Germany's Lothar Matthaus Linked to QPR...QPR Not a "Family Excellence Awards" Recipient

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Evening Standard/David Yuill - Lothar Matthaus in new QPR link as he watches home defeat
- German legend Lothar Matthaus appeared in the Queens Park Rangers directors' box last night, prompting fresh speculation about his potential involvement with the club.
- The 48-year-old watched the 2-1 home defeat by Ipswich that left Rangers five places and two points above the relegation zone.
- Co-owner Flavio Briatore was subjected to a torrent of abuse at half-time with his team trailing to goals from David Norris and Daryl Murphy.
- The Italian millionaire disappeared into the directors' lounge and did not re-appear after the break as Mick Harford's team fought back with a strike from Jay Simpson.
- Caretaker boss Harford described the performance as inept' and there is growing concern among the club's support that Briatore's patience may finally have run out.
- Matthaus, who the club said was at the game as a guest of chairman Gianni Paladini, has been linked with Rangers before and is desperate to get back into football management.
- The former Bayern Munich and Inter Milan player, who was part of Germany's World Cup-winning side in 1990, spent two years with the Hungary national team before spells in Brazil, Austria and most recently in Israel with Maccabi Netanya, who he left in April last year.
- Rangers have had nine managers since Briatore took over in 2007 and their former defender Damien Delaney, now with Ipswich, said today that the players are nearing the end of their tether over the continued instability at the club.
- Delaney added: “Of course it's time for stability but QPR have been saying that for 18 months now, ever since they sacked Iain Dowie.
- “They've been talking about it for 18 months and, in fairness to the players, they can only take so much. Everyone has a limit. I've got a lot of friends here and I hope they get out of it.” Standard

"Family Excellence Awards" handed out. This year, no QPR among the winners.

Football League - EXCELLENCE AWARD GIVEN TO 37 CLUBS

Clubs from across all three divisions of The Football League have been awarded 'The Football League Family Excellence Award' for 2010. A total of 37 clubs have received the Award, recognising the outstanding experience they provide for young fans and families at their grounds. Seventeen clubs have proved their family friendly credentials by achieving the award every year since it was introduced in 2007.

The Award is based on an independent assessment of the family experience at all 72 League clubs, commissioned by The Football League, during the 2009/10 season using 'mystery shopper' families.

In announcing the successful clubs, Football League Chairman, Lord Mawhinney, said: "The 'Football League Family Excellence Award' provides a benchmark for clubs to work towards and ensures that they are doing all they can to attract and retain family groups as supporters. League clubs are working hard to make the family experience the best it can be."

The Football League also aims to give encouragement to those clubs that have not been successful this time around. Best practice guidance, feedback and training will be available to the remaining clubs to encourage their efforts towards achieving the mark next season.

With more family areas and family pricing initiatives combining to attract more people to their first game, the 2009/10 season has seen an increasing focus on making the experience itself more compelling.

Initiatives such as dedicated family stadium entrances, specially trained family area receptionists, technology-supported entertainment and a comprehensive effort to rid family areas of abusive language and anti-social behaviour, have all combined to increase the benchmark.

The judges were particularly impressed with the efforts clubs are making to ensure away travel is more attractive for families. In particular, the creation of a number of unsegregated family areas were noted, where fans of both the home and away team can enjoy the match together in a dedicated, safe, welcoming and entertaining environment.

The Football League will again recognise the club delivering the very best family experience in each division through the 'Family Club of the Year' award at this season's Football League Awards. The event will be held on 14th March 2010 at the Grosvenor House, Park Lane.

CHAMPIONSHIP
Bristol City
Cardiff City
Coventry City
Doncaster Rovers
Ipswich Town
Leicester City
Nottingham Forest
Plymouth Argyle
Preston North End
Reading
Sc*n*horpe United
Swansea City
West Bromwich Albion

LEAGUE 1
Brentford
Bristol Rovers
Carlisle United
Colchester United
Hartlepool United
Huddersfield Town
Leeds United
Leyton Orient
Milton Keynes Dons
Norwich City
Oldham Athletic
Southampton
Southend United
Swindon Town
Tranmere Rovers
Wycombe Wanderers
Yeovil Town

LEAGUE 2
Barnet
Bradford City
Burton Albion
Bury
Lincoln City
Rochdale
Shrewsbury Town

Football League Excellence Awards
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