QPR Report Twitter Feed

Friday, January 06, 2012

QPR Report Friday Update: Chairman Fernandes on QPR...Taarabt Future Unclear..Terry Venables - GOD! Hits Seventieth Year...Five Year Flashback: Witney

-

-
- Throughout the day, the QPR Report Messageboard has news updates, comments and perspectives - even links to other board comments of interest re QPR matters (on and off the field) along with football (and ONLY football) topics in general....Also Follow: QPR REPORT ON TWITTER
__________________________________________________________________________________

Chairman Tony Fernandes Tweeting Today:


I will leave no stone unturned to make qpr a success. But if I fail I have to go. I will give it 150 percent effort.

Its important to note no one job is safe. Results are key. If I don't deliver I would be the first to step down as chairman. We owe it to all the fans. Good money is paid and results are key.

Guys at qpr. There is no freeze of cash. Don't listen to ambiguous press reports. We are disappointed where we are in the league. This is a journey not s sprint. Along the way we learn. But we continue to develop and along the way hard decisions need to be made. But we never stop moving. Never. Tony Fernandes


- One of QPR's greatest-ever managers, brilliant captain, innovative free-kick expert (as player, coach and manager) TERRY VENABLES Turns Sixty-Nine. Happy Birthday! (QPR Flashbacks)

- Damion Stewart Joins Notts County on Loan

- One of the Sons of Dave Clement (RIP) Set for PSG Coaching Job

- "On This Day" FIve Year Flashback: QPR & Witney United Announce would be playing Friendly...And then...And then! (Also On this Day: Two FA Cup Draws vs Luton Town!

- New Commemorial 50-pp Coin Supposedly Explains Offside Rule Incorrectly!

- Darlington in Trouble: Having Laidoff most staff, don't have enough staff to host home Game


- MK Dons Preview: MK Dons and Ex-QPR Coach, John Gorman Looks forward and Looks Back

- QPR's Horrendous FA Cup Run: 11 Years and 12 Managers since QPR Won in the FA Cup!

- Five+ Year Flashback: QPR Schedule & Then Cancel Friendly vs MK Dons

- UPDATE: Alessandro Pellicori Mentioned re Italian Football Scandal

- QPR Report (Brief) Mid-Season Assessment of QPR "QPR blogger Mike from QPR report gives Metro Sport his view on the season so far and discusses his hopes for the January transfer window"


Paul Warburton/Fulham Chronicle
Adel Taarabt's QPR future 'in the balance' - Warnock

ADEL Taarabt’s future at QPR hangs in the balance – despite the midfielder’s return to form.

Neil Warnock admitted the mercurial talent might have played his last game in hoops even though he has had his eyes opened by Taarabt’s performances during the holiday games.

The 22-year-old is on the way to the African Cup of Nations with Morocco, as is team-mate Armand Traore for Senegal.

But the Rangers boss was guarded over keeping a player who has caused him more than a few headaches in the recent past.

“I just don’t know honestly, and it would be fair to say what happens to Adel is in the balance,” said Warnock. “I’ve not received any firm bids for him, but there is two and a bit weeks to go in the window – and we’ll have to wait and see.

“I don’t think it will matter he’s away with Morocco. These days deals can be done easily with modern technology.

“But he’s been fantastic for us over the last few games. He knew he had to knuckle down and become more of a team player – and he has.

“He’s lost weight, looked sharper, and been an all-round better player.”

But there has been constant speculation linking the former Spurs player with a host of European clubs, notably Paris St Germain.

Warnock even joked that if the French came in with a multi-million pound bid for Taarabt, he would drive him there himself.

Team-mate Shaun Derry also reckoned the midfielder was in danger of wasting his talent, and Taarabt sat out all of November and most of December no thanks to a ‘stomach complaint’ and lack of form.

However, his link-up play against Norwich, Arsenal and Swansea made him arguably the Rangers player over Christmas, and Rangers would be looking for a minimum £6million from would-be suitors. Fulham Chronicle


Telegraph/Jason Burt

Forget transfer trolley dash, if Queens Park Rangers are to fulfil big plans they must spend wisely to avoid relegation


It’s a huge month for Queens Park Rangers. The club’s new owners, Tony Fernandes and Amit Bhatia, took control at the end of August and embarked on an immediate frenzy of transfer activity with little time to really plan.
In came Joey Barton, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Luke Young and so on. The transfer fees weren’t huge but the wages, the liabilities for the club, were big. But there was also a nagging doubt as to whether manager Neil Warnock had bought wisely in his last-minute trolley dash.
QPR sit in 17th place in the Premier League just one place, and one point, above the drop zone.
If they are there come May then it will be a successful season, albeit a nerve-shredding one, but there has been a growing sense of trepidation as the team have slid down the table in recent weeks.
Fernandes, a savvy Malaysian businessman — is extremely hot on social networking and has even asked supporters for suggestions on Twitter as to who the club should buy – has grand plans for a new stadium and to make Rangers the team in Asia. But he knows they have to stay in the Premier League.
Fernandes and QPR’s chief executive, Phil Beard, who was appointed after working for the London 2012 Olympic bid committee and as the O2 Arena’s chief executive, are new to football so there’s always the danger that they might have to pay over the odds and might not be able to easily navigate their way around the shark-infested transfer market.

Rangers have their targets — at least two permanent signings including a 'big-name’ striker (and yes they have discussed a bid for Aston Villa’s Darren Bent before quickly accepting it would be far too expensive) and another loan player to add to Manchester United’s young striker, Federico Macheda.
Money needs to be spent. Earlier this week Fernandes, and Warnock, travelled to Manchester for talks over signing City’s Nedum Onuoha but they face competition from other clubs interested in the defender.
An added complication is that Fernandes, who previously tried to buy West Ham United last June, has other businesses to run, not least the airline AirAsia, and rarely spends two nights together in London as he travels the world.
That should change next year as he concentrates more on QPR but he will want to make sure he does so with them still in the top flight. It could be a crucial few weeks ahead. Telegraph



- QPR Official Supporters Club (OSC) AGM & EGM was held Wednesday Evening

--- Five Year Flashback: QPR Manager, John Gregory Praising Chelsea Union!...

- QPR-Indian Connection Continues: Two Youth Players Chosen

AIR ASIA - QPR SPONSORSHIP Update

Thursday, January 05, 2012

QPR Report Thursday Update

-
- Bushman Photos & Various Programme Notes from QPR's 1960-1961 Season!
-
- Throughout the day, the QPR Report Messageboard has news updates, comments and perspectives - even links to other board comments of interest re QPR matters (on and off the field) along with football (and ONLY football) topics in general....Also Follow: QPR REPORT ON TWITTER
__________________________________________________________________________________

- QPR Official Supporters Club (OSC) AGM & EGM was held last night

- On This Day, Four Years Ago: FA Cup Tie vs Chelsea

- Three Ex-QPR Birthdays Today: Kenny Jackett, Deal Neal & Vinnie Jones.

- MK Dons Preview: MK Dons and Ex-QPR Coach, John Gorman Looks forward and Looks Back


- UPDATE: Alessandro Pellicori Mentioned re Italian Football Scandal

- Four Year Flashback: Fitz Hall Joins QPR

-THREE Years Ago: Routledge, Borrowdale & Helguson Join QPR.... FOUR Years ago: Buzsaky, Connolly & Ephraim Join QPR (A Day later, Agyemang joined)

- Forty-Three Years Ago, Today: First Division QPR "Shock FA Cup Third Round Exit" - VIDEO

- QPR's Horrendous FA Cup Run: 11 Years and 12 Managers since QPR Won in the FA Cup!

- 41 Years ago: QPR Won an FA Cup Game/Started on an FA Cup run (Till Chelsea ruined it!)

- Five+ Year Flashback: QPR Schedule & Then Cancel Friendly vs MK Dons

- QPR Report (Brief) Mid-Season Assessment of QPR "QPR blogger Mike from QPR report gives Metro Sport his view on the season so far and discusses his hopes for the January transfer window"


QPR OFFICIAL SITE
entre of Excellence

Home
News
Match
Squad
Tickets
Club
Fans
Commercial



User tools SmallNormal Text SizeLargePrintBookmark the SiteEmail this Page

Latest


Quick Links
Latest
GAFFER WANTS 'QUICK BUSINESS'
Ticket News
ASTON VILLA v QPR - TICKET NEWS
The Gaffer
GAFFER'S CANARIES VERDICT

GAFFER WANTS 'QUICK BUSINESS'
Posted on: Thu 05 Jan 2012

Neil Warnock is hoping to get his transfer business done 'as quickly as possible,' as rumours continue to circulate about who he is hoping to bring to the Club in the January window.

Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, the R's gaffer revealed he is hoping to tie up his deals by the time QPR travel to Newcastle United in ten days time.

"We're working very hard behind the scenes - and we want players in before Newcastle," he said.

"We've got options in a number of positions - but they're never over the line until the ink has dried on the contract.


"We've got so many targets, but I won't talk about specific players.

"We need experience in certain positions and we also need goals from all departments.

