QPR's Year in Review - MAY, 2006

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MAY 2006: The beginning of the post-season; the month "The Trial" got under way; the first of the Waddock/Paladini-era signings (even though Waddock's "official" was not announced until late June): First Damion Stewart followed by Armel Tchakounte. The (supposed)departure of Ugo Ukah was announced. Fitness coach, Scott Rushden departed. Bircham and Bignot about hoping not to leave QPR.

"The Trial" finally got under way during May and there were sporadic news reports during the month about what was being said.

The Times opened one of its early reports article describing Chairman Paladini as "a former Italian football international .... who used to play for Juventus and Napoli" The Times

The was the very sad Killing of QPR Youth Player, Kiyan Prince
QPR

Q&A with CHAIRMAN GIANI PALADI - QPR Rivals Clive Whittingham
- Overview - QPR Rivals' Clive Whittingham - Overview
- Paladini Interview - On the Pitch - On the Pitch
- "Off The Pitch" - Paladini Interview Off the Pitch
-And an Update/Clarification - CLARIFIFICATION/UPDATE

RESPONSES TO Rivals/Paladini Interview from Former Chairmen Bill Power & Nigel Blackburn
In response to Paladini's comments re his share dealings and the amount of money he supposedly made from the sale of his shares, former Chairman Bill Power ("BP") posted a response on QPR Rivals. That Response can be read at Bill Powers

Response to Rivals from Former Chairman Nigel Blackburn Nigel Blackburn

QPR 1st - FROM QPR 1st Supporters Trust - Report of their April 27th 2006 AGM which included an appearance/address from QPR Chairman, Gianni Paladini QPR 1st

Gianni Paladini Q&A -Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - May 10, 2006 Exclusive Gianni Paladini interview [See full Q&A
<strong>How soon do you expect to appoint the new manager?
"It's public knowledge that Gary will be the manager and Macca will be his assistant - the players all know that, so let's make it clear and there's no confusion about it."Gary wants to be his own man and he'll bring in his own people."
I cannot believe that Ollie will be out of work for the next two years - he's an up and coming manager, very popular and I'm positive he'll get a job by the end of this month. If he doesn't, we'll have to do something about it."
With hindsight, do you feel you handled Ian Holloway's situation in the right way?
"When I meet other chairmen, there's not one that doesn't think I did the right thing and they all think they'd do the same."If Gary, after three months, said he wanted to go and speak with, say, Birmingham City or Manchester United when he has a two-year contract with me, it's the end."Goodbye, don't bother to collect your stuff - I'll send it to you. It's as simple as that."What amazes me is this - a player under contract cannot be approached by another club, or they get fined. A manager under contract can be approached by another club, go and talk to them and he doesn't get fined by anybody."I don't see how that can work. Leicester approached me and I don't think it should be allowed for them to ask when my manager is under contract for another two and a half years."
The season ended with a very poor run of results under Gary Waddock, so why do you feel he is the right man to take QPR forward?
"My personal view is that I've enjoyed the football under Gary - we played some very good games against Norwich and Reading recently."I really don't have much time for people who say 'good luck, bad luck' - I'm looking at the way we play."There was never any danger of us going down and in our division it makes no difference to be 21st or seventh. It's about whether you are preparing for next season."The reason why we played some younger players and stuck to that in the last five or six games was to see the strength of what we've got in the camp."It's only fair to Gary to judge him on the players he brings in. If we're unsuccessful next season, it'll be a problem and he knows that."
Is it realistic to expect a push for the top six next season while you're trying to cut costs?"
Unless they live on Mars or the Moon, everybody knows that unless you get success, the fans won't stand for you and we're all in the same boat. I don't want to come here and not enjoy the games."
It will be the fourth year since I became involved with QPR and I've never been in a position where we're fighting relegation. I want us to be in a good position by Christmas to challenge for the play-offs and, if we're not, Gary knows the situation."Queens Park Rangers fans are not stupid - they're brought up to be entertained and they like good football, so I think they understand what we're trying to do."The good news is that we are up on ticket sales compared with this time last year, so people are already responding."
What's the financial state of the club compared to when you took over as chairman?"Things are much better - . We have a new shirt sponsor and we hope to have a different sponsor for the shorts as well."We've reduced our budget for next season. This year was £5.5m and next year will be nearer £4m - that's our plan for the next three years and this is why we're reducing the number of players."There are just too many players and we seem to have the longest squad list wherever we go. We want to have a squad of about 25, that's more or less what teams like Watford have got."
How has the squad size been allowed to balloon - is it a direct result of signing players with persistent injury problems such as Dean Sturridge?
"To be fair, Sturridge's record was outstanding - he scored goals left, right and centre and I'm not blaming Ollie for the fact that it didn't work out."He felt Sturridge was worth a gamble and we took it, but when you cut open the melon it's not always nice and red.""At any club, you can have the best players in the world, but if they're injured through silly things, you're forced to get more players in all the time."That's what happened to Ollie this year - we got seven players in during the summer and he had to bring more because of the injuries. Players' wages have to be paid, but we also have to pay the bills."
I don't want people injured all the time for no reason. It was always the same - hamstring, hamstring, hamstring - and something can't be right there."I believe that going to Ibiza last summer wasn't the best preparation, especially working on the plastic pitch and I won't take the team there again."In Italy there will be better training facilities - and also it's an easy way for me to get home for a week!
Q&A

