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After the heated speculation and today's story in today's People "QPR Go for Zidane", it appears that the "Big Announcement" from Loftus Road is NOT the appointment of Zidane as new manager; but rather the unveiling of the club's new crest. The new crest can be viewed at New Crest. So QPR now look to a bright future, with hopefully promotion, next season (as Champions!) Updated: Some nice photos from the "unveiling:" Blending of the Past with the Future! - New Era Photos
QPR OFFICIAL SITE EXCLUSIVE: A NEW ERA IN W12
Queens Park Rangers Football Club today unveiled a new Club crest, marking the start of a new era for the W12 based Club.
Officially launched today (Sunday 4th May 2008), the new logo signifies the Club's determination to embrace a new chapter and identity at Loftus Road.
The new Crest combines elements of the Club's heritage and was designed to encapsulate the past, present and future, with the famous Hoops being re-integrated into the official identity.
R's legends from yesteryear joined QPR's current squad and children from the Club's Centre of Excellence on the pitch ahead of kick-off against West Bromwich Albion to unveil the new crest.
Flavio Briatore, Chairman of QPR Holdings Ltd, said: "This is a significant day for Queens Park Rangers Football Club and it was important for the fans to see the new crest first.
"It represents another huge forward step in our aim to re-launch the Club into a global brand - anchored in W12, but giving it a vision for the future.
"I am delighted with the design of the new crest, which maintains the Queens Park Rangers tradition of blue and white hoops. I know how important it is to the fans that the hoops remain, and that was always going to be the case."
Briatore explained the rationale behind the new crest, adding: "This is a period of huge transformation at QPR.
"This new crest is stylish, thrilling and authentic and signifies the start of what we hope will become the most successful period in the Club's history."
Bernie Ecclestone added: "I feel that the new crest that we are launching today really shows we are moving forward as a Club.
"I hope the fans are happy with the current achievements and that the future brings what everyone at the Club is looking forward to."
Amit Bhatia, Vice Chairman of QPR Holdings Ltd, added: "I am really delighted with our new crest.
"It is a fresh, modern and bold design, reflecting the new mood of optimism at Loftus Road, whilst still retaining links to our glorious past.
"The crest compliments the new styles that Lotto Sport Italia have created for the new kit to be unveiled shortly. Redesigning the crest is an additional step in our efforts to give QPR a new identity and in our continual regeneration of the Club as we forge ahead on the road to promotion and beyond."
Gareth Ainsworth, QPR Club Captain, said: "We got to see the crest for the first time a few weeks ago, and I really like it. It has a traditional feel to it, and it's nice that they've managed to incorporate the blue and white hoops. After all, they're synonymous with QPR.
"I have played with the old crest on my shirt for the past five years, and it has been an absolute honour. Now I am looking forward to playing with the new crest on me. Rest assured, I'll have just as much passion.
"The Club is moving forward at an incredible pace, and this new badge is a sign of a new era, and hopefully an era which is going to be hugely successful."
R's legend Paul Parker, who made 125 appearances during a four-year spell in W12, said: "I'm very impressed with the new crest - it successfully embraces the old and the new.
"The historical links are embodied within the design of the crest and the flamboyance and style points towards an exciting future for this great Football Club." QPR
And Farewell and Thanks to The Old Sponsors - SPONSORSHIP DEALS CONCLUDED
Queens Park Rangers Football Club's existing sponsorship deals with Car Giant, Le Coq Sportif and Sellotape have reached a conclusion.
Deputy Managing Director, Ali Russell, explained: "Under the new ownership, we were charged with restructuring our sponsorship strategy in a bid to generate a significant increase in income with brands connected with the Club, our fans and our community.
"All three of our existing partnerships have been phenomenally supportive throughout their time with us and we appreciate and value all they have done for this Football Club over the past few years.
"We are also grateful that they have fully supported and understood the need for us to deliver higher revenues from stadium sponsorship opportunities in the future as we move into a new era."
A Car Giant spokesman said: "As the Club looks to move forward with new ideas and strategies, it now has the opportunity to try and attract European sponsors that will further stabilise its financial position. This prospect has only been made possible with our help and cooperation.
"Whilst this brings to an end a successful two-year sponsorship deal, as a local company who have always had the interests of the Club at heart, we wish them all the best for the future"
While the trio may no longer be official partners of the Club, Russell added: "Car Giant may be leaving us as a sponsor, but don't forget that they are located just around the corner in White City. We are delighted that Sellotape will continue to support our QPR in the Community scheme next season and we also look forward to welcoming lifelong QPR fans David and Michael Gilbert from Le Coq Sportif back to Loftus Road to support the team from the stands next season." 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
Sunday, May 04, 2008
From Armel Tchakounte to Zinedine Zidane?
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Two Years ago today, QPR were announcing the signing of Armel Tchakounte while ""The Trial" was just getting under way.
One year ago, QPR had just announced the release of eight players (Marc Bircham, Paul Furlong, Kevin Gallen, Paul Jones, Steve Lomas, Mauro Milanese, Simon Royce and Armel Tchakounte)and the new extended one year contracts for Marcus Bignot and Mark Nygaard Players Released
And today, The People rumour about Zinedine Yazid Zidane coming to QPR. Even if the Zidane story turns out to be pure rumour, there's no question that with the "new QPR," it's at least conceivable that such an event - or something comparable - could occur.
May 4, 2006:QPR Official Site - ARMEL ARRIVES
Cameroon international Armel Tchakounte has put pen to paper on a one year deal with the Hoops.
The 27 year-old, who trained with Rangers during the latter part of the season, today (Thursday) penned a one year deal - with an option of a second year - at Loftus Road.
Armel, whose previous clubs include Kitchee FC (Hong Kong), is a right footed, defensive midfielder, with great physical skills, high stamina and bags of experience in the top leagues in Africa and Asia.
"It's a dream come true to sign for an English club like QPR,'' Armel told qpr.co.uk.
"I really enjoyed my time training with the team during the last few weeks of the season and am glad I was rewarded with a contract.
"QPR are a big club and I'm really looking forward to playing at Loftus Road for the first time and helping the team next season.''
Hoops Caretaker Manager Gary Waddock was delighted to secure his second signing in as many hours, commenting: "Armel shone in training and will be a huge addition to this football club.
"He's a big, strong, powerful lad with great energy and will be a key player for us next season.''
Chairman Gianni Paladini believes the Hoops' latest signing will prove to be a firm favourite with the Rangers fans.
"He can run all day and has a never-say-die attitude. He will be a tremendous signing.
"Gary was really impressed with him in the three weeks he spent with us towards the end of last season and coupled with the other players we hope to bring in over the summer, we're really optimistic about the future.''
QPR Official Site - Player Profile - Name: Armel Tchakounte
Nationality: Cameroon Date of Birth: 22/12/1978
Position: Midfielder
Armel put pen to paper on a one year deal in the summer of 2006.
The 27 year-old, who trained with Rangers during the latter part of the previous season, penned a one year deal - with an option of a second year - at Loftus Road.
Armel, whose previous clubs include Kitchee FC (Hong Kong), is a right footed, defensive midfielder, with great physical skills, high stamina and bags of experience in the top leagues in Africa and Asia.
QPR Announce Eight Players Released: Two Given One Year Contracts-
AMay 3, 2006 - QPR Official Site - DUO REWARDED
Marcus Bignot and Marc Nygaard have today (Thursday) been offered one-year extensions to their current playing contracts, which expire in June 2007.
However, Marc Bircham, Paul Furlong, Kevin Gallen, Paul Jones, Steve Lomas, Mauro Milanese, Simon Royce and Armel Tchakounte have all been granted free transfers when their current contracts expire at the end of next month.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Manager John Gregory said: "Both Simon and Paul played their part in keeping us up this season with fine displays in goal. Marc, Mauro and Paul Furlong have all contributed at various times, when called upon.
"Steve Lomas has come in from the cold under the previous manager to play a major role in central midfield, inspiring the team to victories with some outstanding displays.
"We thank them all for their contribution and wish them every success, wherever they may go and in whatever they decide to do."
"And finally, a massive thank-you to Kevin Gallen. He has truly been a fantastic servant for many, many seasons and a firm favourite, not only with supporters, but also in the dressing room with his team-mates. I am sure you will join me in thanking Kevin for a wonderful career at Loftus Road.''
Gregory added: "I felt it was only right to inform both the players and the fans of my decision prior to our final home game of the season, because it gives them the chance to say goodbye.
"We thank them all for their contribution and wish them every success, wherever they may go and in whatever they decide to do."
Bignot and Nygaard have the opportunity to join 12 other players who have one year left on their current playing contracts, and seven others who have two years remaining on their deals.
The Club wishes to place on the record our gratitude to the eight players that are leaving for their efforts and endeavours they have given during their time here. QPR Official Site
Two Years ago today, QPR were announcing the signing of Armel Tchakounte while ""The Trial" was just getting under way.
One year ago, QPR had just announced the release of eight players (Marc Bircham, Paul Furlong, Kevin Gallen, Paul Jones, Steve Lomas, Mauro Milanese, Simon Royce and Armel Tchakounte)and the new extended one year contracts for Marcus Bignot and Mark Nygaard Players Released
And today, The People rumour about Zinedine Yazid Zidane coming to QPR. Even if the Zidane story turns out to be pure rumour, there's no question that with the "new QPR," it's at least conceivable that such an event - or something comparable - could occur.
May 4, 2006:QPR Official Site - ARMEL ARRIVES
Cameroon international Armel Tchakounte has put pen to paper on a one year deal with the Hoops.
The 27 year-old, who trained with Rangers during the latter part of the season, today (Thursday) penned a one year deal - with an option of a second year - at Loftus Road.
Armel, whose previous clubs include Kitchee FC (Hong Kong), is a right footed, defensive midfielder, with great physical skills, high stamina and bags of experience in the top leagues in Africa and Asia.
"It's a dream come true to sign for an English club like QPR,'' Armel told qpr.co.uk.
"I really enjoyed my time training with the team during the last few weeks of the season and am glad I was rewarded with a contract.
"QPR are a big club and I'm really looking forward to playing at Loftus Road for the first time and helping the team next season.''
Hoops Caretaker Manager Gary Waddock was delighted to secure his second signing in as many hours, commenting: "Armel shone in training and will be a huge addition to this football club.
"He's a big, strong, powerful lad with great energy and will be a key player for us next season.''
Chairman Gianni Paladini believes the Hoops' latest signing will prove to be a firm favourite with the Rangers fans.
"He can run all day and has a never-say-die attitude. He will be a tremendous signing.
"Gary was really impressed with him in the three weeks he spent with us towards the end of last season and coupled with the other players we hope to bring in over the summer, we're really optimistic about the future.''
QPR Official Site - Player Profile - Name: Armel Tchakounte
Nationality: Cameroon Date of Birth: 22/12/1978
Position: Midfielder
Armel put pen to paper on a one year deal in the summer of 2006.
The 27 year-old, who trained with Rangers during the latter part of the previous season, penned a one year deal - with an option of a second year - at Loftus Road.
Armel, whose previous clubs include Kitchee FC (Hong Kong), is a right footed, defensive midfielder, with great physical skills, high stamina and bags of experience in the top leagues in Africa and Asia.
QPR Announce Eight Players Released: Two Given One Year Contracts-
AMay 3, 2006 - QPR Official Site - DUO REWARDED
Marcus Bignot and Marc Nygaard have today (Thursday) been offered one-year extensions to their current playing contracts, which expire in June 2007.
However, Marc Bircham, Paul Furlong, Kevin Gallen, Paul Jones, Steve Lomas, Mauro Milanese, Simon Royce and Armel Tchakounte have all been granted free transfers when their current contracts expire at the end of next month.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Manager John Gregory said: "Both Simon and Paul played their part in keeping us up this season with fine displays in goal. Marc, Mauro and Paul Furlong have all contributed at various times, when called upon.
"Steve Lomas has come in from the cold under the previous manager to play a major role in central midfield, inspiring the team to victories with some outstanding displays.
"We thank them all for their contribution and wish them every success, wherever they may go and in whatever they decide to do."
"And finally, a massive thank-you to Kevin Gallen. He has truly been a fantastic servant for many, many seasons and a firm favourite, not only with supporters, but also in the dressing room with his team-mates. I am sure you will join me in thanking Kevin for a wonderful career at Loftus Road.''
Gregory added: "I felt it was only right to inform both the players and the fans of my decision prior to our final home game of the season, because it gives them the chance to say goodbye.
"We thank them all for their contribution and wish them every success, wherever they may go and in whatever they decide to do."
Bignot and Nygaard have the opportunity to join 12 other players who have one year left on their current playing contracts, and seven others who have two years remaining on their deals.
The Club wishes to place on the record our gratitude to the eight players that are leaving for their efforts and endeavours they have given during their time here. QPR Official Site
Zinedine Zidane for QPR?
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Today's Sunday People has this story about Zidane to QPR. The question is whether they are just repeating messageboard rumours or have any independent knowledge. Zidane making a playing comeback would make a certain sense (and be a QPR coup). But as manager, with zero coaching experience, would be a big gamble.
The People/Paul Dunne - QPR go for Zidane
WORLD Cup legend Zinedine Zidane is the sensational name in the frame to take over as boss of QPR.
Rangers owner Flavio Briatore has promised a major announcement before today's final match of the season at home to West Brom - and informed whispers insist he'll name Zidane as Loftus Road boss.
The French superstar has no coaching experience but he has what Italian playboy Briatore covets most of all - 24- carat glamour. At a stroke his arrival would catapult Rangers into the big time.
Rangers skipper Gareth Ainsworth added to the intrigue when , in a tantalising contribution to the club's website, he urged fans to arrive early today for 'the dawn of a new era.'
"Sunday promises to be a day every QPR fan, old and young, remembers for the rest of their lives," he wrote.
Netting Zidane would be the managerial coup of all time but even legends like the French World Cup winner can have their heads turned by cash - and Briatore, alongside co-owners Lakshmi Mittal and Bernie Ecclestone, have oodles of it.
Briatore wants Premier League football and a boss of Zidane's stature, rather than current chief Luigi De Canio, would attract the players to realise that dream. People
Today's Sunday People has this story about Zidane to QPR. The question is whether they are just repeating messageboard rumours or have any independent knowledge. Zidane making a playing comeback would make a certain sense (and be a QPR coup). But as manager, with zero coaching experience, would be a big gamble.
The People/Paul Dunne - QPR go for Zidane
WORLD Cup legend Zinedine Zidane is the sensational name in the frame to take over as boss of QPR.
Rangers owner Flavio Briatore has promised a major announcement before today's final match of the season at home to West Brom - and informed whispers insist he'll name Zidane as Loftus Road boss.
The French superstar has no coaching experience but he has what Italian playboy Briatore covets most of all - 24- carat glamour. At a stroke his arrival would catapult Rangers into the big time.
Rangers skipper Gareth Ainsworth added to the intrigue when , in a tantalising contribution to the club's website, he urged fans to arrive early today for 'the dawn of a new era.'
"Sunday promises to be a day every QPR fan, old and young, remembers for the rest of their lives," he wrote.
Netting Zidane would be the managerial coup of all time but even legends like the French World Cup winner can have their heads turned by cash - and Briatore, alongside co-owners Lakshmi Mittal and Bernie Ecclestone, have oodles of it.
Briatore wants Premier League football and a boss of Zidane's stature, rather than current chief Luigi De Canio, would attract the players to realise that dream. People
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Snippets: Decade Flasback: QPR's Last Game....Matt Pickens' Future...Pat Kanyuka Looks Forward...Bob Malcolm Has No Regrets
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A Decade ago toda: May 3, 1998: QPR's last game of the season at home....Against Bury
Ray Harford's team vs Bury which - thanks to a Pollock own goal had drawn to 2-2 at Manchester City the previous week to ensure avoiding relegation - faced Bury at Loftus Road. A crowd of just over 15,000 saw QPR end their run of six successive draws with a defeat
QPR's Team: Harper - Barraclough Ready Ruddock Bardsley - Jones Peacock Quashie Scully - Gallen Slade - Subs Heinola and Yates
- Match Report
- End of season Table
re Matt Pickens Chicago Tribune's Luis Arroyave's Soccer Blog Responds to Readers Queries
Since Matt Pickens' contract with QPR was for the remainder of the season, what are the chances of Slim returning to the Fire when his deal is up in June? - Guillermo
"I asked Matt if he might return to the Fire after the QPR season is over and he responded, "I don't think so." He said he hopes he can re-sign with QPR because he likes where the club is going (the new owners are investing a lot more money into the club). I'll have more on Pickens in the Tribune next week." Chicago Tribune Blog
Pat Kanyuka Reflects and Looks Forward
Swindon Advertiser/Andy Cryer - Late show for unlucky Pat?
INJURY-plagued Pat Kanyuka is desperate to give Town fans something to remember him by this summer - as he prepares for the biggest season of his career to date.
The former Queens Park Rangers defender has hardly featured since arriving at the County Ground in January but has targeted the next campaign as his breakthrough year in senior football.
The 20-year-old Congolese international has only made 15 professional appearances since making his league debut for QPR back in April 2005 due to injury and knows he needs to start proving his reputation.
The composed centre-back has played just three times for Town, after head and groin injuries, and with just 17 minutes under his belt at the County Ground he knows he is still something of a mystery man.
Town entertain Millwall in their season finale on Saturday and, after helping Town's reserves to a 1-1 draw with Yeovil on Monday, Kanyuka will again be involved for the reserves in tonight's Wiltshire Premier Shield final at Salisbury.
He then hopes for a one last hurrah against the Lions.
He said: "Because I have heard Jerel is injured, hopefully I can nick in there and get on the bench against Millwall.
"Hopefully the gaffer might bring me on in the last 10 minutes because I have not really played at home and the last game is always the best with a sell-out crowd.
"I don't even remember those few minutes I played against Leeds at home because it was so short.
"I really want to play longer at home."
A serious knee injury disrupted Kanyuka's stay at Loftus Road and after an injury-ravaged first few years in the game, he is expecting some hard work ahead.
"It is massive for me next season," he said. "I need a new deal - that is how big it is for me.