"I've had a lot of meetings over the last few days, but there's nothing more to announce at the moment."

He added: "I think it's important to get our business done as quickly as possible.

"Ideally we'd have liked to have done it all in August, but the circumstances didn't allow it back then.

"I don't want it to all rest on the last day again, like it did in the summer window."

DAILY STAR - Neil Warnock QPR Job in Doubt

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/228570/Neil-Warnock-QPR-job-in-doubt/?

QPR owner Tony Fernandes is ready to block a January spending spree – amid doubts over Neil Warnock’s future as manager.

Neil Warnock had wanted £20m to splash out on new signings during the transfer window to help the club climb away from relegation trouble.

But Malaysian business tycoon Fernandes now has reservatons over whether Warnock is the right man to lead QPR, and over his record in the transfer market.

Fernandes gave Warnock the green light to spend big after completing his Rangers takeover with less than two weeks of the summer window left.

Warnock brought in Joey Barton, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Anton Ferdinand as he pulled off a string of dramatic late swoops. But results have been less than impressive.

Rangers have picked up just 17 points and sit one place outside the Premier League drop zone.

They have been dragged into the relegation scrap after an alarming slump of five points from their last 10 games.

And there are now growing doubts at Loftus Road about whether throwing more money at their problems is the solution – and whether Warnock is the right man to spend whatever funds are available.

Instead, he could be told he is only allowed to bring in short-term signings like striker Federico Macheda, who Warnock borrowed from Manchester United this week.

Starsport understands the Rangers board might soften their stance if Warnock suggests a player they think will be more than a short-term fix.

Manchester City outcast Nedum Onuoha, 25, falls into that category.

Warnock flew to Manchester on Tuesday to try and tie up a £4m deal for the defender.

The concerns held by the board over progress under Warnock this season will place a question mark over his long-term future.

Meanwhile, Rangers midfielder Barton will serve a three-match ban after having his appeal against his red card
against Norwich dismissed by the FA. http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/228570/Neil-Warnock-QPR-job-in-doubt/?
\

MAIL
QPR owner puts brake on spending as poor run increases pressure on manager Warnock

Queens Park Rangers manager Neil Warnock has been left sweating on his £20million January war chest after the club’s dismal run.

Having already captured high-profile signings such as Joey Barton, Anton Ferdinand, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Luke Young in the summer, Warnock was due to spend heavily again this month.
Feeling the pressure, Neil? QPR boss Warnock

But the QPR manager may have to rein in his January spending plan with co-owner Tony Fernandes fearful another splurge could have disastrous consequences should the club fail to avoid relegation.

And Sportsmail understands Fernandes is keen for Warnock to explore the loan market for suitable signings rather than pinpoint big-money targets, with Wayne Bridge his first target.

Warnock has already completed the loan capture of Federico Macheda from Manchester United. However, Fernandes will be tempted to splash the cash should a ‘marquee’ signing he considers obtainable become available.

Big names on Warnock’s list include Jermain Defoe, Darren Bent, Bobby Zamora and Chris Samba.

Fernandes is fully aware that lumbering the club with a massive wage bill would have serious implications if they were to be relegated.

QPR are on a dreadful of run, having picked up just five points from a possible 30 - a sequence that has left them just two points above the drop zone.

It is understood that Warnock’s job is not under any immediate danger but Fernandes could be forced to act if results do not improve.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2082553/QPR-owner-puts-brake-spending-Neil-Warnock-fears-increase.html#ixzz1iZzmyko9


--- Five Year Flashback: QPR Manager, John Gregory Praising Chelsea Union!... ("Photo" by haqpr1963)

- QPR-Indian Connection Continues: Two Youth Players Chosen

AIR ASIA - QPR SPONSORSHIP Update

Wednesday, January 04, 2012

QPR Report Wednesday Updates and Flashbacks...Official Supporters Club (OSC) Meeting Tonight...Chelsea-QPR "Union" Flashback

-
--- Five Year Flashback: QPR Manager, John Gregory Praising Chelsea Union!... ("Photo" by haqpr1963)
-
- Throughout the day, the QPR Report Messageboard has news updates, comments and perspectives - even links to other board comments of interest re QPR matters (on and off the field) along with football (and ONLY football) topics in general....Also Follow: QPR REPORT ON TWITTER
__________________________________________________________________________________

- REMINDER: QPR Official Supporters Club (OSC) AGM & EGM TONIGHT, January 4, at Loftus Road


- QPR Report (Brief) Mid-Season Assessment of QPR "QPR blogger Mike from QPR report gives Metro Sport his view on the season so far and discusses his hopes for the January transfer window"


- MK Dons Preview: MK Dons and Ex-QPR Coach, John Gorman Looks forward and Looks Back


-
- Bushman Photos & Various Programme Notes from QPR's 1960-1961 Season!


- Four Year Flashback: Fitz Hall Joins QPR


-THREE Years Ago: Routledge, Borrowdale & Helguson Join QPR.... FOUR Years ago: Buzsaky, Connolly & Ephraim Join QPR (A Day later, Agyemang joined)

- Forty-Three Years Ago, Today: First Division QPR "Shock FA Cup Third Round Exit" - VIDEO

- QPR's Horrendous FA Cup Run: 11 Years and 12 Managers since QPR Won in the FA Cup!

- 41 Years ago: QPR Won an FA Cup Game/Started on an FA Cup run (Till Chelsea ruined it!)

- Five+ Year Flashback: QPR Schedule & Then Cancel Friendly vs MK Dons

- What the Premiership Table Looked like a Year Ago: Blackpool 8th with 25 points

- Latest Managerial Axe: Bristol Rovers' Paul Buckle (making some 20 managers in 20 years since Gerry Francis left for QPR)



Talksport - Exclusive – Brevett: QPR must sign four players or face relegation


Former Queens Park Rangers defender Rufus Brevett has warned the club they must strengthen significantly in the January transfer window or face relegation from the Premier League.

Neil Warnock’s side have slipped to just one place above the bottom three following an eight game winless run in the league.

And Brevett has told talkSPORT the club must readjust their transfer targets and bring in players capable of fighting the drop.
“At this level you need that little bit of quality and Queens Park Rangers haven’t got the quality at the minute.”Rufus Brevett

When asked if chairman Tony Fernandes would back Warnock in the transfer market, Brevett said: “I think he’s got to, if they don’t they’ll be looking at the exit door. I’d say they need at least four players in that team and quality players as well.

“The thing is now it is a relegation fight they are in so they will be looking at a different type of players that will pull their sleeves up
and dig in, and get them out of the situation they are in.

“At this level you need that little bit of quality and Queens Park Rangers haven’t got the quality at the minute. Talksport



Mirror/John Cross -Warnock asks QPR: Let me spend my way out of schtuck


Neil Warnock is back under pressure at QPR - but wants the chance to spend his way out of danger.

Darren Bent tops the west London side's hit-list for January and owner Tony Fernandes is being kept informed about developments to see whether they can lure the England striker away from Aston Villa.

But Hoops boss Warnock is also battling to keep his job after a recent slump saw the Premier League new boys slide down the table and into serious danger of an instant return to the Championship.

Warnock is still confident of turning things around at Loftus Road and is hopeful airline tycoon Fernandes will give him the chance to get it right, having led them to promotion last season.


QPR's bad Christmas and New Year has left them facing a battle for survival and Warnock needs to turn things round.

The first priority is a striker, and Bent appeals because he saved Villa last season after a £24m switch from Sunderland in January.

Bent and Villa boss Alex McLeish have denied a fall-out, but QPR are ready to move if they are given any encouragement, even though Villa will not want to sell at a loss.

Liverpool have also been linked with Bent, whose recent spell out of the team at Villa has alerted clubs to his potential availability.

Fernandes has promised cash for January signings at QPR, who want a centre-half - Tottenham's Sebastien Bassong is on their hit-list - a midfielder and a proven striker.

Warnock knows the club are desperate to avoid the drop after only one season back in the top flight and will be hoping he is afforded the time and backing to steer them away from danger.

QPR have already landed Manchester United youngster Frederico Macheda on loan until the end of the season.
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/QPR-manager-Neil-Warnock-facing-new-fight-for-his-job-after-recent-slump-but-wants-to-spend-his-way-to-safety-article848756.html


SKY/Patrick Haond - Chimbonda relives QPR hell
Defender enjoying his football again after Loftus Road nightmare


Pascal Chimbonda has branded his six-month stint at QPR as 'the worst of my whole career', but says he is feeling content at Doncaster.

The French full-back completed a move to Loftus Road in January 2011 after being released by Blackburn Rovers.
Neil Warnock drafted him in to help aid QPR's promotion push, but Chimbonda was offered limited opportunities to impress.

It was confirmed that he would be leaving the club in April, with an unhappy three months proving to the 32-year-old that he would be better served looking elsewhere.

"Last season at QPR? It was the worst of my whole career," Chimbonda told France Football.

Relationship

"I didn't have a good relationship with the coach.

"If the coach doesn't like you even if you are doing well, there is nothing you can do. In the end, he (Warnock) couldn't even look me in the eye."

