-
- QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER! --------- Visit the growing QPR and football-only QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi-blog)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
- Tonight: Plymouth at Loftus Road - Stats and Past Results
- LSA Statement re new Manager and New Owner and QPR
- Best Football League Programmes Shortlist
- Congratulations to Mathew Connolly and Alejandro Faurlin for making Championship Team of the Week - Team of The Week
- Q&A With Damion Stewart
- Paul Furlong Eye Injury Update
- QPR Fan and Could-have-been QPR Owner, Andrew Ellis set for Glasgow Rangers
- FA Chairman Supports Fan-Run Clubs
- Football League's Shortlist for "Family Club" Awards
- A Chairman Takes Over (Temporarily) as Manager
- Total Tax Debt for All Four Divisions
- Britain's Least Successful Club: 28 Straight Losses
- A Fan's Extensive Interview with QPR FC Chairman, Gianni Paladini(originally posted on WATRB and QPRdot.org)
- Last night: Gianni Paladini was a Guest on Monday's JNetRadio
2010/2011 KEY DATES
-FIXTURE RELEASE: Thursday 17th June 2010
- FIRST DAY: Saturday 7th August 2010
- LAST DAY: League 1 & League 2 - Saturday 7th May 2011; Championship - Sunday 8th May 2011- Football League
David McIntyre BBC606 - An update on Volz
- Moritz Volz will shortly find out whether he will be given the chance to resurrect his career at QPR.
Volz joined Rangers on trial a few weeks ago and was as surprised as I was by subsequent reports that he was about to be offered a contract.
That was never likely to be the case as Volz was always going to need time to get back to anything like full fitness.
He has been without a club since being released by Fulham at the end of last season following a series of injury problems.
But there was also the small matter of the managerial position at Rangers, which Volz was waiting to be filled before discovering whether he had a future at the club.
Neil Warnock barely had a chance to speak to Volz before taking charge of his first game, but he is aware of his situation.
Warnock’s assistants Keith Curle and Mick Jones watched Volz in action in a reserve match against Millwall at Dartford last Tuesday night.
That was Volz’s third appearance for the team and the first time he has completed 90 minutes.
His progress has been hampered by a lack of chances to play for the reserves, largely because of the recent weather conditions.
The game against Millwall was his first outing for three weeks – hardly ideal for a player in his situation.
And in truth, his lack of fitness showed. He was caught out several times and had he been your average trialist, he would probably have been shown the door.
But Volz is not your average trialist, and commonsense suggests Rangers must give him time to get up to speed.
Despite QPR’s latest accounts showing an annual loss of almost £19m, Warnock will be given a sizeable budget this summer in order to try and get Rangers promoted next season.
But the chance to pick up a player of Volz’s proven quality for free looks like a good opportunity.
On the evidence of the little I’ve seen of him, he’s a long way short of his best. But that’s to be expected.
More positively for Volz, who is still only 27, he got better late in the game against Millwall – an encouraging sign for any player trying to rediscover fitness and form.
Another good sign is that since resuming training shortly after Christmas, he has not missed a single session.
Most players on the way back from long-term injury suffer at least some kind of setback, so the fact that Volz hasn’t bodes well for him.
Volz’s career seemed to have stalled last year, and it’s nearly 12 months since he last made a first-team appearance.
So, what happened to a player of obvious ability who has played in the top flight?
It seems the answer is that his underlying injury problem was not spotted.
Volz was diagnosed with a condition called Osteitis Pubis, which in layman’s terms is inflammation of the pubic bone.
He seemed unable to fully recover. But a full six months later, it transpired that he also had an adductor tear – a groin injury that causes many players problems.
This had initially not shown up on any scans, so the real problem affecting Volz went untreated.
As a result, he embarked on a more recent course of treatment which appears to have been much more successful.
The reserves have at least three more scheduled matches to play this month.
That should give Warnock a decent opportunity to assess him, unless the new manager makes a quick decision.
On a very different note, a few months ago a couple of colleagues – one of them being the venerable Chris Charles – suggested the three of us do something to raise money for the QPR Tiger Cubs.
The initial idea was to run from Loftus Road to Selhurst Park when Rangers play there on 10 April.
Fortunately for me, after Chris contacted The QPR Community Trust, it was decided it should be a walk so that more people could get involved.
So, I'll be joining Chris and a few others to raise money for what I'm sure you'll all agree is a great cause.
If you'd like to sponsor us, details on how to do so are included at the end of Chris’ blog.
You'll also see why it's a cause that's close to Chris' heart. I hope lots of people get behind it. BBC606
- See also other article re QPR Tiger Cubs
Plymouth Herald - Pilgrims take fight for survival onto the road
ARGYLE'S continuing fight for Championship survival will see them play four of their next five matches away from Home Park.
The clash against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road this evening will be followed by a trip to Coventry City on Saturday.
The Pilgrims will then host Bristol City next Tuesday, before playing two more away games, at Sc*n*horpe United on March 20 and Ipswich Town three days later.
It is a crucial stage of the season for relegation-threatened Argyle, who are desperate for wins to try to claw their way out of the bottom three.
Head coach Paul Mariner believes his players are capable of picking up a decent haul of points from the four away games over the next fortnight.
And he is convinced all the travelling involved will not pose problems for the Argyle squad.
Mariner said: "I take my hat off to the board. They allow us to fly to most venues, which is easier on the players.
"We are also cautious on the amount of legwork we give the players.
"But they have been around the block before and they know how to take care of themselves and what it's going to take to get in the best possible condition for the games."
He added: "We have obviously got to keep an eye on it, but we also respect the fact the players are very good professionals."
QPR will be playing for the second time tonight since the appointment of former Argyle boss Neil Warnock as their new manager.
He started his reign at Rangers with a 3-1 victory over promotion-chasing West Bromwich Albion at Loftus Road on Saturday.
QPR took a 2-0 lead inside 18 minutes, with goals from on-loan Arsenal striker Jay Simpson (see One to Watch) and right-back Matt Connolly.
Chris Brunt replied for West Brom before half-time, but former Argyle midfielder Akos Buzsaky made it 3-1 in the 67th minute.
Buzsaky, on as a substitute for Hogan Ephraim, curled a free-kick into the penalty area which deceived everyone, including West Brom goalkeeper Scott Carson, and the ball bounced into the net off a post.
The win moved QPR up four places to 16th in the Championship, three points clear of the relegation zone.
Rangers had five loan signings in their team against West Brom, including 'keeper Carl Ikeme and left-back Matt Hill from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The others were Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Adel Taarabt, Ipswich Town forward Tamas Priskin and Simpson.
Striker Marcus Bent has also been borrowed from Birmingham City.
But he was not involved against West Brom because only five loan players can be included in a match-day squad.
Warnock was appointed by QPR last week, on a three-and-a-half-year contract, after they agreed a compensation settlement with his former club, Crystal Palace.
The 61-year-old quit Palace because they are in administration and their future is far from certain.
Warnock is Rangers' fifth manager of the season, and the eighth permanent boss since the departure of Ian Holloway in February 2006.
Jim Magilton was appointed as the successor to Paulo Sousa last summer, but was sacked in December.
Centre of excellence bosses Steve Gallen and Marc Bircham had one match as caretaker bosses, before Paul Hart took over.
He quit Rangers after only five matches and Mick Harford took temporary charge for seven games, with QPR losing six times, before Warnock moved across London.
Warnock was last in opposition against Argyle in January, when Palace won 1-0 at Home Park.
Now he has been charged with the task of leading Rangers out of relegation trouble.
Mariner said: "I don't think Neil is going to change the way he plays the game, but obviously the personnel are different.
"They rose to the challenge on Saturday (by beating West Brom) and we are under no illusions this is a tough game.
"If we had played them 10 days ago, it might have been a different story.
"But with a new manager coming in, especially Neil with all his experience, he will get them fired up" Plymouth Herald
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
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Monday, March 08, 2010
Two QPR Players Make Championship Team of The Week...QPR LSA Statement on QPR Developments...A Paladini Interview
-
- QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER! --------- Visit the growing QPR and football-only QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi-blog)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
- Congratulations to Mathew Connolly and Alejandro Faurlin for making Championship Team of the Week - Team of The Week
- Statement issued by the LSA Committee dated 8th March 2010
The LSA is proud to be the oldest & the largest QPR supporters’ group. The committee of the LSA on behalf of its membership would like to welcome Ishan Saksena as chairman, the further involvement of Lakshmi Mittal & Amit Bhatia & the appointment of Neil Warnock as Manager. We wish the board the very best & hope Neil receives the support he needs to succeed in bringing back the feel good factor & the glory days to Loftus Road.
- The LSA will, however, continue to represent the views of our members to the Board & intend to meet our new Chairman soon to discuss issues that have divided the Club from its supporters in the past.
- The LSA would like to take this opportunity to send a message to all supporters of our great Club to set aside all negative feelings about our Club & put them into the dustbin of history & to move forward with Neil. Remember we are all QPR. None of us are bigger than our Club.
- Now more than ever the Team needs our support home & away. We cannot afford to drop out of the Championship. To ensure this doesn’t happen show your support by attending games & cheering on the Team. We can make the difference because “ We are QPR” & QPR is in the DNA of the LSA.
- The LSA is also proud to take more fans to away games than any other QPR travel group. We have not made money on travel this season but are prepared to continue to run coaches for fans to the following away games: Sheffield Utd, Preston, Leicester & Barnsley. Simply the team needs our support because “ We are QPR & we must not play in League One.”
- Remember live the DREAM; support the TEAM because we are QPR & the LSA is proud to be part of it.
- Come on U Rsssssssssssssssssssssssssss
- ****Travel details can be obtained from the LSA message board or from either Luke on 07806 531999 or Gary on 07951 423341 LSA
- Paul Furlong Eye Injury Update
- A Fan's Extensive Interview with QPR FC Chairman, Gianni Paladini(originally posted on WATRB and QPRdot.org)
- TONIGHT: Gianni Paladini a Guest on Monday's JNetRadio "Monday night sees Gianni Paladini chairman of QPR FC on the show talking about the club and the hopes for the future call in on 020 8906 7777 or email studio@jnetradio.com see you Monday night from 9pm jnetradio
- Next: Plymouth at Loftus Road - Stats and Past Results
>2010/2011 KEY DATES
-FIXTURE RELEASE: Thursday 17th June 2010
FIRST DAY: Saturday 7th August 2010
LAST DAY: League 1 & League 2 - Saturday 7th May 2011; Championship - Sunday 8th May 2011-
Football League
- QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER! --------- Visit the growing QPR and football-only QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi-blog)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
- Congratulations to Mathew Connolly and Alejandro Faurlin for making Championship Team of the Week - Team of The Week
- Statement issued by the LSA Committee dated 8th March 2010
The LSA is proud to be the oldest & the largest QPR supporters’ group. The committee of the LSA on behalf of its membership would like to welcome Ishan Saksena as chairman, the further involvement of Lakshmi Mittal & Amit Bhatia & the appointment of Neil Warnock as Manager. We wish the board the very best & hope Neil receives the support he needs to succeed in bringing back the feel good factor & the glory days to Loftus Road.
- The LSA will, however, continue to represent the views of our members to the Board & intend to meet our new Chairman soon to discuss issues that have divided the Club from its supporters in the past.
- The LSA would like to take this opportunity to send a message to all supporters of our great Club to set aside all negative feelings about our Club & put them into the dustbin of history & to move forward with Neil. Remember we are all QPR. None of us are bigger than our Club.
- Now more than ever the Team needs our support home & away. We cannot afford to drop out of the Championship. To ensure this doesn’t happen show your support by attending games & cheering on the Team. We can make the difference because “ We are QPR” & QPR is in the DNA of the LSA.
- The LSA is also proud to take more fans to away games than any other QPR travel group. We have not made money on travel this season but are prepared to continue to run coaches for fans to the following away games: Sheffield Utd, Preston, Leicester & Barnsley. Simply the team needs our support because “ We are QPR & we must not play in League One.”
- Remember live the DREAM; support the TEAM because we are QPR & the LSA is proud to be part of it.
- Come on U Rsssssssssssssssssssssssssss
- ****Travel details can be obtained from the LSA message board or from either Luke on 07806 531999 or Gary on 07951 423341 LSA
- Paul Furlong Eye Injury Update
- A Fan's Extensive Interview with QPR FC Chairman, Gianni Paladini(originally posted on WATRB and QPRdot.org)
- TONIGHT: Gianni Paladini a Guest on Monday's JNetRadio "Monday night sees Gianni Paladini chairman of QPR FC on the show talking about the club and the hopes for the future call in on 020 8906 7777 or email studio@jnetradio.com see you Monday night from 9pm jnetradio
- Next: Plymouth at Loftus Road - Stats and Past Results
>2010/2011 KEY DATES
-FIXTURE RELEASE: Thursday 17th June 2010
FIRST DAY: Saturday 7th August 2010
LAST DAY: League 1 & League 2 - Saturday 7th May 2011; Championship - Sunday 8th May 2011-
Football League
QPR Kick Off 2010/11 (Promotion) Season on August 7...Helping QPR Tiger Cubs
-
- QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER! --------- Visit the growing QPR and football-only QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi-blog)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
- TONIGHT: Gianni Paladini a Guest on Monday's JNetRadio "Monday night sees Gianni Paladini chairman of QPR FC on the show talking about the club and the hopes for the future call in on 020 8906 7777 or email studio@jnetradio.com see you Monday night from 9pm jnetradio
- Next: Plymouth at Loftus Road - Stats and Past Results
- Soccerex European Forum Held: Ali Russell and Joe Kyle from QPR Listed as Attendees
- Great Idea: Fan Email addresses with Club suffix (In this instance: Plymouth " your own.name@pafc.net email address"
- Jim Magilton Talking/Wants to Manage Again (Article focus Not on QPR)
- QPR's Former Chairman, Flavio Briatore Discussing Fatherhood
- "On This Day: March 8"
Where Are They Now I": Armel Tchakounte
- "Where Are They Now I?: Jackie Bass
- Andrew Ellis and David Bulstrode's son Trying to Buy (Glasgow) Rangers? ... Flashback: Andrew Ellis/QPR Bid
- LEE CAMP Talks re His QPR Exit; why QPR didn't want him; and his low transfer fee
FOOTBALL LEAGUE - KEY DATES REVEALED
Posted on: 08.03.2010
- This season may be far from over yet but the planning never stops for The Football League's competitions department who have confirmed the key fixture dates for the 2010/11 season.
- The fixtures for the new campaign will be announced on Thursday 17th June 2010 with next season kicking-off on Saturday 7th August 2010.
- The Carling Cup getting underway a matter of days later during the week commencing 9th August 2010. Three weeks later, in the week commencing 30th August, Round 1 of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy will be played.
- As ever, Christmas will be a busy period with four match days scheduled in the space of nine days. The traditional Boxing Day fixtures are followed by games on Tuesday 28th December, New Year's Day and Monday 3rd January 2011.
- The Final of the Carling Cup will take place on 28th February 2011, with the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final planned for 3rd April 2011.
- The season for clubs in League 1 and League 2 will end on Saturday 7th May 2011 with teams in the Championship playing their final matches a day later on Sunday 8th May 2011.
For a full list of key dates please click here
KEY DATES IN BRIEF:
FIXTURE RELEASE: Thursday 17th June 2010
FIRST DAY: Saturday 7th August 2010
LAST DAY: League 1 & League 2 - Saturday 7th May 2011; Championship - Sunday 8th May 2011-
Football League
re QPR Tiger Cubs - BBC Chris Charles - Doing it for the kids
It's the dream of every football-loving dad to one day see his child play for the team he loves. For me it's a case of when, not if.
It's not that little Lois is being touted as the next Wayne Rooney (even Arsenal don't take on under-2s - yet) but having Down's syndrome, she qualifies to play for the QPR Tiger Cubs - a side made up entirely of children born with the condition.
Of course, Lois has to learn to walk first (at 23 months she has perfected the fine art of bum-shuffling) but when she reaches the magical age of seven, she'll be turning up at Tiger Cubs HQ decked out in the blue and white hoops - whether she wants to or not.
QPR are one of six football clubs in England who run teams for children with Down's syndrome - Fulham, Charlton, Manchester United, Hereford and West Ham make up the rest - and supporters of the scheme are confident these numbers will continue to grow.
Patricia James, corporate fundraising officer for the Down's Syndrome Association, said: "It all started when a colleague of mine spoke to Fulham in 2006 about disability football. A pilot scheme for the Fulham Badgers was launched later that year, and it got a fantastic response.
"We had been getting feedback from parents of children with Down's syndrome who couldn't find any sporting activity for them to do. Eighty five per cent of these children are enrolled in mainstream primary schools, but when it comes to physical activity they often get left on the sidelines because their oxygen intake is up to 40% less.
"With this initiative, the children are becoming more active and gaining confidence. It's also very important for their emotional and social development. Unlike sport in the mainstream schools, it's a level playing field for everyone and they can take what they learn on the training pitches into the classroom and everyday life."
QPR Community Trust chief executive Andy Evans, who oversees the Tiger Cubs, concurs. "It's been phenomenal," he said. "The kids get an incredible amount of satisfaction, a sense of belonging, and it provides a support network for the parents where they can share common experiences.
"I've heard stories of children in mainstream education being called up in assembly wearing their QPR kit and the whole school giving them a round of applause because they're playing for the Tiger Cubs."
Training sessions are held every Monday night and the most difficult task facing the coaches is getting the children to leave the pitch at the end.
Head coach Adam Finch explained: "We try to keep the sessions as energetic as we can and we also have a fundamental group where we concentrate more on the motor skills - running, skipping, jumping, that sort of stuff.
"It's fantastic, always good fun. Some football sessions can get a bit stale, but never with the Tiger Cubs. It's always new, fresh and exciting - and if the kids are excited, you can't help but get excited as well."
The scheme first came to my attention last year, when the team showed off their skills during a half-time display at Loftus Road. The crowd were right behind them, cheering every goal that went in, and the kids milked the applause that came their way.
I'd be lying if I said it didn't bring a tear to my eye, but it also made me realise that any preconceptions I had about Lois not being able to do the things other children took for granted were misplaced. Let's face it, after coming through major heart surgery at three months old and having to be fed through a tube for a year, kicking a football around should be a doddle.