"I just need to get playing. I have not really played much in my career because of the injuries.
"It would be nice to get a few games running. My target is 30-odd games. "There is going to be some hard work over the summer to get fit but that has to happen.
"In fact it has already started as I look to really get my Town career started."
While the former QPR man looks forward to the future, a few of his Town team mates could be pulling on the red shirt for the last time.
The likes of Andy Nicholas, Kaid Mohamed and Sofi Zaaboub have all been told their futures lie elsewhere and Kanyuka admits he knows how they feel.
He said: "It happens at every club. It happened to me and I know how they feel.
"But it is football and you have to expect that.
"At the next club they are going to take someone else's place, so I think you just accept it and get on with proving people wrong." Swindon Advertiser
Setanta/Gordon Pope - Malcolm Looks Back "Malcolm has no regrets
Motherwell defender Bob Malcolm has claimed he has no regrets over leaving Rangers.
Defender Malcolm rose through the ranks at Ibrox and featured regularly in the 2005/2006 season, but fell out of favour under Paul Le Guen and opted to move on.
Spells at Derby and QPR failed to work out for Malcolm who headed back to Scotland this term.
He will come face to face with his former club, live on Setanta Sports, on Saturday and despite Rangers chasing a Quadruple he has no regrets over his career choices.
“If I had the chance again, I would have done the same thing,” Malcolm Setanta Sports’ Inside the SPL.
“A new manager came in to Rangers and he had different views but I’d still definitely take the same move if I had the chance again.”
Malcolm is determined to rebuild his career at Fir Park and feels he has a lot more to offer.
He said: “I came and I hadn’t trained for six weeks, I did my own training but I hadn’t kicked a ball so it’s been beneficial for the gaffer to have a look at me and see what my fitness was like, and for me to have a look at the club, as well.
“I spoke to the manager after the first couple of games and he put me on a programme which would get me back to fitness within a couple of weeks. It has definitely done the job and I feel as if I’m not 100 percent but I’m getting close.” Setanta
A Decade ago toda: May 3, 1998: QPR's last game of the season at home....Against Bury
Ray Harford's team vs Bury which - thanks to a Pollock own goal had drawn to 2-2 at Manchester City the previous week to ensure avoiding relegation - faced Bury at Loftus Road. A crowd of just over 15,000 saw QPR end their run of six successive draws with a defeat
QPR's Team: Harper - Barraclough Ready Ruddock Bardsley - Jones Peacock Quashie Scully - Gallen Slade - Subs Heinola and Yates
- Match Report
- End of season Table
re Matt Pickens Chicago Tribune's Luis Arroyave's Soccer Blog Responds to Readers Queries
Since Matt Pickens' contract with QPR was for the remainder of the season, what are the chances of Slim returning to the Fire when his deal is up in June? - Guillermo
"I asked Matt if he might return to the Fire after the QPR season is over and he responded, "I don't think so." He said he hopes he can re-sign with QPR because he likes where the club is going (the new owners are investing a lot more money into the club). I'll have more on Pickens in the Tribune next week." Chicago Tribune Blog
Pat Kanyuka Reflects and Looks Forward
Swindon Advertiser/Andy Cryer - Late show for unlucky Pat?
INJURY-plagued Pat Kanyuka is desperate to give Town fans something to remember him by this summer - as he prepares for the biggest season of his career to date.
The former Queens Park Rangers defender has hardly featured since arriving at the County Ground in January but has targeted the next campaign as his breakthrough year in senior football.
The 20-year-old Congolese international has only made 15 professional appearances since making his league debut for QPR back in April 2005 due to injury and knows he needs to start proving his reputation.
The composed centre-back has played just three times for Town, after head and groin injuries, and with just 17 minutes under his belt at the County Ground he knows he is still something of a mystery man.
Town entertain Millwall in their season finale on Saturday and, after helping Town's reserves to a 1-1 draw with Yeovil on Monday, Kanyuka will again be involved for the reserves in tonight's Wiltshire Premier Shield final at Salisbury.
He then hopes for a one last hurrah against the Lions.
He said: "Because I have heard Jerel is injured, hopefully I can nick in there and get on the bench against Millwall.
"Hopefully the gaffer might bring me on in the last 10 minutes because I have not really played at home and the last game is always the best with a sell-out crowd.
"I don't even remember those few minutes I played against Leeds at home because it was so short.
"I really want to play longer at home."
A serious knee injury disrupted Kanyuka's stay at Loftus Road and after an injury-ravaged first few years in the game, he is expecting some hard work ahead.
"It is massive for me next season," he said. "I need a new deal - that is how big it is for me.
"I just need to get playing. I have not really played much in my career because of the injuries.
"It would be nice to get a few games running. My target is 30-odd games. "There is going to be some hard work over the summer to get fit but that has to happen.
"In fact it has already started as I look to really get my Town career started."
While the former QPR man looks forward to the future, a few of his Town team mates could be pulling on the red shirt for the last time.
The likes of Andy Nicholas, Kaid Mohamed and Sofi Zaaboub have all been told their futures lie elsewhere and Kanyuka admits he knows how they feel.
He said: "It happens at every club. It happened to me and I know how they feel.
"But it is football and you have to expect that.
"At the next club they are going to take someone else's place, so I think you just accept it and get on with proving people wrong." Swindon Advertiser
Setanta/Gordon Pope - Malcolm Looks Back "Malcolm has no regrets
Motherwell defender Bob Malcolm has claimed he has no regrets over leaving Rangers.
Defender Malcolm rose through the ranks at Ibrox and featured regularly in the 2005/2006 season, but fell out of favour under Paul Le Guen and opted to move on.
Spells at Derby and QPR failed to work out for Malcolm who headed back to Scotland this term.
He will come face to face with his former club, live on Setanta Sports, on Saturday and despite Rangers chasing a Quadruple he has no regrets over his career choices.
“If I had the chance again, I would have done the same thing,” Malcolm Setanta Sports’ Inside the SPL.
“A new manager came in to Rangers and he had different views but I’d still definitely take the same move if I had the chance again.”
Malcolm is determined to rebuild his career at Fir Park and feels he has a lot more to offer.
He said: “I came and I hadn’t trained for six weeks, I did my own training but I hadn’t kicked a ball so it’s been beneficial for the gaffer to have a look at me and see what my fitness was like, and for me to have a look at the club, as well.
“I spoke to the manager after the first couple of games and he put me on a programme which would get me back to fitness within a couple of weeks. It has definitely done the job and I feel as if I’m not 100 percent but I’m getting close.” Setanta
WBA Prepare to Win Championship at Loftus Road
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[See also: Past QPR-WBA Encounters] Also WBA's 2007-2008Stats. WBA also lead the shooting stats (on and off target!) And WBA also rank way down in number of yellow cards this season (55 yellow and 3 red, compared to QPR's 86 Yellow and 5 red cards) - Disciplinary
Snideness from Setanta
"QPR v West Brom - Flavio Briatore’s dream of playing in the Premier League will have to wait another year following QPR’s less than perfect season. The home side have won just once in their last six attempts and this poor form has seen them slide down the Championship table. The last time QPR beat The Albion was in 2001 and it seems likely that they will not be beating West Brom this time as the Black Country club are looking to win the Championship title and return to the Premier League in style. WBA have scored ten times in six matches against the Loftus Road based outfit. " Setanta
West Bromwich Albion Official Site - Boss: Taking title won't be easy
TONY Mowbray has warned his men it will be no walk in the park against QPR on Sunday (ko 2pm) if they want to get their hands on the Championship crown.
And the Baggies boss is eager to bring home the club's first league title in 88 years, especially for the fans.
Due to their superior goal difference Albion just need to match Stoke's result against Leicester to guarantee finishing in top spot.
But, although 14th-placed Rangers have nothing to play for in terms of promotion or relegation, Mowbray insists they will be eager to test themselves against his table-topping side.
"It's always nice to reflect in years to come and not just talk about a promotion-winning season but also a Championship-winning side," he said.
"It would be nice for the players to have something in years to come for their achievements.
"We will be going to try and win a football game.
"That said it's always a difficult place to go and get a victory.
"It's a very enclosed arena and it could be an intimidating arena.
"By nature of their club, with the investment they've made and the new players that have come in, there is the anticipation and excitement of what is to come for them.
"They'll be trying to get that big club-feel and maybe in the summer there will be some more investment at the club. "They probably see it as a good guide for where they are and how far they've got to go by playing the team against the top of the division.
"We're aware it won't be a Sunday afternoon out for them.
"I think they will be testing themselves and we've got to be ready for a tough fixture."
If Albion win the title Mowbray has no designs on winning it again as that would mean the club slipping out of the Premier League once more.
"A lot of fans have told me how important they see it and if we can win a Championship we should do," he added.
"They put a lot of stock in that so we will be doing just that.
"Hopefully we won't be doing that very often because we're envisaging staying in the top division for a lot of years and not worrying about having to win the Championship." WBA
WBA Official Site - WBA's Kevin Phillips - Kev: Let's prove we're the best
KEVIN Phillips has urged his team-mates to prove they are the best by clinching the title at QPR on Sunday (ko 2pm).
The 24-goal hotshot was part of the Sunderland side that bounced back from play-off penalty shoot-out heartbreak against Charlton in 1998 by winning the league at a canter the following season.
And Phillips is now hoping history will repeat itself and the Baggies can put last term's play-off defeat by Derby behind them in style by taking the Championship crown at Loftus Road.
"Winning the title is massively important," he said.
"Everyone keeps going on about how we're the best team in the Championship.
"We're only the best team if we win the league.
"If we don't win the league and Stoke do, obviously they will have been the best team throughout the season.
"We want to go to QPR on Sunday and win the game.
"QPR have got nothing left to play for.
"Hopefully they'll have that mind set and we'll go there with the right attitude and win the game.
"There are good footballing teams in this league and good players.
"I don't think the gulf is that massive between the Premier League and the Championship - not like it used to be.
"It's been a tight division this season and it was last season.
"It's been a strange season and one that will be remembered for a long, long time."
Phillips insists no-one should underestimate the achievement of coming back from play-off final despair to immediately seal automatic promotion.
"The players and manager have got to take a hell of a lot of credit for coming back from a crushing blow at Wembley in the play-offs and losing some of the quality players - there is no doubt they are quality - we lost," he added.
"The manager has replaced them with similar quality and it's been a tremendous success this year.
"Not many teams lose in a play-off final and then the following year get promoted.
"Fortunately I did it at Sunderland when we lost that amazing game against Charlton at Wembley and then we came back the next year and destroyed the league.
"We got over 100 points and scored the most goals in all the leagues, similar to what we've done at West Brom.
"It can be done and it's all credit to the team.
"This is up there with that because it's been up and down all year.
"Even on Monday night, at one point, it looked as if we were going to blow it.
"That's sort of the story of the season.
"We've really got to enjoy this moment because look at Derby now.
"This time last year, after the play-off final they would have felt on top of the world and now look at them.
"That's the ups and downs of football and you've got to enjoy the good times when they come around.
The 34-year-old hitman ranks promotion with the Baggies as his best achievement in football.
And he admits it gives him huge satisfaction to be flying the flag for the over-30s in the game.
"This promotion is up there with all my achievements," he said.
"Personally it's right at the top because of my age.
"People assume as soon as you get over 30 that you can't play, run or score anymore.
"I've proved all those doubters wrong so from a personal point of view it's been fantastic.
"It's had its ups and its downs but generally it's been a good season.
"From a team point of view it's been a hard and long season.
"It looked like we were going to run away with it at one point but then we slipped up again.
"We came good at the time of the season that we needed to.
"Ultimately we're judged on getting promotion and we've done that so all those blips and slip-ups are forgotten." WBA
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - THE FRIDAY PREVIEW: BAGGIES
While it's not yet mathematically certain, West Bromwich Albion Football Club are within touching distance of a glorious return to the top-flight of English Football.
Chris Brunt's late equaliser against Southampton on Monday night as good as guaranteed the Baggies promotion back to the Premiership, after Adam Lallana had given Saints a shock lead.
The 1-1 draw left Tony Mowbray's men three points clear of third placed Hull City and the buoyant Baggies have a vastly superior goal difference.
Mowbray, whose side have a +13 goal advantage over the Tigers, certainly agrees his side are almost certainly back in the top-flight, adding: "It will take a strange set of results at the weekend to deny us promotion.
"I generally don't show emotion outwardly, but inwardly I enjoy things just as much as anyone else and, vice versa, when we lose football matches I feel it the same as everyone else.
"I'll enjoy the moment. I feel a certain warmth about the achievement of getting into the Premier League."
After the disappointment of their play-off final defeat last season and the bitterness of relegation the previous year, the Albion faithful were determined to enjoy the night as they watched their beloved Club clinch a return to the Premier League.
Thousands spilled onto the Hawthorns pitch, as the celebrations reached fever-pitch style proportions.
"The aftermath of losing the play-off final was pretty distressing for everybody at the Club really, but we had to rebuild and start again," said Mowbray.
"The players still here have found the courage and resolve and talent to go and do it all again because 46 games is a long, long slog, and the rewards are there with the scenes in the dressing room.
"Even though mathematically we've not got enough points yet, it's got to be some strange weekend not to find ourselves in the Premiership."
Front-man Kevin Phillips, who bagged a brace against the R's in their 5-1 victory at the Hawthorns in late September - has been the undoubted star of the show for Albion this term.
The 34 year-old, this season's top-scorer in the Championship with 22 goals, was the deserved recipient of the Football League's Championship Player of the Year award in March.
Whether the former Sunderland hit-man adds a Championship winner's medal to his ever expanding trophy cabinet remains to be seen though, with Luigi De Canio's men keen to end the campaign on a high. QPR
Also: The Scotsman Profiles Mowbray who Talks of his initial struggles with the WBA players
What it Will Cost for a Championship Club to stay up: FIFTY MILLION POUNDS!
"The Times We would need £50m if we go up, says Mick McCarthy"
[See also: Past QPR-WBA Encounters] Also WBA's 2007-2008Stats. WBA also lead the shooting stats (on and off target!) And WBA also rank way down in number of yellow cards this season (55 yellow and 3 red, compared to QPR's 86 Yellow and 5 red cards) - Disciplinary
Snideness from Setanta
"QPR v West Brom - Flavio Briatore’s dream of playing in the Premier League will have to wait another year following QPR’s less than perfect season. The home side have won just once in their last six attempts and this poor form has seen them slide down the Championship table. The last time QPR beat The Albion was in 2001 and it seems likely that they will not be beating West Brom this time as the Black Country club are looking to win the Championship title and return to the Premier League in style. WBA have scored ten times in six matches against the Loftus Road based outfit. " Setanta
West Bromwich Albion Official Site - Boss: Taking title won't be easy
TONY Mowbray has warned his men it will be no walk in the park against QPR on Sunday (ko 2pm) if they want to get their hands on the Championship crown.
And the Baggies boss is eager to bring home the club's first league title in 88 years, especially for the fans.
Due to their superior goal difference Albion just need to match Stoke's result against Leicester to guarantee finishing in top spot.
But, although 14th-placed Rangers have nothing to play for in terms of promotion or relegation, Mowbray insists they will be eager to test themselves against his table-topping side.
"It's always nice to reflect in years to come and not just talk about a promotion-winning season but also a Championship-winning side," he said.
"It would be nice for the players to have something in years to come for their achievements.
"We will be going to try and win a football game.
"That said it's always a difficult place to go and get a victory.
"It's a very enclosed arena and it could be an intimidating arena.
"By nature of their club, with the investment they've made and the new players that have come in, there is the anticipation and excitement of what is to come for them.
"They'll be trying to get that big club-feel and maybe in the summer there will be some more investment at the club. "They probably see it as a good guide for where they are and how far they've got to go by playing the team against the top of the division.
"We're aware it won't be a Sunday afternoon out for them.
"I think they will be testing themselves and we've got to be ready for a tough fixture."
If Albion win the title Mowbray has no designs on winning it again as that would mean the club slipping out of the Premier League once more.
"A lot of fans have told me how important they see it and if we can win a Championship we should do," he added.
"They put a lot of stock in that so we will be doing just that.
"Hopefully we won't be doing that very often because we're envisaging staying in the top division for a lot of years and not worrying about having to win the Championship." WBA
WBA Official Site - WBA's Kevin Phillips - Kev: Let's prove we're the best
KEVIN Phillips has urged his team-mates to prove they are the best by clinching the title at QPR on Sunday (ko 2pm).
The 24-goal hotshot was part of the Sunderland side that bounced back from play-off penalty shoot-out heartbreak against Charlton in 1998 by winning the league at a canter the following season.
And Phillips is now hoping history will repeat itself and the Baggies can put last term's play-off defeat by Derby behind them in style by taking the Championship crown at Loftus Road.
"Winning the title is massively important," he said.
"Everyone keeps going on about how we're the best team in the Championship.
"We're only the best team if we win the league.
"If we don't win the league and Stoke do, obviously they will have been the best team throughout the season.
"We want to go to QPR on Sunday and win the game.
"QPR have got nothing left to play for.
"Hopefully they'll have that mind set and we'll go there with the right attitude and win the game.
"There are good footballing teams in this league and good players.
"I don't think the gulf is that massive between the Premier League and the Championship - not like it used to be.
"It's been a tight division this season and it was last season.
"It's been a strange season and one that will be remembered for a long, long time."
Phillips insists no-one should underestimate the achievement of coming back from play-off final despair to immediately seal automatic promotion.
"The players and manager have got to take a hell of a lot of credit for coming back from a crushing blow at Wembley in the play-offs and losing some of the quality players - there is no doubt they are quality - we lost," he added.
"The manager has replaced them with similar quality and it's been a tremendous success this year.
"Not many teams lose in a play-off final and then the following year get promoted.
"Fortunately I did it at Sunderland when we lost that amazing game against Charlton at Wembley and then we came back the next year and destroyed the league.
"We got over 100 points and scored the most goals in all the leagues, similar to what we've done at West Brom.
"It can be done and it's all credit to the team.
"This is up there with that because it's been up and down all year.
"Even on Monday night, at one point, it looked as if we were going to blow it.
"That's sort of the story of the season.
