QPR's Year - April 2006

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APRIL 2006

QPR Finish 4th from Bottom...Winnless in Last 11 Games...After winning 2 out of his first 3 games, Garry Waddock's QPR finished winnless in their final 11 games, taking 5 points from those 11 games....with 1 point from final 7 games. Their last win was at the end of February. -

ON THE FIELD
The last month of the 2005-2006 season...QPR 1 Crewe 2 CREWE REPORT
Burnley 1 QPR 0 BURNLEY REPORT
QPR 1 Derby 1 DERBY REPORT
Norwich 3 QPR 2 NORWICH REPORT
QPR 1 Watford 2 WATFORD REPORT
Reading 2 QPR 1 READING REPORT

QPR's final team of the team of the season (vs Reading):
QPR Paul Jones (Cole 45), Bignot, Shittu, Santos, Milanese,Ainsworth, Cook, Bailey (Ray Jones 68), Langley, Donnelly,Furlong. Subs Not Used: Evatt, Munday, Howell.

[Compared to QPR Opening team of the season vs Hull - QPR Royce, Bignot, Shittu, Santos, Rose, Rowlands (Sturridge 68), Doherty (Ainsworth 69), Bircham, Cook, Gallen, Furlong, Sturridge (Moore 72). Subs Not Used: Cole, Shimmin.

OFF THE FIELD

QPR OFFICIAL SITE April 10 - WADDOCK - DON'T JUDGE YET
A FREE interview with Gary Waddock as he asks fans not to judge him until he has been able to build his own squad.
The Rangers Caretaker Manager spoke candidly with regards to the last few performances and asked that ALL QPR fans hear what he has to say.
With the original post match interview made redundant, we caught up with Gary this morning to see how he felt after the weekend's events had sunk in.
QPR OFFICIAL SITE

QPR OFFICIAL - 19.04.2006 Latest HAPPY MUNDAY Rangers young-gun Jon Munday has put pen to paper on a one year professional contract with the club
Rangers young-gun Jon Munday has put pen to paper on a one year professional contract with the club.
The 18 year-old defender - who was an unused substitute in Rangers' 3-2 defeat to Norwich City at Carrow Road on Easter Monday - signed on the dotted line at Loftus Road on Tuesday afternoon.
"It's a dream come true,'' said Munday.
"I've achieved my dream in life and now I'm just looking to the future.
"It came as a bit of a surprise to be honest, but I'd like to think it's my reward for all the hard work I've put in during the last few years.
"To be named on the bench on Monday was unbelievable and although the result didn't go our way, it was a day I'll remember for the rest of my life.''
Munday has always been earmarked for a 'bright' future.
His father Mike is a senior lecturer in the pharmaceutical bio-chemistry department at the University of London, while Jon himself is currently studying A-levels in Chemistry, Mathematics and Physical Education
But for the time being, he's more than happy to let his football do the talking.
"Fingers crossed I'll be involved with the first team between now and the end of the season and hopefully next year will be the same.
"Gary's a top manager and is willing to give youth a chance which is fantastic.
"We're all hoping to end the season on a high and I'd love to be part of it.''
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~818247,00.html

QPR OFFICIAL SITE - PLAYER OF THE YEAR WHO WON WHAT
Shittu - Dan Shittu was hailed as QPR's Player of the Year at the Hilton on Saturday night.
The Rangers defender picked up the award alongside the Player's Player trophy and went on to thank his team mates and the supporters.
The Young Player of the Year award went to Shabazz Baidoo who also had a special mention for Head of Youth, Joe Gallen.
Gareth Ainsworth narrowly missed out on the Player of the Year award and went away with the runner up trophy, while Martin Rowlands scooped the Goal of the Season title for his cracker against Crewe on New Year's Eve. QPR

CHAIRMAN PALADINI - Watch26.04.2006 TV News CHAIRMAN'S THOUGHTS Gianni Paladini thanks you for your support and looks to the future. We also remember Martin Rowlands' Goal of the Season
OFFICIAL VIDEO