Chimbonda dropped into the free agent pool over the summer and admits he was targeted by a number of clubs, but found himself short on contract offers.

"In the summer there were a lot of contacts but nothing concrete," he said.

"I could write a book about everything that was proposed to me over the summer. I became fed up.

"I went on trial at Panathinaikos as a left-back. I am not at ease in that position. I can deputise there, but not for a whole season. They made me an offer, but I refused.

"I met the coach of Montreal. He even came to England to see me. But you would rather go to the MLS at the end of your career. I still have a lot of football left in my legs."

Happy

Eventually, Chimbonda ended up at Doncaster, with the Championship outfit snapping him up on a short-term deal in September.

That agreement has been extended until the end of the season and Chimbonda claims he is enjoying his football again.

The former Wigan and Tottenham defender said: "I knew a little bit about Doncaster when I came. I knew they liked to play football and that they have a new stadium. That's about it.

"The club have given me an opportunity to do my job again and I want to pay them back. I am happy here." Sky



- UPDATE: Alessandro Pellicori Mentioned re Italian Football Scandal

- QPR-Indian Connection Continues: Two Youth Players Chosen

AIR ASIA - QPR SPONSORSHIP Update

- Year Ago, announced, Petter Vaagan Moen joining QPR

Tuesday, January 03, 2012

QPR Report Tuesday: Norwich Reports...Director's Problem Tweet?...QPR's Horrendous FA Cup Record

-
-- Photo compilation from yesterday's Game

- Throughout the day, the QPR Report Messageboard has news updates, comments and perspectives - even links to other board comments of interest re QPR matters (on and off the field) along with football (and ONLY football) topics in general....Also Follow: QPR REPORT ON TWITTER
__________________________________________________________________________________

- QPR's Horrendous FA Cup Run: 11 Years and 12 Managers since QPR Won in the FA Cup!

- 41 Years ago: QPR Won an FA Cup Game/Started on an FA Cup run (Till Chelsea ruined it!)

- Birthday today for Ex-QPR Andy McCulloch (Turns 62)

-THREE Years Ago: Routledge, Borrowdale & Helguson Join QPR....On This Day FOUR Years ago: Buzsaky, Connolly & Ephraim Join QPR (A Day later, Agyemang joined)

- As calls mount on the message boards for Neil Warnock's ouster, a six year flashback/a reminder of the bad old days (which got a lot worse): Ian Holloway talking about his job being threatened

- UPDATE: Alessandro Pellicori Mentioned re Italian Football Scandal

- QPR-Indian Connection Continues: Two Youth Players Chosen


QPR vs NORWICH REPORTS

- Photo compilation from yesterday's Game

- Warnock Audio

TELEGRAPH/Jonathan Liew

QPR director Ruben Emir Gnanalingam calls referee 'blind and bias' after Joey Barton sent off against Norwich


Queens Park Rangers director Ruben Emir Gnanalingam could face Football Association action for describing Premier League referees as “biased and blind” on Twitter after the dismissal of Joey Barton during the 2-1 defeat by Norwich.

Bradley Johnson and Joey Barton - Queens Park Rangers director Ruben Emir Gnanalingam calls referee 'blind and bias' after Joey Barton is sent off against Norwich

Gnanalingam, who joined the club’s board of directors in August, where he sits alongside chairman Tony Fernandes, posted his tweet just after Barton’s sending-off for an apparent butt on Norwich's Bradley Johnson. “F------ EPL refs are a big load of b-------!” he wrote. “Biased and blind. Thank you for spoiling the game.”

Gnanalingam, a Malaysian businessman who is the chief executive of one of the country’s biggest ports, Westports Malaysia, deleted the tweet within minutes. It is not known how many of his Twitter followers would have seen it.

After the game he sent a tweet to Barton, saying: “We are behind you all the way. Get the lads to keep their heads up and minds focused on the next game. Great goal by the way”.

Gnanalingam’s earlier tweet could land him in trouble, given that this would not be the first time a QPR director has attracted the FA’s attention with a tweet about referees.

In September, after Michael Oliver awarded Aston Villa a penalty during a 1-1 draw at Loftus Road, Fernandes tweeted: “The ref is blind. Two clear handballs”. Telegraph


GUARDIAN/Jamie Jackson

QPR blame Joey Barton's red card and defeat on 'cheat' Bradley Johnson


Joey Barton received a first red card since May 2009 and after Queens Park Rangers subsequently lost the lead, then the match, Neil Warnock accused Bradley Johnson of being a cheat.

Regarding the 35th-minute incident in which Barton was adjudged to have butted Johnson, Warnock said: "The linesman saw him head-butt Bradley Johnson. So they give what they saw. He has guessed if I'm honest. The heads are together, but I don't think Joey would have gone down. I'm not surprised Bradley has gone down … Who says cheats don't prosper? Bradley has conned him. It's not easy to speak about it and not get carried away. It seems to happen every time we play. We get players sent off wrongly.

"Bradley Johnson has not been head-butted at all. Not in a million years. The movement of him going backwards has conned the referee. To go back like he did was a disgrace. It's getting a fellow pro sent off. I think he should be done."

In a series of post-match tweets, all since deleted, Barton described it as a "ridiculous decision", claimed that the "linesman definitely never saw it" and that the officials had "been conned" and "admitted to me at [half-time] they never saw it".

Replays showed Johnson shoved Barton first, before the clash of heads, and Warnock did admit his captain might have handled the situation better. "He could have avoided that but it doesn't warrant the reaction from Johnson. Joey's not that daft. I think we've been mugged," he said. "There were two vicious tackles on Joey and neither player was booked. I find it amazing. He's just been assassinated by one tackle. We feel we have run over a few black cats. It changed the game completely."

Warnock said he has yet to decide if the club will appeal but does not hold faith in the system. "I don't have much confidence in the FA, not if you've seen the Wolves one last week," he said, of Mick McCarthy's unsuccessful attempt to have Nenad Milijas's red card in the game against Arsenal rescinded.

Barton was sent off only after David Richardson, the assistant referee, informed Neil Swarbrick of the off-the-ball incident. Before this the 27-year-old had got Loftus Road rocking inside 11 minutes. Clint Hill delivered a cross that swept across the area and his captain made no mistake with a firm right-footed shot.

But after Barton's departure QPR wilted and they walked off at the break level due to Anthony Pilkington's impressive 25-yard finish. In the stick‑or‑twist position, Warnock brought on Shaun Wright-Phillips for Jamie Mackie, with the new loan signing Federico Macheda remaining on the bench until the 80th minute.

Yet despite the personnel advantage Norwich posed little more threat until Steve Morison finished Pilkington's cross to lift the Canaries up to ninth. Their manager, Paul Lambert, said: "I just want to keep the wolves from my door. The Christmas period has been relentless but we have coped brilliantly."

For Warnock, who has overseen a run of two points from the last available 24, the pack will gather if he cannot improve his team.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/jan/02/qpr-norwich-city-premier-league



West London Sport/Dave McIntyre

Furious QPR boss defends Barton


QPR manager Neil Warnock defended Joey Barton after the midfielder was sent off during his side’s home defeat against Norwich.

Barton gave Rangers the lead after 11 minutes but was later red-carded for violent conduct after clashing with Bradley Johnson.

A furious Warnock insisted the dismissal, which was apparently for a headbutt, was undeserved and he also branded Johnson a “disgrace”.

“It’s not easy to speak about it without getting carried away,” said Warnock.

“Johnson hasn’t been headbutted at all – not in a million years. The movement of his [Johnson's] head has conned the linesman.

“I’ve been to see him [the referee] and he says he [Barton] headbutted him [Johnson]. But Johnson’s a clever man.

“To go back like he did was a disgrace. It didn’t warrant that reaction. Joey’s not daft enough to headbutt someone with every camera in the country on him – you’ve got to give him more credit.

“I’ve seen Johnson do that a few times, so it doesn’t surprise me. It’s getting a fellow pro sent off and that’s not on. I think he should be punished.

“And there were two vicious tackles on Joey – one just before he got sent off – and they weren’t even booked.

“He [Barton] shouldn’t put himself in that situation. But that doesn’t justify another professional getting him sent off like that.”

Barton believes the red card could be rescinded on appeal, but Warnock hinted that he is reluctant to challenge the decision.

“I’ve not got any confidence in the appeals procedure. We’ll talk about it,” he said.

Rangers’ 2-1 loss extended their winless run to eight matches and means they will slide into the bottom three if Wigan beat Sunderland tomorrow.

But Warnock remained defiant and insisted that his planned spending in the transfer market will turn their fortunes around.

He said: “The lads were fantastic – and were against Arsenal too – and to get two defeats you don’t deserve knocks the stuffing out of you.

“We’ve got to regroup, hopefully get two or three players in, and look forward to second half of season.

“It’s easy to be look at table and be concerned, but I look at 10th and 11th and think we should be there already. We should have more points, and they would have put us in a really good position.”
http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/warnock-defends-barton-and-brands-norwich-citys-johnson-a-disgrace/?