"We've really got to enjoy this moment because look at Derby now.
"This time last year, after the play-off final they would have felt on top of the world and now look at them.
"That's the ups and downs of football and you've got to enjoy the good times when they come around.
The 34-year-old hitman ranks promotion with the Baggies as his best achievement in football.
And he admits it gives him huge satisfaction to be flying the flag for the over-30s in the game.
"This promotion is up there with all my achievements," he said.
"Personally it's right at the top because of my age.
"People assume as soon as you get over 30 that you can't play, run or score anymore.
"I've proved all those doubters wrong so from a personal point of view it's been fantastic.
"It's had its ups and its downs but generally it's been a good season.
"From a team point of view it's been a hard and long season.
"It looked like we were going to run away with it at one point but then we slipped up again.
"We came good at the time of the season that we needed to.
"Ultimately we're judged on getting promotion and we've done that so all those blips and slip-ups are forgotten." WBA
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - THE FRIDAY PREVIEW: BAGGIES
While it's not yet mathematically certain, West Bromwich Albion Football Club are within touching distance of a glorious return to the top-flight of English Football.
Chris Brunt's late equaliser against Southampton on Monday night as good as guaranteed the Baggies promotion back to the Premiership, after Adam Lallana had given Saints a shock lead.
The 1-1 draw left Tony Mowbray's men three points clear of third placed Hull City and the buoyant Baggies have a vastly superior goal difference.
Mowbray, whose side have a +13 goal advantage over the Tigers, certainly agrees his side are almost certainly back in the top-flight, adding: "It will take a strange set of results at the weekend to deny us promotion.
"I generally don't show emotion outwardly, but inwardly I enjoy things just as much as anyone else and, vice versa, when we lose football matches I feel it the same as everyone else.
"I'll enjoy the moment. I feel a certain warmth about the achievement of getting into the Premier League."
After the disappointment of their play-off final defeat last season and the bitterness of relegation the previous year, the Albion faithful were determined to enjoy the night as they watched their beloved Club clinch a return to the Premier League.
Thousands spilled onto the Hawthorns pitch, as the celebrations reached fever-pitch style proportions.
"The aftermath of losing the play-off final was pretty distressing for everybody at the Club really, but we had to rebuild and start again," said Mowbray.
"The players still here have found the courage and resolve and talent to go and do it all again because 46 games is a long, long slog, and the rewards are there with the scenes in the dressing room.
"Even though mathematically we've not got enough points yet, it's got to be some strange weekend not to find ourselves in the Premiership."
Front-man Kevin Phillips, who bagged a brace against the R's in their 5-1 victory at the Hawthorns in late September - has been the undoubted star of the show for Albion this term.
The 34 year-old, this season's top-scorer in the Championship with 22 goals, was the deserved recipient of the Football League's Championship Player of the Year award in March.
Whether the former Sunderland hit-man adds a Championship winner's medal to his ever expanding trophy cabinet remains to be seen though, with Luigi De Canio's men keen to end the campaign on a high. QPR
Also: The Scotsman Profiles Mowbray who Talks of his initial struggles with the WBA players
What it Will Cost for a Championship Club to stay up: FIFTY MILLION POUNDS!
"The Times We would need £50m if we go up, says Mick McCarthy"
Friday, May 02, 2008
Injury Update: Buzsaky Misses WBA Game
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QPR Official Site - TALKING WOUNDED
As the R's get ready for the final match of the season against title-chasing West Bromwich Albion this weekend, Head Physio Paul Hunter has delivered mixed news from the Treatment Room.
Patrick Agyemang, Fitz Hall and Akos Buzsaky all missed last weekend's 3-0 defeat at Norwich City, and unfortunately Hungarian Buzsaky won't be able to shake off his niggling injury problem in time for the visit of the Baggies.
The Rangers No.10 missed three matches after suffering an ankle injury while on international duty, but it seemed he had overcome the problem when he returned for the visit of Charlton.
"Unfortunately he started to complain of similar symptoms again, which is why he missed the Norwich match," Hunter told www.qpr.co.uk.
"Rather than risk him for the final match of the campaign, we have decided to pull him out and make sure he recovers fully from the problem."
The news is more hopeful for Agyemang, as Hunter explained: "Pat has had a hamstring injury, but is now at the stage where he has completed his rehab work, and is feeling good.
"He will be introduced to full training with the rest of the squad this morning. Based upon how that goes, we can then determine whether he will be available for Sunday's match.
"Needless to say, we won't be taking any risks with him, but he is desperate to be involved against West Brom."
Meanwhile, defender Hall looks set to return to the Rangers backline. "Fitz missed the game at Carrow Road owing to a muscular imbalance in his pelvis," Hunter explained.
"It was a new groin injury for him, and had nothing to do with previous problems. I'm pleased to say he has responded well to treatment and will be returning to full training today.
"I am confident he will be available for selection for Sunday's match."
One man who certainly won't feature this weekend is striker Rowan Vine, who broke his leg in training a month ago. But Hunter is delighted with the progress the 25 year-old continues to make.
"Rowan's recovery is coming along very well," he said.
"We've got a review with the surgeon in two weeks' time. Until then, he just needs to crack on and continue with the same attitude he has shown to date." QPR
QPR Official Site - TALKING WOUNDED
As the R's get ready for the final match of the season against title-chasing West Bromwich Albion this weekend, Head Physio Paul Hunter has delivered mixed news from the Treatment Room.
Patrick Agyemang, Fitz Hall and Akos Buzsaky all missed last weekend's 3-0 defeat at Norwich City, and unfortunately Hungarian Buzsaky won't be able to shake off his niggling injury problem in time for the visit of the Baggies.
The Rangers No.10 missed three matches after suffering an ankle injury while on international duty, but it seemed he had overcome the problem when he returned for the visit of Charlton.
"Unfortunately he started to complain of similar symptoms again, which is why he missed the Norwich match," Hunter told www.qpr.co.uk.
"Rather than risk him for the final match of the campaign, we have decided to pull him out and make sure he recovers fully from the problem."
The news is more hopeful for Agyemang, as Hunter explained: "Pat has had a hamstring injury, but is now at the stage where he has completed his rehab work, and is feeling good.
"He will be introduced to full training with the rest of the squad this morning. Based upon how that goes, we can then determine whether he will be available for Sunday's match.
"Needless to say, we won't be taking any risks with him, but he is desperate to be involved against West Brom."
Meanwhile, defender Hall looks set to return to the Rangers backline. "Fitz missed the game at Carrow Road owing to a muscular imbalance in his pelvis," Hunter explained.
"It was a new groin injury for him, and had nothing to do with previous problems. I'm pleased to say he has responded well to treatment and will be returning to full training today.
"I am confident he will be available for selection for Sunday's match."
One man who certainly won't feature this weekend is striker Rowan Vine, who broke his leg in training a month ago. But Hunter is delighted with the progress the 25 year-old continues to make.
"Rowan's recovery is coming along very well," he said.
"We've got a review with the surgeon in two weeks' time. Until then, he just needs to crack on and continue with the same attitude he has shown to date." QPR
Gareth Ainsworth on Tight Nature of This Season's Championship
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BBC - QPR midfielder and coaching assistant Gareth Ainsworth gives his thoughts on this season's Championship.
This season's Championship has been the tightest division I have ever played in.
When we secured safety a couple of weeks ago I think we were the only team that could not go up or down.
The fact that several teams face the possibility of relegation with 52 or 53 points is incredible.
Then there is the possibility of a team making the play-offs with a total in the sixties, which again is something nobody would have thought at the start of the season.
I think that this year organisation has played in a very big part in how well teams have done, perhaps more so than tactics and trying to play good football.
I'm glad that West Brom are up there because they are a pure football team but then again I'm glad that the likes of Stoke, Hull and Watford are up there with their organisation, determination and desire.
In my opinion the Baggies have the best chance of surviving in the Premier League because you do need to play more football in the top flight.
I think West Brom and Stoke will go up automatically but it is difficult to say who will be champions.
We could have a big say at QPR as we play West Brom on Sunday and it will be a totally different game to the 5-1 defeat we suffered at the Hawthorns.
I think the fixture between Stoke and Leicester sums up the Championship.
It is between two clubs at totally different ends of the table but you cannot say for sure what will happen.
Having said that, in my opinion I don't think Stoke will lose and so gather at least the point they need to secure promotion.
Leicester, Coventry and Southampton are teams that you would have expected to see in or around the play-offs.
That they have struggled is testament to how difficult it is in the Championship.
I have played in all three Football League divisions plus the Blue Square Premier, and the Championship is undoubtedly the hardest.
Trying to win promotion from it is a really hard struggle.
Gareth Ainsworth was talking to Paul Fletcher. BBC
See BBC Championship's day of destiny
BBC - QPR midfielder and coaching assistant Gareth Ainsworth gives his thoughts on this season's Championship.
This season's Championship has been the tightest division I have ever played in.
When we secured safety a couple of weeks ago I think we were the only team that could not go up or down.
The fact that several teams face the possibility of relegation with 52 or 53 points is incredible.
Then there is the possibility of a team making the play-offs with a total in the sixties, which again is something nobody would have thought at the start of the season.
I think that this year organisation has played in a very big part in how well teams have done, perhaps more so than tactics and trying to play good football.
I'm glad that West Brom are up there because they are a pure football team but then again I'm glad that the likes of Stoke, Hull and Watford are up there with their organisation, determination and desire.
In my opinion the Baggies have the best chance of surviving in the Premier League because you do need to play more football in the top flight.
I think West Brom and Stoke will go up automatically but it is difficult to say who will be champions.
We could have a big say at QPR as we play West Brom on Sunday and it will be a totally different game to the 5-1 defeat we suffered at the Hawthorns.
I think the fixture between Stoke and Leicester sums up the Championship.
It is between two clubs at totally different ends of the table but you cannot say for sure what will happen.
Having said that, in my opinion I don't think Stoke will lose and so gather at least the point they need to secure promotion.
Leicester, Coventry and Southampton are teams that you would have expected to see in or around the play-offs.
That they have struggled is testament to how difficult it is in the Championship.
I have played in all three Football League divisions plus the Blue Square Premier, and the Championship is undoubtedly the hardest.
Trying to win promotion from it is a really hard struggle.
Gareth Ainsworth was talking to Paul Fletcher. BBC
See BBC Championship's day of destiny
QPR's Transformative Season Draws to a Close
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So a season which began with a 2-2 draw at Bristol City, with an injury time equalizer from Stewart comes to an end on Sunday with QPR's home game against WBA. QPR's team for that Bristol City opener: Camp, Rehman, Stewart, Mancienne, Curtis, Rowlands, Bolder, Bailey, Moore, Blackstock (Nygaard 69), Nardiello (Ephraim 59). Subs: Bignot, Cullip, Cole. QPR's new Captain was Adam Bolder "Captain Marvel". (Missing: Simon Walton having broken his leg in a pre-season friendly, and Ben Sahar having a last minute appendix problem). QPR-Bristol City Match Reports
A pre-season that began with a John Gregory-Mick Harford-Warren Neil-Ed De Goey coaching squad and QPR under a reported transfer embargo over a reported loan from Oldham Chairman Simon Blitz, and Chairman Paladini talking about the club going broke if no takeover, now looks forward to a very different future.
And QPR's initial Playing Squad - Friday, June 29, 2007
QPR Squad Numbers Announced: Left Open: #1 and #10
- QPR today announced the new squad numbers. Among the numbers left open: #1 and #10. Among the players not listed: Nygaard and Doherty.
QPR Official Site - Squad Numbers Announced
2. Marcus BIGNOT
3. Chris BARKER
4. Danny CULLIP
5. Damion STEWART
7. Adam BOLDER
8. Danny NARDIELLO
9. Dexter BLACKSTOCK
11. Gareth AINSWORTH
12. Jake COLE
14. Martin ROWLANDS
15. Dominic SHIMMIN
16. Ray JONES
17. Lee COOK
18. Stefan MOORE
20. Kieron ST AIMIE
22. Shabazz BAIDOO
23. Stefan BAILEY
24. Pat KANYUKA
27. Samspa TIMOSKA
28. Zesh REHMAN
29. Nick WARD
SEASON'S PROSPECTS
BBC Pre-Season Monday, August 06, 2007 - QPR's Championship Prospects - I
-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
EALING GAZETTE
QPR's Championship Prospects This Season - A Detailed Look
Ealing Gazette, August 9, 2007 - Who will do what?
A BIG season awaits Dexter Blackstock, who must now step out of the shadows of Paul Furlong and Kevin Gallen and earn the tag of indispensable striker.
There were times last season when he showed he is more than ready to assume that key role and Rangers need the player to be injury-free and firing towards 20 goals if they are to avoid another flirtation with relegation and harbour more ambitious thoughts.
But the man who increasingly makes Rangers tick is Adam Bolder - who is an even better harrier and passer than Marc Bircham.
The untimely injury to another midfielder, Simon Walton, has upset John Gregory's best laid plans. The midfielder had settled in well and was a likely starter. Now Stefan Bailey and Stefan Moore could enjoy an unexpected new lease of life.
Rangers should be more solid at the back this season with Danny Cullip, Damion Stewart, Michael Mancienne, John Curtis, Dominic Shimmin and Pat Kanyuka sharing the central defensive duties and the full-backs look OK
Up front, Ben Sahar probably did enough against Fulham last week to earn a starting role alongside Dexter Black-stock, so Danny Nardiello may have to bide his time for a while.
Ray Jones and Marc Nygaard are useful alter-natives but neither can be classed as consistent.
It goes without saying that Rangers will miss a stack of goals which originated from Lee Cook's sweet left foot and nobody appears as equally adept at finding an extra yard of pace. Gareth Ainsworth can on his day, but we must assume he will have cameo roles, given an all-action style that invites injury.
Martin Rowlands needs to stay fit so he can provide the bullets from setpieces if nothing else.
In actual fact, he is rather more important than that and his form seems inextricably bound to Rangers' fortunes. If he plays well, Rangers are always that much more likely to win. Ealing Gazette
EALING GAZETTE - August 9, 2007 - {Gregory] I won't let us repeat last year's failing- QPR News by Yann Tear
JOHN Gregory has vowed to steer QPR to safer pastures this season and is convinced his team will show signs of vast improvement.
The Rs were too close to the relegation trapdoor for comfort last season and only a late burst of form took them clear of danger.
But Gregory has had time to shape the squad in his image now and says he has a totally different animal under his wing than he did last September when he took over from Gary Wad-dock.
"It can't be any worse than last year. It was an awful time for us and as long as I'm here, we'll never drop to those depths again," the Rangers boss said.
"It feels a little bit more like my team now. It's slowly coming and I've been able to pick up one or two bargains on the way.
"There's a really professional feel about the place in the way the boys go about their training.
"We've come a long way since last September. We've got a long, long way to go and there's a lot better teams than us in this division. But one thing you'll get off this bunch of lads is total commitment."
Outlining his reasons for thinking far better times are ahead this term, Gregory continued: "I think the players I inherited are better now than they were last September when I came in.
"Damion Stewart is a better player now, Zesh Rehman is a better player than he was when we came in. Marcus Bignot too.
"All the people who were here when we came in have improved. They've worked hard on their games and listened carefully to the coaching staff.
"On the medical side, our play-ers are exceptionally fit. We've got a fantastic medical set-up here with Joe Dunbar our performance manager and Mark Barry our fitness coach.
"Right the way through with physios and masseurs, remedial therapists, I feel I've got a really good back-up team. Mick Har-ford and Warren Neil on the coach staff.
"The fitness levels that they've got is probably the biggest single feature of how things have changed over the last nine months.
"Mick Harford's only been here a month and it's the one thing that's really hit him, how hard everybody works on the training ground Monday to Friday.
"If you work well Monday to Friday, you take it into the game on the Saturday. Hopefully we can get off to a reasonable start and do better than last year."
Rangers are among the teams expected to struggle this season, if the bookmakers are to be believed, but victory over Premier League neighbours Fulham last week added to the wave of optimism. Ealing Gazette
EALING GAZETTE -August 9, 2007 - Sahar adds to optimism -Gregory's View By Yann Tear
THERE is no pressure from Chelsea for QPR to play Ben Sahar, John Gregory has said - but if the loaned striker can fulfil the hints of promise shown in last week's friendly win over Fulham, it will be impossible to leave him out.
The teenager turns 18 today (Friday) but appears to have a far older head on his shoulders.
He showed the right mix of robust desire and calmness in bagging his second half goals in the 2-1 win over the Whites and already the hope must be that his three-month stay can be extended to the New Year at least.
"Ben could certainly play a big part for us this season," Gregory said. "He's quick and clever and makes lots of good runs which sometimes don't get picked out by us because we are not as good as he is sometimes.
"Hopefully we can give him a good education here over the next six months.
"We are looking to keep him until the January window when he might be recalled to Chelsea because of the African Nations Cup.
"We will do our very best to look after him and he will certainly improve us."
Gregory added: "If there is such a thing as trying too hard, probably Ben was doing that in the first half.
"It was his home debut and he wanted to just settle down, but the sign of a good goalscorer is when you're one on one against the goalkeeper when you've got time to think about it.
"So many people fluff it. He just set himself up and slotted it like a 32-year-old. Like a Shearer, like a Bergkamp, or an Henry. It was a great finish.
"He earned the first goal himself with his attitude to nick the ball and he thumped it home with tremendous authority for somebody so young."
Rangers have three Chelsea players on loan, with James Simmonds joining Sahar and Michael Mancienne at Loftus Road this month, but that does not mean the Blues will dictate the line-up, Gregory insists, even though he has made no secret of his will-ingness to become a quasi-feeder club for the Premier League neighbours.
"I didn't want to waste Ben Sahar's time by playing him in the reserves or he might as well have stayed at Chelsea," the Rangers boss said.
"But I'm under no pressure from Chelsea to start their players in every match, they are always very good about that, although they would obviously be concerned if either of them [Sahar or Mancienne] ended up not playing in the first team for a long period."We had Jimmy Smith and Michael Mancienne last year and at certain stages, both of them came out of the team and had a little breather because the intensity of the Championship was enormous pressure on the young boys."