QPR OFFICIAL SITE - ITALIA!
Sorrento
This summer, QPR will be preparing for the Championship season with a pre-season tour of Italy.
Gary Waddock and his squad will be travelling to the Gulf of Naples on July 23 and will face Sorrento Calcio and SS Cavese in a warm up to the 2006-07 campaign.
This season has been a successful one for both Italian teams. Sorrento finished top of Serie D Girone I and won promotion into Serie C2. Cavese also clinched promotion from Serie C2B and will play in Serie C1 next year.
Rangers will play on the Tuesday and Friday night, before returning to England where the final fine tuning will take place before the season begins.
The club are currently negotiating with Travel Counsellors to agree the best possible deal for fans wishing to travel.
The official trip will consist of accommodation, transfers and match tickets and will be seven days, six night from July 23 to 29.
Flights will have to be booked separately and can be done so via Travel Counsellors.
Any supporters who would like to register their interest can contact Carly Charteris at Travel Counsellors on 0845 058 7681.
A full and complete price package will be in place by next Wednesday May 10.
For all those supporters wishing to travel and pre-register, details will be sent to you no later than Wednesday evening.
Below is a brief outline of the history of Cavese, and for any Italian speaking Rangers, links to the clubs websites.
Sorrento Calcio
Cavese
Cavese were founded in 1919 as Unione Sportiva Cavese, and played its first match ever against Salernitana, ended in a 3-2 win for the Aquilotti. In 1922 the team merged with Libertas Sporting Club, another local team, in order to build a more competitive side. That same year, the team was admitted to the First Division (the equivalent of the nowadays' Serie A).
In 1974, after the relegation of the original team, who was playing the Serie D at the time, Cavese merged with Pro Salerno, another Serie D team, and renamed itself as Pro Cavese. The team returned to Serie C in 1978 and took back its original denomination in 1980.
In 1981, Cavese was able to gain its first (and only) promotion to Serie B. The first Serie B season for Cavese ended in a 15th place which allowed the team to avoid relegation. The 1982/1983 was the top season ever for the Campanian team in its whole history: in fact, Cavese was almost to reach a incredible promotion to Serie A, ending the first half of the season in a third placed, which would allow the promotion, and sixth at the end of the season.
That championship is remembered especially for the crushing 2-1 victory in San Siro against AC Milan. The scorers were Joe Jordan for Milan, and Tivelli and Di Michele for Cavese: after this shocking win, the team was nicknamed Real Cavese by the Italian sports columnists.
However the next season Cavese relegated to Serie C1, and was not able to reach Serie B anymore. The team was even cancelled from Italian football in 1991, and readmitted in the regional Eccellenza league with the current denomination. QPR

QPR OFFICIAL SITE -April 28 -2006: PLAYERS RELEASED
PLAYERS RELEASED Today, following talks with Gary Waddock, several players have been released from Queens Park Rangers
Today, following talks with Gary Waddock, several players have been released from Queens Park Rangers.
Those who still have contracts outstanding will be placed on the transfer list and those who have come to the end of their deals will be released.
Georges Santos, Richard Langley, Sammy Youssouf, Marcin Kus, Ryan Johnson and Luke Townsend will not be offered new deals by the club.
Stefan Moore, Tommy Doherty, Ian Evatt, Ugo Ukah, Marcus Bignot, Steve Lomas, Matthew Hislop and Marc Bircham will all be placed on the transfer list.
Waddock said: "Undoubtedly this is the part of management that no one in charge of a football club ever wants to do.
"But these decisions have to be made for the sake of the club as a whole.
"After the summer, I want this to be a new era, not just a new season and I have to start planning for that now.
"I felt that those who I have released don't fit in with my plans for next season, but I would like to thank them for their efforts and hard work throughout their time at QPR."Official Site

Waddock Video

NEWSPAPER TALK

Evening Standard - April 3, 2006 QPR LINE UP GREGORY
John Gregory is the favoured candidate to become the new Queens Park Rangers manager in the summer, writes Wayne Veysey.
The former Aston Villa and Derby boss is understood to be the club's choice to succeed Ian Holloway, who remains on gardening leave.
QPR have won just twice in nine games under caretaker manager Gary Waddock and lost 2-1 to bottom club Crewe on Saturday. He will be given a coaching position if Gregory takes over

