites (Updated)
-
There are a number of QPR websites. Below - not necessarily in order of "best" or "preferred" is a compilation! A few additional sites appear to have become defunct. [If there are any other sites, just contact qprreport@hotmail.com, and they'll be added to the list.]
Update II: Loft For Words The people running QPR Rivals have moved to a new site - Loft For Words
Update: One site I omitted: Paul's QPR Website - Paul's QPR Website
In the past six months, three new QPR sites came into existence (or in the case of the .ORG was revived):
Battletank's revived QPR.ORG - QPR.ORG
Independent R's Review (Indyrs)- Independent R's Review
QPRFans QPRFans
OLDER QPR SITES:
QPR Official Club website QPR Official Site
QPR Report Blog - QPR Report
Dot.org - Dot.org
QPR Rivals - QPR Rivals
QPR LSA - LSA
LSA Messageboard - New Messageboard
Old LSA Messageboard - Old Messageboard
QPRNet - QPRNet.com
Dave's Queens Park Rangers FC - Dave's QPR
QPR Mad - QPR Mad
QPR1st - QPR 1st
Boardroom Blues - Boardroom Blues
QPR Vital Football - QPR Vital Football
QPR NZ LSA - QPR NZ LSA
QPR USA LSA - QPR USA LSA
Irish QPR (IQPR) - IQPR
Gamblog - QPR - Gamblog QPR
QPR Kent LSA - QPR Kent LSA
Lofty Heights-Hooped Dreams - Lofty Heights-Hooped Dreams
Swedish Hoops Swedish Hoops
Accrington Stanley Bowles - ASB
My Space/QPR FANS QPR FANS
My Space/Superhoopsqpr - Superhoopsqpr
My Space/QPRDOTORG - QPRdororg
QPR Supporters Norway - QPR Supporters Norway
QPR Supporters Sweden - QPR/Sweden
[Please Send any additional names & urls to qprreport@hotmail.com ]
There are a number of QPR websites. Below - not necessarily in order of "best" or "preferred" is a compilation! A few additional sites appear to have become defunct. [If there are any other sites, just contact qprreport@hotmail.com, and they'll be added to the list.]
Update II: Loft For Words The people running QPR Rivals have moved to a new site - Loft For Words
Update: One site I omitted: Paul's QPR Website - Paul's QPR Website
In the past six months, three new QPR sites came into existence (or in the case of the .ORG was revived):
Battletank's revived QPR.ORG - QPR.ORG
Independent R's Review (Indyrs)- Independent R's Review
QPRFans QPRFans
OLDER QPR SITES:
QPR Official Club website QPR Official Site
QPR Report Blog - QPR Report
Dot.org - Dot.org
QPR Rivals - QPR Rivals
QPR LSA - LSA
LSA Messageboard - New Messageboard
Old LSA Messageboard - Old Messageboard
QPRNet - QPRNet.com
Dave's Queens Park Rangers FC - Dave's QPR
QPR Mad - QPR Mad
QPR1st - QPR 1st
Boardroom Blues - Boardroom Blues
QPR Vital Football - QPR Vital Football
QPR NZ LSA - QPR NZ LSA
QPR USA LSA - QPR USA LSA
Irish QPR (IQPR) - IQPR
Gamblog - QPR - Gamblog QPR
QPR Kent LSA - QPR Kent LSA
Lofty Heights-Hooped Dreams - Lofty Heights-Hooped Dreams
Swedish Hoops Swedish Hoops
Accrington Stanley Bowles - ASB
My Space/QPR FANS QPR FANS
My Space/Superhoopsqpr - Superhoopsqpr
My Space/QPRDOTORG - QPRdororg
QPR Supporters Norway - QPR Supporters Norway
QPR Supporters Sweden - QPR/Sweden
[Please Send any additional names & urls to qprreport@hotmail.com ]
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