Graham Mackrell: Three Months Ago Arrived...One Week Ago Departure Announced....Remains Listed on QPR's Staff Page

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[Update: An hour or two after initial posting this blog entry, the club removed Mackrell's name from the staff list. Updated List]

Three months ago, to the day, QPR with great fanfare, announced they were "delighted to announce the appointment of Graham Mackrell, as Chief Operating Officer..." Mackrell

Just over a week ago, QPR inserted a few sentences announcing Mackrell's "departure" into a broader statement "Bank on US' " "QPR are delighted to announce that the club will be teaming up with Barclays Bank and Deloitte & Touche.... Following the departure of Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell, QPR will still have sound financial and business advice from two of the financial world's experts. QPR would like to thank Graham Mackrell for all of his hard work over the last few months....".QPR Statement

There was no explanation for why Mackrell should be leaving so soon after his arrival (just the latest of a number of QPR off-the-field staff who have moved on in the past 18 months. Another staffer who's name suddenly ceased to be listed on the Staff page, is Chief Financial Officer, Chris Pennington. Pennington's departure was announced at the beginning of the year. Then the club announced he was not going. And then without any announcement on the Official site, he just ceased to be listed. )

The official announcement about Mackrell came after days of messageboard rumours) and after a couple of brief stories in te Mail and Sun saying Mackrell had been fired. As reported in the Daily Mail and The Sun last Thursday (November 16)
Daily Mail "The Screamer" Mackrell sacked by QPR over compensation row - QPR have sacked chief operating officer Graham Mackrell following a row over compensation for former assistant boss Tim Breacker.
Breacker is still on gardening leave nine months after leaving the club at the same time as ex-manager Ian Holloway and chairman Gianni Paladini has accused Mackrell of blundering over pay-off negotiations. Breacker hopes to agree a settlement within 48 hours so he can join Holloway at Plymouth."

The Sun "QPR have sacked executive Graham Mackrell in the row over compensation for coach Tim Breacker. Former West Ham ace Breacker, 41, is still on gardening leave nine months after being relieved of his duties at the same time as ex-boss Ian Holloway. Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini has accused Mackrell of bungling pay-off negotiations. Breacker hopes to agree a settlement so he can link up again with Holloway at Plymouth. But Paladini said: “I was unhappy with Graham’s involvement. “I believe the pay agreement is back in place but I didn’t feel I can work with Mr Mackrell" Sun & Mail

Meanwhile over a week after his announced departure, Mackrell continues to be listed on QPR's website as Chief Operating Officer. Staff Directory

August 24, 2006 - QPR Statement Mackrell AppointedQPR are delighted to announce the appointment of Graham Mackrell, as Chief Operating Officer.
A qualified accountant, Mackrell will offer assistance to the board, with the focus on improving the Club's off-the-field activities.
"I'm really looking forward to the challenge ahead,'' Mackrell told qpr.co.uk.
"QPR is a club with fantastic tradition and I'm excited about the prospect of working with the strong team we already have in place here.
"I'm here to add professionalism and my aim is to ensure the Club's off-the-field ambitions match those on it.''
Mackrell has worked in professional football for 25 years, including spells at Sheffield Wednesday, Luton Town, AFC Bournemouth and West Ham United.
He is also a Venue Director for UEFA.
Chairman Gianni Paladini is delighted to have Mackrell on board, commenting: "Graham will raise our profile within football thanks to his extensive work with UEFA and the League Managers Association.
"He is extremely well-known and respected within the game and also benefits from being a qualified accountant.
"I would like to wish Graham all the best and welcome him to QPR.''
QPR Official Statement