We didn't know Lois (pictured right) was going to be born with Down's syndrome - in fact after the 12-week scan, the nurse confidently predicted there was a one in 8,000 chance - so when we found out it was a shock to say the least. But you learn to adapt and nearly two years on, I can honestly say I wouldn't have her any other way.
Birmingham City midfielder Lee Carsley, whose 11-year-old son, Connor, has Down's syndrome, agrees. "You can get burdened down with it or take it in your stride," he said. "Of course you still think about it every day but if you lay in bed worrying about it all night you'd never be able to get anything done.
"I treat all my kids the same - I'm no different to any other Dad. I love them all - although sometimes they can be a pain!"
Carsley is a tireless fundraiser in his role as patron of the Solihull Down's syndrome support group and is in talks with Birmingham's new owners about the possibility of setting up a team in the mould of the Tiger Cubs.
He said: "I think it's a really good thing for the kids and can only be beneficial. Connor goes on some football coaching classes but they're all at different levels and he sometimes gets left behind.
"He's proud of me and what I do but while my other kids understand my role, Connor's a bit of a glory hunter. He wants me to score a goal and that's it. It would break his heart if he knew I haven't scored many!"
Carsley's former Everton team-mate Kevin Kilbane is patron of the DSActive charity, encouraging children with Down's syndrome to get involved in sport, and is heavily involved in promoting teams like the Fulham Badgers and QPR Tiger Cubs.
The Hull midfielder, who won his 103rd cap for the Republic of Ireland against Brazil, has a five-year-old daughter, Elsie, with Down's syndrome, and handed out the medals when the Badgers and Cubs recently teamed up to play a visiting Hong Kong XI.
"It's a really important scheme and it's gaining momentum by the week," he said. "The work the team has put in has been phenomenal, but it would be great to get more kids involved. At the moment there's not that much competition for the children with Down's syndrome or any other disability and I'd love every club to one day have its own team."
As for Lois, she turns two on 9 April, meaning it will be a mere 1,825 days before I finally get the chance to see her in action for the Tiger Cubs. The first two years of her life have coincided with extraordinary goings-on at my club that have seen a succession of managers come and go, leaving a team tipped for promotion embroiled in a relegation battle.
The changing of the guard in the boardroom, coupled with the arrival of football's Mr Motivator, Neil Warnock, will hopefully steady the ship, although even Warnock would struggle to replicate the drive and enthusiasm shown by the Cubs.
Indeed some of the footballing prima donnas ticked off by England coach Fabio Capello last week could do worse than pop down to witness this unbridled passion first-hand. And not a WAG or a Ferrari in sight.
On 10 April, a few of us will be walking from QPR's Loftus Road ground to Crystal Palace's stadium at Selhurst Park - ahead of the game between the sides - to raise money for the Tiger Cubs. Find out more here. BBC
-- To Donate to the Tiger Cubs -
-- [If click here also see two minute video -
- QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER! --------- Visit the growing QPR and football-only QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi-blog)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
- TONIGHT: Gianni Paladini a Guest on Monday's JNetRadio "Monday night sees Gianni Paladini chairman of QPR FC on the show talking about the club and the hopes for the future call in on 020 8906 7777 or email studio@jnetradio.com see you Monday night from 9pm jnetradio
- Next: Plymouth at Loftus Road - Stats and Past Results
- Soccerex European Forum Held: Ali Russell and Joe Kyle from QPR Listed as Attendees
- Great Idea: Fan Email addresses with Club suffix (In this instance: Plymouth " your own.name@pafc.net email address"
- Jim Magilton Talking/Wants to Manage Again (Article focus Not on QPR)
- QPR's Former Chairman, Flavio Briatore Discussing Fatherhood
- "On This Day: March 8"
Where Are They Now I": Armel Tchakounte
- "Where Are They Now I?: Jackie Bass
- Andrew Ellis and David Bulstrode's son Trying to Buy (Glasgow) Rangers? ... Flashback: Andrew Ellis/QPR Bid
- LEE CAMP Talks re His QPR Exit; why QPR didn't want him; and his low transfer fee
FOOTBALL LEAGUE - KEY DATES REVEALED
Posted on: 08.03.2010
- This season may be far from over yet but the planning never stops for The Football League's competitions department who have confirmed the key fixture dates for the 2010/11 season.
- The fixtures for the new campaign will be announced on Thursday 17th June 2010 with next season kicking-off on Saturday 7th August 2010.
- The Carling Cup getting underway a matter of days later during the week commencing 9th August 2010. Three weeks later, in the week commencing 30th August, Round 1 of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy will be played.
- As ever, Christmas will be a busy period with four match days scheduled in the space of nine days. The traditional Boxing Day fixtures are followed by games on Tuesday 28th December, New Year's Day and Monday 3rd January 2011.
- The Final of the Carling Cup will take place on 28th February 2011, with the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final planned for 3rd April 2011.
- The season for clubs in League 1 and League 2 will end on Saturday 7th May 2011 with teams in the Championship playing their final matches a day later on Sunday 8th May 2011.
For a full list of key dates please click here
KEY DATES IN BRIEF:
FIXTURE RELEASE: Thursday 17th June 2010
FIRST DAY: Saturday 7th August 2010
LAST DAY: League 1 & League 2 - Saturday 7th May 2011; Championship - Sunday 8th May 2011-
Football League
re QPR Tiger Cubs - BBC Chris Charles - Doing it for the kids
It's the dream of every football-loving dad to one day see his child play for the team he loves. For me it's a case of when, not if.
It's not that little Lois is being touted as the next Wayne Rooney (even Arsenal don't take on under-2s - yet) but having Down's syndrome, she qualifies to play for the QPR Tiger Cubs - a side made up entirely of children born with the condition.
Of course, Lois has to learn to walk first (at 23 months she has perfected the fine art of bum-shuffling) but when she reaches the magical age of seven, she'll be turning up at Tiger Cubs HQ decked out in the blue and white hoops - whether she wants to or not.
QPR are one of six football clubs in England who run teams for children with Down's syndrome - Fulham, Charlton, Manchester United, Hereford and West Ham make up the rest - and supporters of the scheme are confident these numbers will continue to grow.
Patricia James, corporate fundraising officer for the Down's Syndrome Association, said: "It all started when a colleague of mine spoke to Fulham in 2006 about disability football. A pilot scheme for the Fulham Badgers was launched later that year, and it got a fantastic response.
"We had been getting feedback from parents of children with Down's syndrome who couldn't find any sporting activity for them to do. Eighty five per cent of these children are enrolled in mainstream primary schools, but when it comes to physical activity they often get left on the sidelines because their oxygen intake is up to 40% less.
"With this initiative, the children are becoming more active and gaining confidence. It's also very important for their emotional and social development. Unlike sport in the mainstream schools, it's a level playing field for everyone and they can take what they learn on the training pitches into the classroom and everyday life."
QPR Community Trust chief executive Andy Evans, who oversees the Tiger Cubs, concurs. "It's been phenomenal," he said. "The kids get an incredible amount of satisfaction, a sense of belonging, and it provides a support network for the parents where they can share common experiences.
"I've heard stories of children in mainstream education being called up in assembly wearing their QPR kit and the whole school giving them a round of applause because they're playing for the Tiger Cubs."
Training sessions are held every Monday night and the most difficult task facing the coaches is getting the children to leave the pitch at the end.
Head coach Adam Finch explained: "We try to keep the sessions as energetic as we can and we also have a fundamental group where we concentrate more on the motor skills - running, skipping, jumping, that sort of stuff.
"It's fantastic, always good fun. Some football sessions can get a bit stale, but never with the Tiger Cubs. It's always new, fresh and exciting - and if the kids are excited, you can't help but get excited as well."
The scheme first came to my attention last year, when the team showed off their skills during a half-time display at Loftus Road. The crowd were right behind them, cheering every goal that went in, and the kids milked the applause that came their way.
I'd be lying if I said it didn't bring a tear to my eye, but it also made me realise that any preconceptions I had about Lois not being able to do the things other children took for granted were misplaced. Let's face it, after coming through major heart surgery at three months old and having to be fed through a tube for a year, kicking a football around should be a doddle.
We didn't know Lois (pictured right) was going to be born with Down's syndrome - in fact after the 12-week scan, the nurse confidently predicted there was a one in 8,000 chance - so when we found out it was a shock to say the least. But you learn to adapt and nearly two years on, I can honestly say I wouldn't have her any other way.
Birmingham City midfielder Lee Carsley, whose 11-year-old son, Connor, has Down's syndrome, agrees. "You can get burdened down with it or take it in your stride," he said. "Of course you still think about it every day but if you lay in bed worrying about it all night you'd never be able to get anything done.
"I treat all my kids the same - I'm no different to any other Dad. I love them all - although sometimes they can be a pain!"
Carsley is a tireless fundraiser in his role as patron of the Solihull Down's syndrome support group and is in talks with Birmingham's new owners about the possibility of setting up a team in the mould of the Tiger Cubs.
He said: "I think it's a really good thing for the kids and can only be beneficial. Connor goes on some football coaching classes but they're all at different levels and he sometimes gets left behind.
"He's proud of me and what I do but while my other kids understand my role, Connor's a bit of a glory hunter. He wants me to score a goal and that's it. It would break his heart if he knew I haven't scored many!"
Carsley's former Everton team-mate Kevin Kilbane is patron of the DSActive charity, encouraging children with Down's syndrome to get involved in sport, and is heavily involved in promoting teams like the Fulham Badgers and QPR Tiger Cubs.
The Hull midfielder, who won his 103rd cap for the Republic of Ireland against Brazil, has a five-year-old daughter, Elsie, with Down's syndrome, and handed out the medals when the Badgers and Cubs recently teamed up to play a visiting Hong Kong XI.
"It's a really important scheme and it's gaining momentum by the week," he said. "The work the team has put in has been phenomenal, but it would be great to get more kids involved. At the moment there's not that much competition for the children with Down's syndrome or any other disability and I'd love every club to one day have its own team."
As for Lois, she turns two on 9 April, meaning it will be a mere 1,825 days before I finally get the chance to see her in action for the Tiger Cubs. The first two years of her life have coincided with extraordinary goings-on at my club that have seen a succession of managers come and go, leaving a team tipped for promotion embroiled in a relegation battle.
The changing of the guard in the boardroom, coupled with the arrival of football's Mr Motivator, Neil Warnock, will hopefully steady the ship, although even Warnock would struggle to replicate the drive and enthusiasm shown by the Cubs.
Indeed some of the footballing prima donnas ticked off by England coach Fabio Capello last week could do worse than pop down to witness this unbridled passion first-hand. And not a WAG or a Ferrari in sight.
On 10 April, a few of us will be walking from QPR's Loftus Road ground to Crystal Palace's stadium at Selhurst Park - ahead of the game between the sides - to raise money for the Tiger Cubs. Find out more here. BBC
-- To Donate to the Tiger Cubs -
-- [If click here also see two minute video -
QPR Report Monday: QPR vs WBA Match Report Compilation
-
- QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER! --------- Visit the growing QPR and football-only QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi-blog)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
- TONIGHT: Gianni Paladini a Guest on Monday's JNetRadio "Monday night sees Gianni Paladini chairman of QPR FC on the show talking about the club and the hopes for the future call in on 020 8906 7777 or email studio@jnetradio.com see you Monday night from 9pm jnetradio
- Next: Plymouth at Loftus Road - Stats and Past Results
- Soccerex European Forum Held: Ali Russell and Joe Kyle from QPR Listed as Attendees
- Great Idea: Fan Email addresses with Club suffix (In this instance: Plymouth " your own.name@pafc.net email address"
- Jim Magilton Talking/Wants to Manage Again (Article focus Not on QPR)
- QPR's Former Chairman, Flavio Briatore Discussing Fatherhood
- "On This Day: March 8"
- Where Are They Now I": Armel Tchakounte
- "Where Are They Now I?: Jackie Bass
- Andrew Ellis and David Bulstrode's son Trying to Buy (Glasgow) Rangers? ... Flashback: Andrew Ellis/QPR Bid
- LEE CAMP Talks re His QPR Exit; why QPR didn't want him; and his low transfer fee
- Year Flashback: Assessing Paulo Sousa's QPR "Career" Prospects
- Administrators Behaving Like Messiahs
- Football Fans Stand Up For Their Rights
- Video: Another Goal by Pellicori (Complements of QPR Italia's Wally West)
QPR vs WBA REPORTS
- QPR 3 WBA 1: Earlier Compilation of Match Reports and Managerial Comments
- The QPR Fan Sites Match Reports of QPR vs WBA
Guardian/Jeremy Alexander
Neil Warnock rolls up his sleeves amid QPR's familiar muck and nettles
Neil Warnock, 61, is still finding his feet. His first QPR squad included more loan players than the five allowed. Having amended that, he took the field to rapturous applause and gave his clenched-fist acknowledgment to the away end. Then, after his new charges had rolled over the division's second-placed side, West Bromwich Albion, he said: "I still don't know who scored our first and third goals. I'll have a look tonight."
It hardly mattered. After four points from nine games since Boxing Day Queens Park Rangers were two places and three points above the relegation line. It looks healthier now and tomorrow they face Plymouth. Win that and Warnock will have them thinking of play-offs. He is not so much a breath of fresh air as a tornado. His charges were supercharged with his energy. Knowing who they are can wait.
"It's a matter of them finding out what I'm like and what I want from them," said Warnock. They are well practised at this. He is their fourth new manager of the season. What he wanted from them was to enjoy it. "They get paid a fortune to play football at a great club," he said. "I told them to smile." It worked. "They possibly amazed themselves," he added. "But they lack nothing in ability. My job is to channel it. I think we're in for a good time."
The players took him at his word. In the first minute the Moroccan Adel Taarabt ("Tarbs" to the manager) twisted Albion's left-back Marek Cech into demoralisation, from which two goals shortly stemmed. Jay Simpson stabbed in when Taarabt's cross squirmed from Scott Carson's grasp, then Alejandro Faurlin picked out the overlapping Matthew Connolly for a shot under the keeper. Though Chris Brunt's header to Jerome Thomas's centre made it 2-1 at half-time, Rangers breathed again when Akos Buzsaky's 40-yard free-kick bounced near the penalty spot, up and over the keeper and in untouched. Carson has fallen off England's pecking bench.
"We needed to be solid in the first 20 minutes," said Albion's manager, Roberto Di Matteo, after they had crumbled to a defeat that saw them slip to third. Maybe the thought that they, not Reading, should have been facing Aston Villa in the Cup preyed on minds that seemed elsewhere. Or perhaps it was that Warnock had won at The Hawthorns with Crystal Palace.
He played on this beforehand: "They probably wish the fixture was a week or so down the line as it's always difficult to come up against a side with a new manager." In fact he is the first at QPR in eight including caretakers – 16½ months in Flavio Briatore's chairmanship – to win his first match. As football chairmen go, the former owner of Renault's Formula One team was the pits and QPR could never have got their maverick man to move eight miles west without Briatore's removal from back-seat driving last month. They would have been a crash waiting to happen.
"What the players and board need is stability," Warnock said, though with him unstable equilibrium is more likely. "This is my type of club – muck and nettles," he said, relishing its intimacy. "I used to think south of Watford was the back of beyond." Palace taught him otherwise, though his loyalty through administration hardly deserved a "lack of morality" charge from Simon Jordan, the former chairman – more a pot and kettles club there perhaps.
Kaspars Gorkss, asked what QPR made of Warnock after five days, said: "He's a motivator. I hope he stays for 20 years." That will take him to 81. His average over 30 years is two and a half, his best eight at Sheffield United. If Stuart Attwell had given the penalty he might have at 2-1 when Gorkss upended Simon Cox, a breath of foul air might have been felt. As it is, Formula Warnock has hearts beating about the Bush with new excitement.
Man of the match Adel Taarabt (QPR) Guardian
Dave McIntyre/Daily Mail
QPR 3 West Brom 1: Loan ranger Marcus Bent saves Warnock's blushes after loanee blunder
- QPR’ new boss Neil Warnock was close to a major blunder before a ball was kicked. He was forced to change his lineup at the last minute after striker Marcus Bent, on loan from Birmingham, spotted that the match squad contained more than the permitted five loanees.
Warnock, Rangers’ ninth full-time boss since 2006, revealed: ‘Poor old Marcus said to me: “You’ve already got five in there, so you can’t have me on the bench”.’
Nevertheless, Rangers made a dream start for Warnock, with goals from Jay Simpson and Matt Connolly putting them in command.
Chris Brunt pulled one back for West Brom before QPR’s win was sealed by Akos Buzsaky’s free-kick.
Warnock refused to be drawn into a slanging match with Simon Jordan for leaving Crystal Palace.
They were close friends but the former Eagles owner has accused Warnock of letting him down by quitting Selhurst Park.
‘I’m just delighted Palace won and look forward to going there with QPR next month,’ said Warnock.
‘Simon’s worried they might go down, but they won’t. ‘For me, it was a great first week here. Everybody at QPR is just glad they’ve got stability.’
In contrast, it was a miserable afternoon for Albion who saw their challenge for automatic promotion falter and it was a disappointing debut for Steven Reid following his loan move from Blackburn.
But Reid is determined to force his way back into the Republic of Ireland reckoning after a string of injuries.
He said: ‘It was disappointing to miss out on the squad against Brazil. The aim now is to play games at club level, and this is an opportunity.
Warnock’s first signing could be Moritz Volz, who is on trial at Loftus Road.
Mail
The Sun/Sun PAUL JIGGINS
NEIL WARNOCK had no trouble with the Indians on Saturday - only the loan Rangers.
QPR's latest manager shot down the Baggies to ride off with the points in his first game in charge.
But after claims his predecessors faced interference from a former cowboy in the boardroom, Warnock says he is getting on fine with the club's Indian bosses Ishan Saksena and Amit Bhatia.
And the only problem is knowing his players. He said: "I had to change the team because I didn't realise I had too many loan players in the squad.
"Poor old Marcus Bent pointed it out. He said 'I'm sorry gaffer but you've already got five, so you can't put me on the bench'.
"When I came I wasn't really aware of anyone other than Marcus and Mikele Leigertwood who have played under me before. I hadn't a clue on the others. But I did well on the names as I'm usually a bit like Bobby Robson."
And Warnock reacted angrily when asked if the board would help pick the team. He said: "I just deal with Amit and Ishan and trust them totally."