-Waddock Frets over Job U-Turn
Daily Mail/John Drayton - April 3, 2006
GARY WADDOCK is hoping chairman Gianni Paladini does not change his mind about appointing him QPR manager after a second home defeat in four days, this time against bottom-of-the-table Crewe.
Paladini said on Thursday that Waddock had got the job following a two-month spell as caretaker after Ian Holloway was placed on 'gardening leave'. But goals in each half from Kenny Lunt and David Vaughan have left Waddock wondering if Paladini might have a rethink despite Gareth Ainsworth's injury-time consolation.
'I still want the job,' said Waddock. 'I've got broad shoulders and I can take all the criticism that has been coming our way in the last few days. Until the situation with Ian Holloway is resolved I can't make any decisions on the future of players.'
Ainsworth, who missed a penalty against Stoke on Wednesday, apologised for the players' performance but is confident Waddock will be retained. 'The players feel guilty,' he said. 'It's Gary's big chance and in the last few games we haven't done it for him.'

Evening Standard - April 3, 2006 QPR LINE UP GREGORY
John Gregory is the favoured candidate to become the new Queens Park Rangers manager in the summer, writes Wayne Veysey.
The former Aston Villa and Derby boss is understood to be the club's choice to succeed Ian Holloway, who remains on gardening leave.
QPR have won just twice in nine games under caretaker manager Gary Waddock and lost 2-1 to bottom club Crewe on Saturday. He will be given a coaching position if Gregory takes over

WADDOCK ON QPR WORLD
And then what Waddock said on the QPR World Site (reported by Derby OFficial Site)
QPR caretaker boss Gary Waddock has made a plea to the Rangers fans - don't judge me yet.
Waddock took over in a caretaker capacity after Ian Holloway was put on "gardening leave" in January.
The timing of the move meant he had little room for manoeuvre in the transfer window and was only able to add one more player to the squad he inherited from Holloway.
In a passionate interview with www.qpr.co.uk, Waddock said: "I came in at a time when the transfer window was closing so I've worked with the same group of players.
"Judge me when I've put in place the players and the team.
"I've been able to make changes off the field, which a lot of fans don't see, but the most important thing that needs to improve is the playing side and I've not yet had the opportunity to do that.
"But make no mistake about it, during the summer there will be some decisions made, and I'll definitely make them for the benefit of the club, to take it forward.
"I've had the backing from Gianni (Paladini, chairman), Antonio (Caliendo, non-executive director) and the members of the board, they've backed me 100 per cent.
"They want to take the club forward and I've seen what they've done on a day to day basis, and I've got an opportunity to take that forward on the football side.
"I keep saying it, give me a chance to put my players in place, judge me with my style of football, then if there's any criticism I will take it on the chin.
"But at the moment I've had to work with the players that I've been here for a number of years.
"That's fine, and the players have responded, but OK and average isn't good enough.
"This football club is a large part of my life and I want to take it forward, I want to make it successful again."
http://www.dcfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/Preview/0,,10270~815885,00.html

