John Gorman: We Would Have Succeeded...More re Harold Winton (RIP)

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TEAMTALK - Gorman: We could have stopped rot
- Former QPR assistant boss John Gorman feels he and ex-manager Jim Magilton would have prevented the club's current dramatic slump.
- The duo left Loftus Road in December following back-to-back defeats and Magilton's dressing-room bust-up with midfielder Akos Buzsaky.
- Rangers' season has since fallen apart, with Paul Hart taking charge for just a month and Mick Harford now at the helm of a team with just one win in 14 games.
- "I think Jim was doing a great job," Gorman told BBC Five Live.
- "We had a couple of bad results, which you are going to get in that league, but I think we would have bounced back because we had the basis of a very good side and one which could have challenged."
- He added: "We are looking to get back as soon as possible because I think we are a loss to the game." Teamtalk


Dave McIntyre/Kilburn Times - QPR president Harold Winton loses cancer battle
- HAROLD Winton, QPR's honorary president who funded the club's signings of Dan Shittu and Marc Bircham, died on Monday afternoon.
- Winton, who had been suffering from cancer, paid for Rangers' signing of striker Doudou in 2001 along with sons Matthew and Alex.

That year he was also part of a consortium which attempted a takeover of the club but failed to reach an agreement with former owner Chris Wright.

After Rangers came out of administration, he continued to provide financial assistance and worked on behalf of the club during difficult times.

Winton funded Shittu's arrival from Charlton in 2002 and agreed to provide cash to bring in Bircham, who realised a lifelong dream by signing for the Rs.

After a spell as a QPR director, Winton resigned from the board in 2004 following a series of behind-the-scenes rows, and was given the title of honorary life president in recognition of his efforts on behalf of the club.

Along with two other major shareholders, Winton later agreed to help fund the signings of Andrew Davies from Middlesbrough and Lee Camp from Derby, but deals to sign them collapsed at the last minute.

Previously a close ally of Ian Holloway - who he battled to keep in a job on numerous occasions - Winton was instrumental in him being axed as manager in 2006.

He publicly called for Holloway to be replaced after failing to persuade chairman Gianni Paladini to remove him.

Winton had a tempestuous relationship with Paladini. Despite being supportive of the Italian, he was vehemently opposed to the Paladini-led coup of 2005, which led to the ousting of Bill Power as chairman and chief executive Mark Devlin.

Winton pointed to serious problems at Wimbledon and Stoke City after those clubs came under foreign control, and unsuccessfully attempted to broker an agreement between the warring factions.

He also had serious concerns about the Flavio Briatore-led group which took over the club in 2007.

At the time, he was the largest shareholder outside of the Italian/Monaco-based owners and tried in vain to stall Briatore's bid to take total control.

Power last night described Winton as "a unique, lovable rascal who can never be replaced.

"His infectious love of the R's and how he and his boys helped us was what brought me to the club. He was a man who just wanted what was good for QPR."

Devlin said: "He cared deeply and passionately about QPR. He was a real old-school gentleman, and great fun to chat with. The club has lost one of its foremost characters, and will be the poorer for Harold's passing. Kilburn Times


QPR Official Site - HAROLD WINTON
Posted on: Tue 09 Feb 2010
It is with deep regret that the Club has learned of the passing of Honorary Life President Harold Winton.
- Winton passed away last night after a five year battle against cancer.

As a mark of respect, the Club will be holding a minute's silence prior to our Coca Cola Championship fixture against Ipswich Town at Loftus Road this evening.

Gianni Paladini, told www.qpr.co.uk: "We are all extremely saddened to hear of Harold's passing.

"He was a true QPR fan, who not only supported the Club through thick and thin, but also helped assist in helping secure the services of Doudou, Dan Shittu and Marc Bircham.
- "He was a true gentleman and he will be missed by everyone at the Club."
- The thoughts of the Club are with the Winton family and their friends at this difficult time.
- May he rest in peace QPR

- Harold Winton RIP