Warnock took over last Monday after quitting Crystal Palace. Ironically he has been replaced at Selhurst Park by Paul Hart, who was axed as Hoops chief after just five games in charge.
Warnock added: "I told Paul he'll really enjoy managing Palace because they've got so much guts. Did he tell me much about QPR? No not really. I don't think he knew much about us!"
Baggies keeper Scott Carson gifted Jay Simpson the opener by spilling Adel Taarabt's cross before Matthew Connolly shot through his legs.
And after Chris Brunt pulled one back, Carson allowed Akos Buzsaky's 35-yard free-kick to bounce in for 3-1.
Albion debutant Steven Reid, on loan from Blackburn, said: "We've another game on Tuesday and it's lucky for us we can put this result right."
SUN STAR MAN MATTHEW CONNOLLY (QPR). Fine display in both penalty boxes. The Sun
TELEGRAPH/Jonathan Liew
Neil Warnock ceases war of words to revive QPR's fortunes against West Brom
Even for a man with a career as chequered as Neil Warnock’s, it has been quite a week.
The Palace patriarch of Monday had become the liberator of Loftus Road by Saturday, by way of a fiercely negotiated compensation package and a bitter war of words. Given the upheaval, it was small wonder that Warnock had to resubmit his team sheet after including too many loan players in his squad.
After likening his final days at Selhurst Park to being “slowly poisoned”, Warnock had no wish to fuel the feud any further.
He brushed aside former Palace owner Simon Jordan’s claim that he had “shown no loyalty” and only joined Queens Park Rangers for financial reasons, instead applauding his old side’s win against Middlesbrough.
“Obviously I’m sad at the comments, but I don’t want to do my washing in public,” he said. “I sincerely hope they can get safe. Simon’s worried they’re going to get relegated, but they’re not. There are too many good players in the squad.”
Warnock telephoned Paul Hart, the man with whom he has swapped jobs, on Friday to offer his counsel. “He’s had a bit of a rough time in the last nine months, but I told him he’d enjoy managing a team like that, because they’ve got so much guts and commitment.”
Did Hart give Warnock similar advice about QPR? “I’m not sure he knew that much about them,” Warnock quipped drily.
Not that Warnock appeared to be in need of guidance. Against West Brom, his side looked like a team that had remembered why they took up the game in the first place. They went two goals up through Jay Simpson and Matt Connolly, and though Chris Brunt headed the visitors back into the game, Akos Buzsaky’s 40-yard free-kick made sure of the points.
West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo defended his decision to leave top scorer Graham Dorrans on the bench with a view to Tuesday’s game against Sheffield Wednesday.
“He has played nine games in 28 days and we’ve got a very busy schedule,” the Italian said. “We need to make sure all our players are OK for the run-in.” Telegraph
Mirror/Ann Gripper
QPR 3-1 West Brom: The Daily Mirror match report
- Neil Warnock found a winning formula for his first game in charge of QPR – with a little bit of help from Marcus Bent.
The former Crystal Palace manager brought some instant relief to Loftus Road as his side capitalised on a bad day for visiting keeper Scott Carson to climb four places to 16th.
Previous QPR bosses have had to contend with Flavio Briatore’s input into team selection, but this was one occasion when the Gaffer was grateful for some outside help as he gets to grips with his new squad.
Warnock admitted: “I had to change the team sheet at the start because I didn't realise I had too many loan players in the squad.
“Poor old Marcus Bent pointed it out to me. He said 'I'm sorry gaffer but you've already got five, you can't put me on the bench'.
“I'll just have to make sure I read up on a few players before I put my next teamsheet in.
“When I came I wasn't really aware of anybody other than Marcus Bent and Mikele Leigertwood who have played under me.
“I hadn't got a clue about the others. It's all been new to me.
“But I did well on the names really because I'm usually a bit like Bobby Robson.
“There's a couple I can't pronounce. I called (Adel) Taraabt Tarbs and the other fella (Alejandro Faurlin) Ali because I can't pronounce his name.”
With Warnock their fifth manager of the season, the merry-go-round has been spinning so fast Rangers players could be forgiven for having their own struggles remembering which Gaffer is in the hotseat at any one time.
But as Warnock became the first boss since Iain Dowie – 19 months and eight managers ago – to win his first game in charge, notching the Hoops’ first win over Albion in nine years, they might just have to get used to him.
Rangers started nervously, but received a perfect boost when Carson fumbled Taarabt’s 13th minute cross, allowing Jay Simpson to stab home.
And a smooth move five minutes later was coolly finished through Carson’s legs by Matt Connolly.
Chris Brunt pulled a goal back for the visitors nine minutes before the break, but Rangers showed resilience and a 67th minute free kick from the lively Akos Buzsaky bounced on the six yard line, looped beyond Carson onto the post then trickled in to make the game safe.
Buzsaky is one of a number of flair players at Rangers who are not the kind you would usually associate with a Warnock side, but the veteran manager is looking forward to exploiting their gifts.
He explained: “I think they're our jewels in the crown.
“If I can channel the ability they have in the right direction, we're in for a good time.” Mirror
FINANCES
- The Latest QPR Accounts: Excerpts from the Accounts
- Last Year's QPR Accounts
- The QPR Accounts of 2000 (Chris Wright)
An Earlier QPR Championship Winning Team: Centenary Coming Up in Two Years!" "In 1911/12, QPR won the Southern League for the second time"- QPR Official Site Club History
- QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER! --------- Visit the growing QPR and football-only QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi-blog)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
- TONIGHT: Gianni Paladini a Guest on Monday's JNetRadio "Monday night sees Gianni Paladini chairman of QPR FC on the show talking about the club and the hopes for the future call in on 020 8906 7777 or email studio@jnetradio.com see you Monday night from 9pm jnetradio
- Next: Plymouth at Loftus Road - Stats and Past Results
- Soccerex European Forum Held: Ali Russell and Joe Kyle from QPR Listed as Attendees
- Great Idea: Fan Email addresses with Club suffix (In this instance: Plymouth " your own.name@pafc.net email address"
- Jim Magilton Talking/Wants to Manage Again (Article focus Not on QPR)
- QPR's Former Chairman, Flavio Briatore Discussing Fatherhood
- "On This Day: March 8"
- Where Are They Now I": Armel Tchakounte
- "Where Are They Now I?: Jackie Bass
- Andrew Ellis and David Bulstrode's son Trying to Buy (Glasgow) Rangers? ... Flashback: Andrew Ellis/QPR Bid
- LEE CAMP Talks re His QPR Exit; why QPR didn't want him; and his low transfer fee
- Year Flashback: Assessing Paulo Sousa's QPR "Career" Prospects
- Administrators Behaving Like Messiahs
- Football Fans Stand Up For Their Rights
- Video: Another Goal by Pellicori (Complements of QPR Italia's Wally West)
QPR vs WBA REPORTS
- QPR 3 WBA 1: Earlier Compilation of Match Reports and Managerial Comments
- The QPR Fan Sites Match Reports of QPR vs WBA
Guardian/Jeremy Alexander
Neil Warnock rolls up his sleeves amid QPR's familiar muck and nettles
Neil Warnock, 61, is still finding his feet. His first QPR squad included more loan players than the five allowed. Having amended that, he took the field to rapturous applause and gave his clenched-fist acknowledgment to the away end. Then, after his new charges had rolled over the division's second-placed side, West Bromwich Albion, he said: "I still don't know who scored our first and third goals. I'll have a look tonight."
It hardly mattered. After four points from nine games since Boxing Day Queens Park Rangers were two places and three points above the relegation line. It looks healthier now and tomorrow they face Plymouth. Win that and Warnock will have them thinking of play-offs. He is not so much a breath of fresh air as a tornado. His charges were supercharged with his energy. Knowing who they are can wait.
"It's a matter of them finding out what I'm like and what I want from them," said Warnock. They are well practised at this. He is their fourth new manager of the season. What he wanted from them was to enjoy it. "They get paid a fortune to play football at a great club," he said. "I told them to smile." It worked. "They possibly amazed themselves," he added. "But they lack nothing in ability. My job is to channel it. I think we're in for a good time."
The players took him at his word. In the first minute the Moroccan Adel Taarabt ("Tarbs" to the manager) twisted Albion's left-back Marek Cech into demoralisation, from which two goals shortly stemmed. Jay Simpson stabbed in when Taarabt's cross squirmed from Scott Carson's grasp, then Alejandro Faurlin picked out the overlapping Matthew Connolly for a shot under the keeper. Though Chris Brunt's header to Jerome Thomas's centre made it 2-1 at half-time, Rangers breathed again when Akos Buzsaky's 40-yard free-kick bounced near the penalty spot, up and over the keeper and in untouched. Carson has fallen off England's pecking bench.
"We needed to be solid in the first 20 minutes," said Albion's manager, Roberto Di Matteo, after they had crumbled to a defeat that saw them slip to third. Maybe the thought that they, not Reading, should have been facing Aston Villa in the Cup preyed on minds that seemed elsewhere. Or perhaps it was that Warnock had won at The Hawthorns with Crystal Palace.
He played on this beforehand: "They probably wish the fixture was a week or so down the line as it's always difficult to come up against a side with a new manager." In fact he is the first at QPR in eight including caretakers – 16½ months in Flavio Briatore's chairmanship – to win his first match. As football chairmen go, the former owner of Renault's Formula One team was the pits and QPR could never have got their maverick man to move eight miles west without Briatore's removal from back-seat driving last month. They would have been a crash waiting to happen.
"What the players and board need is stability," Warnock said, though with him unstable equilibrium is more likely. "This is my type of club – muck and nettles," he said, relishing its intimacy. "I used to think south of Watford was the back of beyond." Palace taught him otherwise, though his loyalty through administration hardly deserved a "lack of morality" charge from Simon Jordan, the former chairman – more a pot and kettles club there perhaps.
Kaspars Gorkss, asked what QPR made of Warnock after five days, said: "He's a motivator. I hope he stays for 20 years." That will take him to 81. His average over 30 years is two and a half, his best eight at Sheffield United. If Stuart Attwell had given the penalty he might have at 2-1 when Gorkss upended Simon Cox, a breath of foul air might have been felt. As it is, Formula Warnock has hearts beating about the Bush with new excitement.
Man of the match Adel Taarabt (QPR) Guardian
Dave McIntyre/Daily Mail
QPR 3 West Brom 1: Loan ranger Marcus Bent saves Warnock's blushes after loanee blunder
- QPR’ new boss Neil Warnock was close to a major blunder before a ball was kicked. He was forced to change his lineup at the last minute after striker Marcus Bent, on loan from Birmingham, spotted that the match squad contained more than the permitted five loanees.
Warnock, Rangers’ ninth full-time boss since 2006, revealed: ‘Poor old Marcus said to me: “You’ve already got five in there, so you can’t have me on the bench”.’
Nevertheless, Rangers made a dream start for Warnock, with goals from Jay Simpson and Matt Connolly putting them in command.
Chris Brunt pulled one back for West Brom before QPR’s win was sealed by Akos Buzsaky’s free-kick.
Warnock refused to be drawn into a slanging match with Simon Jordan for leaving Crystal Palace.
They were close friends but the former Eagles owner has accused Warnock of letting him down by quitting Selhurst Park.
‘I’m just delighted Palace won and look forward to going there with QPR next month,’ said Warnock.
‘Simon’s worried they might go down, but they won’t. ‘For me, it was a great first week here. Everybody at QPR is just glad they’ve got stability.’
In contrast, it was a miserable afternoon for Albion who saw their challenge for automatic promotion falter and it was a disappointing debut for Steven Reid following his loan move from Blackburn.
But Reid is determined to force his way back into the Republic of Ireland reckoning after a string of injuries.
He said: ‘It was disappointing to miss out on the squad against Brazil. The aim now is to play games at club level, and this is an opportunity.
Warnock’s first signing could be Moritz Volz, who is on trial at Loftus Road.
The Sun/Sun PAUL JIGGINS
NEIL WARNOCK had no trouble with the Indians on Saturday - only the loan Rangers.
QPR's latest manager shot down the Baggies to ride off with the points in his first game in charge.
But after claims his predecessors faced interference from a former cowboy in the boardroom, Warnock says he is getting on fine with the club's Indian bosses Ishan Saksena and Amit Bhatia.
And the only problem is knowing his players. He said: "I had to change the team because I didn't realise I had too many loan players in the squad.
"Poor old Marcus Bent pointed it out. He said 'I'm sorry gaffer but you've already got five, so you can't put me on the bench'.
"When I came I wasn't really aware of anyone other than Marcus and Mikele Leigertwood who have played under me before. I hadn't a clue on the others. But I did well on the names as I'm usually a bit like Bobby Robson."
And Warnock reacted angrily when asked if the board would help pick the team. He said: "I just deal with Amit and Ishan and trust them totally."
Warnock took over last Monday after quitting Crystal Palace. Ironically he has been replaced at Selhurst Park by Paul Hart, who was axed as Hoops chief after just five games in charge.
Warnock added: "I told Paul he'll really enjoy managing Palace because they've got so much guts. Did he tell me much about QPR? No not really. I don't think he knew much about us!"
Baggies keeper Scott Carson gifted Jay Simpson the opener by spilling Adel Taarabt's cross before Matthew Connolly shot through his legs.
And after Chris Brunt pulled one back, Carson allowed Akos Buzsaky's 35-yard free-kick to bounce in for 3-1.
Albion debutant Steven Reid, on loan from Blackburn, said: "We've another game on Tuesday and it's lucky for us we can put this result right."
SUN STAR MAN MATTHEW CONNOLLY (QPR). Fine display in both penalty boxes. The Sun
TELEGRAPH/Jonathan Liew
Neil Warnock ceases war of words to revive QPR's fortunes against West Brom
Even for a man with a career as chequered as Neil Warnock’s, it has been quite a week.
The Palace patriarch of Monday had become the liberator of Loftus Road by Saturday, by way of a fiercely negotiated compensation package and a bitter war of words. Given the upheaval, it was small wonder that Warnock had to resubmit his team sheet after including too many loan players in his squad.
After likening his final days at Selhurst Park to being “slowly poisoned”, Warnock had no wish to fuel the feud any further.
He brushed aside former Palace owner Simon Jordan’s claim that he had “shown no loyalty” and only joined Queens Park Rangers for financial reasons, instead applauding his old side’s win against Middlesbrough.
“Obviously I’m sad at the comments, but I don’t want to do my washing in public,” he said. “I sincerely hope they can get safe. Simon’s worried they’re going to get relegated, but they’re not. There are too many good players in the squad.”
Warnock telephoned Paul Hart, the man with whom he has swapped jobs, on Friday to offer his counsel. “He’s had a bit of a rough time in the last nine months, but I told him he’d enjoy managing a team like that, because they’ve got so much guts and commitment.”
Did Hart give Warnock similar advice about QPR? “I’m not sure he knew that much about them,” Warnock quipped drily.
Not that Warnock appeared to be in need of guidance. Against West Brom, his side looked like a team that had remembered why they took up the game in the first place. They went two goals up through Jay Simpson and Matt Connolly, and though Chris Brunt headed the visitors back into the game, Akos Buzsaky’s 40-yard free-kick made sure of the points.
West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo defended his decision to leave top scorer Graham Dorrans on the bench with a view to Tuesday’s game against Sheffield Wednesday.
“He has played nine games in 28 days and we’ve got a very busy schedule,” the Italian said. “We need to make sure all our players are OK for the run-in.” Telegraph
Mirror/Ann Gripper
QPR 3-1 West Brom: The Daily Mirror match report
- Neil Warnock found a winning formula for his first game in charge of QPR – with a little bit of help from Marcus Bent.
The former Crystal Palace manager brought some instant relief to Loftus Road as his side capitalised on a bad day for visiting keeper Scott Carson to climb four places to 16th.
Previous QPR bosses have had to contend with Flavio Briatore’s input into team selection, but this was one occasion when the Gaffer was grateful for some outside help as he gets to grips with his new squad.
Warnock admitted: “I had to change the team sheet at the start because I didn't realise I had too many loan players in the squad.
“Poor old Marcus Bent pointed it out to me. He said 'I'm sorry gaffer but you've already got five, you can't put me on the bench'.
“I'll just have to make sure I read up on a few players before I put my next teamsheet in.
“When I came I wasn't really aware of anybody other than Marcus Bent and Mikele Leigertwood who have played under me.
“I hadn't got a clue about the others. It's all been new to me.
“But I did well on the names really because I'm usually a bit like Bobby Robson.
“There's a couple I can't pronounce. I called (Adel) Taraabt Tarbs and the other fella (Alejandro Faurlin) Ali because I can't pronounce his name.”
With Warnock their fifth manager of the season, the merry-go-round has been spinning so fast Rangers players could be forgiven for having their own struggles remembering which Gaffer is in the hotseat at any one time.
But as Warnock became the first boss since Iain Dowie – 19 months and eight managers ago – to win his first game in charge, notching the Hoops’ first win over Albion in nine years, they might just have to get used to him.
Rangers started nervously, but received a perfect boost when Carson fumbled Taarabt’s 13th minute cross, allowing Jay Simpson to stab home.
And a smooth move five minutes later was coolly finished through Carson’s legs by Matt Connolly.
Chris Brunt pulled a goal back for the visitors nine minutes before the break, but Rangers showed resilience and a 67th minute free kick from the lively Akos Buzsaky bounced on the six yard line, looped beyond Carson onto the post then trickled in to make the game safe.
Buzsaky is one of a number of flair players at Rangers who are not the kind you would usually associate with a Warnock side, but the veteran manager is looking forward to exploiting their gifts.
He explained: “I think they're our jewels in the crown.