Paladini on More Possible Players - (Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times)-
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - May 10, 2006 Two more on the way
And he is set to land two more in the near future, including Australian World Cup hopeful Nick Ward, 21, from Perth Glory.The under-23 international midfielder was on trial with Leicester earlier this season and has been officially labelled one of the top 15 young prospects in world football by FIFA. Rangers are also set to sign a right-back who, like Ward, will fit into the kind of age bracket preferred by both Waddock and chairman Gianni Paladini.
"You don't rest on your laurels and we want to bring in young players, who will be an investment for the club - players of 21, 22, 23 and the occasional one of 27, 28, 29," said Paladini."We're building a team for the next three years. We've got to have good lads who make a difference to the team, don't cause problems and fit into the system that Gary wants to play." We haven't released players without considering how to replace them and we've been working for the last two months, looking for people to bring in. Our aim is to sign about six or seven before the start of next season." Provided we bring in the right players, we'll be OK - Watford brought in the right players last year - not many, but look at the change."Millwall got rid of their best players and look what happened to them."
.....The club are also hoping to finalise a new one-year contract with left-back Mauro Milanese in the coming weeks... Q&A

Paladini on Watford Bid for Shittu...No offers for Cook...Hope to sign Ward and at least one striker (Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times) - Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - May 31, 2006 Shittu bid: Wat's the idea?
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini has dismissed a bid by Premiership new boys Watford for Danny Shittu as 'embarrassing'.Paladini has made it clear that he will not allow Rangers' star defender to leave Loftus Road this summer for less than £3m.And Watford, promoted to the top flight via the play-offs just 10 days ago, have been told that their offer for Shittu - thought to be less than half of the asking price -would not be considered."
I respect what Watford have done - they brought in the right players without paying a fortune, now they're in the Premiership," Paladini told the Times."When I watched them winning the play-offs on TV, I felt like changing channels because I was so jealous! But their offer for Danny was a ridiculous one - I felt it was embarrassing."We certainly won't sell him for that. I told them we want £3m and then another £500,000 if they stay up and we won't take less than the asking price." Danny's under contract - he knows the situation and he knows we are building a team. He's one of our most important players and we want to keep those players at the club."...
Paladini also confirmed that he has so far received no offers for winger Lee Cook, whose excellent form since the turn of the year has seen a £2.5m price tag placed on his head.The former Watford wide man has been offered a two-year extension to his contract, which runs out in 2007 and Paladini added: "We want him to extend his contract and I'm hoping that should be done next week."
The club are also in discussions with the Australian Football Federation to finalise the transfer of 21-year-old midfielder Nick Ward from Perth Glory." We've agreed terms with the boy, he's happy to come here and, if we can sort things out with the Australian federation, I think he will make a tremendous difference next season," said Paladini.
Rangers, who have already signed Jamaican defender Damion Stewart and Cameroon midfielder Armel Tchakounte so far this summer, are also hoping to bring in a right-back and at least one forward.They had initially expressed an interest in signing Tottenham's Dutch striker Mounir El-Hamdaoui on a season's loan, but will now turn their attention elsewhere.
Caretaker manager Gary Waddock admitted recently that he planned to bring in at least one more striker irrespective of whether Shabazz Baidoo decided to stay at Loftus Road.And, although the teenager - who had been mulling over a contract offer for the past three months - has now chosen to stay, Waddock stressed that he will face stiff competition for first team football."There's no guarantee he will be involved in the first team - he's got to earn that right and hopefully he'll put in the kind of performances that will push him into the side," stated Waddock."Everything's been agreed with Shabazz, which is good news. He wanted everything done properly, so did we and sometimes it takes time to ensure that happens. Kilburn Times

