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Thursday, September 07, 2006

Nostalgia! 35 Years Ago Today - "The Battle of the Two Francises"

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Thirty-Five Years Ago Today (September 7, 1971) Gordon Jago's promotion challenging QPR played promotion challenging Birmingham in the Football League Cup opening round. QPR had the emerging Gerry Francis. Birmingham had "The New Jimmy Greaves" - Trevor Francis, the previous season had emerged with 15 goals in 15 games.

QPR won 2-0 with Gerry Francis and Rodney Marsh scoring before a 15,000+ crowd.
QPR's Team
Parkes
Clement Hazell Hunt Gillard
Busby Francis Venables
McCulloch Marsh Saul

Six home growns; one non-league; two bargain buys...

And who would have guessed the two Francises would both subsequently manage QPR

[QPR eventually went out of the cup to Bristol Rovers away after drawing at home]