“If I can channel the ability they have in the right direction, we're in for a good time.” Mirror
FINANCES
- The Latest QPR Accounts: Excerpts from the Accounts
- Last Year's QPR Accounts
- The QPR Accounts of 2000 (Chris Wright)
An Earlier QPR Championship Winning Team: Centenary Coming Up in Two Years!" "In 1911/12, QPR won the Southern League for the second time"- QPR Official Site Club History
Sunday, March 07, 2010
QPR Report Sunday Snippets
-
- QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
- Visit the growing QPR and football-only QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi-blog)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
- QPR 3 WBA 1: Compilation of Match Reports and Managerial Comments
- Gianni Paladini a Guest on Monday's JNetRadio
- Next: Plymouth at Loftus Road - Stats and Past Results
- Where Are They Now I": Armel Tchakounte
- "Where Are They Now I?: Jackie Bass
- Year Flashback: Assessing Paulo Sousa's QPR "Career" Prospects
- Andrew Ellis and David Bulstrode's son Trying to Buy (Glasgow) Rangers? ... Flashback: Andrew Ellis/QPR Bid
- LEE CAMP Talks re His QPR Exit; why QPR didn't want him; and his low transfer fee
- Q&A With Ex-QPR Gordon Hill (No QPR Focus)
- Administrators Behaving Like Messiahs
- Football Fans Stand Up For Their Rights
- Video: Another Goal by Pellicori (Complements of QPR Italia's Wally West)
- Ex-QPRs: Sousa and Jackett Miss Out on "Manager of The Month"
- QPR Champions Photo (from 98 Years Ago!)
FINANCES
- The Latest QPR Accounts: Excerpts from the Accounts
- Last Year's QPR Accounts
- The QPR Accounts of 2000 (Chris Wright)
FLASHBACK: Four Years Ago Today: QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini Issues Statement Refuting Evening Standard Article Re Finances-
- March 7, 2006 - QPR OFFICIAL SITE - STATEMENT
- Gianni Paladini has issued the following statement following recent inaccurate reporting.
- Once again this club has been subjected to a barrage of pitifully inaccurate reporting in the London Evening Standard - and once again I am left with no option but to set the record straight in order that you, our true supporters, know exactly how QPR's finances stand.
- The article in last Friday's edition should be seen in the light of the previous negative and misleading articles by the same author for which they had to print an apology and pay our solicitor's costs.
- The total value of the debt in the 2005 accounts (ie the sum of the current liabilities and the long term liabilities) is £18m.The total value of the same debt in the 2004 accounts was £18m.In other words no change, but this is definitely not the impression conveyed by the headline.
- As most fans know the biggest item in the total debt is the £10m loan from the ABC Corporation which was entered into in 2002 several years before the current regime took over. Current liabilities fell in 2005 as the debts to the Customs and Revenue were reduced and short-term loans to shareholders were repaid.
- You should also be aware that £2.8m of the total "debts" is for income for the 2005/06 season that was banked before the 31st May 2005 and, in accordance with standard accounting practice, is included in current liabilities as deferred income.The bulk of this deferred income is for season ticket receipts, which is being released in the 2005/06 financial year. This means that the high value of the early bird season ticket sales for both the 2004 and 2005 seasons have increased the "debt" at the club's financial year end.So rather perversely the increase in deferred income is a positive sign and not an indication of "misery" as heralded by the Evening Standard.
- The Standard did state that losses for the year were £2.5m but neglected to mention that was an improvement of £1.8m on the two previous years.
- This improvement was all the more impressive as it was achieved despite losing the revenue from Fulham ground sharing deal. Running costs have been reduced and supply contracts have been renegotiated. I know these figures are wrong because I am so intimately involved in both the day-to-day running of the club, and its financial strategy and support. Along with my trusted friend and chairman of QPR Holdings, Antonio Caliendo, we have dug into our own pockets to pay off the debts we inherited when we took over - debts that, quite frankly, would have forced the club into liquidation if they had not been paid.
- I need to say a few more words about Antonio at this point because the Standard has also intimated there is something dark and mysterious about his presence at the club. Antonio is chairman of our holding company, and I am chairman of the football club. There is nothing murky or sinister about this two-man structure - it's exactly the same format that existed before we took over.
- We have no hidden agendas - if we did, we wouldn't have stuck around for so long, working so hard to get QPR's finances back on the straight and narrow. The accounts for 2005 show a vast improvement on the previous years' results and the current projections for 2006 show that there will be another sizeable reduction in the clubs' net losses.
- However the Evening Standard states that the projected losses for the current season "could be as much as £4m" and will not be revealed until March 2007. As the club has had no contact with the writer of this article we are left to ponder as to the both the source of his inaccurate statements and the motives behind them. The club is currently working on its projections for next season and the board of directors are looking for further revenue opportunities and further cost savings as the club works towards a break-even situation.A more detailed update will be given to shareholders at the forthcoming AGM and a summary will then published on the QPR website."
- QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
- Visit the growing QPR and football-only QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi-blog)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
- QPR 3 WBA 1: Compilation of Match Reports and Managerial Comments
- Gianni Paladini a Guest on Monday's JNetRadio
- Next: Plymouth at Loftus Road - Stats and Past Results
- Where Are They Now I": Armel Tchakounte
- "Where Are They Now I?: Jackie Bass
- Year Flashback: Assessing Paulo Sousa's QPR "Career" Prospects
- Andrew Ellis and David Bulstrode's son Trying to Buy (Glasgow) Rangers? ... Flashback: Andrew Ellis/QPR Bid
- LEE CAMP Talks re His QPR Exit; why QPR didn't want him; and his low transfer fee
- Q&A With Ex-QPR Gordon Hill (No QPR Focus)
- Administrators Behaving Like Messiahs
- Football Fans Stand Up For Their Rights
- Video: Another Goal by Pellicori (Complements of QPR Italia's Wally West)
- Ex-QPRs: Sousa and Jackett Miss Out on "Manager of The Month"
- QPR Champions Photo (from 98 Years Ago!)
FINANCES
- The Latest QPR Accounts: Excerpts from the Accounts
- Last Year's QPR Accounts
- The QPR Accounts of 2000 (Chris Wright)
FLASHBACK: Four Years Ago Today: QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini Issues Statement Refuting Evening Standard Article Re Finances-
- March 7, 2006 - QPR OFFICIAL SITE - STATEMENT
- Gianni Paladini has issued the following statement following recent inaccurate reporting.
- Once again this club has been subjected to a barrage of pitifully inaccurate reporting in the London Evening Standard - and once again I am left with no option but to set the record straight in order that you, our true supporters, know exactly how QPR's finances stand.
- The article in last Friday's edition should be seen in the light of the previous negative and misleading articles by the same author for which they had to print an apology and pay our solicitor's costs.
- The total value of the debt in the 2005 accounts (ie the sum of the current liabilities and the long term liabilities) is £18m.The total value of the same debt in the 2004 accounts was £18m.In other words no change, but this is definitely not the impression conveyed by the headline.
- As most fans know the biggest item in the total debt is the £10m loan from the ABC Corporation which was entered into in 2002 several years before the current regime took over. Current liabilities fell in 2005 as the debts to the Customs and Revenue were reduced and short-term loans to shareholders were repaid.
- You should also be aware that £2.8m of the total "debts" is for income for the 2005/06 season that was banked before the 31st May 2005 and, in accordance with standard accounting practice, is included in current liabilities as deferred income.The bulk of this deferred income is for season ticket receipts, which is being released in the 2005/06 financial year. This means that the high value of the early bird season ticket sales for both the 2004 and 2005 seasons have increased the "debt" at the club's financial year end.So rather perversely the increase in deferred income is a positive sign and not an indication of "misery" as heralded by the Evening Standard.
- The Standard did state that losses for the year were £2.5m but neglected to mention that was an improvement of £1.8m on the two previous years.
- This improvement was all the more impressive as it was achieved despite losing the revenue from Fulham ground sharing deal. Running costs have been reduced and supply contracts have been renegotiated. I know these figures are wrong because I am so intimately involved in both the day-to-day running of the club, and its financial strategy and support. Along with my trusted friend and chairman of QPR Holdings, Antonio Caliendo, we have dug into our own pockets to pay off the debts we inherited when we took over - debts that, quite frankly, would have forced the club into liquidation if they had not been paid.
- I need to say a few more words about Antonio at this point because the Standard has also intimated there is something dark and mysterious about his presence at the club. Antonio is chairman of our holding company, and I am chairman of the football club. There is nothing murky or sinister about this two-man structure - it's exactly the same format that existed before we took over.
- We have no hidden agendas - if we did, we wouldn't have stuck around for so long, working so hard to get QPR's finances back on the straight and narrow. The accounts for 2005 show a vast improvement on the previous years' results and the current projections for 2006 show that there will be another sizeable reduction in the clubs' net losses.
- However the Evening Standard states that the projected losses for the current season "could be as much as £4m" and will not be revealed until March 2007. As the club has had no contact with the writer of this article we are left to ponder as to the both the source of his inaccurate statements and the motives behind them. The club is currently working on its projections for next season and the board of directors are looking for further revenue opportunities and further cost savings as the club works towards a break-even situation.A more detailed update will be given to shareholders at the forthcoming AGM and a summary will then published on the QPR website."
Saturday, March 06, 2010
QPR Defeat West Bromwich Albion (WBA): Reports and Comments
-
- QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!......Visit the growing QPR and football-only QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi-blog)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
- Gianni Paladini a Guest on Monday's JNetRadio
- Video: Another Goal by Pellicori (Complements of QPR Italia's Wally West)
- LEE CAMP Talks re His QPR Exit; why QPR didn't want him; and his low transfer fee
- Where Are They Now I": Armel Tchakounte
- "Where Are They Now I?: Jackie Bass
- Andrew Ellis and David Bulstrode's son Trying to Buy (Glasgow) Rangers?
- Ex-QPRs: Sousa and Jackett Miss Out on "Manager of The Month"
- The Latest QPR Accounts: Excerpts from the Accounts
- Last Year's QPR Accounts
- The QPR Accounts of 2000 (Chris Wright)
QPR Official Site - WARNOCK: 'IT HAD EVERYTHING!'
R's gaffer Neil Warnock was brimming from ear to ear after seeing his side run out worthy 3-1 winners against West Bromwich Albion at Loftus Road.
Goals from Jay Simpson, Matt Connolly and Akos Buzsaky sealed the victory, on a day when the feel-good factor in W12 shone through and through in a first-rate team performance.
"It was an exciting start for everyone," Warnock told www.qpr.co.uk.
"The lads have probably done things they didn't know they could do in training, but to be fair to them they've produced the goods today.
"We've got a lot of good players who probably needed a bit of direction, which we've given to them this week.
"It was a fantastic performance against a Club that I fully expect to be playing in the Premiership next season."
Warnock hailed the part the R's fans played on the day, commenting: "The fans deserved this result.
"It was a great reception - even from the West Brom fans!
"I enjoy my football - I'm as big a fan of the game as they all are.
"Today had everything and I'm absolutely delighted." QPR
DAILY MAIL - QPR 3 West Brom 1: Rangers give Neil Warnock the perfect start
Neil Warnock had an immediate impact in his first game as QPR manager by masterminding victory over promotion-chasing West Brom.
Warnock, who quit Crystal Palace to join Rangers this week, looked on as goals from Jay Simpson, Matt Connolly and Akos Buzsaky secured only their second win in 12 matches.
Conn trick: Matthew Connolly (16) is congratulated after scoring Rangers' second goal
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Had every managerial change at Loftus Road had this effect Rangers would have had the title sewn up long ago.
As it is Warnock, the club's fifth new boss this season, will be happy the west Londoners now have a little more breathing space above the relegation zone.
Chris Brunt pulled one back for Albion but they fell to a costly defeat which leaves them nine points behind Newcastle at the top of the Championship.
Warnock's teams have rarely been known for their flair but his first selection decision was to recall the hugely skilful, yet too often frustrating, Tottenham loanee Adel Taarabt.
The Moroccan midfielder began in his usual blur of stepovers and created the first goal for Simpson after 13 minutes.
Lotta bottle: Neil Warnock acknowledges the Queens Park Rangers fans
He bamboozled Ben Watson down the right before swinging a low cross into the six-yard box which Albion keeper Scott Carson spilled at the feet of Hogan Ephraim.
Carson blocked Ephraim's stab at goal but the ball fell to Simpson, once of Albion, and he took a touch before firing his 13th of the season past the stranded keeper.
Five minutes later the vibrant hosts doubled their lead, Alejandro Faurlin's clever crossfield pass finding right-back Connolly in acres of space to slot the ball through Carson's legs.
Eyes on the prize: Mikele Leigertwood (left) is challenged by West Brom's Ben Watson
Shell-shocked Albion took half an hour to muster up their first attack when Watson, who played for Warnock at Palace and had a loan spell at Rangers earlier this season, hit a volley from the edge of the area which was superbly clawed away by Carl Ikeme.
But the team with the best away record in the division were always going to be dangerous against a team who had not kept a clean sheet in 23 games.
And so it proved in the 35th minute when Jerome Thomas crossed from the left and Brunt looped a header back over Ikeme and into the net.
In the second half Simon Cox felt he should have had a penalty when he tumbled under Kaspars Gorkss' challenge, but young referee Stuart Atwell saved himself from an earful from Warnock by waving away the claims.
And Warnock was able to relax on the touchline when substitute Buzsaky put the hosts clear in the 67th minute with a curling free-kick, which was meant to be a cross but fooled Carson and flew in off the far post.
The Baggies' afternoon got worse in stoppage time when Cox had to be stretchered off. Mail
QPR Official Site QPR 3 WBA 1
Neil Warnock started his managerial reign at QPR in fine fashion with an excellent 3-1 victory over promotion-chasing West Bromwich Albion.
Rangers were two up inside 20 minutes. Jay Simpson opened the scoring, prodding home after Scott Carson failed to deal with Adel Taarabt's centre.
The R's doubled their advantage just five minutes later, with Matt Connolly finishing off a superb passing move from the home side.
West Brom replied not long before the break, with Chris Brunt heading Jerome Thomas' cross into the goal.
Though it was Warnock and QPR's day, and after Akos Buzsaky added a third when his free-kick deceived everyone to find the goal via the post, the R's took three more precious points in the Coca Cola Championship.
QPR boss Warnock made four changes to the Hoops side in his first game in charge at Loftus Road.
Lee Cook missed out, while Peter Ramage, Buzsaky and Antonio German all dropped to the substitutes' bench.
That meant Connolly came back into the side at right-back, with Taarabt and Hogan Ephraim in midfield and Tamas Priskin up front.
Rangers started with Carl Ikeme in goal, behind a back four of Connolly, Damion Stewart, Kaspars Gorkss and Matt Hill.
Taarabt and Ephraim were out wide in midfield for the Hoops, while skipper Mikele Leigertwood and Alejandro Faurlin began in the middle of the park.
Simpson was joined by Priskin up front.
With the R's faithful and all in attendance in W12 conducting a minute's applause to celebrate the lives of former Captain Mike Keen and former Macclesfield Town gaffer Keith Alexander respectively, it was the R's who looked the brighter in the opening stages of the match.
Taarabt was seeing a lot of the ball, and his dangerous cross was well headed away by Jonas Olsson for the Baggies.
The Spurs loanee was then involved in the R's next attack - and this time his centre led to the opening goal of the game.
Taarabt's cross from the right was too hot for West Brom keeper Carson to handle, and he fumbled the ball into the path of Hogan Ephraim, who in turn touched the ball on to Simpson.
The striker made no mistake thereafter, smashing the ball into the net from close range for his 12th league goal of the campaign.
It was an early strike that seemed to buoy Warnock's men, and the R's determination to build on their good start was exemplified when Kaspars Gorkss put in a terrific, sliding challenge on his marker on the edge of the penalty area.
Loftus Road - by this point - was electric, and the volume was turned up a notch more as the hosts added their second goal of the afternoon.
It was a free-flowing passing move that made the goal. Taarabt, Priskin and Faurlin all combined well to send Connolly through free down the right before the defender slid the ball under the keeper and into the back of the net.
QPR were playing some lovely football, thought it was the visitors who then created their best chance to date. Brunt's delicious through ball seemed to put James Morrison through on goal, before Ikeme rushed out of his net to collect the ball for the R's.
Ikeme was then heavily involved again, and he did well to tip the ball wide for a corner kick after Ben Watson smashed Gorkss' weak clearance goalwards.
Moments later, however, the Rangers custodian was powerless to prevent West Brom pulling a goal back.
Jerome Thomas was the architect, and his pinpoint cross found Brunt at the back post before he nodded the ball over Ikeme and into the goal.
Just short the break, Gabriel Tamas went close but his effort from range went just wide of the left-hand post for Albion, before Ikeme did well to block Morrison's blasted effort.
The teams reappeared for the second half at a sundrenched Loftus Road, with the game continuing to be played at a fast pace.
Albion seemed determined to score an equaliser as soon as possible and they were getting forward in numbers at every possible opportunity.
The visitors broke at pace, and when Thomas' teasing cross seemed certain the find a Baggies man, Stewart made a timely intervention to slide the ball away.
Moments later and Albion almost found that equaliser, and when Brunt's cross from the right found Cox at the near post, he could only fire over the crossbar.
Play soon switched to the other end, and the newly-introduced Akos Buzsaky had a shot that was claimed comfortably by Carson for the Baggies.
Buzsaky then played over a dangerous corner from the left that looked to be heading for Stewart, before Carson intervened to clear the ball away.
The R's didn't have to wait too much longer for another goal, and they sealed the win in bizarre style.
After Rangers won a free-kick out on the right, a Buzsaky cross bounced in the area before hitting the inside of the post and bouncing into the opposite side of the goal.
It was a tad fortunate, though Rangers weren't to mind as Buzsaky wheeled away to celebrate.
The Hoops could have extended their lead when Simpson and Rowan Vine both had shots saved by Carson for West Brom.
However, the scores remained the same as Rangers took a maximum return.
QPR: Ikeme, Stewart, Leigertwood, Gorkss, Connolly, Faurlin, Hill, Simpson, Ephraim (Buzsaky 59), Priskin (Vine 77), Taarabt (Ramage 69).
Subs: Cerny, Balanta, Borrowdale, German.
Scorers: Simpson (13), Connolly (18), Buzsaky (67)
Bookings: Priskin, Faurlin
West Bromwich Albion: Carson, Olsson, Cech (Miller 64), Brunt, Thomas, Mulumbu, Watson, Tamas, Morrison (Dorrans 68), Cox, Reid.
Subs: Kiely, Mattock, Koren, Moore, Meite.
Scorers: Brunt (36)
Bookings: Cech, Brunt
Referee: Mr S Attwell
Attendance: 14, 578 (2, 105) QPR
WBA Official Site
ALBION suffered back-to-back away league defeats for the first time this season as defensive errors again cost them dear on their travels.
A QPR side galvanised by new boss Neil Warnock set about the visitors from the off without really threatening the goal.