Basing your hopes around a raw teenager who may not be around for long is not normally the sign of stable outfit, but Sahar's performance tapped into a well of optimis. The belief at the club is that it can't be as bad as last year and that Gregory is beginning to assemble a sturdier team.
But the foundations remain rocky. The club is looking for new investors and there is every indication that Gianni Paladini and the Monaco group will be happy to jump ship if the price is right.
There is no money to bail Rangers out of trouble, should the going get tough, hence a groundswell of opinion outside W12 that they will struggle to beat the drop.
The loans at the club are not just on the pitch but off it too and as long as debts are dragging the club down - especially alleged rulebending ones with chairmen of other clubs - the optimism can never come without an asterisk.
Recent years have been marked by a strange mix of high farce and thuggery which have done the club no favours - the gun-toting episode at Loftus Road, the brawl at Harlington with the Chinese Olympic team and the pre-season plastic-pitch farce in Italy last year.
They could do without such distracting controversies again.
Gregory is aware of the optimism but knows there is no mileage in milking it too much. An injury here or there, as happened last week to unlucky new signing Simon Walton, who fractured his left leg, shows how fragile this season's journey could be.
"I'm sure that after beating Fulham, all the QPR fans will be expecting me to win the league by 20 points, otherwise I'll get the sack," Gregory joked.
"A realistic target for us is to be above half way, I think.
"Losing Simon Walton is a big blow because we'd earmarked him to play in that central midfield role. He's a really solid, dependable player and person who's taken to this place like you wouldn't believe.
"We are going to have to make one or two adjustments and we might have to go out and bring one more in, although I don't think we've got any money left.
"It was a big fillip for us winning against Fulham. A lot of kudos goes with it. It doesn't count for anything, but it still sends us into good spirits next week."
Gregory added: "We want to get off to a good start. If we do, it's great, if we don't, then we have to put it right.
"We will all be going into that first match full of the joys of spring and all wanting to give it our best shot. But you have to retain that enthusiasm in November when you're playing at Turf Moor on a wet and windy Tuesday night."
And you need to avoid injuries, off-pitch controversies and the loss of your best loan players, he might have added -Ealing Gazette
So a season which began with a 2-2 draw at Bristol City, with an injury time equalizer from Stewart comes to an end on Sunday with QPR's home game against WBA. QPR's team for that Bristol City opener: Camp, Rehman, Stewart, Mancienne, Curtis, Rowlands, Bolder, Bailey, Moore, Blackstock (Nygaard 69), Nardiello (Ephraim 59). Subs: Bignot, Cullip, Cole. QPR's new Captain was Adam Bolder "Captain Marvel". (Missing: Simon Walton having broken his leg in a pre-season friendly, and Ben Sahar having a last minute appendix problem). QPR-Bristol City Match Reports
A pre-season that began with a John Gregory-Mick Harford-Warren Neil-Ed De Goey coaching squad and QPR under a reported transfer embargo over a reported loan from Oldham Chairman Simon Blitz, and Chairman Paladini talking about the club going broke if no takeover, now looks forward to a very different future.
And QPR's initial Playing Squad - Friday, June 29, 2007
QPR Squad Numbers Announced: Left Open: #1 and #10
- QPR today announced the new squad numbers. Among the numbers left open: #1 and #10. Among the players not listed: Nygaard and Doherty.
QPR Official Site - Squad Numbers Announced
2. Marcus BIGNOT
3. Chris BARKER
4. Danny CULLIP
5. Damion STEWART
7. Adam BOLDER
8. Danny NARDIELLO
9. Dexter BLACKSTOCK
11. Gareth AINSWORTH
12. Jake COLE
14. Martin ROWLANDS
15. Dominic SHIMMIN
16. Ray JONES
17. Lee COOK
18. Stefan MOORE
20. Kieron ST AIMIE
22. Shabazz BAIDOO
23. Stefan BAILEY
24. Pat KANYUKA
27. Samspa TIMOSKA
28. Zesh REHMAN
29. Nick WARD
SEASON'S PROSPECTS
BBC Pre-Season Monday, August 06, 2007 - QPR's Championship Prospects - I
-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
EALING GAZETTE
QPR's Championship Prospects This Season - A Detailed Look
Ealing Gazette, August 9, 2007 - Who will do what?
A BIG season awaits Dexter Blackstock, who must now step out of the shadows of Paul Furlong and Kevin Gallen and earn the tag of indispensable striker.
There were times last season when he showed he is more than ready to assume that key role and Rangers need the player to be injury-free and firing towards 20 goals if they are to avoid another flirtation with relegation and harbour more ambitious thoughts.
But the man who increasingly makes Rangers tick is Adam Bolder - who is an even better harrier and passer than Marc Bircham.
The untimely injury to another midfielder, Simon Walton, has upset John Gregory's best laid plans. The midfielder had settled in well and was a likely starter. Now Stefan Bailey and Stefan Moore could enjoy an unexpected new lease of life.
Rangers should be more solid at the back this season with Danny Cullip, Damion Stewart, Michael Mancienne, John Curtis, Dominic Shimmin and Pat Kanyuka sharing the central defensive duties and the full-backs look OK
Up front, Ben Sahar probably did enough against Fulham last week to earn a starting role alongside Dexter Black-stock, so Danny Nardiello may have to bide his time for a while.
Ray Jones and Marc Nygaard are useful alter-natives but neither can be classed as consistent.
It goes without saying that Rangers will miss a stack of goals which originated from Lee Cook's sweet left foot and nobody appears as equally adept at finding an extra yard of pace. Gareth Ainsworth can on his day, but we must assume he will have cameo roles, given an all-action style that invites injury.
Martin Rowlands needs to stay fit so he can provide the bullets from setpieces if nothing else.
In actual fact, he is rather more important than that and his form seems inextricably bound to Rangers' fortunes. If he plays well, Rangers are always that much more likely to win. Ealing Gazette
EALING GAZETTE - August 9, 2007 - {Gregory] I won't let us repeat last year's failing- QPR News by Yann Tear
JOHN Gregory has vowed to steer QPR to safer pastures this season and is convinced his team will show signs of vast improvement.
The Rs were too close to the relegation trapdoor for comfort last season and only a late burst of form took them clear of danger.
But Gregory has had time to shape the squad in his image now and says he has a totally different animal under his wing than he did last September when he took over from Gary Wad-dock.
"It can't be any worse than last year. It was an awful time for us and as long as I'm here, we'll never drop to those depths again," the Rangers boss said.
"It feels a little bit more like my team now. It's slowly coming and I've been able to pick up one or two bargains on the way.
"There's a really professional feel about the place in the way the boys go about their training.
"We've come a long way since last September. We've got a long, long way to go and there's a lot better teams than us in this division. But one thing you'll get off this bunch of lads is total commitment."
Outlining his reasons for thinking far better times are ahead this term, Gregory continued: "I think the players I inherited are better now than they were last September when I came in.
"Damion Stewart is a better player now, Zesh Rehman is a better player than he was when we came in. Marcus Bignot too.
"All the people who were here when we came in have improved. They've worked hard on their games and listened carefully to the coaching staff.
"On the medical side, our play-ers are exceptionally fit. We've got a fantastic medical set-up here with Joe Dunbar our performance manager and Mark Barry our fitness coach.
"Right the way through with physios and masseurs, remedial therapists, I feel I've got a really good back-up team. Mick Har-ford and Warren Neil on the coach staff.
"The fitness levels that they've got is probably the biggest single feature of how things have changed over the last nine months.
"Mick Harford's only been here a month and it's the one thing that's really hit him, how hard everybody works on the training ground Monday to Friday.
"If you work well Monday to Friday, you take it into the game on the Saturday. Hopefully we can get off to a reasonable start and do better than last year."
Rangers are among the teams expected to struggle this season, if the bookmakers are to be believed, but victory over Premier League neighbours Fulham last week added to the wave of optimism. Ealing Gazette
EALING GAZETTE -August 9, 2007 - Sahar adds to optimism -Gregory's View By Yann Tear
THERE is no pressure from Chelsea for QPR to play Ben Sahar, John Gregory has said - but if the loaned striker can fulfil the hints of promise shown in last week's friendly win over Fulham, it will be impossible to leave him out.
The teenager turns 18 today (Friday) but appears to have a far older head on his shoulders.
He showed the right mix of robust desire and calmness in bagging his second half goals in the 2-1 win over the Whites and already the hope must be that his three-month stay can be extended to the New Year at least.
"Ben could certainly play a big part for us this season," Gregory said. "He's quick and clever and makes lots of good runs which sometimes don't get picked out by us because we are not as good as he is sometimes.
"Hopefully we can give him a good education here over the next six months.
"We are looking to keep him until the January window when he might be recalled to Chelsea because of the African Nations Cup.
"We will do our very best to look after him and he will certainly improve us."
Gregory added: "If there is such a thing as trying too hard, probably Ben was doing that in the first half.
"It was his home debut and he wanted to just settle down, but the sign of a good goalscorer is when you're one on one against the goalkeeper when you've got time to think about it.
"So many people fluff it. He just set himself up and slotted it like a 32-year-old. Like a Shearer, like a Bergkamp, or an Henry. It was a great finish.
"He earned the first goal himself with his attitude to nick the ball and he thumped it home with tremendous authority for somebody so young."
Rangers have three Chelsea players on loan, with James Simmonds joining Sahar and Michael Mancienne at Loftus Road this month, but that does not mean the Blues will dictate the line-up, Gregory insists, even though he has made no secret of his will-ingness to become a quasi-feeder club for the Premier League neighbours.
"I didn't want to waste Ben Sahar's time by playing him in the reserves or he might as well have stayed at Chelsea," the Rangers boss said.
"But I'm under no pressure from Chelsea to start their players in every match, they are always very good about that, although they would obviously be concerned if either of them [Sahar or Mancienne] ended up not playing in the first team for a long period."We had Jimmy Smith and Michael Mancienne last year and at certain stages, both of them came out of the team and had a little breather because the intensity of the Championship was enormous pressure on the young boys."
Basing your hopes around a raw teenager who may not be around for long is not normally the sign of stable outfit, but Sahar's performance tapped into a well of optimis. The belief at the club is that it can't be as bad as last year and that Gregory is beginning to assemble a sturdier team.
But the foundations remain rocky. The club is looking for new investors and there is every indication that Gianni Paladini and the Monaco group will be happy to jump ship if the price is right.
There is no money to bail Rangers out of trouble, should the going get tough, hence a groundswell of opinion outside W12 that they will struggle to beat the drop.
The loans at the club are not just on the pitch but off it too and as long as debts are dragging the club down - especially alleged rulebending ones with chairmen of other clubs - the optimism can never come without an asterisk.
Recent years have been marked by a strange mix of high farce and thuggery which have done the club no favours - the gun-toting episode at Loftus Road, the brawl at Harlington with the Chinese Olympic team and the pre-season plastic-pitch farce in Italy last year.
They could do without such distracting controversies again.
Gregory is aware of the optimism but knows there is no mileage in milking it too much. An injury here or there, as happened last week to unlucky new signing Simon Walton, who fractured his left leg, shows how fragile this season's journey could be.
"I'm sure that after beating Fulham, all the QPR fans will be expecting me to win the league by 20 points, otherwise I'll get the sack," Gregory joked.
"A realistic target for us is to be above half way, I think.
"Losing Simon Walton is a big blow because we'd earmarked him to play in that central midfield role. He's a really solid, dependable player and person who's taken to this place like you wouldn't believe.
"We are going to have to make one or two adjustments and we might have to go out and bring one more in, although I don't think we've got any money left.
"It was a big fillip for us winning against Fulham. A lot of kudos goes with it. It doesn't count for anything, but it still sends us into good spirits next week."
Gregory added: "We want to get off to a good start. If we do, it's great, if we don't, then we have to put it right.
"We will all be going into that first match full of the joys of spring and all wanting to give it our best shot. But you have to retain that enthusiasm in November when you're playing at Turf Moor on a wet and windy Tuesday night."
And you need to avoid injuries, off-pitch controversies and the loss of your best loan players, he might have added -Ealing Gazette
Ex-QPR Holdings Chairman, Antonio Caliendo Again Speaking
-
As noted on the Italian QPR blog, QPR Italia
Goal.com - Google/Web Translation
Major projects to Qpr Flavio & Bernie? Meanwhile there is to settle Caliendo: "So far I have not yet seen a pound!"
The former owner asks the balance Briatore: "The same Ecclestone said that I should 2 million."
Since the Queens Park Rangers was detected by danarosa pair of engines Briatore & Ecclestone, the supporters of the prestigious London club have begun to dream new scenarios glory.
. Even Founded in 1882, Qpr in over 120 years of history has put in a dashboard only League Cup nell'ormai distant 1967. Meanwhile there is to regain the top flight, then the new property will try to climb the steps dell'elite Premier, perhaps confirming that at the helm Gigi De Canio that this year has pulled off the team by dry the Championship relegation zone.
But a shadow on the actual intentions of those who took over the club comes hours from the statements controversy by Antonio Caliendo, a former owner of Qpr: "Despite nine purchases and a great battage advertising, is concluding the season at the same level of last year. MORE that promotion! And then it would be better that I pay. So far I have not yet seen a pound and the same Ecclestone said that I should 2 million. " Maybe it's better than fans expect for a moment before you turn off the lights ... Web Translation
GOAL.Com - Italian
Grandi progetti al Qpr di Flavio & Bernie? Intanto c'è da saldare Caliendo: "A tutt'oggi non ho ancora visto una sterlina!"
L'ex proprietario chiede il saldo a Briatore: "Lo stesso Ecclestone ha dichiarato che mi devono 2 milioni".
Da quando il Queens Park Rangers è stato rilevato dalla danarosa coppia dei motori Briatore & Ecclestone, i tifosi del prestigioso club londinese hanno cominciato a sognare nuovi scenari di gloria.
Fondato addirittura nel 1882, il Qpr in oltre 120 anni di storia ha messo in bacheca solo una Coppa di Lega nell'ormai lontano 1967. Intanto c'è da riconquistare la massima serie, poi la nuova proprietà cercherà di scalare i gradini dell'elite della Premier, magari confermando al timone quel Gigi De Canio che quest'anno ha tirato fuori la squadra dalle secche della zona retrocessione della Championship.
Ma un'ombra sulle effettive intenzioni di chi ha rilevato il club arriva ora dalle dichiarazioni polemiche di Antonio Caliendo, ex proprietario del Qpr: "Nonostante nove acquisti e un grande battage pubblicitario, sta concludendo la stagione allo stesso livello dell'anno scorso. Altro che promozione! E poi sarebbe meglio che mi pagassero. A tutt’oggi non ho ancora visto una sterlina e lo stesso Ecclestone ha dichiarato che mi devono 2 milioni". Forse è meglio che i tifosi aspettino un attimo prima di spegnere le luci... Goal.com
Also:
March 2008 - Caliendo Speaking
Earlier Antonio Caliendo (and Caliendo blog)
As noted on the Italian QPR blog, QPR Italia
Goal.com - Google/Web Translation
Major projects to Qpr Flavio & Bernie? Meanwhile there is to settle Caliendo: "So far I have not yet seen a pound!"
The former owner asks the balance Briatore: "The same Ecclestone said that I should 2 million."
Since the Queens Park Rangers was detected by danarosa pair of engines Briatore & Ecclestone, the supporters of the prestigious London club have begun to dream new scenarios glory.
. Even Founded in 1882, Qpr in over 120 years of history has put in a dashboard only League Cup nell'ormai distant 1967. Meanwhile there is to regain the top flight, then the new property will try to climb the steps dell'elite Premier, perhaps confirming that at the helm Gigi De Canio that this year has pulled off the team by dry the Championship relegation zone.
But a shadow on the actual intentions of those who took over the club comes hours from the statements controversy by Antonio Caliendo, a former owner of Qpr: "Despite nine purchases and a great battage advertising, is concluding the season at the same level of last year. MORE that promotion! And then it would be better that I pay. So far I have not yet seen a pound and the same Ecclestone said that I should 2 million. " Maybe it's better than fans expect for a moment before you turn off the lights ... Web Translation
GOAL.Com - Italian
Grandi progetti al Qpr di Flavio & Bernie? Intanto c'è da saldare Caliendo: "A tutt'oggi non ho ancora visto una sterlina!"
L'ex proprietario chiede il saldo a Briatore: "Lo stesso Ecclestone ha dichiarato che mi devono 2 milioni".
Da quando il Queens Park Rangers è stato rilevato dalla danarosa coppia dei motori Briatore & Ecclestone, i tifosi del prestigioso club londinese hanno cominciato a sognare nuovi scenari di gloria.
Fondato addirittura nel 1882, il Qpr in oltre 120 anni di storia ha messo in bacheca solo una Coppa di Lega nell'ormai lontano 1967. Intanto c'è da riconquistare la massima serie, poi la nuova proprietà cercherà di scalare i gradini dell'elite della Premier, magari confermando al timone quel Gigi De Canio che quest'anno ha tirato fuori la squadra dalle secche della zona retrocessione della Championship.