Sporting Life - "Brazil legend Dunga believes QPR are capable of reaching the play-offs next season after becoming a director at Loftus Road.
Dunga - who captained Brazil to victory in the 1994 World Cup - was appointed a non-executive director of the club in September last year, when Gianni Paladini took over as chairman.
"We need to look at getting into the play-offs," Dunga told the club's official website. "This is a big club, and it is what the fans want.
"The most important thing is to build foundations here. You cannot always be changing from one day to the next.
"At any club, a manager needs to be given the chance to work effectively." Kilburn Times

The Sun - May 6, 2006 - DENNIS WISE is a leading contender to become boss at QPR.
The former Chelsea and England midfielder is still playing at Coventry.
But Wise, 39, wants a return to management and a move to his native London.
QPR supremo Gianni Paladini is likely to interview the man who guided Millwall to the FA Cup final two years ago. Gary Waddock has been acting as caretaker-boss since Ian Holloway’s departure in February but Rangers finished just one place above the Championship relegation zone.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2006200915,00.html

QPR Official Site - TOUR DETAILS
R's fans have just seven days left to book their place on the pre-season tour to Sorrento, Italy, this summer.
QPR have teamed up with Travel Counsellors, to offer Hoops fans the best possible deal ahead of the pre-season trip to the Gulf of Naples.
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.
The official trip will consist of accommodation, transfers and match tickets and will be seven days, six nights from July 23rd to July 29th.....QPR

Travel to Italy - QPR

MEET & GREET
R's fans making the official pre-season trip to Italy this summer will have the unique opportunity to mix with their heroes.
Gary Waddock and his squad travel to the Gulf of Naples on July 23 and will face Sorrento Calcio and SS Cavese in a warm up to the 2006/07 Coca Cola Championship campaign.
Supporters wishing to meet the managerial staff and players can do so at their Sorrento training camp on Thursday 27 July.
"Pre-season is a vitally important time for me and the players, but it'll be nice for them to be able to mix with the supporters,'' Waddock told qpr.co.uk.
"Although we'll be pushing them very hard in Italy, you can't expect it to be all work and no play and this will be a fantastic opportunity for them to chat with the supporters and share their views on the forthcoming season.''
You can rub shoulders with Wads' and Macca in Italy Travel details of the official tour can be found here
SEE ALL THE ACTION ON QPR WORLD QPR

Official Site -PRE SEASON GAMES - BEES FRIENDLY
The R's will travel to local rivals Brentford for a pre-season friendly on Tuesday 18 July.
Gary Waddock's men make the short journey to Griffin Park for a 7.45pm kick off, as the build-up to the 2006/07 Coca Cola Championship continues.
The League One outfit finished last season in a creditable third position, before crashing out of the play-off's at the semi-final stage.
Kenny Jackett's Swansea side triumphed 3-1 over the two legs, to leave Martin Allen's men contemplating yet another season in the third tier of English football.
"It's a local derby and I'm sure it will be a keenly contested match,'' Caretaker Manager Waddock told qpr.co.uk.
"Brentford were unlucky to miss out on automatic promotion last year and I'm sure their lads will be up for it.
"I know Martin well and his sides are always competitive, which is exactly what we're looking for from our pre-season fixtures.
"It's a great game for the fans and I'm already looking forward to it.''
The Brentford match is the third friendly to be confirmed so far by the R's, with fixtures also scheduled against Aldershot Town (July 8) and Gillingham (July 22). QPR