But former Hawthorns loanee Jay Simpson pounced on a Scott Carson fumble and Matthew Connolly caught the Baggies backline napping as two strikes in the space of five minutes saw Rangers steal into a 2-0 lead after just 18 minutes.
Chris Brunt pulled one back nine minutes before the break - his third in two games and tenth of the season - to give Roberto Di Matteo's men hope.
But a freak free-kick from substitute Akos Buzsaky in the 67th minute gave Albion a mountain to climb that proved too big to scale.
And a bad day got worse for the Baggies in stoppage time as Simon Cox was stretchered off after being flattened in a challenge with Carl Ikeme.
James Morrison was handed his first start in almost 11 months as he stepped up his comeback from a long-term heel injury.
And new loan signing Steven Reid was thrown straight in at right-back.
Youssouf Mulumbu and Cox also returned to the Baggies' starting XI as international trio Abdoulaye Meite, Robert Koren and Graham Dorrans, who all played 90 minutes for their respective countries in midweek, dropped to the bench with Luke Moore.
Early on Brunt appeared to be fouled in midfield but referee Stuart Attwell waved play on and Rangers broke through Adel Taarabt down the right.
The Moroccan squared across the 18-yard line for Alejandro Faurlain, whose goalbound strike was blocked by Jonas Olsson.
The Baggies suffered a blow in the 13th minute as Carson fumbled Taarabt's low right-wing cross - but then seemed to be impeded by Tamas Priskin as he tried to get to his feet and saw Simpson open the scoring with a simple tap-in.
Three minutes later Jerome Thomas worked the ball through to Cox, whose instant 15-yard shot was shut down by Kaspars Gorkss.
The Hoops doubled their lead in the 18th minute as Faurlain slipped Connolly in behind the Baggies defence with a first-time pass and the right-back tucked the ball home through Carson's legs.
Brunt did well to win the ball in midfield in the 25th minute and had the chance to spring Morrison through on goal.
The Northern Ireland international spotted the run but over-hit his pass and gave Ikeme the chance to smother the ball.
Gorkss could only head Tamas' long ball to the feet of Ben Watson in the 35th minute and the former Loftus Road loanee let fly with a 25-yard volley that Ikeme flung himself to his left to turn around the post.
From the resultant Watson corner Tamas' goalbound header hit his own man, Reid.
Just a minute later a good move by the visitors resulted in Thomas chipping a left-wing cross to the back post where Brunt looped a header in at the far post to pull a goal back.
A minute before the break Brunt, Matthew Hill and Ikeme converged on Morrison's back-post cross and somehow the ball evaded all of them and ran out for a goal-kick.
Two minutes into first-half stoppage time Cox lifted the ball to Morrison on the edge of the area and he managed to wrestle the ball past Stewart to allow Thomas a strike on goal that Ikeme did well to block.
Mulumbu sprayed the ball out to Brunt on the right in the 55th minute and he delivered a near-post cross that Cox hooked just over from a difficult angle ten yards out.
Three minutes later Warwickshire official Attwell waved away Albion penalty appeals as Cox appeared to be brought down by Gorkss from a Reid throw-in.
Neil Warnock made a change in the 59th minute as Hogan Ephraim made way for Buzsaky.
And the Rs midfielder almost made an instant impact as he was allowed to run forward and unleash a 30-yard strike that Carson smothered low to his right.
Buzsaky caused problems again in the 63rd minute as his left-wing corner was met by Damion Stewart and Carson pulled off a point-blank save to keep the Baggies in the game.
A minute later Di Matteo made a change as Ishmael Miller came on for Cech on his comeback from a month-long ankle injury and the visitors switched to three at the back.
Out of nothing the hosts restored their two-goal advantage in the 67th minute as Buzsaky's 45-yard free-kick from the left touchline was missed by everyone and skipped up off the turf over Carson's head before hitting the inside of the right-hand post and spinning back into the goal.
Ten minutes from time substitute Rowan Vine played in Simpson behind the Albion defence but he was thwarted by the merest of touches from Carson.
Play switched immediately to the other end where Thomas cut inside from the left - but fired wide of the near post from 15 yards.
Vine worked the ball inside Reid in the 84th minute and forced a low save from Carson.
Two minutes later Olsson piled forward and nut-megged Faurlain before firing straight at Ikeme from 12 yards.
The first minute of stoppage time saw Reid's long throw-in flicked on by Miller and Cox swivelled and shot, only to see Ikeme clutch the ball at his near post.
Cox was flattened in a challenge with Ikeme in the closing moments and was stretchered off to add the Albion's woes.
QPR (4-4-2): Ikeme; Connolly, Stewart, Gorkss, Hill; Taarabt (Ramage 69), Leigertwood, Faurlin, Ephraim (Buzsaky 59); Priskin (Vine 77), Simpson. Subs not used: Cerny (gk), Balanta, Borrowdale, German.
ALBION (4-5-1): Carson; Reid, Tamas, Olsson, Cech (Miller 64); Brunt, Mulumbu, Morrison (Dorrans 68), Watson, Thomas; Cox (Moore 90+4). Subs not used: Kiely (gk), Koren, Meite, Mattock.
BOOKINGS: QPR - Priskin (unsporting behaviour 45+3), Faurlain (foul 52); ALBION - Cech (foul 45+3), Brunt (foul 66).
GOALS: QPR - Simpson (13), Connolly (18), Buzsaky (67); ALBION - Brunt (36).
REFEREE: S Attwell (Warwickshire).
ATTENDANCE: 14,578 (2,105 Albion fans). WBA
UPDATED TABLE
Newcastle 34 72 40 64 6-1 FT v Barnsley
Nottm Forest 35 64 22 49 1-0 FT v Swansea
----------------------------------------------------------
West Brom 34 63 29 67 1-3 FT v QPR
Swansea 34 56 7 30 0-1 FT v Nottm Forest
Cardiff 33 52 16 57 1-0 FT v Middlesbrough
Blackpool 35 50 10 51 1-0 FT v Ipswich
Coventry 35 49 -6 40 1-0 FT v Peterborough
Sheff Utd 34 48 1 48 0-1 FT v Crystal Palace
Middlesbrough 35 47 7 45 0-1 FT v Cardiff
Barnsley 34 45 -10 44 1-6 FT v Newcastle
Doncaster 34 44 2 44 5-2 FT v Bristol City
Preston 34 43 -8 41 1-1 FT v Plymouth
Derby 34 42 -7 41 2-0 FT v Watford
Bristol City 34 42 -10 39 2-5 FT v Doncaster
QPR 33 40 -6 46 3-1 FT v West Brom
Watford 32 39 -5 44 0-2 FT v Derby
Reading 32 38 -9 40 P-P v Sc*n*horpe
Ipswich 34 38 -9 37 0-1 FT v Blackpool
Sc*n*horpe 34 38 -20 41 P-P v Reading
Crystal Palace * 33 37 0 36 1-0 FT v Sheff Utd
Sheff Wed 34 37 -17 38 2-0 FT v Leicester
-------------------------------------------------------------
Plymouth 33 30 -15 33 1-1 FT v Preston
Peterborough 34 24 -21 36 0-1 FT v Coventry
Leicester 34 0 0 0 0-2 FT v Sheff Wed
Sporting Life
- QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!......Visit the growing QPR and football-only QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi-blog)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
- Gianni Paladini a Guest on Monday's JNetRadio
- Video: Another Goal by Pellicori (Complements of QPR Italia's Wally West)
- LEE CAMP Talks re His QPR Exit; why QPR didn't want him; and his low transfer fee
- Where Are They Now I": Armel Tchakounte
- "Where Are They Now I?: Jackie Bass
- Andrew Ellis and David Bulstrode's son Trying to Buy (Glasgow) Rangers?
- Ex-QPRs: Sousa and Jackett Miss Out on "Manager of The Month"
- The Latest QPR Accounts: Excerpts from the Accounts
- Last Year's QPR Accounts
- The QPR Accounts of 2000 (Chris Wright)
QPR Official Site - WARNOCK: 'IT HAD EVERYTHING!'
R's gaffer Neil Warnock was brimming from ear to ear after seeing his side run out worthy 3-1 winners against West Bromwich Albion at Loftus Road.
Goals from Jay Simpson, Matt Connolly and Akos Buzsaky sealed the victory, on a day when the feel-good factor in W12 shone through and through in a first-rate team performance.
"It was an exciting start for everyone," Warnock told www.qpr.co.uk.
"The lads have probably done things they didn't know they could do in training, but to be fair to them they've produced the goods today.
"We've got a lot of good players who probably needed a bit of direction, which we've given to them this week.
"It was a fantastic performance against a Club that I fully expect to be playing in the Premiership next season."
Warnock hailed the part the R's fans played on the day, commenting: "The fans deserved this result.
"It was a great reception - even from the West Brom fans!
"I enjoy my football - I'm as big a fan of the game as they all are.
"Today had everything and I'm absolutely delighted." QPR
DAILY MAIL - QPR 3 West Brom 1: Rangers give Neil Warnock the perfect start
Neil Warnock had an immediate impact in his first game as QPR manager by masterminding victory over promotion-chasing West Brom.
Warnock, who quit Crystal Palace to join Rangers this week, looked on as goals from Jay Simpson, Matt Connolly and Akos Buzsaky secured only their second win in 12 matches.
Conn trick: Matthew Connolly (16) is congratulated after scoring Rangers' second goal
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Ex Tottenham ace Jurgen Klinsmann tips Germany for World Cup glory
Ashley kept Newcastle out of administration, claims Llambias
Had every managerial change at Loftus Road had this effect Rangers would have had the title sewn up long ago.
As it is Warnock, the club's fifth new boss this season, will be happy the west Londoners now have a little more breathing space above the relegation zone.
Chris Brunt pulled one back for Albion but they fell to a costly defeat which leaves them nine points behind Newcastle at the top of the Championship.
Warnock's teams have rarely been known for their flair but his first selection decision was to recall the hugely skilful, yet too often frustrating, Tottenham loanee Adel Taarabt.
The Moroccan midfielder began in his usual blur of stepovers and created the first goal for Simpson after 13 minutes.
Lotta bottle: Neil Warnock acknowledges the Queens Park Rangers fans
He bamboozled Ben Watson down the right before swinging a low cross into the six-yard box which Albion keeper Scott Carson spilled at the feet of Hogan Ephraim.
Carson blocked Ephraim's stab at goal but the ball fell to Simpson, once of Albion, and he took a touch before firing his 13th of the season past the stranded keeper.
Five minutes later the vibrant hosts doubled their lead, Alejandro Faurlin's clever crossfield pass finding right-back Connolly in acres of space to slot the ball through Carson's legs.
Eyes on the prize: Mikele Leigertwood (left) is challenged by West Brom's Ben Watson
Shell-shocked Albion took half an hour to muster up their first attack when Watson, who played for Warnock at Palace and had a loan spell at Rangers earlier this season, hit a volley from the edge of the area which was superbly clawed away by Carl Ikeme.
But the team with the best away record in the division were always going to be dangerous against a team who had not kept a clean sheet in 23 games.
And so it proved in the 35th minute when Jerome Thomas crossed from the left and Brunt looped a header back over Ikeme and into the net.
In the second half Simon Cox felt he should have had a penalty when he tumbled under Kaspars Gorkss' challenge, but young referee Stuart Atwell saved himself from an earful from Warnock by waving away the claims.
And Warnock was able to relax on the touchline when substitute Buzsaky put the hosts clear in the 67th minute with a curling free-kick, which was meant to be a cross but fooled Carson and flew in off the far post.
The Baggies' afternoon got worse in stoppage time when Cox had to be stretchered off. Mail
QPR Official Site QPR 3 WBA 1
Neil Warnock started his managerial reign at QPR in fine fashion with an excellent 3-1 victory over promotion-chasing West Bromwich Albion.
Rangers were two up inside 20 minutes. Jay Simpson opened the scoring, prodding home after Scott Carson failed to deal with Adel Taarabt's centre.
The R's doubled their advantage just five minutes later, with Matt Connolly finishing off a superb passing move from the home side.
West Brom replied not long before the break, with Chris Brunt heading Jerome Thomas' cross into the goal.
Though it was Warnock and QPR's day, and after Akos Buzsaky added a third when his free-kick deceived everyone to find the goal via the post, the R's took three more precious points in the Coca Cola Championship.
QPR boss Warnock made four changes to the Hoops side in his first game in charge at Loftus Road.
Lee Cook missed out, while Peter Ramage, Buzsaky and Antonio German all dropped to the substitutes' bench.
That meant Connolly came back into the side at right-back, with Taarabt and Hogan Ephraim in midfield and Tamas Priskin up front.
Rangers started with Carl Ikeme in goal, behind a back four of Connolly, Damion Stewart, Kaspars Gorkss and Matt Hill.
Taarabt and Ephraim were out wide in midfield for the Hoops, while skipper Mikele Leigertwood and Alejandro Faurlin began in the middle of the park.
Simpson was joined by Priskin up front.
With the R's faithful and all in attendance in W12 conducting a minute's applause to celebrate the lives of former Captain Mike Keen and former Macclesfield Town gaffer Keith Alexander respectively, it was the R's who looked the brighter in the opening stages of the match.
Taarabt was seeing a lot of the ball, and his dangerous cross was well headed away by Jonas Olsson for the Baggies.
The Spurs loanee was then involved in the R's next attack - and this time his centre led to the opening goal of the game.
Taarabt's cross from the right was too hot for West Brom keeper Carson to handle, and he fumbled the ball into the path of Hogan Ephraim, who in turn touched the ball on to Simpson.
The striker made no mistake thereafter, smashing the ball into the net from close range for his 12th league goal of the campaign.
It was an early strike that seemed to buoy Warnock's men, and the R's determination to build on their good start was exemplified when Kaspars Gorkss put in a terrific, sliding challenge on his marker on the edge of the penalty area.
Loftus Road - by this point - was electric, and the volume was turned up a notch more as the hosts added their second goal of the afternoon.
It was a free-flowing passing move that made the goal. Taarabt, Priskin and Faurlin all combined well to send Connolly through free down the right before the defender slid the ball under the keeper and into the back of the net.
QPR were playing some lovely football, thought it was the visitors who then created their best chance to date. Brunt's delicious through ball seemed to put James Morrison through on goal, before Ikeme rushed out of his net to collect the ball for the R's.
Ikeme was then heavily involved again, and he did well to tip the ball wide for a corner kick after Ben Watson smashed Gorkss' weak clearance goalwards.
Moments later, however, the Rangers custodian was powerless to prevent West Brom pulling a goal back.
Jerome Thomas was the architect, and his pinpoint cross found Brunt at the back post before he nodded the ball over Ikeme and into the goal.
Just short the break, Gabriel Tamas went close but his effort from range went just wide of the left-hand post for Albion, before Ikeme did well to block Morrison's blasted effort.
The teams reappeared for the second half at a sundrenched Loftus Road, with the game continuing to be played at a fast pace.
Albion seemed determined to score an equaliser as soon as possible and they were getting forward in numbers at every possible opportunity.
The visitors broke at pace, and when Thomas' teasing cross seemed certain the find a Baggies man, Stewart made a timely intervention to slide the ball away.
Moments later and Albion almost found that equaliser, and when Brunt's cross from the right found Cox at the near post, he could only fire over the crossbar.
Play soon switched to the other end, and the newly-introduced Akos Buzsaky had a shot that was claimed comfortably by Carson for the Baggies.
Buzsaky then played over a dangerous corner from the left that looked to be heading for Stewart, before Carson intervened to clear the ball away.
The R's didn't have to wait too much longer for another goal, and they sealed the win in bizarre style.
After Rangers won a free-kick out on the right, a Buzsaky cross bounced in the area before hitting the inside of the post and bouncing into the opposite side of the goal.
It was a tad fortunate, though Rangers weren't to mind as Buzsaky wheeled away to celebrate.
The Hoops could have extended their lead when Simpson and Rowan Vine both had shots saved by Carson for West Brom.
However, the scores remained the same as Rangers took a maximum return.
QPR: Ikeme, Stewart, Leigertwood, Gorkss, Connolly, Faurlin, Hill, Simpson, Ephraim (Buzsaky 59), Priskin (Vine 77), Taarabt (Ramage 69).
Subs: Cerny, Balanta, Borrowdale, German.
Scorers: Simpson (13), Connolly (18), Buzsaky (67)
Bookings: Priskin, Faurlin
West Bromwich Albion: Carson, Olsson, Cech (Miller 64), Brunt, Thomas, Mulumbu, Watson, Tamas, Morrison (Dorrans 68), Cox, Reid.
Subs: Kiely, Mattock, Koren, Moore, Meite.
Scorers: Brunt (36)
Bookings: Cech, Brunt
Referee: Mr S Attwell
Attendance: 14, 578 (2, 105) QPR
WBA Official Site
ALBION suffered back-to-back away league defeats for the first time this season as defensive errors again cost them dear on their travels.
A QPR side galvanised by new boss Neil Warnock set about the visitors from the off without really threatening the goal.
But former Hawthorns loanee Jay Simpson pounced on a Scott Carson fumble and Matthew Connolly caught the Baggies backline napping as two strikes in the space of five minutes saw Rangers steal into a 2-0 lead after just 18 minutes.
Chris Brunt pulled one back nine minutes before the break - his third in two games and tenth of the season - to give Roberto Di Matteo's men hope.
But a freak free-kick from substitute Akos Buzsaky in the 67th minute gave Albion a mountain to climb that proved too big to scale.
And a bad day got worse for the Baggies in stoppage time as Simon Cox was stretchered off after being flattened in a challenge with Carl Ikeme.
James Morrison was handed his first start in almost 11 months as he stepped up his comeback from a long-term heel injury.
And new loan signing Steven Reid was thrown straight in at right-back.
Youssouf Mulumbu and Cox also returned to the Baggies' starting XI as international trio Abdoulaye Meite, Robert Koren and Graham Dorrans, who all played 90 minutes for their respective countries in midweek, dropped to the bench with Luke Moore.
Early on Brunt appeared to be fouled in midfield but referee Stuart Attwell waved play on and Rangers broke through Adel Taarabt down the right.
The Moroccan squared across the 18-yard line for Alejandro Faurlain, whose goalbound strike was blocked by Jonas Olsson.
The Baggies suffered a blow in the 13th minute as Carson fumbled Taarabt's low right-wing cross - but then seemed to be impeded by Tamas Priskin as he tried to get to his feet and saw Simpson open the scoring with a simple tap-in.
