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- As of this writing (8:00 am GMT), Leeds game still on. Other Games Off (including Cardiff-Burnley)
QPR Youth Development Manager, Steve Gallen in India
The Hindu/Nandakumar Marar - QPR football coaching for Indian children
- Former India midfielder Santosh Kashyap shortlisted 30 youngsters for specialised coaching at the 2nd Milind Deora Junior Soccer Challenger 2010 between December 19-22, 2010 at Western Railway ground, Mahalaxmi. Queen Park Rangers Youth Development Manager, Stephen Gallen will coach the kids, including five girls.
-Two talented youngsters, selected on the basis of attitude, technical ability, physique, movement off and on the ball and decision making, will be sent to London next year for a six-week training stint at QPR Football Academy. The Junior Soccer Challenge is being conducted in partnership with QPR, Lotto and sponsored by Coca Cola. A QPR-Lotto Coaches Coaching programme and QPR-Lotto Skills Contest will be held." The Hindu
- Previously QPR-India Update re QPR's Chairman and Vice Chairman in India
- Leeds and QPR Fan Perspectives
- Ex-QPR Chris Arthur Joins Rotherham on Short-Term Deal
- Michael Meaker Sought by Yate Town
- Three Year Flashback: QPR's Chief Scout Resign
- Birthday for Les Ferdinand
- Latest Actim Index Championship Rankings
- On This Day: Tommy Docherty's QPR Drew With Chelsea...Gianni Paladini on Paying a QPR Tax Bill
- Articles re Ray Wilkins and the Great Job Ian Holloway is Doing
- Embarassing Mother: Liverpool Fans Scouse Scum
- Ralph Coates RIP
INDEPENDENT
Neil Warnock: Bernie's taken over at Rangers, but it is not like Blackburn Rovers – he will let me manage
What I Learnt This Week
A new owner can be a worrying development for a manager, as events at Blackburn underlined this week, but I'd like to assure all my readers there's no need to be concerned by reports that Bernie Ecclestone has taken control at Queen's Park Rangers.
Bernie's not a new owner, he's an existing owner who now has a bigger stake in the club.
I have been working with Bernie, Flavio Briatore and Amit Bhatia since I came to the club and, though their relative stakes may have changed, our relationships have not. I still deal with Amit on a day-to-day basis, and also with Bernie and Flavio. All three have been nothing but supportive since I have been at the club and I've no reason to think that will change. In fact, the deal which made Bernie the major shareholder actually took place several weeks ago, and I can tell you nothing has changed. Everyone at the club is pulling together in the same direction.
Of course, new ownership can have its pitfalls, as Sam Allardyce found out. It used to be if you were struggling at the bottom the manager got the bullet; it now seems, following Sam's exit and Chris Hughton's sacking at Newcastle, if you're mid-table or just above it's time to worry. No one knows who's next.
I did fear the worst for Sam, as I mentioned in a previous column, when I heard the lady in charge said she "would be having a word with the manager about the way we play". I didn't think that augured well. But I doubt he'll be too concerned; it'll not be long before Sam's back in a job and with his pay-offs from Newcastle and Blackburn, financially he'll have done quite well, whereas Chris – in the last six months of his contract, and on a pittance compared to most Premier League managers – will be looking to get back into work as soon as possible for financial reasons as well as the usual desire to work.
It just shows the type of owners who are taking over now at some clubs. The disturbing element for managers about this particular case is it looks like an agency is not only recommending players, but managers as well. But if you buy a club I suppose you are entitled to do what you want.
2. I can't wait to feel the warmth of a Leeds welcome
Last Friday was our first defeat of the season, 3-1 at home to Watford. I suppose it had to happen some time, and if you're going to lose you might as well lose heavy. However, our rivals must have felt sympathy for us as the results on Saturday went our way, with only one team in the top six winning. That was Leeds, who came back from two-down to beat Burnley and now are now eight matches undefeated. Guess who we play today? Yes, Leeds, at Elland Road. Ignore the table, we're going into the game as underdogs.