QPR OFFICIAL SITE - WARNOCK

GAFFER'S CANARIES VERDICT
Posted on: Mon 02 Jan 2012

Neil Warnock rued his side's current misfortune after Grant Holt's 83rd-minute strike condemned ten-man Rangers to a 2-1 defeat at home to Norwich City.

Joey Barton - scorer of QPR's opening goal on 11 minutes - was controversially dismissed after an off-the-ball clash with Bradley Johnson, before Anthony Pilkington and Holt were on hand to grab all three points for the Canaries.

Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Warnock said: "We feel like we've run over a few black cats at the moment.


"It's difficult. Their heads were together but there's nothing in it.

"We feel like we've been robbed today.

"Before the sending off there was a wild tackle on Joey which didn't get a yellow card - I'm amazed.

"I thought after scoring we'd taken charge.

"It changed the game completely. We had ten men for such a long period of the game."

He added: "It was a fantastic performance. The lads couldn't give any more. They were fantastic in the second half.

"They kept going and tried to give as best as they could.

"But we'll re-group. I can't say how proud I was of the lads today. I thought they were so positive.

"I thought we tried to attack as best as we could.

"Shaun Wright-Phillips did well when he came on at half-time.

"But we still got punished at the death. It is disappointing. We feel a bit aggrieved at the moment.

"We've got two weeks until our next Premier League fixture and hopefully, with one or two new faces, we can stop feeling sorry for ourselves and get on with it."

http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/TheGaffer/0,,10373~2563864,00.html


SKY

Hoops manager brands Barton decision 'ridiculous'
Last Updated: January 2, 2012 6:19pm

0
0

Joey Barton: Was sent off after clashing with Norwich man Johnson
Sky Bet

Sky Bet are offering all new customers a £10 Completely Free Bet
Claim your free bet now
QPR boss Neil Warnock claims the linesman was 'conned' by Norwich man Bradley Johnson following Joey Barton's controversial sending off at Loftus Road on Monday.

The Rangers captain, who scored the hosts' goal in the 2-1 defeat, was given his marching orders in the opening half after the linesman informed the referee he had tried to headbutt Johnson.
Warnock was disappointed by the decision and blasted the Canaries midfielder for playing it to his advantage.

"(The referee) didn't see it at all. It's the linesman that's informed him he saw Joey Barton headbutt Bradley Johnson, which is ridiculous really," Warnock told Sky Sports.

"I think he's guessed it because of Johnson's reaction of flinging his head back. You say cheats don't prosper but I think he has done in this case, Johnson.

"Then to rub it in by (acting) as if his face has been hurt. But he's conned him and unfortunately the man that's important, the linesman, has fallen for it hook, line and sinker. I think he got carried away by the occasion.

"It's disappointing, very disappointing. Because I thought we'd started to do well."

No contact

Warnock spoke to Barton about the incident after the game and the skipper assured him no contact had been made.

"I saw him and he said he didn't make any contact with him," he added.

"He put his face together with him but that's how they are, players like that. You don't expect someone to go off like Bradley Johnson did."

He added: "In the end I suppose it depends what you want from your players. I suppose they'll be delighted that they got the three points so it probably justifies what they've done.

"We can't do anything about it, we've lost the game now."

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7407237/?



by David McIntyre/West London Sport
QPR 1 Norwich 2

Joey Barton scored and was later sent off as QPR’s alarming decline continued.

Barton netted from 10 yards out following Clint Hill’s left-wing cross but was then given his marching orders after lashing out at Bradley Johnson.

The dismissal gave Norwich a massive boost and they equalised when Anthony Pilkington found the bottom corner with a fine left-footed strike from outside the penalty area.

And Steve Morison’s late goal won it for City, who are safely nestled in mid-table and enjoying a smoother return to the Premier League than Rangers despite their relatively moderate spending.

Barton’s indiscipline was all too familiar – and there was nothing new about Rangers being undone by a Paul Lambert substitution.

At Carrow Road in November, the Canaries boss brought on Wes Hoolahan and Grant Holt shortly before they combined for City’s winner.

This time he introduced Hoolahan and Morison as part of a triple change midway through the second half.

And his decision paid off, with Elliott Bennett heading Hoolahan’s 83rd-minute cross down to Morison, who made no mistake.

The result extended Rangers’ run without a win to eight matches and means they will sink into the bottom three if Wigan beat Sunderland tomorrow.

Norwich have not kept a clean sheet in the league this season and it took the home side only 11 minutes to go ahead.

Alejandro Faurlin was the orchestrator, chipping a perfectly-weighted ball into the path of Hill, whose centre enabled Barton to grab his first goal at Loftus Road.

But Rangers were left to defend the lead with 10 men when Barton was red-carded in the 36th minute for violent conduct after clashing with Johnson in full view of assistant referee David Richardson.

That lead lasted only six more minutes before being wiped out by Pilkington, who was afforded far too much time and space after collecting Johnson’s pass.

Rangers manager Neil Warnock responded by making a change at half-time, bringing Shaun Wright-Phillips on for Jamie Mackie.

Wright-Phillips soon made an impact, running at the heart of the Norwich defence and teeing up Adel Taarabt, who poked his shot wide.

Taarabt then went close with a free-kick keeper John Ruddy dived to his right to claw away, before Paddy Kenny also reacted quickly to keep out a low shot from Bennett at the other end.

Keeper Kenny was back in the starting line-up along with fit-again centre-back Anton Ferdinand, whose performance was one of his best for the R’s.

Striker Federico Macheda, whose loan move from Manchester United was rubber-stamped in time for him to make his debut, was brought on for the final 10 minutes.

Had he been braver, Macheda might have beaten Ruddy to Wright-Phillips’ right-wing cross and scored with his first touch.

Instead it was Lambert’s switch that proved decisive – again – leaving Warnock to hope his planned January spending spree halts Rangers’ slide
http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/barton-sent-off-as-qpr-lose-again/




R OFFICIAL SITE

Norwich City came from behind to defeat ten-man QPR in a fiercely-fought encounter at Loftus Road.

In a Barclays Premier League contest crammed full of drama, Rangers opened the scoring after only 11 minutes when Joey Barton smashed home Clint Hill's low cross from the left

Controversy struck on 36 minutes, after Barton - QPR's opening goalscorer - was shown a straight red card after an off-the-ball incident with Bradley Johnson.

And Norwich would go on to make the numerical advantage count.

Anthony Pilkington struck a Canaries leveller just six minutes after Barton's dismissal, firing home a beautifully-struck effort from fully 25-yards out.

City substitute Steve Morison clinched all three points for the visitors seven minutes from time, lashing home from close range after Elliott Bennett's controlled ball into the Wales striker.

Neil Warnock made five changes to his R's side for the visit of Norwich - and also named new loan signing Federico Macheda from Manchester United on the bench.

Paddy Kenny came back into the starting XI at the expense of Radek Cerny, while Anton Ferdinand and Hill replaced Matt Connolly and Armand Traore respectively in defence.

Shaun Derry, meanwhile, started ahead of Shaun Wright-Phillips, while Heidar Helguson came in for Jay Bothroyd.

Kenny was in goal for Rangers, who lined up in an accustomed 4-2-3-1 formation.

Luke Young, Ferdinand, Danny Gabbidon and Hill made up the R's back four.

Derry and Ale Faurlin were in defensive midfield, behind the more advanced trio of Jamie Mackie, Adel Taarabt and skipper Barton.

Helguson led the line for Rangers in attack.

Rangers were looking to improve on a home league record of just one win this season prior to kick-off, while Norwich had enjoyed similar form away from Carrow Road, with just a single victory.

The visitors probably enjoyed the greater possession in the opening ten minutes, although neither side threatened in front of goal.

The first real opportunity of the contest arrived on 11 minutes - and it yielded the opening goal of the contest.

It was QPR who drew first blood, and what a well-worked effort it proved to be.

Faurlin picked up possession on halfway before clipping a delightful ball over the top of Canaries right-back Russell Martin for Hill.

Thereafter, the R's defender sent over a low cross that evaded everyone but the onrushing Barton at the back post, who stole in to fire Rangers into the lead from just inside the box.

A super start for the Hoops - although Norwich continued to impress, even after going a goal down.

Johnson produced an effort for the Canaries on 18 minutes, skipping past one challenge before seeing his deflected drive from 20-yards out comfortably held by Kenny.

The first half was one of few chances but what it lacked in goalmouth action, it more than made up for in the manner that this now highly-charged affair was being contested. Strong tackles were aplenty.

Norwich's best chance of the half to date arrived on 33 minutes. Bennett's ball from the right found an unmarked Simeon Jackson on ten yards, but he could only scuff an effort wide of the target.

It was matters away from goal that continued to hit the headlines - especially when Barton, scorer of the R's first, was dismissed after an off-the-ball altercation nine minutes before the break.

Barton and Johnson went chest-to-chest away from play, before the latter indicated that he'd received a blow to the face - despite neither the referee nor his assistant signalling this to be the case in real time.

It took Bennett's late challenge on Barton, moments later, for Mr Swarbrick to bring the action to a halt, where Barton was shown his marching orders - and the former was not penalised.