Ma un'ombra sulle effettive intenzioni di chi ha rilevato il club arriva ora dalle dichiarazioni polemiche di Antonio Caliendo, ex proprietario del Qpr: "Nonostante nove acquisti e un grande battage pubblicitario, sta concludendo la stagione allo stesso livello dell'anno scorso. Altro che promozione! E poi sarebbe meglio che mi pagassero. A tutt’oggi non ho ancora visto una sterlina e lo stesso Ecclestone ha dichiarato che mi devono 2 milioni". Forse è meglio che i tifosi aspettino un attimo prima di spegnere le luci... Goal.com
Also:
March 2008 - Caliendo Speaking
Earlier Antonio Caliendo (and Caliendo blog)
Thursday, May 01, 2008
QPR NOT Yet on This List: World's Richest Soccer Clubs
-
Forbes -Most Valuable Clubs - Soccer Team Valuations
Forbes
Rank Team Country Current Value 1 ($mil) Debt/Value(%) 2 1-Yr Value Change(%) Revenue ($mil) Operating Income 3($mil)
1 Manchester United England 1,800 60 24 394 111
2 Real Madrid Spain 1,285 27 24 474 112
3 Arsenal England 1,200 43 31 329 77
4 Liverpool England 1,050 65 131 269 60
5 Bayern Munich Germany 917 0 9 302 72
6 AC Milan Italy 798 0 -3 307 54
7 Barcelona Spain 784 7 47 392 92
8 Chelsea England 764 0 42 382 -5
9 Juventus Italy 510 5 -10 196 35
10 Schalke 04 Germany 470 48 0 154 36
11 AS Roma Italy 434 12 94 213 48
12 Tottenham Hotspur England 414 15 70 207 64
13 Olympique Lyonnais France 408 7 19 190 15
14 Inter Milan Italy 403 0 -27 207 21
15 Borussia Dortmund Germany 323 57 63 122 31
16 Newcastle United England 300 43 16 175 12
17 Hamburg SV Germany 293 0 32 163 41
18 Werder Bremen Germany 262 0 NA 131 11
19 Valencia Spain 254 159 31 145 -49
20 Celtic Scotland 227 11 23 151 48
21 Everton England 197 30 24 103 -1
22 West Ham United England 195 23 25 115 -22
23 Manchester City England 191 63 -8 114 27
24 Aston Villa England 190 12 36 106 -40
25 Olympique Marseille France 187 0 19 134 13
Click on Forbes for details about each club.
Forbes -Most Valuable Clubs - Soccer Team Valuations
Forbes
Rank Team Country Current Value 1 ($mil) Debt/Value(%) 2 1-Yr Value Change(%) Revenue ($mil) Operating Income 3($mil)
1 Manchester United England 1,800 60 24 394 111
2 Real Madrid Spain 1,285 27 24 474 112
3 Arsenal England 1,200 43 31 329 77
4 Liverpool England 1,050 65 131 269 60
5 Bayern Munich Germany 917 0 9 302 72
6 AC Milan Italy 798 0 -3 307 54
7 Barcelona Spain 784 7 47 392 92
8 Chelsea England 764 0 42 382 -5
9 Juventus Italy 510 5 -10 196 35
10 Schalke 04 Germany 470 48 0 154 36
11 AS Roma Italy 434 12 94 213 48
12 Tottenham Hotspur England 414 15 70 207 64
13 Olympique Lyonnais France 408 7 19 190 15
14 Inter Milan Italy 403 0 -27 207 21
15 Borussia Dortmund Germany 323 57 63 122 31
16 Newcastle United England 300 43 16 175 12
17 Hamburg SV Germany 293 0 32 163 41
18 Werder Bremen Germany 262 0 NA 131 11
19 Valencia Spain 254 159 31 145 -49
20 Celtic Scotland 227 11 23 151 48
21 Everton England 197 30 24 103 -1
22 West Ham United England 195 23 25 115 -22
23 Manchester City England 191 63 -8 114 27
24 Aston Villa England 190 12 36 106 -40
25 Olympique Marseille France 187 0 19 134 13
Click on Forbes for details about each club.
Lee Cook as a Loan Option if Transfer Fails and other Possible Transfer Targets
-
Ealing Gazette - Yann Tear Thursday 1st May 2008
QPR consider Cook loan option
Winger remains a target as Rs edge closer to Ramage and Cerny deals
Winger remains a target as Rs edge closer to Ramage and Cerny deals
QPR will look to sign Lee Cook on a season-long loan if they fail to agree a price for him with Fulham this summer.
Fulham want £2.5million for the winger, who has endured an injury-blighted season since moving to Craven Cottage from Rangers last July.
Rangers are desperate to take Cook back to Loftus Road but do not want to pay that kind of fee for a player who has struggled with a knee problem for over a year.
Cook, 25, has not played a competitive game for Fulham, and his former club made three unsuccessful bids to re-sign him on loan before he was loaned to Charlton.
One of those attempts was in January, when the two clubs were unable to reach an agreement over the terms of a proposed loan deal and Charlton were then able to capture the player before the transfer deadline.
Cook was again hampered by injury during his spell at The Valley, but QPR still want him back and are gearing up for more negotiations with Fulham once the season ends on Sunday.
Rangers want to pay closer to £1million with further payments based on appearances.
But should Fulham refuse to budge, one option now being considered is a year's loan with a view to a permanent move in 2009, which would give Cook the opportunity to prove his long-term fitness and return to his best form before Rangers agree to pay a heftier transfer fee for him.
Rangers also remain keen to bring Dan Shittu back to the club from Watford but again there are likely to be difficulties agreeing a fee, while Plymouth duo
Peter Halmosi and Krisztian Timar have been targets since their fellow Hungarian Akos Buzsaky swapped Argyle for W12.
Twenty-eight-year-old wide-man Halmosi has been watched by a number of clubs and imposing defender Timar, also 28, was this week named as Plymouth’s player of the year.
A goalkeeper, right-back and striker are also high priorities for coach Luigi De Canio, with versatile Newcastle defender Peter Ramage looking increasingly likely to be joining and Tottenham’s Czech keeper Radek Cerny also in the frame. But Rangers have turned down an opportunity to sign Fulham forward Stern John.
Robert Earnshaw is a player Rangers have shown an interest in and could land because Derby would be willing to sell the Wales international, while Watford’s Nathan Ellington and Wolves misfit Freddy Eastwood have also been considered.
But the striker QPR would dearly love to sign is Blackburn’s Jason Roberts.
West Londoner Roberts, who started out with Hayes, was out of the first-team picture at Blackburn earlier in the campaign and Rangers were hoping to capture him for next season.
But Roberts is back in the reckoning at Rovers, who are keen to keep him, and there are now Premier League clubs interested in the 30-year-old, making
Rangers’ quest to sign him even more difficult.
The signing of Martin Cranie on a six-month or season-long loan from Portsmouth should prove to be far more straightforward.
Cranie, who impressed before a broken leg ended his loan spell with the Rs last November, should be back on board for the start of pre-season training. Ealing Gazette
Ealing Gazette - Yann Tear Thursday 1st May 2008
QPR consider Cook loan option
Winger remains a target as Rs edge closer to Ramage and Cerny deals
Winger remains a target as Rs edge closer to Ramage and Cerny deals
QPR will look to sign Lee Cook on a season-long loan if they fail to agree a price for him with Fulham this summer.
Fulham want £2.5million for the winger, who has endured an injury-blighted season since moving to Craven Cottage from Rangers last July.
Rangers are desperate to take Cook back to Loftus Road but do not want to pay that kind of fee for a player who has struggled with a knee problem for over a year.
Cook, 25, has not played a competitive game for Fulham, and his former club made three unsuccessful bids to re-sign him on loan before he was loaned to Charlton.
One of those attempts was in January, when the two clubs were unable to reach an agreement over the terms of a proposed loan deal and Charlton were then able to capture the player before the transfer deadline.
Cook was again hampered by injury during his spell at The Valley, but QPR still want him back and are gearing up for more negotiations with Fulham once the season ends on Sunday.
Rangers want to pay closer to £1million with further payments based on appearances.
But should Fulham refuse to budge, one option now being considered is a year's loan with a view to a permanent move in 2009, which would give Cook the opportunity to prove his long-term fitness and return to his best form before Rangers agree to pay a heftier transfer fee for him.
Rangers also remain keen to bring Dan Shittu back to the club from Watford but again there are likely to be difficulties agreeing a fee, while Plymouth duo
Peter Halmosi and Krisztian Timar have been targets since their fellow Hungarian Akos Buzsaky swapped Argyle for W12.
Twenty-eight-year-old wide-man Halmosi has been watched by a number of clubs and imposing defender Timar, also 28, was this week named as Plymouth’s player of the year.
A goalkeeper, right-back and striker are also high priorities for coach Luigi De Canio, with versatile Newcastle defender Peter Ramage looking increasingly likely to be joining and Tottenham’s Czech keeper Radek Cerny also in the frame. But Rangers have turned down an opportunity to sign Fulham forward Stern John.
Robert Earnshaw is a player Rangers have shown an interest in and could land because Derby would be willing to sell the Wales international, while Watford’s Nathan Ellington and Wolves misfit Freddy Eastwood have also been considered.
But the striker QPR would dearly love to sign is Blackburn’s Jason Roberts.
West Londoner Roberts, who started out with Hayes, was out of the first-team picture at Blackburn earlier in the campaign and Rangers were hoping to capture him for next season.
But Roberts is back in the reckoning at Rovers, who are keen to keep him, and there are now Premier League clubs interested in the 30-year-old, making
Rangers’ quest to sign him even more difficult.
The signing of Martin Cranie on a six-month or season-long loan from Portsmouth should prove to be far more straightforward.
Cranie, who impressed before a broken leg ended his loan spell with the Rs last November, should be back on board for the start of pre-season training. Ealing Gazette
The New QPR Beckons
-
QPR Official Site THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA
Sunday marks the dawn of a new era at Queens Park Rangers Football Club and we want you - the fans - to be part of it!
R's supporters are encouraged to arrive early for the final day showdown against West Bromwich Albion at Loftus Road.
The party gets underway from 1.15pm and past players, including Les Ferdinand, Paul Parker, Gerry Francis and Stan Bowles, will be on the pitch for a short presentation before the match.
Club Captain Gareth Ainsworth has urged the fans to take their seats early for the end of season showcase.
"It's got all the ingredients of being an afternoon to remember," Ainsworth told www.qpr.co.uk.
"The support this season has been first class, but Sunday promises to be a day every QPR fan, old and young, remembers for the rest of their lives."
Ainsworth has also encouraged R's fans to show their support by wearing the famous Blue and White Hoops.
"It's always great to see the Blue and White shirts around the ground," he said.
"It adds to the electric atmosphere generated on a matchday at Loftus Road."
To get your QPR home shirt in time for the big day, visit the online shop here. [NB: Link doesn't currently appear to work! But the club shop can also be accessed at ]
QPR
QPR Official Site THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA
Sunday marks the dawn of a new era at Queens Park Rangers Football Club and we want you - the fans - to be part of it!
R's supporters are encouraged to arrive early for the final day showdown against West Bromwich Albion at Loftus Road.
The party gets underway from 1.15pm and past players, including Les Ferdinand, Paul Parker, Gerry Francis and Stan Bowles, will be on the pitch for a short presentation before the match.
Club Captain Gareth Ainsworth has urged the fans to take their seats early for the end of season showcase.
"It's got all the ingredients of being an afternoon to remember," Ainsworth told www.qpr.co.uk.
"The support this season has been first class, but Sunday promises to be a day every QPR fan, old and young, remembers for the rest of their lives."
Ainsworth has also encouraged R's fans to show their support by wearing the famous Blue and White Hoops.
"It's always great to see the Blue and White shirts around the ground," he said.
"It adds to the electric atmosphere generated on a matchday at Loftus Road."
To get your QPR home shirt in time for the big day, visit the online shop here. [NB: Link doesn't currently appear to work! But the club shop can also be accessed at ]
QPR
Frank Sibley
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A recent interview with former QPR player, captain, coach and Manager (and then again coach and assistant manager and caretaker manager), Frank Sibley revealed that he had Parkinsons. As another eventful QPR season comes to an end - a season which saw the sad death of a QPR youngster, Roy Jones; and the possible transformation of the club with the purchase by the new owners; it would be nice if the club would remember and assist its loyal servants such as Frank Sibley who holds the record for youngest QPR player and of youngest QPR manager.
Sibley turned sixty in December (Born December 4, 1947)
QPR's Youngest Ever first Team Player, making his debut at 15 in the 1963/64 season, in September 1963, against Aldershot in the League Cup. QPR lost 3-1. The QPR team that day - names from a very different era - P Springett, Brady, Whittaker, P.Brady, Graham, Keen, Leary, Mcquade, Malcolm, Bedford, Sibley)
(Sibley made his League debut later that season, in March 1964 away to Bristol City.)
Defensive player who played Central defense or central midfield. Captained the team. Sadly had numerous injuries and had to END his career at 23.
Sibley's last game came in the 1970/71 season - March 1971, home to Norwich, which QPR lost 1-0. Gordon Jago was Caretaker Manager having replaced Les Allen. The team:
Parkes, Clement, Hunt, Sibleym Hazell, Venables, Francis, I. Moragan, Leach, Marsh, Ferguson.
QPR's Youngest-ever Manager (and at the time, the youngest manager in the First Division). Sibley took over from Dave Sexton at age 29 in 1977/1978.
Sibley was also at various times at QPR, coach and Assistant Manager and Acting-manager (such as when he replaced Alan Mullery as manager).
Part of the 1966/67 League and Cup team.
Frank Sibley Photo 1 (front row, next to Terry Venables or Sibley Photo II ( back row, one from right)
If any player epitomized QPR of that era, it was Frank Sibley. "Home grown." QPR's youngest player to play in the first team at 15). Career ended at 23 by injury. Then was coach at QPR under various managers: Gordon Jago and Dave Sexton. He was QPR manager for just one season. Then he was replaced by Alec Stock/Steve Burtenshaw. Sibley returned as coach under Venables. Then Alan Mullery. When Mullery was sacked, Sibley was Caretaker manager for the second half of the season. Sibley was coach under various subsequent QPR managers. For the past few years, he has been Chief Scout at Watford.
When Rodney Marsh made his QPR debut, away to Peterborough, March 19, 1966:...Sibley was in the team. (The team for Marsh's debut: Peter Springett -Langley, Hunt Sibley Watson - Lazarus, Keen, Roger Morgan, Allen, Collins Marsh.)
See also QPR Net Interview with Frank Sibley - Interview with Frank Sibley
Also See Sibley/Wikipedia
Reposting the March 2008 QPR Official Site Interview with Frank Sibley
QPR Official Site - March 13, 2008 - BLAST FROM THE PAST
In our latest instalment of exclusive past player interviews on www.qpr.co.uk, R's legend Frank Sibley comes under the spotlight.
Frank Sibley (1963-1971)
Frank Sibley is such a modest man that he was almost embarrassed to receive our request for an interview.
"I was hardly a QPR legend," he said.
But we beg to differ. The facts show that Sibley was the youngest ever R's First Team player. He went on to become an important member of our 1967 League Cup winning side and Frank later managed the R's on three separate occasions - although he never wanted the job!!
It was back on September 4th 1963 that Sibley made his debut for the Hoops in a League Cup tie at Aldershot. He was aged 15 years and 275 days.
"I seemed to cope with it quite well," said Sibley.
"It was just the people around me that thought it was something special for me to play at 15 years-old. But looking back, I suppose it was a little out of the ordinary. I was the second youngest lad ever to start a first team match anywhere in the whole country at that time.
"I just remember Manager Alec Stock saying beforehand 'You'll be in the side tomorrow. Do your best and get on with it.' It was a great experience for me, although it could have been at a better place than Aldershot! I played outside right in the game, but I was a central defender for most of my career."
Sibley graced the Rangers shirt a total of 168 times. His favourite season was in 1966/67 when we won the Third Division Championship and the League Cup.
He said: "That was a fantastic period for everyone involved and I think it really started QPR on the road to the top. The Final at Wembley was definitely the highlight of my playing career.
"We came from behind to beat West Bromwich Albion 3-2. To be truthful, we knew it was going to be a hard game. I think the occasion got to us quite a bit early on. But Alec Stock didn't panic or anything.
"Alec said at half-time 'Look we're 2-0 down but we should have taken our chances in the first half. If we get in there and get a goal after the break then West Brom will fade. And that's exactly what happened.
"There was a great camaraderie at Rangers in those days. We weren't paid very much and a number of lads came up though the youth set up with me - Roger Morgan, Ian Morgan, Micky Leach and Ronnie Hunt.
"We all broke into the First Team around the same time and we formed a good blend with the more experienced players like Jim Langley, Rodney Marsh and Les Allen. There were really good blokes in that side - both on the pitch and off it."
Unfortunately, injuries brought Sibley's career to a premature end. He retired from playing in 1971 after several years of pain.
"My problems started shortly after we won the League Cup. I got called up for the England Under-23 squad that summer for a tour of Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece. I didn't play in any of the games but I did well in the training sessions and I was told that I would get my chance eventually.
"When I got back home, there was a telegram waiting which asked me to report for a pre-season tour with the QPR team in Spain. So I travelled over and played in a friendly. In the very last minute, this fellow went right over the top of the ball on me.
"I remember being in terrible agony but they didn't know what the injury was because the swelling was so enormous. It wasn't until I returned to England that I discovered I had torn cartilages and ligaments.
"I was out of action for quite a while but I worked hard to get myself fit and I got back in the R's side. Then every couple of months, I'd go into a block tackle and the problems would flare up again.
"This went on for several years. I was in and out of the team and I never really recovered. I struggled to regain my pace and heading ability, which were my main strengths as a defender.
"I went to see a specialist and he said 'If you don't pack in football now, you're going to be a cripple by the time you're 30'. So we made a decision that I was going to finish."
After hanging up his boots, Sibley continued to have a long association with Rangers. He was Manager in 1977/78, Caretaker Manager in 1984/85 and (briefly) in 1996, as well as serving in other coaching positions.
"The first time I was in charge came was when I took over from Dave Sexton in 1977. I had a year of it and we avoided relegation in the penultimate game of the season.
"That was a 0-0 draw against Leeds United at home. We needed a point against them and that sent West Ham down. Although I remember Tony Currie was playing for Leeds and he hit the underside of our crossbar in the last minute!
"I also had a temporary role in 1984 following Alan Mullery's departure. Then I filled in for a couple of weeks when Ray Wilkins left in 1996.
"But I never wanted to be the manager of QPR. I decided that during my first spell in charge. I was only 29 and I was the youngest boss in the League. I just thought at the time that everything that went wrong was all down to me.
"It affected my home life and it wasn't very good for my children. So I said I would never be a permanent manager again and that was the way it went. I subsequently had some nice years on the coaching staff at QPR and I worked with a lot of really good people."
Sibley still lives locally in Hillingdon. He's no longer involved in football, but continues to be a big Rangers supporter.
"My last role was as a scout for Watford a couple of years ago. But I'm not very well now to be honest. I've got Parkinson's disease and you never know when it is going to hit you.
"I continue to get about and I had a party in December for my 60th birthday. Jim Smith and Ray Wilkins both turned up so that was very pleasant.