I spoke to Eddie Gray, a real Leeds legend, this week and he reminded me what a wonderful welcome I get from the fans there. I think as a manager you have to enjoy that sort of thing, as long as it is not directed at family or silly things like that. I imagine there will be 30,000 today, reflecting a club that has been on the up now for a couple of years and, in Simon Grayson, have one of the best young managers around.
I have to take my hat off to Ken Bates. When he first took over a lot of questions were asked about his intentions, but he has turned the club round – albeit upsetting the creditors on the way when the club went into administration – and it is now on a stable financial footing. With their support and history, that can only get better as Leeds drive for a place in the Premier League – and they have as good a chance as any of going straight up. There's still a lot of clubs in contention, including the likes of Portsmouth if they can keep their first XI together, and Leicester City, who may be 13th at present but have financial backing and Sven in charge.
Christmas and New Year will shake things up. We now play all four teams in the play-off places in succession though, given the weather we're apparently going to have, I expect postponements will confuse the league table. I just hope all supporters from all clubs travelling today will take extra precautions as it threatens to be horrendous.
The only plus about last week's result is that I could invest in a nice pair of long johns and tracksuit bottoms to keep me warm on the touchline. I can assure you I'll be wearing both today, and a matching thermal vest.
3. Frankie Valli will always beat Spurs-Chelsea in my eyes
I was supposed to go to a game last Saturday, but I needed cheering up after Friday's defeat so I went down the road with Sharon and the kids to a wonderful National Trust property called Ham House. It was their Christmas Fair and I was welcomed by a Chelsea fan who was working on a fairground-type ride which had teacups going round. He said: "Not a good result last night – you can have a free go on the roundabout to make up for it." The ride was aimed at kids up to the age of about 10, and I don't think he thought I would take him up on it, but as you can see I'm always game for a laugh.
I still felt a bit down on Sunday morning, so we got on the computer and snapped up five tickets to watch Jersey Boys in a matinee performance. It was either Spurs v Chelsea on television, or the songs of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. No contest in my eyes (or ears).
Sharon's mum was up visiting so we went to my favourite restaurant, Montpeliano in Knightsbridge, then to the show. We hadn't told Sharon's mum what we were doing, so we made a point of indicating The Ritz as we passed it to try and trick her into thinking we'd go there after the show. If she was fooled she wasn't the only one: when we came out – and bear in mind we've had a massive lunch – William says: "Are we going to The Ritz now?"
We went home instead to watch the conclusion of X Factor. It was strange for me wanting a Ferguson to win. I even voted on the red button for Rebecca [Ferguson], but it didn't do much good as Matt Cardle won what has been a cracking competition. I did think the three finalists were excellent value, including Cher, and I'm sure we'll hear more about Wagner in the next few years.
4. The Carlos Tevez situation will be sorted out sharpish
My old friend Carlos Tevez has been in the news again this week. I have to say I am so pleased it's not about money, and it's nothing to do with his agent. But it is amazing how he can fall out with members of the executive when he can't even speak the language.
Paul Stretford has obviously started something with his successful renegotiation of Rooney's deal. I suppose I could understand Tevez wanting to leave years ago, when everyone wanted to get away from Manchester City, but now they are a leading club who pay as well as anyone. It is an interesting one. No individual is bigger than a club, but whatever the differences between player and club I'd be surprised if they are not sorted out sharpish because I can't see Mancini or the club letting him go in January. Mind you, for all I know there is someone out there in Spain making a massive billboard with his face on a blue-and-maroon background with the words: "Welcome to Catalonia".
5. Arsenal's lack of urgency made Monday's game a bore
I did look forward to settling down on Monday evening to watch Manchester United v Arsenal but it was so disappointing. What I couldn't understand was Arsenal's lack of urgency when they were losing one-nil. The board went up for four minutes of injury time, which gives you a chance, but they were taking time over throw-ins, passing across the back as time ticked away. No matter who you are, you want to get the ball in the box at that stage. But I don't suppose it worried Sir Alex.