Now holding a numerical advantage, Norwich put themselves on terms just three minutes before the break.

It was a goal worthy to grace the top-flight - that cannot be doubted. Pilkington received possession before unleashing a fierce drive from 25 yards that flew into bottom right-hand corner of net, giving Kenny no chance.

The sending off of Barton meant that Warnock was forced to think heavily about how he'd approach the second half.

The R's gaffer opted for a change at the interval, with Wright-Phillips brought on to replace Mackie.

The tricky winger almost made an instant impact - dragging a shot just wide of the left-hand post from 20 yards.

Apart from a Johnson effort that cleared the bar, Rangers made the greater inroads in front of goal at the start of the second period.

Taarabt went exceptionally close to notching his first strike of the season on 53 minutes.

Daniel Ayala was penalised - and subsequently booked - for a foul on Helguson and, when the Moroccan playmaker stepped up to fire in a free-kick from 25 yards, John Ruddy flung himself fantastically well to tip the effort on to his right-hand post and wide.

The visitors went close four minutes later. Bennett's drive from just outside the box forced a smart save from Kenny.

Despite being a man light, the R's continued to threaten. Faurlin's 20-yard effort on 68 minutes went just inches past the upright.

Norwich substitute Morison, meanwhile, went close for Paul Lambert's men just seven minutes later, seeing his header from 12 yards go marginally past the right-hand post.

Loanee Macheda's time arrived on 81 minutes, brought on to replace the tireless Helguson.

His impact was almost instantaneous, with only a fine two-fisted clearance from Ruddy preventing the Italian from getting on the end of a Wright-Phillips cross just seconds after his arrival.

But Macheda's introduction couldn't halt a Canaries winner.

A ball from the left was cushioned down superbly by Bennett for Morison, before the former Millwall forward blasted home from eight-yards out.

QPR: Kenny, Hill, Derry, Gabbidon, Taarabt (Campbell 85), Faurlin, Mackie (Wright-Phillips 46), Barton, Young, Helguson, Ferdinand.

Subs: Cerny, Orr, Connolly, Hulse, Macheda.

Goals: Barton (11)

Bookings: Wright-Phillips (65)

Red Cards: Barton (36)

Norwich City: Ruddy, Martin, Drury (Fox 66), Johnson, Whitbread, Holt (Morison 66), Jackson, Pilkington, Bennett, Lappin (Hoolahan 66), Ayala.

Subs: Rudd, Surman, Wilbraham, Naughton.

Goals: Pilkington (42), Morison (83)

Bookings: Ayala (53)

Referee: Mr N Swarbrick

Attendance: 18,033 (3177 away)

http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10373~58422,00.html
\

Barton says ref ‘conned’ as QPR crash to Norwich
AFP


QPR captain Joey Barton said match officials had been "conned" into sending him off as 10-man Rangers crashed to a 2-1 defeat against Norwich at Loftus Road.

Barton was given the fifth red card of his career during a stormy encounter between the two newly promoted teams, sent off for a clash with Bradley Johnson after earlier giving Rangers a 1-0 lead.

Johnson hit the turf clutching his face as he squared up to Barton, but the QPR midfielder insisted match officials had been duped into sending him off following his dismissal.

"Well feel for the officials, they've been conned. Admitted to me at HT they never saw it. I was pulled back 1st, then kicked 2nd!," Barton wrote on Twitter shortly after the final whistle.

"Linesman definitely never saw it, all he seen was Johnsons reaction. My head dosent move forward at all. Ridiculous decision seen 25 replays.

"I'd be 1st to apologise if I'd reacted. Cannot apologise as I know I've not head butted anyone. Disappointed for the lads and the fans.

"Make ur own minds up when u see it. The games gone!"

The defeat left QPR hovering just two points above the relegation zone in 17th place, and Neil Warnock's side have now lost five of their last six games.

Barton's dismissal swung the game in Norwich's favour, with Anthony Pilkington levelling for the Canaries three minutes from half-time.

QPR almost went back in front in the second half only for Norwich keeper John Ruddy to pull off a superb save from Adel Taarabt's free-kick.

But Norwich manager Paul Lambert's triple substitution 24 minutes from time—Wes Hoolahan, Steve Morison, David Fox all coming on—was to prove decisive and seven minutes from time Morison swept in the winner.
http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=afp-fbl_eng_pr_qpr_norwich_20120102



TELEGRAPH


Pain in the neck: Joey Barton was shown a red card for clashing with Norwich's Bradley Johnson Photo: GETTY IMAGES
By Jonathan Lieu,

So often Joey Barton stands accused of playing the game with his heart rather than his head. Here, it was his head that got him into trouble, an apparent off-the-ball butt on Norwich City’s Bradley Johnson earning him a red card and costing Queens Park Rangers three points.
Manager Neil Warnock accused Johnson of cheating; Barton claimed the referees had been conned. The year may be just two days old, but there is little prospect of this acquaintance being forgot in a hurry.
We could argue back and forth about the semantics of whether Barton moved his forehead towards Johnson’s, whether there was anything more than the most gentle of contacts, whether Johnson’s thespian reaction was really a proportionate response. The fact was that Barton inclined his head in Johnson’s direction; and not, we can be certain, in deference.
The incident occurred with QPR 1-0 up and on the attack. First, Barton and Zak Whitbread collided in the centre circle, and for a fleeting instant there was a little light grappling and flailing of arms. Barton then came face to face with Johnson. The pair squared up, Barton angled his head towards Johnson’s once, then again. Johnson recoiled but stayed on his feet. After consulting assistant David Richardson, referee Neil Swarbrick sent Barton off. Johnson escaped without punishment.
“They say cheats don’t prosper,” spluttered Warnock. “Not in a million years has he been head-butted. The movement of him going backwards has conned the referee. The linesman was 50 yards away. I think they’ve just guessed.

“I’ve seen Bradley Johnson a few times doing things like that. It doesn’t surprise me. And then, to rub salt in the wound, he started rubbing his nose as if feeling for blood. To go back like he did was a disgrace. It’s getting a fellow pro sent off. That’s totally out of order. I think he should be done, if I’m honest.”
The question remained why the QPR captain’s head was so close to Johnson’s in the first place. “He could have avoided that,” granted Warnock, “but it doesn’t warrant the reaction from Johnson. If it was the other way round, I don’t think Joey would have gone down. Joey’s not daft enough to head-butt somebody with every camera in the country on him.”
One problem with that. Joey Barton is exactly that daft. Through nature or upbringing, combat comes unthinkingly to him. In the face of confrontation, he is conditioned never to back down. When Johnson issued the challenge to him, Barton’s bestial pride prevented him from walking away.
Later, on Twitter, he attempted to explain himself: “Feel for the officials,” he wrote. “They’ve been conned. Admitted to me at half-time they never saw it. I was pulled back first, then kicked second! Linesman definitely never saw it, all he seen [sic] was Johnson’s reaction.
“Ridiculous decision, seen 25 replays. Make your own minds up when you see it. Cannot apologise as I know I’ve not head-butted anyone. Disappointed for the lads and the fans.”
Having played the pantomime victim to great effect for Newcastle against Arsenal in August, getting Gervinho sent off with his flamboyant reaction to a push, Barton is in no position to condemn Johnson’s gamesmanship.
The real tragedy was that up to that point, Barton had been having an excellent game. He had scored the early goal, a sweet finish after a fine move. A wonderful, intuitive lofted ball down the left flank from Alejandro Faurlin found the overlapping run of Clint Hill, who rolled his cross back to the edge of the area. Barton waited, sized his shot up, and then lashed his boot through the ball with placement a secondary concern. The ball disappeared under goalkeeper John Ruddy’s diving body.
Norwich had created little before the sending-off, but took immediate advantage of the extra man. Neither QPR centre-back got close enough to Anthony Pilkington as he cut in from the right on his left foot and unleashed an unstoppable low drive from 20 yards to equalize.