Three minutes later Jerome Thomas worked the ball through to Cox, whose instant 15-yard shot was shut down by Kaspars Gorkss.
The Hoops doubled their lead in the 18th minute as Faurlain slipped Connolly in behind the Baggies defence with a first-time pass and the right-back tucked the ball home through Carson's legs.
Brunt did well to win the ball in midfield in the 25th minute and had the chance to spring Morrison through on goal.
The Northern Ireland international spotted the run but over-hit his pass and gave Ikeme the chance to smother the ball.
Gorkss could only head Tamas' long ball to the feet of Ben Watson in the 35th minute and the former Loftus Road loanee let fly with a 25-yard volley that Ikeme flung himself to his left to turn around the post.
From the resultant Watson corner Tamas' goalbound header hit his own man, Reid.
Just a minute later a good move by the visitors resulted in Thomas chipping a left-wing cross to the back post where Brunt looped a header in at the far post to pull a goal back.
A minute before the break Brunt, Matthew Hill and Ikeme converged on Morrison's back-post cross and somehow the ball evaded all of them and ran out for a goal-kick.
Two minutes into first-half stoppage time Cox lifted the ball to Morrison on the edge of the area and he managed to wrestle the ball past Stewart to allow Thomas a strike on goal that Ikeme did well to block.
Mulumbu sprayed the ball out to Brunt on the right in the 55th minute and he delivered a near-post cross that Cox hooked just over from a difficult angle ten yards out.
Three minutes later Warwickshire official Attwell waved away Albion penalty appeals as Cox appeared to be brought down by Gorkss from a Reid throw-in.
Neil Warnock made a change in the 59th minute as Hogan Ephraim made way for Buzsaky.
And the Rs midfielder almost made an instant impact as he was allowed to run forward and unleash a 30-yard strike that Carson smothered low to his right.
Buzsaky caused problems again in the 63rd minute as his left-wing corner was met by Damion Stewart and Carson pulled off a point-blank save to keep the Baggies in the game.
A minute later Di Matteo made a change as Ishmael Miller came on for Cech on his comeback from a month-long ankle injury and the visitors switched to three at the back.
Out of nothing the hosts restored their two-goal advantage in the 67th minute as Buzsaky's 45-yard free-kick from the left touchline was missed by everyone and skipped up off the turf over Carson's head before hitting the inside of the right-hand post and spinning back into the goal.
Ten minutes from time substitute Rowan Vine played in Simpson behind the Albion defence but he was thwarted by the merest of touches from Carson.
Play switched immediately to the other end where Thomas cut inside from the left - but fired wide of the near post from 15 yards.
Vine worked the ball inside Reid in the 84th minute and forced a low save from Carson.
Two minutes later Olsson piled forward and nut-megged Faurlain before firing straight at Ikeme from 12 yards.
The first minute of stoppage time saw Reid's long throw-in flicked on by Miller and Cox swivelled and shot, only to see Ikeme clutch the ball at his near post.
Cox was flattened in a challenge with Ikeme in the closing moments and was stretchered off to add the Albion's woes.
QPR (4-4-2): Ikeme; Connolly, Stewart, Gorkss, Hill; Taarabt (Ramage 69), Leigertwood, Faurlin, Ephraim (Buzsaky 59); Priskin (Vine 77), Simpson. Subs not used: Cerny (gk), Balanta, Borrowdale, German.
ALBION (4-5-1): Carson; Reid, Tamas, Olsson, Cech (Miller 64); Brunt, Mulumbu, Morrison (Dorrans 68), Watson, Thomas; Cox (Moore 90+4). Subs not used: Kiely (gk), Koren, Meite, Mattock.
BOOKINGS: QPR - Priskin (unsporting behaviour 45+3), Faurlain (foul 52); ALBION - Cech (foul 45+3), Brunt (foul 66).
GOALS: QPR - Simpson (13), Connolly (18), Buzsaky (67); ALBION - Brunt (36).
REFEREE: S Attwell (Warwickshire).
ATTENDANCE: 14,578 (2,105 Albion fans). WBA
UPDATED TABLE
Newcastle 34 72 40 64 6-1 FT v Barnsley
Nottm Forest 35 64 22 49 1-0 FT v Swansea
----------------------------------------------------------
West Brom 34 63 29 67 1-3 FT v QPR
Swansea 34 56 7 30 0-1 FT v Nottm Forest
Cardiff 33 52 16 57 1-0 FT v Middlesbrough
Blackpool 35 50 10 51 1-0 FT v Ipswich
Coventry 35 49 -6 40 1-0 FT v Peterborough
Sheff Utd 34 48 1 48 0-1 FT v Crystal Palace
Middlesbrough 35 47 7 45 0-1 FT v Cardiff
Barnsley 34 45 -10 44 1-6 FT v Newcastle
Doncaster 34 44 2 44 5-2 FT v Bristol City
Preston 34 43 -8 41 1-1 FT v Plymouth
Derby 34 42 -7 41 2-0 FT v Watford
Bristol City 34 42 -10 39 2-5 FT v Doncaster
QPR 33 40 -6 46 3-1 FT v West Brom
Watford 32 39 -5 44 0-2 FT v Derby
Reading 32 38 -9 40 P-P v Sc*n*horpe
Ipswich 34 38 -9 37 0-1 FT v Blackpool
Sc*n*horpe 34 38 -20 41 P-P v Reading
Crystal Palace * 33 37 0 36 1-0 FT v Sheff Utd
Sheff Wed 34 37 -17 38 2-0 FT v Leicester
-------------------------------------------------------------
Plymouth 33 30 -15 33 1-1 FT v Preston
Peterborough 34 24 -21 36 0-1 FT v Coventry
Leicester 34 0 0 0 0-2 FT v Sheff Wed
Sporting Life
Warnock on Joining QPR and Leaving Palace...Not If Briatore...Saksena Finances...Jordan Slams/Brady Empathizes...Lee Camp Talks
-
- QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
- Visit the growing QPR and football-only QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi-blog)
- LEE CAMP Talks re His QPR Exit; why QPR didn't want him; and his low transfer fee
- The Latest QPR Accounts: Excerpts from the Accounts
- Last Year's QPR Accounts
- The QPR Accounts of 2000 (Chris Wright)
- The Two Ex-QPR Chairmen Sons: Andrew Ellis and David Bulstrode Trying to Buy (Glasgow) Rangers?
- QPR vs WBA - Stats, Previews and Flashbacks
- Ex-QPR Danny Cullip Retires from Injury
- Bristol City's Goalkeeper, Basso looking for a club
- Cardiff Fans Marching in Protest. Cardiff's Peter Ridsdale Not Happy!
- Nice article about "Little" Rochdale
- Birmingham Lose 20 Million Pounds
The Sun/Tony Little - I’d never have signed for Flav
- Neil says that he would have snubbed QPR if Flavio Briatore had still been at the club.
- Controversial Italian Briatore allegedly interfered with team selection and tactics as he hired and fired SIX managers in just under two-and-a-half years as chairman.
- But after he quit his post last month, new chairman Ishan Saksena convinced Warnock to leave Crystal Palace for west London.
- And Warnock claims it is his way or nothing after admitting he was convinced to move to Loftus Road by wife Sharon.
- He said: "There is no chance that I'd have come here if that (Briatore's influence) had still been going on.
- "But when I met Ishan and Amit (Bhatia, the vice-chairman), right from the word go I thought they were genuine people.
- "Yorkshire people have a feeling and my missus' gut instinct isn't normally wrong - she liked them right from the start.
- "I took to them and Sharon thought the same as me, which was important."
- Saksena is adamant he will not try to interfere as Warnock attempts to save the club from relegation.
- His new manager could hardly have a tougher start with high-flying West Brom visiting a QPR side who have won just one of their last 11 matches.
- And Saksena said: "Neil is an expert in football, and as such he will be in charge of the football side of the business.
- "I'll be in charge of the overall business, such as the financial side of things, but we'll work together to try to bring stability to the club and achieve our goals."
The Sun
Independent - Neil Warnock: Leaving Palace was hard but in the last few weeks I was being slowly poisoned
- What I Learnt This Week
It has been a sad week, but also an exciting one, traumatic too.
Last Saturday I was managing Crystal Palace at Doncaster, today I'm managing Queen's Park Rangers against West Bromwich Albion. The new job is a challenge I'm really looking forward to, but it has been a wrench leaving Palace. That was underlined at Doncaster when the players did fantastically well to come back and get a point after a woeful first half. Where they got the energy from I'll never know. It was difficult leaving such a great set of lads.
It was just as hard leaving the fans and Simon Jordan, the chairman who brought me in. But in the end I felt I had no choice. The last few weeks have been very difficult. Since Simon had to surrender control it's been like being slowly poisoned.
For example, the day before we played Aston Villa in our FA Cup replay, Neil Danns rang me to say his agent had told him he was going to Swansea. Then he'd had a call from Shefki Kuqi, our former player, who's now at Swansea, saying how pleased he was Neil was joining them. Danns wanted to know if it was true. It was news to me so I rang the agent that the administrator was using. He informed me they were planning to loan Neil with a view to a permanent move but had not made a final decision. I told them there was no way we could afford to lose another player with the transfer embargo on us.
Then there was a situation where the cook and masseur, who are self-employed, and not on big wages, were not going to get paid the money they were owed. But, I was told, the agent who negotiated Victor Moses' transfer had been paid his fee in full. I argued the case for the cook and masseur and they were paid.
There are other things, which I cannot tell you at this time, but the legal advice provided by the League Managers' Association, who are very good for us managers in these situations, was that I had a decent case for constructive dismissal. On that basis I could have just walked out when QPR enquired, but I made it plain to the administrator I would only go if Palace were compensated satisfactorily. I think that is the only way you should leave a club. He seemed very confident the clubs would come to an agreement, so I suggested somebody to take over who I felt would do a good job, but he was informed they already had somebody in mind.
On Monday, the parties were still talking but I felt we needed a firm decision one way or the other, so I told them both that if an agreement was not reached by lunchtime I was going to stay put until the end of the season. An hour before the deadline, I was told I was free to talk to QPR. Palace received a substantial amount of compensation, far more than they were considering selling Neil Danns for.
Obviously Simon was disappointed at the timing but I think it might work out best for everyone. We had taken only one point from 12. Maybe Palace needed a change. I think with Dougie Freedman and John Pemberton coming in on Paul Hart's staff, with their Palace backgrounds, it might just be the shot in the arm the club needs.
I did see the quote from the administrator suggesting I had told him I didn't have the stomach for the fight. I can only imagine he thought that after I told him I could not guarantee the club staying up if I remained in the job, but that applies to any club in the bottom half. Only Rafael Benitez guarantees a finishing position. Of course, the administration took the wind out of our sails, we seemed to have one blow after another, but I don't think I could have worked any harder over my period at Selhurst Park, I don't think I've worked harder at any time in my career.
There was also the uncertainty over the future. Palace are for sale and, although the deadline keeps being extended, I could have ended up with an owner that didn't want me. Against that, QPR were offering me a three-and-a-half-year contract. I loved the club, but in the end I didn't think I could take the risk. If you asked 100 people what they would do in the situation, 99 of them would take the security of a contract.
2. I'd never dream of a Selhurst Park player raid
You can imagine my disappointment when I was told I would be barred if I came to the club on Wednesday morning to say goodbye to the players. I don't know what they thought I could have done. I do believe you should be able to say goodbye to a group of players who have given everything, and also the staff behind the scenes. I will have to save it until 10 April when QPR play there.
Obviously I've read about how many players I'm supposedly taking with me in the next few days, but I'd never dream of taking anybody this season while the battle at the bottom is on and I am surprised anybody would think I would, especially with the embargo Palace are under. It was the best club I have been at in terms of fan support, which was constant from day one.
To this day, I still cannot understand why Simon was forced into administration. It does not make sense to me. I am convinced he would have been able to do a deal with the transfer money he would have received in January and that would have got the hedge fund its money back. Instead, even though Victor Moses was sold in January, the fund won't be paid until the club is sold, and that may not be before the end of the season. So why not let us have a go at promotion, which would have solved everybody's financial problems?
3. I still get butterflies meeting a new squad
Last Tuesday I met the new major shareholder and the chairman at Rangers, and we soon reached agreement on the contract details. Speaking to them, it was clear to see the vision they had for the club and, I admit, it was nice to be wanted.
The first meeting with a new squad is always strange, even at my age, and with my experience, you have the butterflies. I said to them, "No doubt you are used to this, meeting the new manager..." It was obvious to me the players need to know who they are working with and it can only be better for them having stability. In fairness, to Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone, I know they have been criticised for what has happened over the last few years, but let's not forget they saved the club when they came in. Flavio's a massive fan. I'm sure he'll enjoy watching the games now without so much responsibility.
I told the players I expect them to work hard, but I also expect them to smile a lot. I love the dressing-room atmosphere when players want to come to training and don't feel it is a chore. That banter is one thing I will miss when I pack it in. Then we set to work. I began with my usual "robust" first session. Anyone who's ever been at a club when I've taken over will know what that was like. I've not got long to assess them and it's a good way to judge character. I don't know if they were surprised. The skipper, Mikele Leigertwood, was with me at Sheffield United so he may have tipped a few off, I'm sure they've been bending his ear.
I know most of the players but I also looked at some videos and I've learnt a lot already, even if injuries and international duty meant I was not able to work with the full squad. Today's game is against a team who will be in the Premier League next season – and what a good example West Brom set for everyone on how to run a club financially well and still be able to compete. They will also help me assess what we've got in the locker. I do know some good players – Wayne Routledge, Heidar Helguson, Fitz Hall – have gone. Some people clearly expect me to start replacing them. I've been getting lots of calls from agents offering players. For some reason they never rang me in the last year at Palace. There's also been the family stuff to look at, new home, new schools, there's a lot of upheaval in a move even though both clubs are in the capital.
Being manager at Palace gave me a new lease of life and I'll be eternally grateful for the time I spent there. I think QPR is a similar club, with another atmospheric ground crammed into the streets. It can be quite hostile, and has been to me at times – I hope that's going to change.
4. I'll miss the gentle giant Keith Alexander
After all the upheaval of this week, you still have to keep things in perspective and remember the important things in life. The passing of Keith Alexander on Tuesday night after Macclesfield's game with Notts County was a bombshell to me. I spoke to Keith a few years ago about becoming my assistant. He thought seriously about it, but was then offered another job as a No 1. He was a big, gentle giant who always had a good word for people. I think I speak on behalf of every manager in the country in offering our condolences to his wife and family at this difficult time. Independent
Mirror - Simon Jordan: 'Warnock only went to QPR for the money'
Published 23:00 05/03/10 By Neil McLeman
Simon Jordan last night said he felt "let down" by Neil Warnock quitting Crystal Palace and claimed there was "no morality" in his former manager's decision.
Warnock was unveiled as the new QPR boss this week after cash-strapped Palace received nearly £600,000 in compensation. The Selhurst Park club went into administration in January and were docked ten points to leave them fighting relegation along with Rangers.
Warnock claimed he had left Palace because administrator Brendan Guilfoyle could not guarantee his future at the club.
But Jordan, the former owner who appointed Warnock in October 2007, has now broken his silence to claim his former friend only left for the money at Loftus Road.
"I feel let down," he said. "I feel that he has shown no loyalty. There is a lack of decency. He was a very dear friend and I looked after him for two-and-a-half years both professionally and personally.
"If you are close to a guy who has lost the club he has owned for ten years, his reputation is damaged and he has lost a shedload of money and he needs you to stay in there to help the club to survive, you would do it, wouldn't you?
"I am disappointed for myself, the club and the fans.
“There is not one iota of morality about Neil's decision. I feel foolish to be disappointed but I am an optimist and I always believe in the best in people. I don't feel that Neil had any moral justification for doing it. He had the security of his contract.
"There is one reason and one reason only that Neil Warnock went to QPR. It is nothing to do with the administrator.
"It is outrageous to say he was not given any assurances by the administrator.
"To claim he was forced out of the door is not true. Neil wanted to go."
Warnock told Jordan he was leaving Selhurst Park on Monday.
"He said he wanted security but when he signed for me, he only wanted two-and-a-half years more," Jordan continued. "Now he wants three years. I told him he had a football club that desperately needed him. And he had to do the right thing.
"Neil spent a fair amount of time wrestling with his conscious trying to find a way to tell me. And when he did tell me, he was not greeted with a barrage of abuse. I told him: 'I think you are wrong Neil and I think you owe me more than that. I don't think it has been done for the right reasons. At least if you are going to go, have the courage of your convictions and say I am going to QPR because they are offering me a three-year contract on a lot of money and I want the security. Tell the truth'.
"I said to Neil that I was silly because I still get disappointed. I told him: 'All you are to me is just another football manager who has let me down'." Mirror
Karen Brady Diary/The Sun -
"... HAD a long chat with Neil Warnock a few days ago. Maybe he's jumping out of the fire into the frying pan, joining manager-a-month club QPR from Crystal Palace, but I don't think so because there will be less interference from the boardroom now Flavio Briatore has gone. Briatore had more loose ends than a bowl of spaghetti.
Warnock's first responsibility has to be to his family and that means he needs to be paid. Poor Palace, though. They needed to lose his leadership like a sinking ship needs to lose the skipper. The Sun
Read more:
- QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
- Visit the growing QPR and football-only QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi-blog)
- LEE CAMP Talks re His QPR Exit; why QPR didn't want him; and his low transfer fee
- The Latest QPR Accounts: Excerpts from the Accounts
- Last Year's QPR Accounts
- The QPR Accounts of 2000 (Chris Wright)
- The Two Ex-QPR Chairmen Sons: Andrew Ellis and David Bulstrode Trying to Buy (Glasgow) Rangers?
- QPR vs WBA - Stats, Previews and Flashbacks
- Ex-QPR Danny Cullip Retires from Injury
- Bristol City's Goalkeeper, Basso looking for a club
- Cardiff Fans Marching in Protest. Cardiff's Peter Ridsdale Not Happy!
- Nice article about "Little" Rochdale
- Birmingham Lose 20 Million Pounds
The Sun/Tony Little - I’d never have signed for Flav
- Neil says that he would have snubbed QPR if Flavio Briatore had still been at the club.