That result means tomorrow's game at Stamford Bridge is a must-win game for Chelsea. Man United will be six points clear of the champions with a game in hand if they win. That would take some bridging because United are not going to lose many games this season, if any.
6. A perfect Christmas party: no phone calls from the police
It was the lads' Christmas party last weekend. They went to Newcastle. I'm glad to say I didn't get a phone call from the hotel, the local constabulary or anyone else on Monday morning. There have been occasions in the past when that has happened, but I wasn't worried this time. They are a good bunch of lads with some experienced, mature heads among them. Indpendent
CHRIS CHARLES WEEKLY FOOTBALL LEAGUE BLOG
As good runs go, it wasn't quite Usain Bolt, but for success-starved QPR fans, the team's 19-game unbeaten stretch was pretty darned close.
Still, all good things come to an end, and last Friday night's 3-1 defeat by Watford left the team agonisingly short of equalling the record runs of 1967 and 1972.
The weight of expectation appeared to play on the players' minds and, like a reluctant teenager, they appeared frightened at the prospect of hitting 20.
Watford, on the other hand, were simply breathtaking, carving open the defence with all the gusto of your dad attacking the Christmas turkey.
As QPR boss Neil Warnock accepted - in between having a gentle pop at the officials - "Watford could have got 10."
The home fans took it on the chin, chanting "We're always (rubbish) on the telly", while at least Warnock can finally ditch his 'lucky' shorts in favour of some much more seasonal long johns.
Rival fans quite rightly revelled in QPR's demise, with 'Katchouro' on Sheffield United messageboard Blades Mad observing: "Being embarrassed at home on national TV, that's gotta hurt the ego", while a Bristol City wag commented: "Warnock's face looks like he's been sucking on a lemon!"
Leeds - unbeaten in eight after skipper Jonny Howson's fine winner at Burnley - are up next for the league leaders and what's the betting the Elland Road DJ plays Paul Hardcastle's biggest hit before the game to remind the visitors of their failure to clear the final hurdle?...- Complete Article
- Leeds Previews,Past Results, Stats, Etc
- Compilation of Ecclestone Buys Out Briatore
- Several Articles/Interviews with Warnock
- Author of new Book On Bernie Ecclestone
- Three Year Flashback: Fans/Club Consultative Meeting Report
- Year Flashback: Hart and Harford In...Magilton and Gorman Out
- Prize-Winning Football Blogs and Websites (Not QPR Report!)
- Champions League Draw
- Sepp Blatter Apologizes
- Millwall AGM Votes Slashes Debt- Author of new Book On Bernie Ecclestone
The Evening Standard lists came out a couple of weeks ago
EVENING STANDARD
London's 1000 most influential people 2010: SportEvening Standard 26.11.10
Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One supremo
Octogenarian still nets big bucks as ringmaster of the F1 circus. Lost part of his estimated fortune of £1.46 billion in a divorce from ex-model Slavica Radic, but consoled by new amour Fabiana Flosi, a Brazilian nearly 50 years his junior. He's not so cosy with QPR, which he co-owns, admitting he would struggle to name a single player.
- Click here to return to The One Thousand main page
- Evening Standard
Evening Standard - London's 1000 most influential people 2010: Tycoons & Retailers26.11.10
List Included Laskhmi Mittal
"...Lakshmi Mittal, Mittal Arcelor, chief executive
The richest man in Britain recovered from recession to add to his enormous wealth. He has agreed to fund the new Anish Kapoor-designed tower in London's 2012 Olympic Park. Mittal also owns 20 per cent of QPR, where his son-in-law sits on the board.
- Note: The November and December Issues of AKUTRs have a very extensive interview with Michael Wale (For years, Michael Wale used to write a regular column in the QPR programme). s. (The article is not online, AKUTRs purchase details)