BBC- Hoop dreams -QPR caretaker boss Gary Waddock wants the chance to build his own side
Waddock wants to build for future By Chris Bevan
The Ian Holloway situation needs to be resolved so the club can move forward - that is the most important thing, not any one individual
Gary WaddockQPR caretaker boss Gary Waddock is desperate to be given the chance to put together his own side at Loftus Road.
The 44-year-old has been in temporary charge since Ian Holloway was put on gardening leave on 6 February.
He has won only one game since then but told BBC Sport: "I want to be judged on my team, not somebody else's.
"I want to build my own team and play the style I want to play. I will bring in a better quality of player if I am appointed permanently.
He added: "I have inherited a group of players that Ian has put together.
"Some of these players have played a certain system for four or five years and I have publicly stated I want to change to a passing game.
"I was brought up that way at QPR and I know the sort of player who has been at the club before. I also know what sort of player the fans are loooking for.
"That is no criticism of Ian Holloway and his style of play or the success he had as a manager here. It's just I don't want to copy that - I have my own ideas.
"I've been able to put them into place in training but people don't see that side of it. They only see the team that you pick on a Saturday and you are judged on that.
"At the moment we are not getting the results or the performances that the club demands.
"But the players that are out there are not ones that I have brought to the club. I am not shifting all the blame here - I have a responsibility also - but hopefully I will get my chance.
"I am just starting out as a manager and I want to be a success at it."
Rangers are on a run of three successive Championship defeats and Waddock admits that in many ways the end of the season cannot come quickly enough.
"It is hard at the moment," he said. "We are in an awkward situation and the club is in limbo.
I have done the job on what I look at as a game-to-game basis so far but in recent weeks I am looking longer term
Gary Waddock
"The Ian Holloway situation needs to be resolved so the club can move forward - that is the most important thing, not any one individual.
"I have no idea when it will be resolved though.
"I have done the job on what I look at as a game-to-game basis so far but in recent weeks I am looking longer term and trying to think about a squad that can take the club forward.
"Someone has to plan for the future - and in the role I am in, even as caretaker, that someone is me and the chairman so I do have to look along those lines."
With four games left Rangers have slipped owards the wrong end of the Championship table but are not in any danger of the drop.
Waddock is determined that his players do not take their foot off the pedal in the run-in - and does not want this campaign to simply peter out.
He stated: "There is still plenty to play for. The players have to be professional and keep performing for the club and for the fans who are paying good money to watch us.
"They are also playing for their futures.
"We want to finish as high as we can in the table and, more than anything else, it would be nice to finish the season on a high." BBC

Furlong to Player/Coach Next Season...Other Players to Leave
Kilburn Times -Furs to coach the kids
Paul Furlong will take his first step into coaching next season as part of a major shake-up of the playing staff at Loftus Road.
Furlong's exact role is yet to be defined, but it is thought he will combine the final year of his QPR playing contract with coaching the youth team. It means the veteran striker will escape the close-season cull that could see as many as 15 of the current Rangers squad offloaded once Gary Waddock is confirmed as manager.
But Furlong, who turns 38 in the autumn, was anxious to stress that he is not planning to hang up his boots yet. He told the Times: "Coaching is what they're looking for me to do, it's certainly something that's been spoken about and I'll have to concentrate on getting my coaching badges. "But I've made it quite clear that I'm not finished with playing football and I don't want anyone to think that. When you're finished, you're a long time finished. "I still enjoy playing and when I wake up the day after a game, I'm not full of aches and pains and I still think I've got a bit more to offer. "
I know I can't play football forever, but it's another string to my bow if I can look at coaching as well as playing next season."
The QPR striker - who was Player of the Year last season - first became interested in coaching after helping out with sessions at the Edmonton All Saints B under-11 team where his son plays. But he has endured a frustrating campaign, finding the net just six times and was denied what would have been a winning goal in Monday's rollercoaster 3-2 defeat at Norwich.... http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/content/camden/kilburntimes/sport/story.aspx?brand=KLBTOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportklbt&itemid=WeED20%20Apr%202006%2011%3A09%3A34%3A373 _________________

Bircham Acknowledges Probably Leaving QPR...and Club Prepared to Sell Cook & Shittu-
BIRCHAM Kilburn Times
AS things stand, I'm coming to terms with the fact that I probably won't play for QPR again.The club have told me that they've set asking prices for myself, Danny Shittu and Lee Cook and, if someone meets those prices, we'll be leaving Loftus Road.To hear that is desperately disappointing - most of all because I read it in the press before anything official was said to me.
I don't know how that information leaked out, but I had a meeting with Gianni Paladini and Gary Waddock the day before the Watford game and they explained the situation.I was meant to be on the bench on Saturday, but after that news I just wasn't in the right frame of mind to play.I know Sheffield United made an inquiry about me earlier in the season and the club turned it down, saying that our finances were stable.
Suddenly they're saying we have to sell players and I don't know how things could have changed so much in a few months' time. If they'd said to me 'we need money, the club's desperate to sell', then I'd have understood it was for the good of QPR. I knew that would have been a possibility at the end of my last contract, but we beat Swindon and Sheffield Wednesday to go up and the club offered me a new deal.I've still got another year on my current contract, but I know I'm on borrowed time and the likelihood is that, if the asking price is met, I'll be going. Maybe a QPR fan could win the lottery and invest in the club, then things might be different. Assuming that doesn't happen, I expect I'll be playing somewhere else next season.And I really fear for QPR next season - we could really struggle. But I hope the fans really get behind Waddo's team and the board and I'll be proved wrong.To read Marc Bircham's exclusive column in full, buy the Times every Wednesday
http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/content/camden/kilburntimes/sport/story.aspx?brand=KLBTOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportklbt&itemid=WeED26%20Apr%202006%2011%3A12%3A54%3A700

Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - QPR Players to Learn their Fate - Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times
QPR players will finally discover their fate on Friday when caretaker manager Gary Waddock unveils his plans for next season.
Several members of the 31-man squad will be leaving Loftus Road in the summer, while others have been told they can go at the right price to ease Rangers' financial concerns.Times columnist Marc Bircham revealed this week that he has been made available for transfer, along with star defender Danny Shittu and highly-rated winger Lee Cook.
Waddock admitted: "Cookie has been outstanding for me and he will obviously want to test himself in the Premiership at some stage."That will be a decision for the board if an offer comes in. We all know the financial state of the club and money does talk."I have to make decisions on the players' futures and that'll be addressed by the end of this week. I'll sit down with the players so they all know what's happening and I'm quite clear on what decisions will be made."
Waddock will assume the manager's role as soon as Rangers have agreed a settlement with Ian Holloway, thought to be in the running to take over at relegated Millwall next season.And the caretaker boss dreams of putting together a young squad to emulate Reading, who are seeking to set a Championship points record by beating the Rs in the final game of the season on Sunday.The Royals need three points to top Sunderland's record of 105 points and will be confident against a QPR side that have failed to win any of their last 10 games."Nobody expects us to win - Reading will be getting the trophy and it's their party time, but we're not going there to lie down and die," Waddock insisted."We'll try to enjoy the game and the atmosphere and try our best to finish with a good performance. It hasn't happened overnight for Reading, they built their team gradually and Watford have done it along similar lines."You look at one signing Reading have made - Leroy Lita - and that shows you have to pay for goalscorers. As everybody knows, we haven't got £1m to spend on a player, we have to coach and improve players and I believe we've got a decent base to build on."Waddock will consider handing teenager Ray Jones his full debut at the Madejski Stadium, with Paul Furlong the only other recognised striker available on Sunday.Marc Nygaard is suspended following his red card against Watford, while Kevin Gallen, Stefan Moore, Sammy Youssouf and Shabazz Baidoo are all injured.Right-back Marcin Kus could start, while young defenders Andrew Howell and Jonathan Munday, who have both been unused substitutes in recent weeks, may also figure.
http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/content/camden/kilburntimes/sport/story.aspx?brand=KLBTOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportklbt&itemid=WeED26%20Apr%202006%2011%3A10%3A44%3A413

BBC Gossip/Independent -QPR chairman Gianni Palladini has made it clear he expects Rangers to make the play-offs next season. (Independent)

Sporting Life - PALADINI AIMING HIGH
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini has demanded caretaker-boss Gary Waddock take the team into the play-offs next season.
Waddock is expected to be given the job permanently once an agreement is reached with former manager Ian Holloway, who was sacked in February.
But even though Waddock could struggle to hang onto some of his most valuable assets, Paladini has set his sights on a top-six finish in next year's Championship table.
"We will be looking to end next season in the top six," Paladini said. "I've told Gary it is what I'm expecting, and I have every faith in him.
"Our original three year plan was reached: promotion to the Championship, and then survival. Now, however, it's time to raise the bar.
"We want a strong, young, fast side who are hungry and can help get us where we want to be and play the kind of football that people are happy to watch."
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/cc_championship/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=nonwire_soccer/06/04/26/manual_132746.html&TEAMHD=nationwide1

Daily Mail - April 27, 2006 - Players for Sale
Marc Bircham, Danny Shittu and Lee Cook have been put on the transfer list at QPR as part of costcutting measures. Bircham, 27, said: 'They've put a price on me, Danny and Lee, and if those prices are met we'll be gone in the summer. 'I've got a year left on my contract and I could stay but the club wouldn't get money for me, so it would be stitching them up a bit which I obviously don't want to do. 'I know every player has his time to go, but I'm gutted, especially as they had a bid for me from Sheffield United in the transfer window. 'It was turned down and so was one for Danny and that's when they released the statement that they didn't need to sell any players because we were financially stable. 'I was promised a new contract at the end of the season. Four months down the line, they have to get the wage bill down and we're the only three players they can get money for, so we have to go.' Gary Waddock is set to make further cuts to his playing staff with 16 players expected to be moved on.