- Controversial Italian Briatore allegedly interfered with team selection and tactics as he hired and fired SIX managers in just under two-and-a-half years as chairman.
- But after he quit his post last month, new chairman Ishan Saksena convinced Warnock to leave Crystal Palace for west London.
- And Warnock claims it is his way or nothing after admitting he was convinced to move to Loftus Road by wife Sharon.
- He said: "There is no chance that I'd have come here if that (Briatore's influence) had still been going on.
- "But when I met Ishan and Amit (Bhatia, the vice-chairman), right from the word go I thought they were genuine people.
- "Yorkshire people have a feeling and my missus' gut instinct isn't normally wrong - she liked them right from the start.
- "I took to them and Sharon thought the same as me, which was important."
- Saksena is adamant he will not try to interfere as Warnock attempts to save the club from relegation.
- His new manager could hardly have a tougher start with high-flying West Brom visiting a QPR side who have won just one of their last 11 matches.
- And Saksena said: "Neil is an expert in football, and as such he will be in charge of the football side of the business.
- "I'll be in charge of the overall business, such as the financial side of things, but we'll work together to try to bring stability to the club and achieve our goals."
The Sun
Independent - Neil Warnock: Leaving Palace was hard but in the last few weeks I was being slowly poisoned
- What I Learnt This Week
It has been a sad week, but also an exciting one, traumatic too.
Last Saturday I was managing Crystal Palace at Doncaster, today I'm managing Queen's Park Rangers against West Bromwich Albion. The new job is a challenge I'm really looking forward to, but it has been a wrench leaving Palace. That was underlined at Doncaster when the players did fantastically well to come back and get a point after a woeful first half. Where they got the energy from I'll never know. It was difficult leaving such a great set of lads.
It was just as hard leaving the fans and Simon Jordan, the chairman who brought me in. But in the end I felt I had no choice. The last few weeks have been very difficult. Since Simon had to surrender control it's been like being slowly poisoned.
For example, the day before we played Aston Villa in our FA Cup replay, Neil Danns rang me to say his agent had told him he was going to Swansea. Then he'd had a call from Shefki Kuqi, our former player, who's now at Swansea, saying how pleased he was Neil was joining them. Danns wanted to know if it was true. It was news to me so I rang the agent that the administrator was using. He informed me they were planning to loan Neil with a view to a permanent move but had not made a final decision. I told them there was no way we could afford to lose another player with the transfer embargo on us.
Then there was a situation where the cook and masseur, who are self-employed, and not on big wages, were not going to get paid the money they were owed. But, I was told, the agent who negotiated Victor Moses' transfer had been paid his fee in full. I argued the case for the cook and masseur and they were paid.
There are other things, which I cannot tell you at this time, but the legal advice provided by the League Managers' Association, who are very good for us managers in these situations, was that I had a decent case for constructive dismissal. On that basis I could have just walked out when QPR enquired, but I made it plain to the administrator I would only go if Palace were compensated satisfactorily. I think that is the only way you should leave a club. He seemed very confident the clubs would come to an agreement, so I suggested somebody to take over who I felt would do a good job, but he was informed they already had somebody in mind.
On Monday, the parties were still talking but I felt we needed a firm decision one way or the other, so I told them both that if an agreement was not reached by lunchtime I was going to stay put until the end of the season. An hour before the deadline, I was told I was free to talk to QPR. Palace received a substantial amount of compensation, far more than they were considering selling Neil Danns for.
Obviously Simon was disappointed at the timing but I think it might work out best for everyone. We had taken only one point from 12. Maybe Palace needed a change. I think with Dougie Freedman and John Pemberton coming in on Paul Hart's staff, with their Palace backgrounds, it might just be the shot in the arm the club needs.
I did see the quote from the administrator suggesting I had told him I didn't have the stomach for the fight. I can only imagine he thought that after I told him I could not guarantee the club staying up if I remained in the job, but that applies to any club in the bottom half. Only Rafael Benitez guarantees a finishing position. Of course, the administration took the wind out of our sails, we seemed to have one blow after another, but I don't think I could have worked any harder over my period at Selhurst Park, I don't think I've worked harder at any time in my career.
There was also the uncertainty over the future. Palace are for sale and, although the deadline keeps being extended, I could have ended up with an owner that didn't want me. Against that, QPR were offering me a three-and-a-half-year contract. I loved the club, but in the end I didn't think I could take the risk. If you asked 100 people what they would do in the situation, 99 of them would take the security of a contract.
2. I'd never dream of a Selhurst Park player raid
You can imagine my disappointment when I was told I would be barred if I came to the club on Wednesday morning to say goodbye to the players. I don't know what they thought I could have done. I do believe you should be able to say goodbye to a group of players who have given everything, and also the staff behind the scenes. I will have to save it until 10 April when QPR play there.
Obviously I've read about how many players I'm supposedly taking with me in the next few days, but I'd never dream of taking anybody this season while the battle at the bottom is on and I am surprised anybody would think I would, especially with the embargo Palace are under. It was the best club I have been at in terms of fan support, which was constant from day one.
To this day, I still cannot understand why Simon was forced into administration. It does not make sense to me. I am convinced he would have been able to do a deal with the transfer money he would have received in January and that would have got the hedge fund its money back. Instead, even though Victor Moses was sold in January, the fund won't be paid until the club is sold, and that may not be before the end of the season. So why not let us have a go at promotion, which would have solved everybody's financial problems?
3. I still get butterflies meeting a new squad
Last Tuesday I met the new major shareholder and the chairman at Rangers, and we soon reached agreement on the contract details. Speaking to them, it was clear to see the vision they had for the club and, I admit, it was nice to be wanted.
The first meeting with a new squad is always strange, even at my age, and with my experience, you have the butterflies. I said to them, "No doubt you are used to this, meeting the new manager..." It was obvious to me the players need to know who they are working with and it can only be better for them having stability. In fairness, to Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone, I know they have been criticised for what has happened over the last few years, but let's not forget they saved the club when they came in. Flavio's a massive fan. I'm sure he'll enjoy watching the games now without so much responsibility.
I told the players I expect them to work hard, but I also expect them to smile a lot. I love the dressing-room atmosphere when players want to come to training and don't feel it is a chore. That banter is one thing I will miss when I pack it in. Then we set to work. I began with my usual "robust" first session. Anyone who's ever been at a club when I've taken over will know what that was like. I've not got long to assess them and it's a good way to judge character. I don't know if they were surprised. The skipper, Mikele Leigertwood, was with me at Sheffield United so he may have tipped a few off, I'm sure they've been bending his ear.
I know most of the players but I also looked at some videos and I've learnt a lot already, even if injuries and international duty meant I was not able to work with the full squad. Today's game is against a team who will be in the Premier League next season – and what a good example West Brom set for everyone on how to run a club financially well and still be able to compete. They will also help me assess what we've got in the locker. I do know some good players – Wayne Routledge, Heidar Helguson, Fitz Hall – have gone. Some people clearly expect me to start replacing them. I've been getting lots of calls from agents offering players. For some reason they never rang me in the last year at Palace. There's also been the family stuff to look at, new home, new schools, there's a lot of upheaval in a move even though both clubs are in the capital.
Being manager at Palace gave me a new lease of life and I'll be eternally grateful for the time I spent there. I think QPR is a similar club, with another atmospheric ground crammed into the streets. It can be quite hostile, and has been to me at times – I hope that's going to change.
4. I'll miss the gentle giant Keith Alexander
After all the upheaval of this week, you still have to keep things in perspective and remember the important things in life. The passing of Keith Alexander on Tuesday night after Macclesfield's game with Notts County was a bombshell to me. I spoke to Keith a few years ago about becoming my assistant. He thought seriously about it, but was then offered another job as a No 1. He was a big, gentle giant who always had a good word for people. I think I speak on behalf of every manager in the country in offering our condolences to his wife and family at this difficult time. Independent
Mirror - Simon Jordan: 'Warnock only went to QPR for the money'
Published 23:00 05/03/10 By Neil McLeman
Simon Jordan last night said he felt "let down" by Neil Warnock quitting Crystal Palace and claimed there was "no morality" in his former manager's decision.
Warnock was unveiled as the new QPR boss this week after cash-strapped Palace received nearly £600,000 in compensation. The Selhurst Park club went into administration in January and were docked ten points to leave them fighting relegation along with Rangers.
Warnock claimed he had left Palace because administrator Brendan Guilfoyle could not guarantee his future at the club.
But Jordan, the former owner who appointed Warnock in October 2007, has now broken his silence to claim his former friend only left for the money at Loftus Road.
"I feel let down," he said. "I feel that he has shown no loyalty. There is a lack of decency. He was a very dear friend and I looked after him for two-and-a-half years both professionally and personally.
"If you are close to a guy who has lost the club he has owned for ten years, his reputation is damaged and he has lost a shedload of money and he needs you to stay in there to help the club to survive, you would do it, wouldn't you?
"I am disappointed for myself, the club and the fans.
“There is not one iota of morality about Neil's decision. I feel foolish to be disappointed but I am an optimist and I always believe in the best in people. I don't feel that Neil had any moral justification for doing it. He had the security of his contract.
"There is one reason and one reason only that Neil Warnock went to QPR. It is nothing to do with the administrator.
"It is outrageous to say he was not given any assurances by the administrator.
"To claim he was forced out of the door is not true. Neil wanted to go."
Warnock told Jordan he was leaving Selhurst Park on Monday.
"He said he wanted security but when he signed for me, he only wanted two-and-a-half years more," Jordan continued. "Now he wants three years. I told him he had a football club that desperately needed him. And he had to do the right thing.
"Neil spent a fair amount of time wrestling with his conscious trying to find a way to tell me. And when he did tell me, he was not greeted with a barrage of abuse. I told him: 'I think you are wrong Neil and I think you owe me more than that. I don't think it has been done for the right reasons. At least if you are going to go, have the courage of your convictions and say I am going to QPR because they are offering me a three-year contract on a lot of money and I want the security. Tell the truth'.
"I said to Neil that I was silly because I still get disappointed. I told him: 'All you are to me is just another football manager who has let me down'." Mirror
Karen Brady Diary/The Sun -
"... HAD a long chat with Neil Warnock a few days ago. Maybe he's jumping out of the fire into the frying pan, joining manager-a-month club QPR from Crystal Palace, but I don't think so because there will be less interference from the boardroom now Flavio Briatore has gone. Briatore had more loose ends than a bowl of spaghetti.
Warnock's first responsibility has to be to his family and that means he needs to be paid. Poor Palace, though. They needed to lose his leadership like a sinking ship needs to lose the skipper. The Sun
Read more:
Friday, March 05, 2010
QPR Report: Accounts Examined - Almost Ninteen Million Pounds Lost in a Year...Warnock...Injuries...WBA Preview...Liverpool Semi-Final Flashback
-
- QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
- For QPR news and perspectives also visit the growing QPR Report Messageboard
- The Latest QPR Accounts: Excerpts from the Accounts
- Next: QPR vs WBA - Stats, Previews and Flashbacks
- Homage to Mike Keen
- On This Day Flashback...Including League Cup Semi Final Second Leg vs Liverpool! (Video Snippet)
- Former QPR Target Richard Eckersley to Plymouth
- Cardiff Fans Marching in Protest
- The Leeds Mystery Owners and "Five Questions Fans Need Answered About Their Club Owners"
- Nottingham Forest Manager Billy Davies Not Satisfied re Transfers
- Glazers "Hardball"?
Teamtalk - Neil Warnock will check on the fitness of Lee Cook, Matt Connolly and Kaspars Gorkss ahead of his first game in charge of QPR against West Brom.
- Winger Cook has been struggling with a cold this week and defender Connolly has an ankle injury.
- Centre-half Gorkss has also not trained this week after picking up a knock and all three are battling to be fit to face the second-placed Baggies.
- Warnock will be hoping playmaker Akos Buzsaky returns from international duty with Hungary in one piece.
- Strikers Tamas Priskin (groin) and Marcus Bent (hamstring) should be fit but teenager Antonio German could keep his place after signing a new contract this week.
- Midfielders Gavin Mahon and Martin Rowlands remain long-term absentees with knee injuries. Virgin Media
Guardian/David Hytner - Warnock to QPR
- Neil Warnock aims parting shot at Crystal Palace's administrator• He suggests he had little option but to leave Selhurst Park• Club would not give assurances about his future there
- Neil Warnock has aimed a withering parting shot at Crystal Palace's administrator who, he suggested, gave him little option but to quit the club. The manager has moved across London to Queen's Park Rangers, swapping one Championship relegation struggle for another, although he hopes to challenge in due course for promotion to the Premier League in order to fulfil an ambition to work in the top division once more.
His enthusiasm at the new challenge, though, was tempered slightly by regret at how his tenure at Selhurst Park ended. Warnock maintains Palace ought never to have been pushed into the hands of the administrator, Brendan Guilfoyle of P&A Partnership, arguing that "the people who put the club there aren't going to get their money any earlier".
Palace, docked 10 points by the Football League, have appointed Paul Hart as Warnock's managerial successor while Guilfoyle has overseen the difficult yet necessary steps to cut costs. Guilfoyle said that Warnock had told him that he no longer had the "stomach for the fight" at Palace, a revelation that particularly incensed the manager, but Warnock's grievances run deeper.
With a three-and-a-half year contract on offer at QPR, he was frustrated at how Guilfoyle could give him no assurances about his future at Palace while he also accused the administrator of breaking promises to him over player recruitment and when the club would be sold. "I think when he [Guilfoyle] interviewed Paul Hart and people asked him 'Why Paul Hart?', he said 'Well, I'm an accountant', and I think that sums it up, really," Warnock said.
"He made it clear that new owners could come in at any time and that they might want their own manager. It was very difficult working with him. He has a high opinion of himself. I came down to the club for Simon Jordan and he has left so I lost the day-to-day involvement of the chairman and it is difficult talking to an administrator, especially when you don't think that he should be in anyhow. There were problems, especially on transfer deadline day. Another blow was when I was told by the administrator's agent that I could bring players in if I got the squad down to 19. I did and then we couldn't. You are always treading sand."
Palace will receive a compensation payment from QPR for Warnock of up to £600,000, which will go towards their bid to re-balance the books. "They got a very good fee for me," Warnock continued, "and I don't think he [Guilfoyle] turned his nose up at that. The biggest thing for me of late was when I found out that the agent who the administrator brought in received £100,000 within seven days for selling Victor Moses [to Wigan Athletic] for £2m. I could have sold Moses in my sleep. That really was the bugbear for me.
- "You will always feel that you have let the fans down but they have to ask themselves what they would have done in my position, with a three-and-a-half year contract for their family or a chance of being out of a job in a fortnight; 99.9% would take the three-and-a-half years."
- On the face of it, Warnock accepts, it would appear that he has jumped from the "frying pan into the fire". He becomes QPR's fifth manager of the season and their 12th in four years. Yet Ishan Saksena, who has replaced Flavio Briatore as the chairman of QPR Holdings Ltd, insisted that the club had learnt from their mistakes and that "stability" was now the order of the day.
- He pledged his "100% trust and faith" to Warnock who, he said, would be in charge of all playing matters, together with the football club chairman, Gianni Paladini. Briatore remains in the background as a stakeholder. Warnock, who made the point that he would not have moved to Loftus Road if he had not been assured that he would have the final say on selection matters, noted that the squad needed "additions in certain areas". He would not, though, be raiding Palace for such players before the end of the season. "No, not now," he said. "I would not want to say 'No' for the future." Guardian
The Times/Gary Jacob March 5, 2010
Sea bass and security on the menu at Loftus Road for Neil Warnock
Warnock is targeting a quick promotion with QPR after joining from Palace
Job security was the motivation for Neil Warnock becoming the fifth manager of Queens Park Rangers this season.
The first rule of working for them recently has been never to assume anything, but his contract until 2013 might indicate that times are changing at the Coca-Cola Championship club.
Team selection, Warnock said, rests firmly in his control after managerial departures sparked allegations that Flavio Briatore had interfered in team selection. The Italian stepped down as chairman this month, with Lakshmi Mittal, the steel magnate and richest person in Britain, and family increasing their shareholding in the club.
Warnock says that there is now a plan and repeatedly described his move as an opportunity. A hike in salary from £750,000 to £1.2 million a year and leaving Crystal Palace, who are in administration, for a club who can throw money at promotion may have been persuasive, too.
“There are a lot more ingredients that you need than money, which has never won a club anything,” Warnock said, before referring to the relatively luxurious surroundings he now finds himself in. “I have never tasted sea bass, as I did after training today.”
Warnock ignored calls from Simon Jordan to save Palace and leave a hero when his contract expires this summer. Jordan, the club’s owner, will recover less of the £20 million he is owed if they are relegated, but his anger will be matched on the terraces, where some fans will accuse Warnock of jumping ship in a relegation battle that they have been drawn into after receiving a ten-point penalty. Luckily, he has the ego to withstand an uncomfortable return to South London when the sides meet at Selhurst Park next month.
“You will get the odd one that will slaughter me,” Warnock said. “I know Simon Jordan will be disappointed. But I don’t think that anyone can say who will stay up. If the fans feel that I’ve let them down, they have to ask themselves what would they do if they had a 3½-year deal for their family or a chance of being out of a job in a fortnight — 99.9 per cent would do the same.
“To come somewhere steady was the main thing for me and my family. QPR has been very unstable, a revolving door, but they have realised their mistakes. I can build and leave a legacy.”
The only pressure to deliver promotion is his, he says, but first the team must avoid the drop. “We have a difficult run-in and need additions to the squad,” he said. “At my age [61], you want to be pushing for promotion.”
Warnock blamed his exit on the uncertainty at Selhurst Park and alleged broken promises made about signing players in January.
“You are always treading sand,” Warnock said. “I could have gone for constructive dismissal, but I did not want that. No manager could have worked harder with very little resources.” Times
REPOSTING: The QPR ACCOUNTS
- QPR FC Accounts
- QPR Holdings Accounts
[Note: The last set of QPR accounts on the QPR official Site are for the previous year
EXCERPTS FROM THE ACCOUNTS (Which Cover Period Up to May 31, 2009
QPR HOLDINGS
Chairman Statement - Ali Russell
"During 2009/09 we took the decsion to part with two first team managers Iain Dowie and Paulo Sousa..." (page 2)
The loss for the year amounted to £18,824,000" (p 3)
"..Net cash outflow from operations amounted to £12.1 million as compared to £3.3 million for the prevous year. This reflects the ongoing investment in player salary cost, stadium refurbishment cost and minial player sales"
"The group paid £3.4 M (2008 - £6.90) to aquire additional players during the year."