"And I keep abreast of events at Loftus Road. The Club where you started out and where you had the most success always stays with you the rest of your life. All of my kids are QPR supporters too.
"I think the new investment is very exciting for Rangers. So I am going to have a little bet on the R's getting promoted next season!" QPR
A recent interview with former QPR player, captain, coach and Manager (and then again coach and assistant manager and caretaker manager), Frank Sibley revealed that he had Parkinsons. As another eventful QPR season comes to an end - a season which saw the sad death of a QPR youngster, Roy Jones; and the possible transformation of the club with the purchase by the new owners; it would be nice if the club would remember and assist its loyal servants such as Frank Sibley who holds the record for youngest QPR player and of youngest QPR manager.
Sibley turned sixty in December (Born December 4, 1947)
QPR's Youngest Ever first Team Player, making his debut at 15 in the 1963/64 season, in September 1963, against Aldershot in the League Cup. QPR lost 3-1. The QPR team that day - names from a very different era - P Springett, Brady, Whittaker, P.Brady, Graham, Keen, Leary, Mcquade, Malcolm, Bedford, Sibley)
(Sibley made his League debut later that season, in March 1964 away to Bristol City.)
Defensive player who played Central defense or central midfield. Captained the team. Sadly had numerous injuries and had to END his career at 23.
Sibley's last game came in the 1970/71 season - March 1971, home to Norwich, which QPR lost 1-0. Gordon Jago was Caretaker Manager having replaced Les Allen. The team:
Parkes, Clement, Hunt, Sibleym Hazell, Venables, Francis, I. Moragan, Leach, Marsh, Ferguson.
QPR's Youngest-ever Manager (and at the time, the youngest manager in the First Division). Sibley took over from Dave Sexton at age 29 in 1977/1978.
Sibley was also at various times at QPR, coach and Assistant Manager and Acting-manager (such as when he replaced Alan Mullery as manager).
Part of the 1966/67 League and Cup team.
Frank Sibley Photo 1 (front row, next to Terry Venables or Sibley Photo II ( back row, one from right)
If any player epitomized QPR of that era, it was Frank Sibley. "Home grown." QPR's youngest player to play in the first team at 15). Career ended at 23 by injury. Then was coach at QPR under various managers: Gordon Jago and Dave Sexton. He was QPR manager for just one season. Then he was replaced by Alec Stock/Steve Burtenshaw. Sibley returned as coach under Venables. Then Alan Mullery. When Mullery was sacked, Sibley was Caretaker manager for the second half of the season. Sibley was coach under various subsequent QPR managers. For the past few years, he has been Chief Scout at Watford.
When Rodney Marsh made his QPR debut, away to Peterborough, March 19, 1966:...Sibley was in the team. (The team for Marsh's debut: Peter Springett -Langley, Hunt Sibley Watson - Lazarus, Keen, Roger Morgan, Allen, Collins Marsh.)
See also QPR Net Interview with Frank Sibley - Interview with Frank Sibley
Also See Sibley/Wikipedia
Reposting the March 2008 QPR Official Site Interview with Frank Sibley
QPR Official Site - March 13, 2008 - BLAST FROM THE PAST
In our latest instalment of exclusive past player interviews on www.qpr.co.uk, R's legend Frank Sibley comes under the spotlight.
Frank Sibley (1963-1971)
Frank Sibley is such a modest man that he was almost embarrassed to receive our request for an interview.
"I was hardly a QPR legend," he said.
But we beg to differ. The facts show that Sibley was the youngest ever R's First Team player. He went on to become an important member of our 1967 League Cup winning side and Frank later managed the R's on three separate occasions - although he never wanted the job!!
It was back on September 4th 1963 that Sibley made his debut for the Hoops in a League Cup tie at Aldershot. He was aged 15 years and 275 days.
"I seemed to cope with it quite well," said Sibley.
"It was just the people around me that thought it was something special for me to play at 15 years-old. But looking back, I suppose it was a little out of the ordinary. I was the second youngest lad ever to start a first team match anywhere in the whole country at that time.
"I just remember Manager Alec Stock saying beforehand 'You'll be in the side tomorrow. Do your best and get on with it.' It was a great experience for me, although it could have been at a better place than Aldershot! I played outside right in the game, but I was a central defender for most of my career."
Sibley graced the Rangers shirt a total of 168 times. His favourite season was in 1966/67 when we won the Third Division Championship and the League Cup.
He said: "That was a fantastic period for everyone involved and I think it really started QPR on the road to the top. The Final at Wembley was definitely the highlight of my playing career.
"We came from behind to beat West Bromwich Albion 3-2. To be truthful, we knew it was going to be a hard game. I think the occasion got to us quite a bit early on. But Alec Stock didn't panic or anything.
"Alec said at half-time 'Look we're 2-0 down but we should have taken our chances in the first half. If we get in there and get a goal after the break then West Brom will fade. And that's exactly what happened.
"There was a great camaraderie at Rangers in those days. We weren't paid very much and a number of lads came up though the youth set up with me - Roger Morgan, Ian Morgan, Micky Leach and Ronnie Hunt.
"We all broke into the First Team around the same time and we formed a good blend with the more experienced players like Jim Langley, Rodney Marsh and Les Allen. There were really good blokes in that side - both on the pitch and off it."
Unfortunately, injuries brought Sibley's career to a premature end. He retired from playing in 1971 after several years of pain.
"My problems started shortly after we won the League Cup. I got called up for the England Under-23 squad that summer for a tour of Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece. I didn't play in any of the games but I did well in the training sessions and I was told that I would get my chance eventually.
"When I got back home, there was a telegram waiting which asked me to report for a pre-season tour with the QPR team in Spain. So I travelled over and played in a friendly. In the very last minute, this fellow went right over the top of the ball on me.
"I remember being in terrible agony but they didn't know what the injury was because the swelling was so enormous. It wasn't until I returned to England that I discovered I had torn cartilages and ligaments.
"I was out of action for quite a while but I worked hard to get myself fit and I got back in the R's side. Then every couple of months, I'd go into a block tackle and the problems would flare up again.
"This went on for several years. I was in and out of the team and I never really recovered. I struggled to regain my pace and heading ability, which were my main strengths as a defender.
"I went to see a specialist and he said 'If you don't pack in football now, you're going to be a cripple by the time you're 30'. So we made a decision that I was going to finish."
After hanging up his boots, Sibley continued to have a long association with Rangers. He was Manager in 1977/78, Caretaker Manager in 1984/85 and (briefly) in 1996, as well as serving in other coaching positions.
"The first time I was in charge came was when I took over from Dave Sexton in 1977. I had a year of it and we avoided relegation in the penultimate game of the season.
"That was a 0-0 draw against Leeds United at home. We needed a point against them and that sent West Ham down. Although I remember Tony Currie was playing for Leeds and he hit the underside of our crossbar in the last minute!
"I also had a temporary role in 1984 following Alan Mullery's departure. Then I filled in for a couple of weeks when Ray Wilkins left in 1996.
"But I never wanted to be the manager of QPR. I decided that during my first spell in charge. I was only 29 and I was the youngest boss in the League. I just thought at the time that everything that went wrong was all down to me.
"It affected my home life and it wasn't very good for my children. So I said I would never be a permanent manager again and that was the way it went. I subsequently had some nice years on the coaching staff at QPR and I worked with a lot of really good people."
Sibley still lives locally in Hillingdon. He's no longer involved in football, but continues to be a big Rangers supporter.
"My last role was as a scout for Watford a couple of years ago. But I'm not very well now to be honest. I've got Parkinson's disease and you never know when it is going to hit you.
"I continue to get about and I had a party in December for my 60th birthday. Jim Smith and Ray Wilkins both turned up so that was very pleasant.
"And I keep abreast of events at Loftus Road. The Club where you started out and where you had the most success always stays with you the rest of your life. All of my kids are QPR supporters too.
"I think the new investment is very exciting for Rangers. So I am going to have a little bet on the R's getting promoted next season!" QPR
QPR vs WBA: Recent and Past Encounters
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Past QPR vs WBA Encounters
For QPR fans (and probably for WBA fans): Two obvious encounters in particular stand out: The 1967 League Cup Final and the 1982 FA Cup Semi-Final. QPR of course, winning both.
Earlier this season, QPR were crushed 5-1 by WBA. That game on the last day of September left QPR at the bottom of the table and the only team in the four divisions yet to have a won a game: QPR had 3 points from 7 games. Next came Sheffield Wednesday with 6 points from 8 games.
QPR's team vs WBA:
Queen's Park Rangers (4-4-2): Camp; Rehman (Curtis, h-t), Cullip, Stewart, Barker (Bignot, 60); Ainsworth, Rowlands, Bolder, Moore; Blackstock, Sahar (Ephraim, 60). Substitutes not used: Cole (gk), Timoska.
West Bromwich Albion (4-4-2): Kiely; Hoefkens, Barnett, Albrechtsen, Robinson; Morrison, Koren, Greening (Gera, 67), Teixeira (Brunt, 63); Phillips (Beattie, 67), Miller. Substitutes not used: Steele (gk), Pele.
Match reports of that game "QPR's WBA Hamering -
and "WBA Defeat QPR
The WBA game was manager John Gregory's last game in charge. The following day, Gregory was fired, with Mick Harford appointed caretaker manager, and a host of big names linked to the club. "The Times - Queens Park Rangers sack manager John Gregory"
Other QPR-WBA connections:
Clive Clark is probably the most famous ex-QPR player who played for WBA (including 2 goals in the Wembley final). QPR also sold to WBA in 1969 a brilliant youngster, Alan Glover, who cost WBA a then big, big fee of 70,000 pounds after playing just seven games for QPR. Danny Shittu almost joined WBA before joining Watford. Australian defender, Andrew McDermott went to WBA from QPR. And of course QPR "stole" manager Ray Harford from WBA in December 1997. He never actually played for QPR, but WBA's Neil Clement, set to make his 300th appearance is of course the son of QPR's much-loved David Clement.
LEAGUE CUP 1967Forty-one years ago, QPR won at Wembley.... March 4 1967: Photo
---Video of Marsh's '67 goal - A Few second video at about 25 second mark. More Extensive Video of all three 1967 QPR goals (starting at about 3 minutes 55 seconds into the video.)
[Note: Feel free to post or Email at Qprreport@hotmail.com any other '67 video links. Thanks!]
QPR Team:
(Peter) Springett -Langley, Hunt, Sibley, Hazell
Lazarus, Sanderson,Keen (Roger) Morgan - Marsh, Allen"
(Unused) Sub- Ian Morgan
WBA Team: Sheppard - Cram Collard Foggo Jones (c) Fraser Brown Astle Kaye Hope
Clark
And a special note to Ian Watson who played in four of QPR's League Cup games that season but is usually not remembered/considered part of QPR's League Cup Triumph.
The Managerial Team: Alec Stock and Bill Dodgin
The Chairman: Jim Gregory
See WIkipedia/QPR-WBA
PHOTOS
1967 Programme - Programme
1966-67 Team Photo Photo Photo
Cup Triumph Photo - Photo
1967 Team Photo (almost) Team
Photos of Many of the players from that yearPhotos
QPR's Path To Wembley - League Cup Final Programme
Wikipedia Match Report
The 1967 Football League Cup Final took place on 4 March 1967 at Wembley Stadium. It was the seventh final and the first to be played at Wembley. It was contested between Queens Park Rangers of the Third Division and West Bromwich Albion of the First.
WBA were hot favourites to win, led by centre forward Jeff Astle. It was QPR's first ever appearance at Wembley, their star man was Rodney Marsh.
WBA started strongly with former QPR winger Clive Clark scoring twice to give WBA a 2-0 half time lead. In a fairy tale 2nd half, the underdogs stormed back. First Roger Morgan scored with a header. Then Rodney Marsh went on a mazy run, eluding tackles, and shot in off the post past keeper Dick Sheppard. In the closing minutes QPR centre half Ron Hunt went on a forward run and as he challenged the keeper for the ball it ran loose to Mark Lazarus to score the winning goal. Mike Keen lifted the cup to thousands of cheering Rangers fans" - Wikipedia
Carling Classic Finals - 1967 Classic Finals: Part One
1967: Queens Park Rangers 3 West Bromwich Albion 2
Interest in the League Cup was dwindling by 1967 and the Football League decided that to renew interest in England's second biggest cup competition, some changes needed to be made. Out went the two-legged final and in game a one-off finale, staged at the home of football, Wembley. Also, the winners (providing they were a First Division club) would be guaranteed European football in the Fairs Cup (now the UEFA Cup) the following season.
But a determined band of brothers from west London had other ideas as they hijacked the revitalised tournament. And so it was that Third Division QPR, with the likes of Les Allen, Jim Langley and the legendary Rodney Marsh in the side, waltzed all the way to the final and once there produced another great upset - just as they had done all season.
Former Rangers striker Clive Clark bagged a brace for West Brom in the first half to give the Baggies a two goal lead at half-time. But the Rs refused to lie down and they stunned the Midlanders with a breathtaking second half performance.
Roger Morgan scored just a few minutes after the restart to make it 2-1 and then, with 15 minutes of normal time remaining, Marsh produced a magnificent piece of skill, running through the Albion defence and levelling for the Londoners. And then, in the dying moments, Mark Lazarus completed a remarkable comeback and ensured Rangers made history as the first division three team to lift the League Cup.
They were refused entry into the Fairs Cup because of their lowly league status, but still had plenty to celebrate as they also won the Third Division title that season.
Carling
Some of the Heroes:
See:
Ron Norris/QPR Net 2002 Interview with Rodney Marsh - Rodney Marsh
Ron Norris/QPRNet 2003 Interview with Roger and Ian Morgan - Morgan Interview
Ron Norris/QPR Net 2003 Interview with Frank Sibley - Sibley
Dave's Queens Park Rangers FC Site Profile of Alec Stock - Alec Stock
Dave's Queens Park Rangers FC Site Profile of Jim Gregory-
Jim Gregory
Carling: Carling Cup History "...The romance for the smaller clubs returned with the Wembley ticket: in 1967, a young Rodney Marsh helped QPR on the way to their first proper piece of silverware. They beat West Brom 3-2 and, in the process, became the first Third Division club to win a major trophy. The Super Hoops added to their haul a few weeks later by picking up the Third Division title too. The League Cup was fast becoming the 'Lucky Cup'.
The fact that 98,000 fans packed into Wembley for the 1967 final was conclusive proof that the League Cup was now extremely popular. In just seven years it had earned the right to stand alongside the FA Cup as a showpiece final. In every subsequent year, Wembley would be a sell-out.Carling
1967 Team - "Where Are They Now" - From 2003 Sunday Times
Caught In Time QPR win League Cup, 1967 by Greg Struthers
A quiet revolution was taking place in west London in the mid-1960s. A dapper former army major called Alec Stock was putting together a Queens Park Rangers football team that was ready to challenge the cream of the country.
Stock had developed a fine youth scheme since taking over in 1959, and when Jim Gregory was appointed club chairman in March 1965, the manager was given money to spend on new players. Striker Les Allen was enticed from Tottenham, the experienced Jim Langley was bought from Fulham, and a fee of only 15,000 pounds was paid to Craven Cottage for striker Rodney Marsh, probably the most famous player to don blue-and-white hoops.
Under the astute management of Stock and coach Bill Dodgin, the experience and talent blended well, with young lads breaking into the first team such as Dave Clement, Frank Sibley, Tony Hazell and the Morgan twins, Ian and Roger.
"The young players would inspire each other," recalls Roger Morgan. "There were about five or six of us who had grown up together, and there was tremendous team spirit.
Alec was prepared to put his faith in youth, but we learnt from the experienced players around us." Mike Keen, the club captain, has fond memories of his time at Loftus Road. "Even though we were in the Third Division, we were playing some quality football, and there was a good attitude in the team," he says. They showed the nation how good they really were on a crisp, frosty March 4, 1967.
The football hierarchy was concerned about the diminishing value of the League Cup in the eyes of the leading clubs. So it decided that the final would be staged at Wembley and that the winning First Division club would qualify for the European Fairs Cup.
Queens Park Rangers scuppered those plans. They marched cornfortably into the final, then came from two goals down at half-time to upset First Division West Bromwich Albion, winning 3-2.
Clive Clark, a former QPR player, scored both goals for West Brom, but the Rangers players were not concerned at half-time. "We had come back from 2-0 down in other games that season and were told to simply go out and enjoy the. day," says Keen.
Enjoy it they did. Roger Morgan scored after the restart, and 15 minutes from the end, Marsh set off on a trademark mazy dribble that ended with a brilliant solo goal, his shot going in off the post. Late in the game, Mark Lazarus scored the winner.
Rangers were denied a place in Europe, but were more than satisfied with their season. They won the Third Division by 12 points, and the following year were promoted to the top flight for the first time in their history.
1 Ron Hunt (QPR)
One of the products of the club's youth scheme, Hunt made his name as a solid centre-half. He became a squash coach after retiring from football, but knee injuries suffered earlier in his career forced him to quit. He lives near Reading and works for a petro-chemical company based in London.
2 Les Allen (QPR)
A striker in Tottenham's Doublewinning side of 1960-61, Allen moved to QPR for 21,000 pounds in July 1965. "I met Jim Gregory, the chairman, and he laid out the plans about what they wanted to do. I was impressed, even though they were in the Third Division," recalls Allen. "It was quite a change. When I started, we were only getting gates of 3,000 or 4,000 people, but that trebled when we began to get results". Allen became player-manager in December 1968 after the premature departure of Stock and the stormy 28-day reign of the colourful Scot Tommy Docherty. However, the club was relegated, and he moved on to manage Swindon, then spent time in Greece.
He then became a professional model-maker. Allen, who recently underwent hip replacement surgery, is retired and lives in Brentwood.
3 Roger Morgan (Tottenham Hotspur)
Another of the young players who came through QPR's youth scheme, Morgan was a speedy right-winger who played in 180 games for Rangers, scoring 39 goals. He then joined Tottenham, where he scored eight goals in 68 games. Although he scored a goal in the final, he does not remember the game well. "I was only 20 years old, and it went so quickly that I did not have time to savour it," he says. "But we were on the crest of a wave." After battling with injuries for four years, he was forced to quit s football at 26. He went to college and earned a degree in leisure studies.