Thursday, April 27, 2006
Ex-QPR Chairman, Bill Power Joins Swindon Board-
Very, very best of luck to him, but very sad for QPR fans.
Swindon Official Site -POWER TO JOIN TOWN BOARD
Swindon Town Football Club's Board of Directors are delighted to confirm that Mr Bill Power is to join the club as a Director from Monday 15th May 2006.
Power brings with him a wealth of football experience, having been both a Director and Chairman of Queens Park Rangers FC.
Mark Devlin, Swindon Town FC Deputy Chairman, commented:
"It is fantastic news for the club that Bill has decided to take up the challenge at Swindon. I had the pleasure of working with Bill in my time as Chief Executive at QPR and always found his commitment, passion and business knowledge invaluable."
Bill Power is to join the Swindon Town Board of Directors
The Board have actively been looking for someone with the right credentials and financial strength to come on board to assist the Directors in taking the club forward.
"It is very apparent that, on the football side, things have not gone according to plan this season," said Devlin.
"Bill's football experience helps us to bridge a gap in the Directors team, and will allow other individuals to concentrate on working with the Council and supporters on The County Ground redevelopment plans."
Bill Power commented: "It was fantastic to have served on the Board of QPR at a very exciting time in their history, and since leaving Loftus Road, I have missed the involvement at a club. Mark Devlin and the Board explained the situation at Swindon and asked me if would be interested in getting involved.
"I am now looking forward to playing my part in trying to bring the good times back to Swindon and seeing the fans with smiles on their faces once again," he concluded.
http://www.swindontownfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10341~821767,00.html

SWINDON OFFICIAL SITE -Devlin on Power Arrival
Swindon Town Deputy Chairman Mark Devlin has given his views to the press following today's announcement that Bill Power is to join the club as a Director.
Power was Chairman at Queens Park Rangers during Devlin's tenure with the London club and will officially join Swindon Town on May 15th.
"It is a well-known fact that the club have been looking for an extended of period of time for someone to come in and share the burden of running the club. I spoke to Bill about the possibility of joining us and he has been down to see a few games, met the Board and he is keen to get involved," said Devlin.
Swindon Town Deputy Chairman Mark Devlin
"We have an understanding of where we are, and I must stress that we have not brought Roman Abramovich to the club. However, Bill is a passionate football fan and is looking forward to coming to Swindon and playing his part in taking the club forward.
"Sir Seton has put money into the club over recent years and that burden has fallen squarely on his shoulders. By bringing Bill Power to the club it does two things. Firstly it gives us a bit more financial strength and shares the burden of responsibility, as well as bringing someone in who can help out the Manager with transfer targets."
The Board believe that Power will bring a breath of fresh air to the club, with Devlin grateful to Power for accepting the challenge.
"Bill will be much more hands on that we have been used to before. I don't envisage him being here five days a week but I'm sure he will be in a couple of days a week or so, taking an interest in things all across the club," continued Devlin.
Bill Power is to join Swindon Town as a Director
"I am grateful to Bill for accepting the challenge here at Swindon Town as he is someone with a genuine passion for football. I am sure he can pass on his passion and knowledge and he will be an asset to this club.
"Bill is the type of guy who you enjoy working both with and for. He is a very humble person and has been very successful in business. His friendly and unassuming nature is something that strikes you and he is very much a people's person.
"His arrival will make a significant difference to many aspects of the club. It is really positive news as the Board look to make the most of the coming months as we look to pick up the pieces after what has been a fairly horrendous season and build toward trying for an immediate return to League One, if that is what we have to do," concluded Devlin.
http://www.swindontownfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10341~821807,00.html