"Net debt as at 31 May 2009 has increased to £24.7 million (2008- £16.9 million"
"...The strategy is to ensure we retain the highest quality playing staff by securing long-term contracts..."
"The Group made a loss of £18,824,000 during the year ended 31 May 2009 and at that date the Group's liabilities exceeded its total asets by £5,769,000(p7)
Loss for the Financial year, £18,824,000 Loss for 2009 (£6,009,000)
On the 1 September 2007 A. Claiendo waived £4,212,882 of the loan. £2,000,000 is still included in creditors in relation to Mr. Caliendo's original loan (14)
Particulars of Employes
- Number of Administrative Staff - In 2009, 20...In 2009 11
The aggregrate payroll costs of the above were
Wages and Salaries
2009 £15,322,000
2008 £9,271,000
Renumeration of highest paid director $181,000 (2008 - £196,000)
"The loss dealt with the financial statements of the parent company was £19,242,000 (2008, £6,104,000
"The overdraft is secuired by personal guarantees and a second legal charge over the Loftus Road Stadium" (19)
Included with long term creditors are the following loans
A £8,600,000 loan facility from Sarita Capital Investments...
A £10,000,000 from Amulya Propert Limited which is interest bearing at 8.5%
A £503,000 Interest free lon from the Football League
a £2,000,000 interest free loan owing to Mr A Caliendo
"During the year the copany paid amounts totalling £40,000 (2008 £75,000 to Moorbound Limited...in relation to G. Paladini's role as a director. In addition...an interest free loan of £140k (2008 £140K) to G Paladini"
Post Balance Sheet Events
"Transfer activity...a number of player join the club on permanent transfers, notably Alejadnro Faurlin, Alessandro Pellicori and Nigel QUashie.
- QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
- For QPR news and perspectives also visit the growing QPR Report Messageboard
- The Latest QPR Accounts: Excerpts from the Accounts
- Next: QPR vs WBA - Stats, Previews and Flashbacks
- Homage to Mike Keen
- On This Day Flashback...Including League Cup Semi Final Second Leg vs Liverpool! (Video Snippet)
- Former QPR Target Richard Eckersley to Plymouth
- Cardiff Fans Marching in Protest
- The Leeds Mystery Owners and "Five Questions Fans Need Answered About Their Club Owners"
- Nottingham Forest Manager Billy Davies Not Satisfied re Transfers
- Glazers "Hardball"?
Teamtalk - Neil Warnock will check on the fitness of Lee Cook, Matt Connolly and Kaspars Gorkss ahead of his first game in charge of QPR against West Brom.
- Winger Cook has been struggling with a cold this week and defender Connolly has an ankle injury.
- Centre-half Gorkss has also not trained this week after picking up a knock and all three are battling to be fit to face the second-placed Baggies.
- Warnock will be hoping playmaker Akos Buzsaky returns from international duty with Hungary in one piece.
- Strikers Tamas Priskin (groin) and Marcus Bent (hamstring) should be fit but teenager Antonio German could keep his place after signing a new contract this week.
- Midfielders Gavin Mahon and Martin Rowlands remain long-term absentees with knee injuries. Virgin Media
Guardian/David Hytner - Warnock to QPR
- Neil Warnock aims parting shot at Crystal Palace's administrator• He suggests he had little option but to leave Selhurst Park• Club would not give assurances about his future there
- Neil Warnock has aimed a withering parting shot at Crystal Palace's administrator who, he suggested, gave him little option but to quit the club. The manager has moved across London to Queen's Park Rangers, swapping one Championship relegation struggle for another, although he hopes to challenge in due course for promotion to the Premier League in order to fulfil an ambition to work in the top division once more.
His enthusiasm at the new challenge, though, was tempered slightly by regret at how his tenure at Selhurst Park ended. Warnock maintains Palace ought never to have been pushed into the hands of the administrator, Brendan Guilfoyle of P&A Partnership, arguing that "the people who put the club there aren't going to get their money any earlier".
Palace, docked 10 points by the Football League, have appointed Paul Hart as Warnock's managerial successor while Guilfoyle has overseen the difficult yet necessary steps to cut costs. Guilfoyle said that Warnock had told him that he no longer had the "stomach for the fight" at Palace, a revelation that particularly incensed the manager, but Warnock's grievances run deeper.
With a three-and-a-half year contract on offer at QPR, he was frustrated at how Guilfoyle could give him no assurances about his future at Palace while he also accused the administrator of breaking promises to him over player recruitment and when the club would be sold. "I think when he [Guilfoyle] interviewed Paul Hart and people asked him 'Why Paul Hart?', he said 'Well, I'm an accountant', and I think that sums it up, really," Warnock said.
"He made it clear that new owners could come in at any time and that they might want their own manager. It was very difficult working with him. He has a high opinion of himself. I came down to the club for Simon Jordan and he has left so I lost the day-to-day involvement of the chairman and it is difficult talking to an administrator, especially when you don't think that he should be in anyhow. There were problems, especially on transfer deadline day. Another blow was when I was told by the administrator's agent that I could bring players in if I got the squad down to 19. I did and then we couldn't. You are always treading sand."
Palace will receive a compensation payment from QPR for Warnock of up to £600,000, which will go towards their bid to re-balance the books. "They got a very good fee for me," Warnock continued, "and I don't think he [Guilfoyle] turned his nose up at that. The biggest thing for me of late was when I found out that the agent who the administrator brought in received £100,000 within seven days for selling Victor Moses [to Wigan Athletic] for £2m. I could have sold Moses in my sleep. That really was the bugbear for me.
- "You will always feel that you have let the fans down but they have to ask themselves what they would have done in my position, with a three-and-a-half year contract for their family or a chance of being out of a job in a fortnight; 99.9% would take the three-and-a-half years."
- On the face of it, Warnock accepts, it would appear that he has jumped from the "frying pan into the fire". He becomes QPR's fifth manager of the season and their 12th in four years. Yet Ishan Saksena, who has replaced Flavio Briatore as the chairman of QPR Holdings Ltd, insisted that the club had learnt from their mistakes and that "stability" was now the order of the day.
- He pledged his "100% trust and faith" to Warnock who, he said, would be in charge of all playing matters, together with the football club chairman, Gianni Paladini. Briatore remains in the background as a stakeholder. Warnock, who made the point that he would not have moved to Loftus Road if he had not been assured that he would have the final say on selection matters, noted that the squad needed "additions in certain areas". He would not, though, be raiding Palace for such players before the end of the season. "No, not now," he said. "I would not want to say 'No' for the future." Guardian
The Times/Gary Jacob March 5, 2010
Sea bass and security on the menu at Loftus Road for Neil Warnock
Warnock is targeting a quick promotion with QPR after joining from Palace
Job security was the motivation for Neil Warnock becoming the fifth manager of Queens Park Rangers this season.
The first rule of working for them recently has been never to assume anything, but his contract until 2013 might indicate that times are changing at the Coca-Cola Championship club.
Team selection, Warnock said, rests firmly in his control after managerial departures sparked allegations that Flavio Briatore had interfered in team selection. The Italian stepped down as chairman this month, with Lakshmi Mittal, the steel magnate and richest person in Britain, and family increasing their shareholding in the club.
Warnock says that there is now a plan and repeatedly described his move as an opportunity. A hike in salary from £750,000 to £1.2 million a year and leaving Crystal Palace, who are in administration, for a club who can throw money at promotion may have been persuasive, too.
“There are a lot more ingredients that you need than money, which has never won a club anything,” Warnock said, before referring to the relatively luxurious surroundings he now finds himself in. “I have never tasted sea bass, as I did after training today.”
Warnock ignored calls from Simon Jordan to save Palace and leave a hero when his contract expires this summer. Jordan, the club’s owner, will recover less of the £20 million he is owed if they are relegated, but his anger will be matched on the terraces, where some fans will accuse Warnock of jumping ship in a relegation battle that they have been drawn into after receiving a ten-point penalty. Luckily, he has the ego to withstand an uncomfortable return to South London when the sides meet at Selhurst Park next month.
“You will get the odd one that will slaughter me,” Warnock said. “I know Simon Jordan will be disappointed. But I don’t think that anyone can say who will stay up. If the fans feel that I’ve let them down, they have to ask themselves what would they do if they had a 3½-year deal for their family or a chance of being out of a job in a fortnight — 99.9 per cent would do the same.
“To come somewhere steady was the main thing for me and my family. QPR has been very unstable, a revolving door, but they have realised their mistakes. I can build and leave a legacy.”
The only pressure to deliver promotion is his, he says, but first the team must avoid the drop. “We have a difficult run-in and need additions to the squad,” he said. “At my age [61], you want to be pushing for promotion.”
Warnock blamed his exit on the uncertainty at Selhurst Park and alleged broken promises made about signing players in January.
“You are always treading sand,” Warnock said. “I could have gone for constructive dismissal, but I did not want that. No manager could have worked harder with very little resources.” Times
REPOSTING: The QPR ACCOUNTS
- QPR FC Accounts
- QPR Holdings Accounts
[Note: The last set of QPR accounts on the QPR official Site are for the previous year
EXCERPTS FROM THE ACCOUNTS (Which Cover Period Up to May 31, 2009
QPR HOLDINGS
Chairman Statement - Ali Russell
"During 2009/09 we took the decsion to part with two first team managers Iain Dowie and Paulo Sousa..." (page 2)
The loss for the year amounted to £18,824,000" (p 3)
"..Net cash outflow from operations amounted to £12.1 million as compared to £3.3 million for the prevous year. This reflects the ongoing investment in player salary cost, stadium refurbishment cost and minial player sales"
"The group paid £3.4 M (2008 - £6.90) to aquire additional players during the year."
"Net debt as at 31 May 2009 has increased to £24.7 million (2008- £16.9 million"
"...The strategy is to ensure we retain the highest quality playing staff by securing long-term contracts..."
"The Group made a loss of £18,824,000 during the year ended 31 May 2009 and at that date the Group's liabilities exceeded its total asets by £5,769,000(p7)
Loss for the Financial year, £18,824,000 Loss for 2009 (£6,009,000)
On the 1 September 2007 A. Claiendo waived £4,212,882 of the loan. £2,000,000 is still included in creditors in relation to Mr. Caliendo's original loan (14)
Particulars of Employes
- Number of Administrative Staff - In 2009, 20...In 2009 11
The aggregrate payroll costs of the above were
Wages and Salaries
2009 £15,322,000
2008 £9,271,000
Renumeration of highest paid director $181,000 (2008 - £196,000)
"The loss dealt with the financial statements of the parent company was £19,242,000 (2008, £6,104,000
"The overdraft is secuired by personal guarantees and a second legal charge over the Loftus Road Stadium" (19)
Included with long term creditors are the following loans
A £8,600,000 loan facility from Sarita Capital Investments...
A £10,000,000 from Amulya Propert Limited which is interest bearing at 8.5%
A £503,000 Interest free lon from the Football League
a £2,000,000 interest free loan owing to Mr A Caliendo
"During the year the copany paid amounts totalling £40,000 (2008 £75,000 to Moorbound Limited...in relation to G. Paladini's role as a director. In addition...an interest free loan of £140k (2008 £140K) to G Paladini"
Post Balance Sheet Events
"Transfer activity...a number of player join the club on permanent transfers, notably Alejadnro Faurlin, Alessandro Pellicori and Nigel QUashie.
Excerpts From The QPR Accounts: Almost 19 Million Pound Loss...Liabilities Exceed Assets...Wages Skyrocketed
-
- QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
- For QPR news and perspectives also visit the growing QPR Report Messageboard
Dave McIntyre Twitter
"QPR's accounts show an annual loss of almost £19million. Estimated debt now around £25million" - Dave McIntyre
- Courtesy of Scott Jones: Links to the two sets of QPR accounts
- QPR FC Accounts
- QPR Holdings Accounts
[Note: The last set of QPR accounts on the QPR official Site are for the previous year
EXCERPTS FROM THE ACCOUNTS (Which Cover Period Up to May 31, 2009
QPR HOLDINGS
Chairman Statement - Ali Russell
"During 2009/09 we took the decsion to part with two first team managers Iain Dowie and Paulo Sousa..." (page 2)
The loss for the year amounted to £18,824,000" (p 3)
"..Net cash outflow from operations amounted to £12.1 million as compared to £3.3 million for the prevous year. This reflects the ongoing investment in player salary cost, stadium refurbishment cost and minial player sales"
"The group paid £3.4 M (2008 - £6.90) to aquire additional players during the year."
"Net debt as at 31 May 2009 has increased to £24.7 million (2008- £16.9 million"
"...The strategy is to ensure we retain the highest quality playing staff by securing long-term contracts..."
"The Group made a loss of £18,824,000 during the year ended 31 May 2009 and at that date the Group's liabilities exceeded its total asets by £5,769,000(p7)
Loss for the Financial year, £18,824,000 Loss for 2009 (£6,009,000)
On the 1 September 2007 A. Claiendo waived £4,212,882 of the loan. £2,000,000 is still included in creditors in relation to Mr. Caliendo's original loan (14)
Particulars of Employes
- Number of Administrative Staff - In 2009, 20...In 2009 11
The aggregrate payroll costs of the above were
Wages and Salaries
2009 £15,322,000
2008 £9,271,000
Renumeration of highest paid director $181,000 (2008 - £196,000)
"The loss dealt with the financial statements of the parent company was £19,242,000 (2008, £6,104,000
"The overdraft is secuired by personal guarantees and a second legal charge over the Loftus Road Stadium" (19)
Included with long term creditors are the following loans
A £8,600,000 loan facility from Sarita Capital Investments...
A £10,000,000 from Amulya Propert Limited which is interest bearing at 8.5%
A £503,000 Interest free lon from the Football League
a £2,000,000 interest free loan owing to Mr A Caliendo
"During the year the copany paid amounts totalling £40,000 (2008 £75,000 to Moorbound Limited...in relation to G. Paladini's role as a director. In addition...an interest free loan of £140k (2008 £140K) to G Paladini"
Post Balance Sheet Events
"Transfer activity...a number of player join the club on permanent transfers, notably Alejadnro Faurlin, Alessandro Pellicori and Nigel QUashie.
- QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
- For QPR news and perspectives also visit the growing QPR Report Messageboard
Dave McIntyre Twitter
"QPR's accounts show an annual loss of almost £19million. Estimated debt now around £25million" - Dave McIntyre
- Courtesy of Scott Jones: Links to the two sets of QPR accounts
- QPR FC Accounts
- QPR Holdings Accounts
[Note: The last set of QPR accounts on the QPR official Site are for the previous year
EXCERPTS FROM THE ACCOUNTS (Which Cover Period Up to May 31, 2009
QPR HOLDINGS
Chairman Statement - Ali Russell
"During 2009/09 we took the decsion to part with two first team managers Iain Dowie and Paulo Sousa..." (page 2)
The loss for the year amounted to £18,824,000" (p 3)
"..Net cash outflow from operations amounted to £12.1 million as compared to £3.3 million for the prevous year. This reflects the ongoing investment in player salary cost, stadium refurbishment cost and minial player sales"
"The group paid £3.4 M (2008 - £6.90) to aquire additional players during the year."
"Net debt as at 31 May 2009 has increased to £24.7 million (2008- £16.9 million"
"...The strategy is to ensure we retain the highest quality playing staff by securing long-term contracts..."
"The Group made a loss of £18,824,000 during the year ended 31 May 2009 and at that date the Group's liabilities exceeded its total asets by £5,769,000(p7)
Loss for the Financial year, £18,824,000 Loss for 2009 (£6,009,000)
On the 1 September 2007 A. Claiendo waived £4,212,882 of the loan. £2,000,000 is still included in creditors in relation to Mr. Caliendo's original loan (14)
Particulars of Employes
- Number of Administrative Staff - In 2009, 20...In 2009 11
The aggregrate payroll costs of the above were
Wages and Salaries
2009 £15,322,000
2008 £9,271,000
Renumeration of highest paid director $181,000 (2008 - £196,000)
"The loss dealt with the financial statements of the parent company was £19,242,000 (2008, £6,104,000
"The overdraft is secuired by personal guarantees and a second legal charge over the Loftus Road Stadium" (19)
Included with long term creditors are the following loans
A £8,600,000 loan facility from Sarita Capital Investments...
A £10,000,000 from Amulya Propert Limited which is interest bearing at 8.5%
A £503,000 Interest free lon from the Football League
a £2,000,000 interest free loan owing to Mr A Caliendo
"During the year the copany paid amounts totalling £40,000 (2008 £75,000 to Moorbound Limited...in relation to G. Paladini's role as a director. In addition...an interest free loan of £140k (2008 £140K) to G Paladini"
Post Balance Sheet Events
"Transfer activity...a number of player join the club on permanent transfers, notably Alejadnro Faurlin, Alessandro Pellicori and Nigel QUashie.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
UPDATED: QPR Reportedly Lost Almost 19 Million Pounds In One Year...The Accounts Themselves
-
- QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
- For QPR news and perspectives also visit the growing QPR Report Messageboard
Dave McIntyre Twitter
"QPR's accounts show an annual loss of almost £19million. Estimated debt now around £25million" - Dave McIntyre
[Note: If maths is anywhere near accurate: Nineteen Million Pounds in a year = about Million and Half pounds a month = about 350,000 pounds a week = about 50,000 pounds a day!]
- Courtesy of Scott Jones: Links to the two sets of QPR accounts
- QPR FC Accounts
- QPR Holdings Accounts
[Note: The last set of QPR accounts on the QPR official Site are for the previous year
- QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
- For QPR news and perspectives also visit the growing QPR Report Messageboard
Dave McIntyre Twitter
"QPR's accounts show an annual loss of almost £19million. Estimated debt now around £25million" - Dave McIntyre
[Note: If maths is anywhere near accurate: Nineteen Million Pounds in a year = about Million and Half pounds a month = about 350,000 pounds a week = about 50,000 pounds a day!]
- Courtesy of Scott Jones: Links to the two sets of QPR accounts
- QPR FC Accounts
- QPR Holdings Accounts
[Note: The last set of QPR accounts on the QPR official Site are for the previous year
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