QPR emerged for the second half with fire in their bellies and the sharp Shaun Wright-Phillips on the right. Norwich, meanwhile, made a triple substitution that paid dividends seven minutes from time. Elliott Bennett headed down a cross at the far post; Steve Morison drilled the ball home from eight yards.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8977106/Queens-Park-Rangers-1-Norwich-City-2-match-report.html



- Forty-One Years Ago Today: Les Allen's Final Game in Charge of QPR (Home FA Cup Loss)

- Ray Wilkins: An assessment of him as Football Commentator/Analyst

- REMINDER: QPR Official Supporters Club (OSC) AGM & EGM Scheduled - January 4

AIR ASIA - QPR SPONSORSHIP Update

- What the Premiership Table Looked like a Year Ago: Blackpool 8th with 25 points

- Year Ago, announced, Petter Vaagan Moen joining QPR

Sunday, January 01, 2012

QPR Report Monday: Macheda Signs..Norwich...OTD Flashback: Borrowdale, Routledge, Helguson, Ephraim, Connolly, Buzsaky Join QPR...Pellicori

-
QPR Lose to Norwich:

- Compilation of Match Reports along with Comments from Warnock, Lambert & Barton




- (Photos - of course - from the Bushman Archives)
-
- Throughout the day, the QPR Report Messageboard has news updates, comments and perspectives - even links to other board comments of interest re QPR matters (on and off the field) along with football (and ONLY football) topics in general....Also Follow: QPR REPORT ON TWITTER
__________________________________________________________________________________

- On This Day, Three Years Ago: Routledge, Borrowdale & Helguson Join QPR....On This Day Four Years ago: Buzsaky, Connolly & Ephraim Join QPR (A Day later, Agyemang joined)

- Forty-One Years Ago Today: Les Allen's Final Game in Charge of QPR (Home FA Cup Loss)

- Ray Wilkins: An assessment of him as Football Commentator/Analyst

- Ex-QPR Gavin Mahon Turns 35

- QPR-Indian Connection Continues: Two Youth Players Chosen

- UPDATE: Alessandro Pellicori Mentioned re Italian Football Scandal

- REMINDER: QPR Official Supporters Club (OSC) AGM & EGM Scheduled - January 4

AIR ASIA - QPR SPONSORSHIP Update

- What the Premiership Table Looked like a Year Ago: Blackpool 8th with 25 points

- QPR-Norwich: Past Results/Played For Both Clubs


QPR Official Site
OfficialQPR \

EXCLUSIVE: R'S SWOOP FOR MACHEDA
Posted on: Mon 02 Jan 2012

Neil Warnock has swooped to bring highly-rated Manchester United hot-shot Federico 'Kiko' Macheda to Loftus Road on a short-term loan deal.

The Italian striker, 20, has penned a deal until the end of the season and in doing so, becomes Warnock's first signing of the January transfer window.

The R's gaffer told www.qpr.co.uk: "This is a great opportunity for both parties. Federico is not getting a regular game at United quite obviously because of the quality of the squad they've got.

"Everybody in the league is in envy of what Sir Alex has there, but what he is trying to do is get Federico some game time in the Premier League. I am sure he is still a part of their future plans.

"I believe this can really work for us because he is positive and always in and around the box. He can finish too.

"He puts defenders under pressure, he's a strong lad and he's got a yard of pace as well. If we can get him the ball in the right areas I am sure he can get us a few goals.

"It's a great way for us to start the January transfer window. I have said all along that we want to get a couple of younger lads in and that's what we are going to do."

Macheda hit the headlines at Old Trafford when he bagged the winning goal on his debut for the Red Devils - an injury-time blockbuster against Aston Villa in April 2009.

He has made 15 starts and 18 substitute appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, scoring five goals in all competitions.

His most recent goal arrived in United's Carling Cup quarter-final defeat to Crystal Palace in late November.

Macheda - who will wear the number 33 shirt - told www.qpr.co.uk: "I was attracted by the challenge and by the players that QPR brought in during the summer.

"There are some very big players at the Club now and I am really looking forward to training and playing with them.

"I also know the fans are very, very passionate, and this interested me also."
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2561090,00.html

QPR Official Site

MACHEDA: HERE TO WORK HARD
Posted on: Mon 02 Jan 2012

Federico Macheda says he has come to QPR to "work hard for the team and for the fans".

The 20 year-old, who has joined the R's on loan from Manchester United for the remainder of the season, told www.qpr.co.uk:"I am here to train hard firstly and then I hope to play a big part in the games.

"I want to play more but I know this won't be easy. But I will work very hard for this."

Macheda has been limited to substitute appearances in the Premier League for United this term, and he added: "There is a lot of competition at Manchester United, there are some very good strikers there.

"But I am still young and I need to get more experience in the Premier League."

With options available to him, Macheda revealed he opted for a move to Loftus Road because of the direction the Club has taken since winning promotion to the top flight in May, and the subsequent takeover by Tony Fernandes.

"I was attracted by the challenge and by the players that QPR brought in during the summer," he said.

"There are some very big players at the Club now and I am really looking forward to training and playing with them.

"I also know the fans are very, very passionate, and this interested me also."

And it would appear United's Rio Ferdinand, bother of R's defender Anton, also played a part in Macheda's decision.

The Italian revealed: "I spoke with Rio and he told me that QPR is a very good Club and that if I did come here it would be good for me and would help me to develop as a player."

Macheda has switched competing for the title at Old Trafford to fighting to stay in the Premier League with the R's, and he added: "I am looking forward to this challenge.

"I am sure we will be OK because there are some very good players here.

"Now I want to work hard for the team and for the fans. "




QPR Report Q&A: NORWICH FAN PERSPECTIVE OF NORWICH and QPR


Q&A by QPR Report's Maudesfishnchips" Many thanks to Rick Waghorn of http://norwichcity.myfootballwriter.com/


How long have you supported Norwich City?

I have been reporting their fortunes in a professional sports writing capacity for the last 20 years; first for the local evening paper, then from 2006 my own stand-alone journalism website, http://norwichcity.myfootballwriter.com/


Who are Norwich City’s biggest Rival and why?

Ipswich. The 'folk' north and south of the River Waveney' have never got on.


Are you happy with your team and how things are to date? – summer spending/selling so far?

I think everyone has to be happy with the start Norwich have made on their return to the Premiership; solid, summer signings of young, hungry Premiership wannabees has helped dispell talk of a 'Costa del Colney' culture at the club's training HQ.


What do you think of your current Owner? WHY is he/she involved? What do you expect from him?

The club's long-time owners are Delia Smith and her husband, Michael Wynn Jones. 'Nuff said, I suspect.


How do you think Norwich City treats its fans? Appreciates them? Listens to them? Screws them?

By and large - under Delia's careful watch - Norwich have been pretty exemplary in its treatment of its supporters; there is a large 'community club' streak to the Canaries which has, pretty much, survived their elevation into the Premiership. Of late, a slightly 'harder' edge has arrived in the boardroom via chief exec David McNally. But whilst the club continue to rise and rise under Paul Lambert, complaints are few and far between.


Who are you Dangermen/Most valued/most overrated/most underrated players?

Grant Holt continues to give his critics the bird; the manner in which Warnock always draws attention to Holt's ability to 'con' referees on the edge of the box always smacks to me of a grudging admiration for the 30-year-old whose Bergkamp-esque strike away at Everton proved again that Grant is more than an old-fashioned battering ram.

Under-rated has to be centre-half Russell Martin; a right-back by repute, the former Posh skipper answered the manager's call when injury struck at centre-half and hasn't looked back since. Cool, calm and a greater talker at the heart of that Norwich defence, his three goal-line clearances against Arsenal puts him in pole already to win the Player of the Season 'gong'.


Are you happy with your youth set up? Is your club doing enough to bring young/local talent through the ranks?.

Norwich's problem youth recruitment-wise has always been the 90-minute journey time - giving them Thetford Forest and Dogger Bank as prime recruitment areas. So it's been hard work for all concerned; their biggest success is in the goalkeeping department. Watch out for Jed Steer, who spent the autumn on loan at Yeovil. He has fellow England Youth international Declan Rudd ahead of him, too.


Who would you say was the greatest City player that you yourself personally saw? And past player? (You can name more than one if it's that close!)

Ian Crook was a class apart; Darren Huckerby - on his day - was unstoppable. Having written a book on '12 Canary Greats', Martin Peters' name is always talked about in reverential terms.


What is your prediction for Norwich City this season?

They will be safe; anywhere between 10th and 14th is within their grasp - particularly if they spend well again this window.


Are you aware of any player or manager links between our two clubs past and present?

Neil Warnock and Norwich have always enjoyed a lively relationship. I half suspect there is a grudging admiration on both sides - if they ever cared to admit it.


What is your view and the general City view of QPR (If we even feature in your consciousness) or of Neil Warnock and our owners?

Think QPR have turned the corner owner-wise after the Briatore days; Fernandes has strong Norfolk links with his Team Lotus connections. I think most people expect QPR to stay up alongside Norwich; there is a sense that money is less of a hardship at Loftus Road than Carrow Road. Bold move taking Barton off Newcastle's hands.


Who(if any) is your most memorable/favourite QPR Player over the years?

Stan Bowles. Being brought up in Slough, Ian Gillard used to be a local hero.


Any memorable matches between our two clubs that stand out for you? And the reasons why?

Last two games at Carrow Road have been big, noisy and tight affairs; Russell Martin - see above - certainly enjoyed both. Monday will, no doubt, be the same again.


Your score prediction for QPR v Norwich City?

1-1.


What, realistically, do you think City are capable of achieving in the next five years?

Cementing their place in the middle third of the Premiership; Europa Cup via the Fair Play route?

Rick Waghorn




Barnet Official Site - BORROWDALE LOAN "ON HOLD"

Posted on: Sat 31 Dec 2011

A planned loan extension until the end of the season for 26-year-old QPR left back Gary Borrowdale is on hold.

Borrowdale, who has played 15 games on loan for the Bees since September, did not sign the necessary form to extend the loan "because of a contractual dispute with QPR".

With Borrowdale's loan period due to expire after Friday's game against Crawley Town, the clubs prepared and signed the necessary paperwork in midweek. Borrowdale told the Barnet coaching staff he wanted to speak to the Rangers coaching staff about the document... and it remained unsigned by the player when he turned out for the Bees at Crawley.