After working as a recreation officer for Haringey council in London for 11 years, Morgan joined West Ham United and has run their football in the community scheme for 12 years. There are 125,000 children in the Essex and Hertfordshire area who take part in the project, and he feeds the best of them into the West Ham Academy. "It's nice to be giving something back to the game," he says.
4 Ian Morgan (QPR)
A wing forward like his twin brother, Roger, Ian also joined the club through the youth ranks. He signed for Watford after a successful spell at QPR, but was forced to quit football at 28 because of injury. He moved to Norway, where he coached for five years. On his return to Britain, he went into the leisure industry , teaching football and tennis in schools. Morgan lives in east London and helps his brother in the football in the community scheme at West Ham.
5 Mike Keen (Luton Town)
One of the old school of half-backs Keen was a skilful player who enjoyed delivering long passes, and he was a strong, clinical tackler. He was a QPR stalwart who joined the club in 1958, and played in 393 League matches. After a change of managers, he moved to Luton before finishing his playing career at Watford. He was appointed manager at Vicarage Road and enjoyed four years at the club, where he set about engendering the spirit he had experienced as a player at Loftus Road. He managed Northampton for a year before taking charge of Wycombe part-time and then Marlow while he concentrated on running Sport and Ski, a shop in Wycombe. He lives in Flackwell Heath in Buckinghamshire, and is manager of a shop in Oxfordshire that sells outdoor gear and ski equipment.
6 Tony Hazell (QPR)
A right-back who joined the club as a 15-year-old apprentice, Hazell admits that he did not have a great final. But he enjoyed his time at QPR, although he admits "football was nowhere near as intense as it is today". He later joined Millwall. and then spent three years at Charlton.
When he hung up his boots, he became an insurance salesman for three or four years, then went into property maintenance. He lives at Flackwell Heath, the same village as his former captain, and is a technician for BT, specialising in fibre optics.
7 Peter Springett (Sheffield Wednesday)
A member of the Springett goalkeeping family, Peter played an important role in the success of QPR, while his brother Ron stood between the posts for Sheffield Wednesday and won 33 caps for England. When he quit football, Peter joined the police force In Sheffield. He died after a short illness about four years ago.
Taken from this site: Where are they now
1982 the 1982 Cup Semi Final Team Vs WBA
April 3, 1982: QPR's Team against WBA
Hucker
Gillard Hazell Roeder Fenwick
Flanagan Waddock Currie Micklewhite
Allen Stainrod
WBA had Andy King and Cyrel Regis in their team.
WBA - Grew, Batson, Statham, Zondervan, Wile, Robertson, Bennett, King, Regis, Cross, Mackenzie. - Owen (sub)
Express and Star - Semi-final just a blur for Bob
He was the Baggies fan who broke the hearts of the Albion throng. But Bob Hazell still can’t remember a thing about it.
The club return to the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday 26 years since their last appearance ended in the calamity of defeat to a then Championship level Queen’s Park Rangers.
And although one of the capital’s famous goalscoring sons, Clive Allen, struck the goal that took Rangers to the final, no player did more to sink the Baggies that day than Hazell.
Former Villa manager John Gregory was in the Rangers midfield in those days but, ineligible for the semi, watched the Highbury contest from the QPR dugout. And his eyes rarely strayed from the central confrontation on which the semi-final hinged.
“To be honest, it was a pretty crap match,” Gregory says. “But if you are going to speak to one man about that game it has to be Bob. He won it for us.”
Why the reverence for the central defender? Because Hazell produced arguably the game of his career to nullify Albion legend Cyrille Regis, who at that time was in all his pomp and one of the most feared strikers in the top flight.
Albion would ultimately be grateful for Regis for scoring the goals that would keep them in the division but they hoped his pace and power would also see them through to Wembley. Hazell made sure it was not to be.
“Yeh that’s true,” says Regis. “I was flying at the time, I had 24 or 25 goals. And Bob has told me since how he was singled out to stop me.
“Bob was a powerful player like me and he had a great game, he was on form that day. I can only remember getting a half chance. He matched me wherever I went and we kind of nullified each other. He also clattered Andy King – nothing illegal – with a challenge and he had to go off which also upset our rhythm.
“But there is a message there for any team. You’ve got to have more than one match winner. I was playing well at the time and I am not saying everybody wasn’t playing well but Rangers were right. If you stopped me scoring they would have a good chance.”
Hazell is now a Birmingham-based 48-year-old Sports Prevention Manager working to help rehabilitate young offenders through sport. But despite memorable spells at Molineux, where he became the first black player to score for Wolves, and then Port Vale and Leicester, no game defines him quite like that heartbreaking day for Albion.
A pity then, it’s all still a bit of a blur.
“You will find this hard to believe but the truth is I can barely remember one or two incidents from that game,” says Hazell.
“It was one of those matches where I concentrated so hard that even when the final whistle went I didn’t realise it was the end of the game.
“But, at that time, Cyrille was ripping up trees, he was really doing the business and I remember vividly the team meeting beforehand. Terry Venables (QPR manager) looked at me at that meeting and said: ‘Bob, if you can look after Cyrille, we have got a good chance here.’
“Although Cyrille and I were and are good friends that was my mission for the day. For the day? It felt like it was my life’s mission. And from the time we walked out on to the pitch to after the match had been finished, barely a couple of things have ever come back to me.
“I can remember the lead up to our goal although I can’t remember how the ball came in my direction. They showed it on TV last week but the clip was so short I still couldn’t remember how it got there.
“The only other thing I can remember is right at the finish, we won a free-kick and I tried to be clever and waste a little more time by kicking the ball forward. The ref realised what I was up to and decided to teach me a lesson and said ‘Right, play on.’ Derek Statham jumped on to it but just as he made his play, the final whistle went.
“Tony Currie came up to me and shouted ‘Bob, Bob, you did ••••••• great!’ I don’t think I responded. I was still in the ‘zone’.”
In fact, it wasn’t until the following day when another legendary local figure came to take his pal out for a celebration that the enormity of the occasion struck home.
“I was back home – and I remember this bit clearly – that me and my great friend George Berry were out for a drive on the Sunday afternoon.
“We were somewhere in the country and I was looking at the trees flying by and I suddenly said to George: ‘Blimey, I’m going to Wembley. I’m going to be in the FA Cup final.’ And suddenly it all struck home. That FA Cup final was everything to me. As a kid I was an absolute fanatic up at 9am to watch the coverage begin.
“I remember all of that. And now I was going to be there. I really started to take it all in.
“Normally I can go through a game 100 times in detail and remember all the moments, recount them and replay them. But I think that match was just so intense and marking Cyrille was such a challenge.
“We’ve spoken about it many times, shared a stage together and talked about it, been away together and people have brought it up. It did mean a great deal to me.
“I had been brought up as an Albion fan and that day I was playing against some of my heroes. John Wile was in the side and I had watched him from the terraces. Tony Brown and Ally Rob . . . it was a big thing for me.
“And when I was at Wolves, I used to sneak away and watch Albion play.
“I was always a little disappointed that Albion never came in for me as a schoolboy but at that time, a lot of people would have struggled to get in there.
“To play against them and turn them over made that day all the more memorable and all I can say is ‘Thank God’ for that memory.”
Ultimately, Hazell finished empty-handed as Spurs won the final after a replay but he does not believe that should deter the focus Albion place on Saturday’s meeting with Portsmouth.
“It’s alright saying promotion is more important but if your team is good - and Albion’s is - the odds that you can get up the following year are still very good,” he insists.
“You can’t say that for the Cup. It could be an age before Albion are here again. And often when you look at teams getting promoted when they are not ready, they have all sorts of problems.
“They don’t say ‘Well, we did well to even get here’. It all implodes and they can easily end up going down a couple of divisions.
“But any player who has walked out there for the final will remember it forever. I got promoted with QPR and that was terrific but it still doesn’t match playing in the FA Cup final. And I was on the losing side! Had we beaten Spurs, they would still be trying to drag me down from the clouds now.”
Unfortunately, his head overrules his heart when he looks to Saturday’s contest and the possibility of the Baggies enduring another FA Cup semi disappointment to go with the setbacks of 1969, 1978 and 82.
He adds: “Portsmouth are a really powerful team. When you are the lower division side, the one thing that you hope for in Cup ties is that physical edge.
“You like to play a Tottenham where you know they are going to be very skilful but you might have the edge in muscle, aggression and work rate. That isn’t the case here and Albion are going to have their work cut out.
“I don’t know whether it’s bravado in Albion saying the league is more important. Personally, I don’t like that talk. For Pompey, winning the FA Cup is everything. And that could also make a difference.
“I would love to see Albion do it, it would be terrific for this area no matter what the Wolves fans think! But if I had any money I would have to put it on Pompey. Express and Star
And the manager:
BBC - Friday, December 5, 1997 - Baggies allow Harford move
West Bromwich Albion manager Ray Harford is set to join Queens Park Rangers after the clubs reached an agreement outside the High Court.
West Brom had been due to go before a judge in chambers for an injunction to prevent Harford from moving.
It followed Harford's decision to resign late on Wednesday evening, saying he wanted to be nearer his Surrey home.
But after discussions outside court, the two First Division clubs issued a joint statement that they had reached an "amicable agreement", as a result of which Harford was free to join QPR.
It means he should be in charge of the West London team for Saturday's home game against Sunderland.
Harford had never signed a contract at the Hawthorns, but Albion wanted compensation from QPR for the loss of their manager. Harford transformed the Baggies from relegation candidates into promotion challengers during his 10-month spell in charge.
He moved to Albion after resigning from Blackburn Rovers in October 1996 with the Premier League club bottom without a win in 10 matches. BBC
Complete List of Past Encounters
From Soccerbase -
2007/2008
Football League Championship West Bromwich Albion 5-1 Queen's Park Rangers 30-09-2007
2006/2007
Football League Championship Queen's Park Rangers 1-2 West Bromwich Albion 31-03-2007
Football League Championship West Bromwich Albion 3-3 Queen's Park Rangers 31-10-2006
2000/2001
Football League Championship Queen's Park Rangers 2-0 West Bromwich Albion 13-01-2001
Football League Championship West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Queen's Park Rangers 28-08-2000
1999/2000
Football League Championship Queen's Park Rangers 0-0 West Bromwich Albion 29-04-2000
Football League Championship West Bromwich Albion 0-1 Queen's Park Rangers 19-10-1999
1998/1999
Football League Championship Queen's Park Rangers 2-1 West Bromwich Albion 10-04-1999
Football League Championship West Bromwich Albion 2-0 Queen's Park Rangers 21-10-1998
1997/1998
Football League Championship West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Queen's Park Rangers 14-02-1998
Football League Championship Queen's Park Rangers 2-0 West Bromwich Albion 13-09-1997
1996/1997
Football League Championship West Bromwich Albion 4-1 Queen's Park Rangers 28-12-1996
Football League Championship Queen's Park Rangers 0-2 West Bromwich Albion 07-09-1996
1985/1986
English Division 1 (old) Queen's Park Rangers 1-0 West Bromwich Albion 12-04-1986
English Division 1 (old) West Bromwich Albion 0-1 Queen's Park Rangers 09-11-1985
1984/1985
English Division 1 (old) West Bromwich Albion 0-0 Queen's Park Rangers 26-01-1985
English Division 1 (old) Queen's Park Rangers 3-1 West Bromwich Albion 25-08-1984
1983/1984
English Division 1 (old) Queen's Park Rangers 1-1 West Bromwich Albion 07-05-1984
English Division 1 (old) West Bromwich Albion 1-2 Queen's Park Rangers 10-12-1983
1982/1983
English FA Cup West Bromwich Albion 3-2 Queen's Park Rangers --
1981/1982
English FA Cup Queen's Park Rangers 1-0 West Bromwich Albion 03-04-1982
1978/1979
English Division 1 (old) West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Queen's Park Rangers 24-03-1979
English Division 1 (old) Queen's Park Rangers 0-1 West Bromwich Albion 22-08-1978
1977/1978
English Division 1 (old) West Bromwich Albion 2-0 Queen's Park Rangers 22-03-1978
English Division 1 (old) Queen's Park Rangers 2-1 West Bromwich Albion 29-10-1977
1976/1977
English Division 1 (old) West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Queen's Park Rangers 12-02-1977
English Division 1 (old) Queen's Park Rangers 1-0 West Bromwich Albion 04-09-1976
1972/1973
English League Cup West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Queen's Park Rangers --
1968/1969
English Division 1 (old) Queen's Park Rangers 0-4 West Bromwich Albion 26-12-1968
English Division 1 (old) West Bromwich Albion 3-1 Queen's Park Rangers 05-10-1968
1966/1967
English League Cup Queen's Park Rangers 3-2 West Bromwich Albion 04-03-1967
1948/1949
English Division 2 (old) West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Queen's Park Rangers 02-04-1949
English Division 2 (old) Queen's Park Rangers 0-2 West Bromwich Albion 06-11-1948
From Soccerbase -
Past QPR vs WBA Encounters
For QPR fans (and probably for WBA fans): Two obvious encounters in particular stand out: The 1967 League Cup Final and the 1982 FA Cup Semi-Final. QPR of course, winning both.
Earlier this season, QPR were crushed 5-1 by WBA. That game on the last day of September left QPR at the bottom of the table and the only team in the four divisions yet to have a won a game: QPR had 3 points from 7 games. Next came Sheffield Wednesday with 6 points from 8 games.
QPR's team vs WBA:
Queen's Park Rangers (4-4-2): Camp; Rehman (Curtis, h-t), Cullip, Stewart, Barker (Bignot, 60); Ainsworth, Rowlands, Bolder, Moore; Blackstock, Sahar (Ephraim, 60). Substitutes not used: Cole (gk), Timoska.
West Bromwich Albion (4-4-2): Kiely; Hoefkens, Barnett, Albrechtsen, Robinson; Morrison, Koren, Greening (Gera, 67), Teixeira (Brunt, 63); Phillips (Beattie, 67), Miller. Substitutes not used: Steele (gk), Pele.
Match reports of that game "QPR's WBA Hamering -
and "WBA Defeat QPR
The WBA game was manager John Gregory's last game in charge. The following day, Gregory was fired, with Mick Harford appointed caretaker manager, and a host of big names linked to the club. "The Times - Queens Park Rangers sack manager John Gregory"
Other QPR-WBA connections:
Clive Clark is probably the most famous ex-QPR player who played for WBA (including 2 goals in the Wembley final). QPR also sold to WBA in 1969 a brilliant youngster, Alan Glover, who cost WBA a then big, big fee of 70,000 pounds after playing just seven games for QPR. Danny Shittu almost joined WBA before joining Watford. Australian defender, Andrew McDermott went to WBA from QPR. And of course QPR "stole" manager Ray Harford from WBA in December 1997. He never actually played for QPR, but WBA's Neil Clement, set to make his 300th appearance is of course the son of QPR's much-loved David Clement.
LEAGUE CUP 1967Forty-one years ago, QPR won at Wembley.... March 4 1967: Photo
---Video of Marsh's '67 goal - A Few second video at about 25 second mark. More Extensive Video of all three 1967 QPR goals (starting at about 3 minutes 55 seconds into the video.)
[Note: Feel free to post or Email at Qprreport@hotmail.com any other '67 video links. Thanks!]
QPR Team:
(Peter) Springett -Langley, Hunt, Sibley, Hazell
Lazarus, Sanderson,Keen (Roger) Morgan - Marsh, Allen"
(Unused) Sub- Ian Morgan
WBA Team: Sheppard - Cram Collard Foggo Jones (c) Fraser Brown Astle Kaye Hope
Clark
And a special note to Ian Watson who played in four of QPR's League Cup games that season but is usually not remembered/considered part of QPR's League Cup Triumph.
The Managerial Team: Alec Stock and Bill Dodgin
The Chairman: Jim Gregory
See WIkipedia/QPR-WBA
PHOTOS
1967 Programme - Programme
1966-67 Team Photo Photo Photo
Cup Triumph Photo - Photo
1967 Team Photo (almost) Team
Photos of Many of the players from that yearPhotos
QPR's Path To Wembley - League Cup Final Programme
Wikipedia Match Report
The 1967 Football League Cup Final took place on 4 March 1967 at Wembley Stadium. It was the seventh final and the first to be played at Wembley. It was contested between Queens Park Rangers of the Third Division and West Bromwich Albion of the First.
WBA were hot favourites to win, led by centre forward Jeff Astle. It was QPR's first ever appearance at Wembley, their star man was Rodney Marsh.
WBA started strongly with former QPR winger Clive Clark scoring twice to give WBA a 2-0 half time lead. In a fairy tale 2nd half, the underdogs stormed back. First Roger Morgan scored with a header. Then Rodney Marsh went on a mazy run, eluding tackles, and shot in off the post past keeper Dick Sheppard. In the closing minutes QPR centre half Ron Hunt went on a forward run and as he challenged the keeper for the ball it ran loose to Mark Lazarus to score the winning goal. Mike Keen lifted the cup to thousands of cheering Rangers fans" - Wikipedia
Carling Classic Finals - 1967 Classic Finals: Part One
1967: Queens Park Rangers 3 West Bromwich Albion 2
Interest in the League Cup was dwindling by 1967 and the Football League decided that to renew interest in England's second biggest cup competition, some changes needed to be made. Out went the two-legged final and in game a one-off finale, staged at the home of football, Wembley. Also, the winners (providing they were a First Division club) would be guaranteed European football in the Fairs Cup (now the UEFA Cup) the following season.
But a determined band of brothers from west London had other ideas as they hijacked the revitalised tournament. And so it was that Third Division QPR, with the likes of Les Allen, Jim Langley and the legendary Rodney Marsh in the side, waltzed all the way to the final and once there produced another great upset - just as they had done all season.
Former Rangers striker Clive Clark bagged a brace for West Brom in the first half to give the Baggies a two goal lead at half-time. But the Rs refused to lie down and they stunned the Midlanders with a breathtaking second half performance.