DEPARTING - QPR OFFICIAL SITE UGO A GO-GO
The Club can confirm that Ugo Ukah has today joined Italian outfit Nourese Calcio on a free transfer.
Ukah, who made just two appearances for the R's, has signed a three year contract with the Serie C2 side.
Chairman Gianni Paladini confirmed the news to qpr.co.uk: "We've negotiated a fifty per-cent sell-on clause and we wish him all the best.''
The Nigerian defender, who joined the club in the summer of 2005, figured in back-to-back 3-0 defeats against Coventry City and Northampton Town in August.
Meanwhile, Paladini confirmed the Club have offered winger Lee Cook a new two year contract extension, which will tie him to the Hoops until 2009.
Cook is currently on holiday, but is due to open negotiations on his return next week. Cook has been offered a two year contract extension
"I've spoke to Lee's agent who has confirmed that he's happy to stay with us for another two years,'' said Paladini. "He's looking forward to working with Gary Waddock and Alan McDonald next season and is very optimistic about the future.''
In other news, Shabazz Baidoo is expected to sign a new two year contract later this week and Paladini also confirmed the Club are further looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2006/07 Coca Cola Championship campaign.
R's Chairman Gianni Paladini "We've already agreed terms with one target which will be announced soon. He'll give us more depth in the defensive unit and we're also keen to sign one or two strikers before the start of the season.'' QPR

ARRIVING Official Site -REGGAE BOY SIGNS
Jamaican international Damion Stewart has signed a three year contract with QPR - subject to obtaining an extension to his work permit.
The 25 year-old defender, who spent last season on loan at Bradford City from Caribbean Club champions Harbour View, today (Thursday) became Gary Waddock's first signing of the summer transfer window and will officially join on June 1 2006.
Stewart, who has amassed 30-plus appearances for his country and is due to line-up against England in a World Cup warm-up match at Old Trafford on June 3, passed a medical at Loftus Road this morning.
Nicknamed 'Stew Peas' by the Reggae Boyz, Stewart - at 6'2'' - is an athletic and tenacious defender with poise, speed and an effective no-nonsense style of defending.
"I'm delighted to have joined QPR,'' said Stewart.
"I enjoyed my time at Bradford but when the chance came up to play in the Championship for a big club like QPR it was an easy decision to make.
"I grew up watching QPR in the Premiership and hopefully we can return to the top flight in the future.''
Gary Waddock was equally as pleased to have clinched the signature of the established international.
"I'm very excited about him. He's an international footballer. He's big, strong and quick and is exactly what we're looking for.
"We're confident he'll complement the other defenders we've already got in our squad.''
[Photo] Gianni Paladini and Antonio Caliendo greet our new signing
Chairman Gianni Paladini echoed Waddock's words: "We're delighted to sign Damion.
"He's a great prospect and hopefully the first of many new additions this summer.
"We're building a side to take us forward over the next three years and Damion will be an integral part of that.'' QPR

OFFICIAL SITE - ARMEL ARRIVES
Cameroon international Armel Tchakounte has put pen to paper on a one year deal with the Hoops.
The 27 year-old, who trained with Rangers during the latter part of the season, today (Thursday) penned a one year deal - with an option of a second year - at Loftus Road.
Armel, whose previous clubs include Kitchee FC (Hong Kong), is a right footed, defensive midfielder, with great physical skills, high stamina and bags of experience in the top leagues in Africa and Asia.
"It's a dream come true to sign for an English club like QPR,'' Armel told qpr.co.uk.
"I really enjoyed my time training with the team during the last few weeks of the season and am glad I was rewarded with a contract.
"QPR are a big club and I'm really looking forward to playing at Loftus Road for the first time and helping the team next season.''
Hoops Caretaker Manager Gary Waddock was delighted to secure his second signing in as many hours, commenting: "Armel shone in training and will be a huge addition to this football club.
"He's a big, strong, powerful lad with great energy and will be a key player for us next season.''
Chairman Gianni Paladini believes the Hoops' latest signing will prove to be a firm favourite with the Rangers fans.
"He can run all day and has a never-say-die attitude. He will be a tremendous signing.
"Gary was really impressed with him in the three weeks he spent with us towards the end of last season and coupled with the other players we hope to bring in over the summer, we're really optimistic about the future.'' QPR