The situation is that the paperwork is in place for a renewed bid to extend the contract but Borowdale is unlikely to be available for Monday's home game with Bristol Rovers.
Dennis Signy Barnet Official Site

- Borrowdale Stats


- Flashback Videos to QPR New Year Day Wins of 1972 and 1991

- Knighthood for Former Aston Villa Chairman, Doug Ellis (whose first Managerial appointee was Tommy Docherty in 1968/69 after his 28 Days at Loftus Road!)

- Year Ago, announced, Petter Vaagan Moen joining QPR
-

-
(Photos from Bushman Archives)

QPR Report Sunday: Norwich Perspective...Borrowdale Loan on Hold...Arsenal...QPR-India

-
Tony Currie Turns Sixty-Two (Happy Sixty-Sixth Birthday (yesterday) to Former QPR Chairman, Gianni Paladini)
-

Happy New Year to all QPR Fans across the Globe

-
- Throughout the day, the QPR Report Messageboard has news updates, comments and perspectives - even links to other board comments of interest re QPR matters (on and off the field) along with football (and ONLY football) topics in general....Also Follow: QPR REPORT ON TWITTER
__________________________________________________________________________________

- QPR-Indian Connection Continues: Two Youth Players Chosen

- Flashback Videos to QPR New Year Day Wins of 1972 and 1991

- Knighthood for Former Aston Villa Chairman, Doug Ellis (whose first Managerial appointee was Tommy Docherty in 1968/69 after his 28 Days at Loftus Road!)


- Year Ago, announced, Petter Vaagan Moen joining QPR

- UPDATE: Alessandro Pellicori Mentioned re Italian Football Scandal

- REMINDER: QPR Official Supporters Club (OSC) AGM & EGM Scheduled - January 4

AIR ASIA - QPR SPONSORSHIP Update

- What the Premiership Table Looked like a Year Ago: Blackpool 8th with 25 points

QPR Report Q&A: NORWICH FAN PERSPECTIVE OF NORWICH and QPR


Q&A by QPR Report's Maudesfishnchips" Many thanks to Rick Waghorn of http://norwichcity.myfootballwriter.com/


How long have you supported Norwich City?

I have been reporting their fortunes in a professional sports writing capacity for the last 20 years; first for the local evening paper, then from 2006 my own stand-alone journalism website, http://norwichcity.myfootballwriter.com/


Who are Norwich City’s biggest Rival and why?

Ipswich. The 'folk' north and south of the River Waveney' have never got on.


Are you happy with your team and how things are to date? – summer spending/selling so far?

I think everyone has to be happy with the start Norwich have made on their return to the Premiership; solid, summer signings of young, hungry Premiership wannabees has helped dispell talk of a 'Costa del Colney' culture at the club's training HQ.


What do you think of your current Owner? WHY is he/she involved? What do you expect from him?

The club's long-time owners are Delia Smith and her husband, Michael Wynn Jones. 'Nuff said, I suspect.


How do you think Norwich City treats its fans? Appreciates them? Listens to them? Screws them?

By and large - under Delia's careful watch - Norwich have been pretty exemplary in its treatment of its supporters; there is a large 'community club' streak to the Canaries which has, pretty much, survived their elevation into the Premiership. Of late, a slightly 'harder' edge has arrived in the boardroom via chief exec David McNally. But whilst the club continue to rise and rise under Paul Lambert, complaints are few and far between.


Who are you Dangermen/Most valued/most overrated/most underrated players?

Grant Holt continues to give his critics the bird; the manner in which Warnock always draws attention to Holt's ability to 'con' referees on the edge of the box always smacks to me of a grudging admiration for the 30-year-old whose Bergkamp-esque strike away at Everton proved again that Grant is more than an old-fashioned battering ram.

Under-rated has to be centre-half Russell Martin; a right-back by repute, the former Posh skipper answered the manager's call when injury struck at centre-half and hasn't looked back since. Cool, calm and a greater talker at the heart of that Norwich defence, his three goal-line clearances against Arsenal puts him in pole already to win the Player of the Season 'gong'.


Are you happy with your youth set up? Is your club doing enough to bring young/local talent through the ranks?.

Norwich's problem youth recruitment-wise has always been the 90-minute journey time - giving them Thetford Forest and Dogger Bank as prime recruitment areas. So it's been hard work for all concerned; their biggest success is in the goalkeeping department. Watch out for Jed Steer, who spent the autumn on loan at Yeovil. He has fellow England Youth international Declan Rudd ahead of him, too.


Who would you say was the greatest City player that you yourself personally saw? And past player? (You can name more than one if it's that close!)

Ian Crook was a class apart; Darren Huckerby - on his day - was unstoppable. Having written a book on '12 Canary Greats', Martin Peters' name is always talked about in reverential terms.


What is your prediction for Norwich City this season?

They will be safe; anywhere between 10th and 14th is within their grasp - particularly if they spend well again this window.


Are you aware of any player or manager links between our two clubs past and present?

Neil Warnock and Norwich have always enjoyed a lively relationship. I half suspect there is a grudging admiration on both sides - if they ever cared to admit it.


What is your view and the general City view of QPR (If we even feature in your consciousness) or of Neil Warnock and our owners?

Think QPR have turned the corner owner-wise after the Briatore days; Fernandes has strong Norfolk links with his Team Lotus connections. I think most people expect QPR to stay up alongside Norwich; there is a sense that money is less of a hardship at Loftus Road than Carrow Road. Bold move taking Barton off Newcastle's hands.


Who(if any) is your most memorable/favourite QPR Player over the years?

Stan Bowles. Being brought up in Slough, Ian Gillard used to be a local hero.


Any memorable matches between our two clubs that stand out for you? And the reasons why?

Last two games at Carrow Road have been big, noisy and tight affairs; Russell Martin - see above - certainly enjoyed both. Monday will, no doubt, be the same again.


Your score prediction for QPR v Norwich City?

1-1.


What, realistically, do you think City are capable of achieving in the next five years?

Cementing their place in the middle third of the Premiership; Europa Cup via the Fair Play route?

Rick Waghorn




Barnet Official Site - BORROWDALE LOAN "ON HOLD"

Posted on: Sat 31 Dec 2011

A planned loan extension until the end of the season for 26-year-old QPR left back Gary Borrowdale is on hold.

Borrowdale, who has played 15 games on loan for the Bees since September, did not sign the necessary form to extend the loan "because of a contractual dispute with QPR".

With Borrowdale's loan period due to expire after Friday's game against Crawley Town, the clubs prepared and signed the necessary paperwork in midweek. Borrowdale told the Barnet coaching staff he wanted to speak to the Rangers coaching staff about the document... and it remained unsigned by the player when he turned out for the Bees at Crawley.

The situation is that the paperwork is in place for a renewed bid to extend the contract but Borowdale is unlikely to be available for Monday's home game with Bristol Rovers.
Dennis Signy Barnet Official Site

- Borrowdale Stats

ARSENAL vs QPR

Photos

QPR Official Site

GAFFER'S ARSENAL VERDICT
Posted on: Sat 31 Dec 2011

Neil Warnock chose to look at the positives after seeing his side go down to a narrow defeat at Arsenal, despite a spirited display from the R's.

Robin van Persie's 60th-minute strike was the difference, against a QPR side who can consider themselves unfortunate to be on the end of a defeat.

Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Warnock told us: "I'm delighted with how we played.

"We came with four forwards and tried to have a go at them.

"I thought we were well organised and wanted to create chances.

"We didn't just want to come and shut up shop for a 0-0 draw - we wanted to win the game.

"I thought we had some good chances throughout."

He added: "You can accept if you lose to a cracking goal but it was terrible from our point of view.

"Shaun Wright-Phillips is distraught, and yet he has had a fabulous game.

"I thought he was a threat all afternoon and I feel sorry for him.

"He made a mistake, but at the other end he could have won us the game.

"(Wojciech) Szczesny produced a good save from him and he did well. That is the fine line at Premier League level.

"You give van Persie a chance like that and it's as if Christmas has come early really."

Tomorrow (Sunday) sees the opening of the January transfer window, and Warnock continued: "I have been looking forward to it for a number of weeks.

"Tony Fernandes and Amit Bhatia are both very supportive and we have targets.

"We are looking at a number of players but it is just a shame it opens on Monday.

"It is probably a bit too early. We might have one in but we would like three or four before Newcastle."

Hot on the heels of this afternoon's clash at the Emirates comes the visit of Norwich City to Loftus Road on Monday.

Warnock said: "I think it'll be a decent game - we've got to put our chances away.

"Hopefully whoever plays on Monday gives it a good shot."
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/TheGaffer/0,,10373~2562310,00.html


Arsenal end 2011 with victory against QPR

INDEPENDENT - PA Sport

obin van Persie may have been thwarted in his hunt for a Premier League goalscoring record but was on hand to help Arsenal end 2011 with victory against QPR today.