Roger Morgan scored just a few minutes after the restart to make it 2-1 and then, with 15 minutes of normal time remaining, Marsh produced a magnificent piece of skill, running through the Albion defence and levelling for the Londoners. And then, in the dying moments, Mark Lazarus completed a remarkable comeback and ensured Rangers made history as the first division three team to lift the League Cup.
They were refused entry into the Fairs Cup because of their lowly league status, but still had plenty to celebrate as they also won the Third Division title that season.
Carling
Some of the Heroes:
See:
Ron Norris/QPR Net 2002 Interview with Rodney Marsh - Rodney Marsh
Ron Norris/QPRNet 2003 Interview with Roger and Ian Morgan - Morgan Interview
Ron Norris/QPR Net 2003 Interview with Frank Sibley - Sibley
Dave's Queens Park Rangers FC Site Profile of Alec Stock - Alec Stock
Dave's Queens Park Rangers FC Site Profile of Jim Gregory-
Jim Gregory
Carling: Carling Cup History "...The romance for the smaller clubs returned with the Wembley ticket: in 1967, a young Rodney Marsh helped QPR on the way to their first proper piece of silverware. They beat West Brom 3-2 and, in the process, became the first Third Division club to win a major trophy. The Super Hoops added to their haul a few weeks later by picking up the Third Division title too. The League Cup was fast becoming the 'Lucky Cup'.
The fact that 98,000 fans packed into Wembley for the 1967 final was conclusive proof that the League Cup was now extremely popular. In just seven years it had earned the right to stand alongside the FA Cup as a showpiece final. In every subsequent year, Wembley would be a sell-out.Carling
1967 Team - "Where Are They Now" - From 2003 Sunday Times
Caught In Time QPR win League Cup, 1967 by Greg Struthers
A quiet revolution was taking place in west London in the mid-1960s. A dapper former army major called Alec Stock was putting together a Queens Park Rangers football team that was ready to challenge the cream of the country.
Stock had developed a fine youth scheme since taking over in 1959, and when Jim Gregory was appointed club chairman in March 1965, the manager was given money to spend on new players. Striker Les Allen was enticed from Tottenham, the experienced Jim Langley was bought from Fulham, and a fee of only 15,000 pounds was paid to Craven Cottage for striker Rodney Marsh, probably the most famous player to don blue-and-white hoops.
Under the astute management of Stock and coach Bill Dodgin, the experience and talent blended well, with young lads breaking into the first team such as Dave Clement, Frank Sibley, Tony Hazell and the Morgan twins, Ian and Roger.
"The young players would inspire each other," recalls Roger Morgan. "There were about five or six of us who had grown up together, and there was tremendous team spirit.
Alec was prepared to put his faith in youth, but we learnt from the experienced players around us." Mike Keen, the club captain, has fond memories of his time at Loftus Road. "Even though we were in the Third Division, we were playing some quality football, and there was a good attitude in the team," he says. They showed the nation how good they really were on a crisp, frosty March 4, 1967.
The football hierarchy was concerned about the diminishing value of the League Cup in the eyes of the leading clubs. So it decided that the final would be staged at Wembley and that the winning First Division club would qualify for the European Fairs Cup.
Queens Park Rangers scuppered those plans. They marched cornfortably into the final, then came from two goals down at half-time to upset First Division West Bromwich Albion, winning 3-2.
Clive Clark, a former QPR player, scored both goals for West Brom, but the Rangers players were not concerned at half-time. "We had come back from 2-0 down in other games that season and were told to simply go out and enjoy the. day," says Keen.
Enjoy it they did. Roger Morgan scored after the restart, and 15 minutes from the end, Marsh set off on a trademark mazy dribble that ended with a brilliant solo goal, his shot going in off the post. Late in the game, Mark Lazarus scored the winner.
Rangers were denied a place in Europe, but were more than satisfied with their season. They won the Third Division by 12 points, and the following year were promoted to the top flight for the first time in their history.
1 Ron Hunt (QPR)
One of the products of the club's youth scheme, Hunt made his name as a solid centre-half. He became a squash coach after retiring from football, but knee injuries suffered earlier in his career forced him to quit. He lives near Reading and works for a petro-chemical company based in London.
2 Les Allen (QPR)
A striker in Tottenham's Doublewinning side of 1960-61, Allen moved to QPR for 21,000 pounds in July 1965. "I met Jim Gregory, the chairman, and he laid out the plans about what they wanted to do. I was impressed, even though they were in the Third Division," recalls Allen. "It was quite a change. When I started, we were only getting gates of 3,000 or 4,000 people, but that trebled when we began to get results". Allen became player-manager in December 1968 after the premature departure of Stock and the stormy 28-day reign of the colourful Scot Tommy Docherty. However, the club was relegated, and he moved on to manage Swindon, then spent time in Greece.
He then became a professional model-maker. Allen, who recently underwent hip replacement surgery, is retired and lives in Brentwood.
3 Roger Morgan (Tottenham Hotspur)
Another of the young players who came through QPR's youth scheme, Morgan was a speedy right-winger who played in 180 games for Rangers, scoring 39 goals. He then joined Tottenham, where he scored eight goals in 68 games. Although he scored a goal in the final, he does not remember the game well. "I was only 20 years old, and it went so quickly that I did not have time to savour it," he says. "But we were on the crest of a wave." After battling with injuries for four years, he was forced to quit s football at 26. He went to college and earned a degree in leisure studies.
After working as a recreation officer for Haringey council in London for 11 years, Morgan joined West Ham United and has run their football in the community scheme for 12 years. There are 125,000 children in the Essex and Hertfordshire area who take part in the project, and he feeds the best of them into the West Ham Academy. "It's nice to be giving something back to the game," he says.
4 Ian Morgan (QPR)
A wing forward like his twin brother, Roger, Ian also joined the club through the youth ranks. He signed for Watford after a successful spell at QPR, but was forced to quit football at 28 because of injury. He moved to Norway, where he coached for five years. On his return to Britain, he went into the leisure industry , teaching football and tennis in schools. Morgan lives in east London and helps his brother in the football in the community scheme at West Ham.
5 Mike Keen (Luton Town)
One of the old school of half-backs Keen was a skilful player who enjoyed delivering long passes, and he was a strong, clinical tackler. He was a QPR stalwart who joined the club in 1958, and played in 393 League matches. After a change of managers, he moved to Luton before finishing his playing career at Watford. He was appointed manager at Vicarage Road and enjoyed four years at the club, where he set about engendering the spirit he had experienced as a player at Loftus Road. He managed Northampton for a year before taking charge of Wycombe part-time and then Marlow while he concentrated on running Sport and Ski, a shop in Wycombe. He lives in Flackwell Heath in Buckinghamshire, and is manager of a shop in Oxfordshire that sells outdoor gear and ski equipment.
6 Tony Hazell (QPR)
A right-back who joined the club as a 15-year-old apprentice, Hazell admits that he did not have a great final. But he enjoyed his time at QPR, although he admits "football was nowhere near as intense as it is today". He later joined Millwall. and then spent three years at Charlton.
When he hung up his boots, he became an insurance salesman for three or four years, then went into property maintenance. He lives at Flackwell Heath, the same village as his former captain, and is a technician for BT, specialising in fibre optics.
7 Peter Springett (Sheffield Wednesday)
A member of the Springett goalkeeping family, Peter played an important role in the success of QPR, while his brother Ron stood between the posts for Sheffield Wednesday and won 33 caps for England. When he quit football, Peter joined the police force In Sheffield. He died after a short illness about four years ago.
Taken from this site: Where are they now
1982 the 1982 Cup Semi Final Team Vs WBA
April 3, 1982: QPR's Team against WBA
Hucker
Gillard Hazell Roeder Fenwick
Flanagan Waddock Currie Micklewhite
Allen Stainrod
WBA had Andy King and Cyrel Regis in their team.
WBA - Grew, Batson, Statham, Zondervan, Wile, Robertson, Bennett, King, Regis, Cross, Mackenzie. - Owen (sub)
Express and Star - Semi-final just a blur for Bob
He was the Baggies fan who broke the hearts of the Albion throng. But Bob Hazell still can’t remember a thing about it.
The club return to the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday 26 years since their last appearance ended in the calamity of defeat to a then Championship level Queen’s Park Rangers.
And although one of the capital’s famous goalscoring sons, Clive Allen, struck the goal that took Rangers to the final, no player did more to sink the Baggies that day than Hazell.
Former Villa manager John Gregory was in the Rangers midfield in those days but, ineligible for the semi, watched the Highbury contest from the QPR dugout. And his eyes rarely strayed from the central confrontation on which the semi-final hinged.
“To be honest, it was a pretty crap match,” Gregory says. “But if you are going to speak to one man about that game it has to be Bob. He won it for us.”
Why the reverence for the central defender? Because Hazell produced arguably the game of his career to nullify Albion legend Cyrille Regis, who at that time was in all his pomp and one of the most feared strikers in the top flight.
Albion would ultimately be grateful for Regis for scoring the goals that would keep them in the division but they hoped his pace and power would also see them through to Wembley. Hazell made sure it was not to be.
“Yeh that’s true,” says Regis. “I was flying at the time, I had 24 or 25 goals. And Bob has told me since how he was singled out to stop me.
“Bob was a powerful player like me and he had a great game, he was on form that day. I can only remember getting a half chance. He matched me wherever I went and we kind of nullified each other. He also clattered Andy King – nothing illegal – with a challenge and he had to go off which also upset our rhythm.
“But there is a message there for any team. You’ve got to have more than one match winner. I was playing well at the time and I am not saying everybody wasn’t playing well but Rangers were right. If you stopped me scoring they would have a good chance.”
Hazell is now a Birmingham-based 48-year-old Sports Prevention Manager working to help rehabilitate young offenders through sport. But despite memorable spells at Molineux, where he became the first black player to score for Wolves, and then Port Vale and Leicester, no game defines him quite like that heartbreaking day for Albion.
A pity then, it’s all still a bit of a blur.
“You will find this hard to believe but the truth is I can barely remember one or two incidents from that game,” says Hazell.
“It was one of those matches where I concentrated so hard that even when the final whistle went I didn’t realise it was the end of the game.
“But, at that time, Cyrille was ripping up trees, he was really doing the business and I remember vividly the team meeting beforehand. Terry Venables (QPR manager) looked at me at that meeting and said: ‘Bob, if you can look after Cyrille, we have got a good chance here.’
“Although Cyrille and I were and are good friends that was my mission for the day. For the day? It felt like it was my life’s mission. And from the time we walked out on to the pitch to after the match had been finished, barely a couple of things have ever come back to me.
“I can remember the lead up to our goal although I can’t remember how the ball came in my direction. They showed it on TV last week but the clip was so short I still couldn’t remember how it got there.
“The only other thing I can remember is right at the finish, we won a free-kick and I tried to be clever and waste a little more time by kicking the ball forward. The ref realised what I was up to and decided to teach me a lesson and said ‘Right, play on.’ Derek Statham jumped on to it but just as he made his play, the final whistle went.
“Tony Currie came up to me and shouted ‘Bob, Bob, you did ••••••• great!’ I don’t think I responded. I was still in the ‘zone’.”
In fact, it wasn’t until the following day when another legendary local figure came to take his pal out for a celebration that the enormity of the occasion struck home.
“I was back home – and I remember this bit clearly – that me and my great friend George Berry were out for a drive on the Sunday afternoon.
“We were somewhere in the country and I was looking at the trees flying by and I suddenly said to George: ‘Blimey, I’m going to Wembley. I’m going to be in the FA Cup final.’ And suddenly it all struck home. That FA Cup final was everything to me. As a kid I was an absolute fanatic up at 9am to watch the coverage begin.
“I remember all of that. And now I was going to be there. I really started to take it all in.
“Normally I can go through a game 100 times in detail and remember all the moments, recount them and replay them. But I think that match was just so intense and marking Cyrille was such a challenge.
“We’ve spoken about it many times, shared a stage together and talked about it, been away together and people have brought it up. It did mean a great deal to me.
“I had been brought up as an Albion fan and that day I was playing against some of my heroes. John Wile was in the side and I had watched him from the terraces. Tony Brown and Ally Rob . . . it was a big thing for me.
“And when I was at Wolves, I used to sneak away and watch Albion play.
“I was always a little disappointed that Albion never came in for me as a schoolboy but at that time, a lot of people would have struggled to get in there.
“To play against them and turn them over made that day all the more memorable and all I can say is ‘Thank God’ for that memory.”
Ultimately, Hazell finished empty-handed as Spurs won the final after a replay but he does not believe that should deter the focus Albion place on Saturday’s meeting with Portsmouth.
“It’s alright saying promotion is more important but if your team is good - and Albion’s is - the odds that you can get up the following year are still very good,” he insists.
“You can’t say that for the Cup. It could be an age before Albion are here again. And often when you look at teams getting promoted when they are not ready, they have all sorts of problems.
“They don’t say ‘Well, we did well to even get here’. It all implodes and they can easily end up going down a couple of divisions.
“But any player who has walked out there for the final will remember it forever. I got promoted with QPR and that was terrific but it still doesn’t match playing in the FA Cup final. And I was on the losing side! Had we beaten Spurs, they would still be trying to drag me down from the clouds now.”
Unfortunately, his head overrules his heart when he looks to Saturday’s contest and the possibility of the Baggies enduring another FA Cup semi disappointment to go with the setbacks of 1969, 1978 and 82.
He adds: “Portsmouth are a really powerful team. When you are the lower division side, the one thing that you hope for in Cup ties is that physical edge.
“You like to play a Tottenham where you know they are going to be very skilful but you might have the edge in muscle, aggression and work rate. That isn’t the case here and Albion are going to have their work cut out.
“I don’t know whether it’s bravado in Albion saying the league is more important. Personally, I don’t like that talk. For Pompey, winning the FA Cup is everything. And that could also make a difference.
“I would love to see Albion do it, it would be terrific for this area no matter what the Wolves fans think! But if I had any money I would have to put it on Pompey. Express and Star
And the manager:
BBC - Friday, December 5, 1997 - Baggies allow Harford move
West Bromwich Albion manager Ray Harford is set to join Queens Park Rangers after the clubs reached an agreement outside the High Court.
West Brom had been due to go before a judge in chambers for an injunction to prevent Harford from moving.
It followed Harford's decision to resign late on Wednesday evening, saying he wanted to be nearer his Surrey home.
But after discussions outside court, the two First Division clubs issued a joint statement that they had reached an "amicable agreement", as a result of which Harford was free to join QPR.
It means he should be in charge of the West London team for Saturday's home game against Sunderland.
Harford had never signed a contract at the Hawthorns, but Albion wanted compensation from QPR for the loss of their manager. Harford transformed the Baggies from relegation candidates into promotion challengers during his 10-month spell in charge.
He moved to Albion after resigning from Blackburn Rovers in October 1996 with the Premier League club bottom without a win in 10 matches. BBC
Complete List of Past Encounters
From Soccerbase -
2007/2008
Football League Championship West Bromwich Albion 5-1 Queen's Park Rangers 30-09-2007
2006/2007
Football League Championship Queen's Park Rangers 1-2 West Bromwich Albion 31-03-2007
Football League Championship West Bromwich Albion 3-3 Queen's Park Rangers 31-10-2006
2000/2001
Football League Championship Queen's Park Rangers 2-0 West Bromwich Albion 13-01-2001
Football League Championship West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Queen's Park Rangers 28-08-2000
1999/2000
Football League Championship Queen's Park Rangers 0-0 West Bromwich Albion 29-04-2000
Football League Championship West Bromwich Albion 0-1 Queen's Park Rangers 19-10-1999
1998/1999
Football League Championship Queen's Park Rangers 2-1 West Bromwich Albion 10-04-1999
Football League Championship West Bromwich Albion 2-0 Queen's Park Rangers 21-10-1998
1997/1998
Football League Championship West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Queen's Park Rangers 14-02-1998
Football League Championship Queen's Park Rangers 2-0 West Bromwich Albion 13-09-1997
1996/1997
Football League Championship West Bromwich Albion 4-1 Queen's Park Rangers 28-12-1996
Football League Championship Queen's Park Rangers 0-2 West Bromwich Albion 07-09-1996
1985/1986
English Division 1 (old) Queen's Park Rangers 1-0 West Bromwich Albion 12-04-1986
English Division 1 (old) West Bromwich Albion 0-1 Queen's Park Rangers 09-11-1985
1984/1985
English Division 1 (old) West Bromwich Albion 0-0 Queen's Park Rangers 26-01-1985
English Division 1 (old) Queen's Park Rangers 3-1 West Bromwich Albion 25-08-1984
1983/1984
English Division 1 (old) Queen's Park Rangers 1-1 West Bromwich Albion 07-05-1984
English Division 1 (old) West Bromwich Albion 1-2 Queen's Park Rangers 10-12-1983
1982/1983
English FA Cup West Bromwich Albion 3-2 Queen's Park Rangers --
1981/1982
English FA Cup Queen's Park Rangers 1-0 West Bromwich Albion 03-04-1982
1978/1979
English Division 1 (old) West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Queen's Park Rangers 24-03-1979
English Division 1 (old) Queen's Park Rangers 0-1 West Bromwich Albion 22-08-1978
1977/1978
English Division 1 (old) West Bromwich Albion 2-0 Queen's Park Rangers 22-03-1978
English Division 1 (old) Queen's Park Rangers 2-1 West Bromwich Albion 29-10-1977
1976/1977
English Division 1 (old) West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Queen's Park Rangers 12-02-1977
English Division 1 (old) Queen's Park Rangers 1-0 West Bromwich Albion 04-09-1976
1972/1973
English League Cup West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Queen's Park Rangers --
1968/1969
English Division 1 (old) Queen's Park Rangers 0-4 West Bromwich Albion 26-12-1968
English Division 1 (old) West Bromwich Albion 3-1 Queen's Park Rangers 05-10-1968
1966/1967
English League Cup Queen's Park Rangers 3-2 West Bromwich Albion 04-03-1967
1948/1949
English Division 2 (old) West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Queen's Park Rangers 02-04-1949
English Division 2 (old) Queen's Park Rangers 0-2 West Bromwich Albion 06-11-1948
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