LEE'S COOK-IN
Fans' favourite Lee Cook has signed on the dotted line
Lee Cook has signed a two year contract extension with the Club - tying him to the R's until 2009.
The 23 year-old winger - who dazzled under the guidance of Caretaker Manager Gary Waddock towards the latter end of last season - today put pen to paper on a lucrative two year extension at Loftus Road.
The boyhood Rangers fan was delighted with the prospect of playing his football at Loftus Road for the next three years.
He said: "I'm really pleased to have signed a new deal. I think the club are moving forward and I want to be a part of that. There is no way that I would want to miss out on the success that I think this club are going to have next season."
"We've already made some great signings and I'm excited about a few others that I've heard about. The squad is getting stronger and I really think we're going to have a successful season next year - if I didn't, then I wouldn't have signed, it's as simple as that.
"As a QPR fan there is no better feeling than being able to play for the club that you love, but you also have to use your common sense. I haven't signed this deal just with my heart, I've committed my future to the club because I believe we're going places.
"I think we will see a different QPR next season. Some of the football we played under Gary Waddock towards the end of the season was excellent in my opinion. We didn't get the results, but I feel really optimistic that will change next year.
"I've really enjoyed the new style of play under Wads, as have the rest of the lads. He really encourages the attacking players to express themselves and I think that can only lead to entertaining football.''But it's his ability to turn the game on its head with his pin point crosses that seperates him from your average Championship midfielder - as Chairman Gianni Paladini pointed out.
He said: "Lee's not only a crowd pleasure, but a fantastic player, who gives his all week in, week out,.'
"His ability to pick a pass from anywhere on the pitch is amazing and he's got a huge part to play in the future of this football club.
"We're delighted he's signed on the dotted line and I think it signals our intentions for next season.''

Signed, sealed and delivered...Lee Cook has ended speculation
about his future by penning a two year extension
Caretaker Manager Gary Waddock was equally as enthusiastic about the news, commenting: "It's fantastic news for everyone associated to the Club - the players, the staff and the fans.
"He's a quality player, a fantastic lad and a pleasure to coach and watch.
"We gave him the licence to do what he does best towards the end of the last campaign - expressing himself in the final third - and he flourished and I'm expecting more of the same next season.''
Cook will join up with his team-mates, including new signings Armel Tchakounte and Damion Stewart, when the Hoops return to pre-season training in early July. Official

Paul Jones Signs a One Year Contract
Welsh international goalkeeper Paul Jones has signed a new one year deal with the Superhoops.
Jones, who joined the R's on a free transfer in February, today (Monday) put pen to paper on a one year contract at Loftus Road.
The 39 year-old, who will represent his country against the Basque Country and Trinidad & Tobago later this month, made 14 appearances for the Hoops last season, producing a series of top drawer saves during the run-in.
"I'm delighted to have signed,'' Jones told qpr.co.uk.
"I got the buzz back and really enjoyed my time here towards the end of last season and there was never any doubt I'd re-sign.
"When I came here initially it was just to help out in the short term, but things went better than I expected and with the unfortunate long-term injury to Roycie, I found myself playing more than I expected.''
Despite a forgettable end to the 2005/06 campaign, Jonah - who revealed he will spend most of the summer working on his single figure golf handicap - insists the future is bright under the leadership of Gary Waddock and Alan McDonald.
"We need to look forward after last season and with a few new additions, there's no reason why we can't be challenging in the top half of the table.
"Gary's already made a very good signing in Armel Tchakounte - who really impressed the lads in the few weeks he spent with us - and with a few other signings, we shouldn't be too far away next season.
"We've got some great youngsters coming through and I'm just glad to part of the clubs future.'' QPR

OFFICIAL SITE -WARD JETS IN
QPR have today (Tuesday) reached agreement with Perth Glory for the transfer of Nick Ward for an undisclosed fee.
The 21 year-old attacking midfielder will jet in to London early next week to dot the i's and cross the t's on a two year deal.
Widely regarded as one the hottest prospects in Australia, Ward - who made 21 appearances for Hyundai A-League side Perth Glory last season, bagging five goals - has represented his country at all levels and only just missed out on a spot in the Socceroo's World Cup squad.He won this year's A-League 'Rising Star' award and was recently included in a 'Who's Who' of the best young players to watch on the FIFA website. QPR

May 1: Official Site - Scott Rushden
Fitness Coach, Scott Rushton has parted company with Queens Park Rangers after six seasons at the club.
Rushton joined QPR in 2000 when Gerry Francis was in charge and since then, the ex Army Physical Training Instructor has experienced the very highs and lows of football with the Rs.
After a stint at Fulham, Rushton joined QPR and worked alongside the players throughout the footballing calendar.
He said: "I've had a great time at QPR, the ups and downs of administration, relegation and promotion ensured that it was a rollercoaster ride.
"The trips to the Army camps and boxing days, as well as taking the boys to ballet and yoga made sure that many alternative training methods were covered.
"I've enjoyed working under Gerry, Ian Holloway and also during the short time I've had with Gary Waddock.
"The fans have all been fantastic and I'm sad as it's the end of an era but I wish everyone at the club all the best."
Caretaker Manager, Gary Waddock said: "I'd like to wish Scott all the best in the future and thank him for all his hard work during his time at QPR." QPR -