This is Swindon - A significant step forward 27th April 2006
DEPUTY chairman Mark Devlin worked alongside Bill Power during their spell together at Queens Park Rangers. He tells JON RITSON why he feels Town have made a ‘significant’ signing to help take the club forward, although not to expect Roman Abramovich mark two! It’s a well known fact that we’ve been looking for additional help in terms of sharing the burden that Sir Seton Wills has had for years, putting money into the club.“The club have actively been looking for some time, years rather than months, and have spoken to several people and come very close on a couple of occasions, although it hasn’t quite come off.“A chance discussion between someone on the board and myself back in January suggested whether Bill Power, having known him from my QPR days, would be interested in getting involved in football.“My initial reaction without talking to Bill and knowing that he is a passionate QPR fan, is that he was a bit fractured by what went on at QPR and was unlikely to want to get involved in another club.“Fair play to Bill, I spoke to him on two or three occasions, brought him down here, he’s seen three or four games, got to meet members of the board has a good understanding of the situation the club is faced with, where we currently are and he’s really quite keen to get involved and use his knowledge and expertise and bring some additional finance.“It takes a bit of the burden off Sir Seton and maybe from time to time helping us to do things that at this moment we’re unable to do – looking at transfer targets that may carry a transfer fee.“I have to stress that we haven’t brought Roman Abramovich to Swindon.“Bill is a passionate football fan and he’s really looking forward to coming here and to helping put the club on the road again and take us forward.“From my perspective it’s a significant investment that Bill is putting in.“As we all know in football if you want to make a small fortune out of football you generally start with a big fortune and it gets nibbled away at.“There’s no definite outcome in terms of Bill ever getting his money back or even making money out of the club, irrespective of what people might feel.“I think he’ll be a great asset to the place. He’s very much a people’s person. a very humble guy, who’s done well in business.“He comes with no baggage, doesn’t have the last fractured decade of Swindon Town’s history with him.“There have been people the club have been speaking to that have had more than one eye on the development and any potential that might come out of that.“Bill has got involved in this because it’s a footballing opportunity.“I believe Bill’s addition to the board will make a crucial difference as we look to pick up the pieces after what has been a fairly horrendous season and try and use this close season as something positive.“At this moment in time we are not aware of any significant wealthy individuals or group of individuals who just wanted to invest in the club.“We don’t own our stadium, we’ve been losing money and it isn’t something that immediately gets the juices flowing when you’re looking to invest in something to make money for yourselves.“Despite several sightings of people with bulging pockets full of cash, they’ve not made themselves known to us so I’m very grateful to Bill that he’s accepted the challenge, and it is a big challenge, to help take the club forward.
http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/news_headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=5484

BBC - Bircham not keen to leave Rangers
Midfielder Marc Bircham insists he has "no wish" to leave Queens Park Rangers, despite being transfer-listed.
"I found out last week the club wanted to sell me, so I said they should put me on the transfer list," he said. "They turned down a bid from Sheffield United in January. I was told in March they wanted me to sign a new deal. "To be honest, it looks like I'm going, - I'm a bit angry about the situation. But being a (QPR) fan, a big part of me hopes no-one puts in a bid."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/4956260.stm


TEAMTALK
Bircham - I want to stay with Rangers
Marc Bircham has insisted he has no wish to leave QPR despite being placed on the transfer list.
The 27-year-old midfielder is among eight players to be listed as the west London club look to restructure their squad for next season.
Bircham is one of three players - including unlisted Dan Shittu and winger Lee Cook - who will depart Loftus Road if another club meets Rangers' asking price.
"I had no wish to leave," lifelong Rangers fan Bircham said. "I found out last week that the club wanted to sell me, so I said they should put me on the transfer list.
"They turned down a bid from Sheffield United last January and I was told in March that they wanted me to sign a new contract.
"To be honest, it looks like I'm going, and I'm a bit angry about the situation. But, being a fan, there is a big part of me that hopes there is no-one puts in a bid, and (caretaker-boss) Gary Waddock does not want me to go."
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1801_1188905,00.html