The Gunners captain had 90 minutes to net twice against the Rs to equal Alan Shearer's record of Premier League goals in a calendar year.

Having wasted four decent chances in the first period, van Persie swept home his first opportunity of the second half after latching onto Andrey Arshavin's neat ball.

However, the Holland international failed to add to his 60th minute effort and missed the chance to equal the former Blackburn striker's 36-goal haul from 1995.

Van Persie was not the only Arsenal player left ruing missed opportunities, with Theo Walcott and substitute Gervinho both guilty of failing to convert gilt-edged chances.

The Gunners' futility led to a nervy ending against spirited QPR, although resolute defending saw the majority of the 60,067 crowd go home happy.

Before kick-off Arsenal legend Tony Adams was given a standing ovation on the Emirates pitch.

The former captain's appearance failed to boost today's side, though, with QPR dominating the opening exchanges.

After Per Mertesacker thwarted an Adel Taarabt through ball, ex-Arsenal striker Jay Bothroyd soon found space to get away a 20-yard effort on goal in the ninth minute.

Wojciech Szczesny held with ease but looked less comfortable when an exquisite Taarabt pass put Shaun Wright-Phillips behind the Gunners' backline a minute later, forcing the Polish goalkeeper into a quick block.

QPR were playing with confidence in north London, although a moment of van Persie magic could have easily seen the home side break the deadlock.

The Arsenal skipper jinked back and forth on the right-hand side, before sneaking past his marker and toe-poking an effort on goal from close range, but without success.

Former Tottenham playmaker Taarabt was fortunate to escape punishment from referee Martin Atkinson in the 19th minute when he seemingly caught Arshavin with a stray arm.

Joey Barton fired a shot across the face of goal with the Russia international still grounded, before van Persie twice came close at the other end.

The Dutch striker first backtracked furiously to head just wide, before wriggling past Luke Young in the box and lifting the ball just over the bar.

The Gunners were in the ascendancy and van Persie fired just over the bar after being put through by a long ball from the back.

Arsenal twice had penalty shouts rejected as half-time approached, before a goalbound Aaron Ramsey effort was cleared off the line by Barton and Cerny parried a fierce Mikel Arteta drive.

QPR looked rejuvenated after the break and Jamie Mackie found the net within two minutes, although the whistle had already been blown for offside.

Armand Traore's dangerous left-wing cross caught Arsenal off guard five minutes later, but Alejandro Faurlin's miscued shot allowed Szczesny to gather comfortably.

Wenger's side were looking most dangerous on the break and Walcott should have scored the afternoon's opening goal in the 56th minute.

Ramsey put the former Southampton man through one on one with Cerny and, despite the goalkeeper diving the wrong way, Walcott somehow pulled his shot wide.

Fortunately that lack of composure did not haunt the Gunners, who broke the deadlock through van Persie four minutes later.

Arshavin found time and space on the left flank to find the Arsenal skipper, who swept a left-footed drive past Cerny inside the box.

Young's block stopped Arshavin doubling the north Londoners' advantage, before Taarabt forced Szczesny into a low save to prevent a curling effort finding the net.

The shot began a bright spell for the west Londoners, who saw Connolly blaze over and felt aggrieved not to receive a penalty when Taarabt went down under substitute Francis Coquelin's challenge.

Arsenal, having seen a rasping Ramsey effort come close, were close again through Gervinho.

The indomitable van Persie showed strength and skill to lose his marker and cross for the Ivory Coast international, who somehow put wide from close range.

Arsenal continued to press for a second as the game drew to a close but were thwarted, with Ramsey and van Persie both unable to find the net. Independent

QPR Official Site

Robin van Persie's 60th-minute strike was enough to hand Arsenal victory, despite a brave QPR showing at the Emirates Stadium.

The Dutch hot-shot was on target with his 17th Barclays Premier League goal of the season, on an afternoon when the R's far from disgraced themselves in North London.

Both sides enjoyed chances to lead but it was van Persie who took the initiative 15 minutes after the half-time break, following Aaron Ramsey's sublime through pass.

Further chances arrived at either end - but it was van Persie's solitary strike that ultimately proved decisive.

R's boss Neil Warnock made some five changes to his R's side for the trip across the capital, following Tuesday night's 1-1 draw at Swansea City.

Paddy Kenny missed out owing to a knock picked up in training yesterday (Friday), while Clint Hill, Shaun Derry and Heidar Helguson dropped to the bench. Fitz Hall sat out altogether.

That meant Radek Cerny, Danny Gabbidon, Jay Bothroyd, Matt Connolly and Shaun Wright-Phillips deputised for Rangers.

Cerny was in goal for the R's, who stuck with a tried and tested 4-2-3-1 formation.

Luke Young, Gabbidon, Connolly and Armand Traore made up QPR's back four.

Captain Joey Barton and Ale Faurlin were deployed in defensive midfield, behind the more advanced trio of Jamie Mackie, Adel Taarabt and Wright-Phillips.

Bothroyd spearheaded Rangers' attack.

The R's made a positive a start and appeared to be far from overawed by the calibre of their hosts - the North London giants just a point off the top four prior to kick-off.

In fact, it was QPR who were first to test their opposing keeper on nine minutes.

Bothroyd did well to control Young's high ball, before the former Gunners front-man rode two challenges to blast a low drive straight at Wojciech Szczesny.

Two minutes later, Rangers again when close. It was a moment of magic from Taarabt, who showed tremendous vision to pick out Wright-Phillips on the left-hand side of the box, before the diminutive wide-man forced an excellent point-blank block from Szczesny.

The Gunners mustered their first opportunity on 16 minutes. van Persie twisted and turned Connolly down the right, before seeing his fizzed drive across goal gobbled up by Cerny.

But the R's were soon back on the attack. Taarabt dispossessed Andrey Arshavin before the ball eventually found Barton on 25 yards, who dragged a shot well wide of the left-hand post.

The natives were starting to grow restless but Arsenal, in truth, improved as the half wore on.

Van Persie was unlucky not to do better with a header on 24 minutes, after Ramsey's pinpoint cross deep from the left picked out the unmarked Dutch forward at the back post.

And just a minute later, the Premier League's top scorer spurned another chance, brushing aside Young before smashing an effort over the onrushing Cerny - and the bar - from six-yards out.

Van Persie was now beginning to have much more of a say in this contest. His free-kick from deep sparked confusion in the R's ranks and when Cerny was unable to come and claim, Theo Walcott could only drag an effort wide of the target.

The Gunners were now on top, going close once again on 30 minutes.

Van Persie - now Arsenal's tormentor-in-chief - muscled his way past Connolly following a ball over the top of the QPR defence, before firing his shot over the bar from 20 yards.

Two minutes before the break, Arsenal went their closest yet.

Van Persie's corner eventually fell into the path of Mikel Arteta on the edge of the box, before the Spaniard's subsequent effort was headed off the line by Barton.

Arteta was again involved on the stroke of half-time, with his blast from distance forcing a smart two-fisted clearance from Cerny.

The Gunners were undoubtedly the stronger force come the end of the first half - but it was Rangers who should have done better with a great opportunity shortly after the interval.

A fine passing move from the R's ended in Traore feeding Bothroyd down the left before his cross was blocked by Szczesny into the path of Faurlin on 18 yards, whose tame drive was comfortably collected by the Arsenal custodian.

Soon after, the home side missed an even better chance to opening to scoring.

Ramsey's pass put Walcott in the clear and, when the England attacker strode towards the edge of the box, he could only slide a low effort agonisingly wide of the target.

The first goal of the afternoon finally arrived on 60 minutes.

Wright-Phillips' misplaced pass fell to Ramsey midway into the Arsenal half and, when the Welsh midfielder guided a fantastic ball past Connolly into the path of van Persie, he made no mistake from ten yards to slide the home side in front.

Despite falling behind, the R's didn't despond.

Indeed, Taarabt was unfortunate not to do better when he cut in from the left to force a wonderful fingertip save by Szczesny, with an effort from 25 yards.

And Rangers soon went close again. Gabbidon's flick-on from a Taarabt corner fell into the path of Connolly, who could only a lash an effort over from 12-yards out.

Arsenal had chances of their own to double the advantage. Ramsey flashed a shot just over the bar following a counter attack.

Substitute Gervinho, meanwhile, should have done better with an effort shortly after his arrival, smashing van Persie's cross wide of the right-hand post from close range.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Mertesacker, Vermaelen (Coquelin 54), Koscielny, Arteta, Van Persie, Walcott (Gervinho 74), Ramsey, Song, Djourou, Arshavin (Rosicky 67).

Subs: Almunia, Oxlade-Chamberlin, Chamakh, Benayoun.

Goals: van Persie (60)

Bookings: Vermaelen, Djourou

QPR: Cerny, Gabbidon, Taarabt, Bothroyd (Campbell 74), Faurlin, Mackie (Smith 64), Traore (Orr 77), Connolly, Barton, Young, Wright-Phillips.

Subs: Murphy, Hill, Derry, Helguson.

Bookings: Barton, Young

Referee: Mr M Atkinson

Attendance: 60,076
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10373~58371,00.html

Blog Archive