JOHN O'BRIEN ON YOUTH DEVELOPMENT - NEW GENERATION
The season may be over for the professional playing squad and staff, but for Rangers' Head of Youth Recruitment John O'Brien and his small army of scouts, the busiest period of the year is just approaching.
On Saturday, John introduced the next generation of young Rangers hopefuls, when he entertained several of the new Under 9 and Under 12 age groups at Loftus Road, ably assisted by evergreen Rangers striker Paul Furlong.
"Saturday was the culmination of approximately six months of hard work by our scouts,'' O'Brien told qpr.co.uk.
"Every weekend they have been out there watching local games and identifying good young players. We have gradually whittled down the potential targets to the actual ones, and I'm delighted to say that all the boys we finally identified have accepted our offer to sign for next season.''
John faced competition for many of the boys from Premier League sides, so he was delighted to win the race for their signatures: "I now believe we have a package that can match any that Premier League sides can offer - if not better it.
"Boys who sign for QPR genuinely have the chance of coming through, which cannot be said for those who sign for bigger Premier League teams.
''The summer is our busiest time, with local Cup Finals and Tournaments to cover almost every weekend through until September, so I'm hoping that we will be bringing a few more boys in before the start of next season.''
If you know of any local tournaments in your area taking place throughout the summer that you would like the QPR scouts to cover, email johnob@qpr.co.uk QPR

QPR SPONSORSHIP
2.05.2006 Latest BUMPER DEAL QPR have agreed a one year, £150,000 sponsorship deal with GJ Electrical & Building Ltd and R Benson Property Maintenance Ltd
QPR are delighted to announce a one year, £150,000 sponsorship agreement with GJ Electrical and Building Ltd and R. Benson Property Maintenance Ltd.
The companies will sponsor both the home and away shorts for the 2006/07 campaign, as well as the Loft Stand at Loftus Road.
Commercial Manager Gary Hooper spoke of his delight at securing the lucrative deal: "It's fantastic for both parties.
"It's something we've been working towards for a while and I'm delighted it's all signed and sealed.''
GJ Managing Director Graham Janes was equally as enthusiastic about the deal, commenting: "We're really excited.
"It's a good deal for us - we're QPR fans and we do a lot of work in the area.
"We see this agreement as an excellent opportunity to play a major part in the future of the club we love.''
GJ Electrical and Building Ltd and R. Benson Property Maintenance Ltd - based in Eastcote, Middlesex - amalgamated in 2001, with a commitment to deliver a first class planned and responsive maintenance service within the public sector.
Five years on, more than 200 people work together as an integrated supply chain serving London and the home counties with an ethos for continual improvement.
They now plan to serve the private sector with a range of exciting packages tailored for homeowners and small businesses alike.
In due course, both companies will be offering special discounts to QPR fans, with all the details set to be announced in 2006/07 matchday programmes.QPR

Also - Official Site- Scott Donnelly Looks Forward to New Season -Scott Donnelly can't wait to trade in his golf clubs for his boots and is already wishing the summer months away.
The Rangers youngster took time out from the putting green to speak to qpr.co.uk and told us how he is 'bored already' and can't wait for the new campaign to begin.
With Gary Waddock's new regime taking shape, Donnelly is sure that next season will be a whole different story from last year's stop start campaign.
He said: "I'm gagging for the new season to start; I didn't play much last year as I had a few injuries that kept me out of contention.
"But next season I'm looking forward to getting my first goal for the club. I haven't set myself any targets yet, all I'm thinking about is the first one.
"Then as soon as that comes, it's time to start setting myself goals. I'd like to get more involved with free kicks next season, I've become a bit of a specialist in the reserve games and I've put a few away, but I'd love to do it for the first team."
As a Rangers fan, Donnelly is well aware of the turbulent season Rangers have endured and he is sure that come August, it will be a distant memory.
"I speak to the fans and I know they're concerned about the court case and everything else behind the scenes. But I wish they could see how we train on a day to day basis.
"I'm lucky in that I get to see the best in everyone, rather than focussing on the negatives. It's tough being a supporter, but it's also hard being a player, making one mistake and having the crowd on your back.
"I hope that next season will be different, there is so much potential here and I think it will show this year.
"We had a lot of bad luck at the end of the season, there were games that we should have won and ended up losing, but I'm sure that those who were there will agree that we should have taken maximum points.
"I'm looking forward to seeing a lot of new faces when we resume training; I think we'll have a good blend of youth and experience."
In Donnelly we have the future of the club and the midfielder himself wants to concentrate on looking ahead, not backwards.
"I just hope that we can forget all about last season and concentrate on moving forward.
"It's only been three weeks but I'm raring to go, I've been to the training ground a few times already to keep in shape and I hope that fans are looking forward to the first game as much as I am." Donnelly

Bircham and Bignot Speaking (Kilburn Times)
-Ben Kosky, Kilburn Times Bignot: I'm not leaving yet
MARCUS Bignot insists his QPR career is far from over - despite being put up for sale as part of a major summer clearout.The Rangers right-back was one of eight players transfer-listed on Friday...- but Bignot, who is still contracted to QPR for another year, refuses to accept that his departure is inevitable.S
peaking after Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Reading, Bignot told the Times: "My message to the supporters is: that was not my last game for QPR."It'll only be my last game when the manager turns round and tells me I've got no future at the club - and the conversations I've had with Gary Waddock don't suggest that."When I spoke to him on Friday, he made me aware that there was a list being made public of players available for transfer."But he assured me that if I come back in pre-season and do well, he sees no reason why I shouldn't expect to be playing. That's going to be my attitude over the summer, to come back and give it a real good go."Leaving is the furthest thing from my mind. I've just bought a house in Buckinghamshire, only 20 minutes from the training ground and I'm looking forward to settling in and getting on with pre-season."The 31-year-old defender has little doubt that cost-cutting is the primary factor behind Rangers' decision to try and offload so many players, while acknowledging that they will consider offers for others.But Bignot also observed: "My wages aren't going to break anyone's bank balance. Whoever's supposedly coming in to replace me, I'd love to see what money they're on."If the club are struggling financially and an offer does come in, maybe we'll sit down and consider it, but it'd have to be right for me."You can be forced out and I'm not young and na*ve enough to think that everything's rosy. I'm professional and I think I've remained professional throughout this news."It's not nice when you feel the club doesn't want you and maybe they could have handled it better but, until my relationship with the manager changes, I'll continue as I have done."It's going to cost a lot of money to get rid of players who have got a year or two years left, but you'd best make sure they go because otherwise you've got eight unhappy players sitting around the club."I'm getting mixed messages - I hear the club's cutting costs and then I hear we're going for the play-offs next season, which doesn't add up, so there's a lot of uncertainty ahead."The list of available players is also a savage verdict on Ian Holloway's transfer policies of last summer - four of his seven close season signings are now viewed as surplus to requirements.Evatt, who cost Rangers £150,000 from Chesterfield, had already been transfer-listed by Holloway by January and Moore was earmarked for loan prior to the manager's suspension.Doherty, on the other hand, quickly became a supporters' favourite, but the leg injury he picked up at Plymouth in November saw him sidelined and he was loaned to Yeovil by caretaker manager Gary Waddock.Waddock stated: "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 and I have to start planning for that now."
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Kilburn Times - Bircham's Column
MONDAY was our last day at training this season and it was strange saying goodbye to everyone, not knowing if they're going to be back next season or not.It's the weirdest situation I've ever been in during my career. I don't know whether I'll be there for pre-season training and it's out of my hands because I've been told the club want a fee for me.There's certainly going to be a strange atmosphere for the lads on the list if they do come back, knowing the club don't really want them but can't afford to pay them off.A lot can happen in the next three months or so. I'm going to go away and turn my phone off so that, if there are any bids, no-one can get hold of me!Like everyone, I'm feeling relieved the season's over - again, luck didn't go our way at Reading on Sunday.We played well to get back into the game at 1-1, then we missed a chance to go in front and I thought we'd done enough to get a draw.Furs really deserved his goal, given the horrendous luck he's had in the last few games and Jake Cole came on at half-time and made two or three good saves.But it was Reading's party and I don't think the referee wanted to spoil it, so he gave them a very dubious penalty and that was that.It goes without saying that it's disappointing to finish as low as we did in the league, but the season's included a few high points as well.The first week was good - especially the Sheffield United game, when I scored the first goal - and the return match at Bramall Lane was enjoyable as well, getting our first away win under Waddo.Captaining the team for the first time was a real honour for me and whatever happens now, I know I'll be back at QPR at some point. Kilburn Times