Tony Currie Turns Sixty-Two (Happy Sixty-Sixth Birthday (yesterday) to Former QPR Chairman, Gianni Paladini)-
Happy New Year to all QPR Fans across the Globe
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- Throughout the day, the QPR Report Messageboard has news updates, comments and perspectives - even links to other board comments of interest re QPR matters (on and off the field) along with football (and ONLY football) topics in general....Also Follow: QPR REPORT ON TWITTER
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- QPR-Indian Connection Continues: Two Youth Players Chosen
- Flashback Videos to QPR New Year Day Wins of 1972 and 1991
- Knighthood for Former Aston Villa Chairman, Doug Ellis (whose first Managerial appointee was Tommy Docherty in 1968/69 after his 28 Days at Loftus Road!)
- Year Ago, announced, Petter Vaagan Moen joining QPR
- UPDATE: Alessandro Pellicori Mentioned re Italian Football Scandal
- REMINDER: QPR Official Supporters Club (OSC) AGM & EGM Scheduled - January 4
AIR ASIA - QPR SPONSORSHIP Update
- What the Premiership Table Looked like a Year Ago: Blackpool 8th with 25 points
QPR Report Q&A: NORWICH FAN PERSPECTIVE OF NORWICH and QPR
Q&A by QPR Report's Maudesfishnchips" Many thanks to Rick Waghorn of http://norwichcity.myfootballwriter.com/
How long have you supported Norwich City?
I have been reporting their fortunes in a professional sports writing capacity for the last 20 years; first for the local evening paper, then from 2006 my own stand-alone journalism website, http://norwichcity.myfootballwriter.com/
Who are Norwich City’s biggest Rival and why?
Ipswich. The 'folk' north and south of the River Waveney' have never got on.
Are you happy with your team and how things are to date? – summer spending/selling so far?
I think everyone has to be happy with the start Norwich have made on their return to the Premiership; solid, summer signings of young, hungry Premiership wannabees has helped dispell talk of a 'Costa del Colney' culture at the club's training HQ.
What do you think of your current Owner? WHY is he/she involved? What do you expect from him?
The club's long-time owners are Delia Smith and her husband, Michael Wynn Jones. 'Nuff said, I suspect.
How do you think Norwich City treats its fans? Appreciates them? Listens to them? Screws them?
By and large - under Delia's careful watch - Norwich have been pretty exemplary in its treatment of its supporters; there is a large 'community club' streak to the Canaries which has, pretty much, survived their elevation into the Premiership. Of late, a slightly 'harder' edge has arrived in the boardroom via chief exec David McNally. But whilst the club continue to rise and rise under Paul Lambert, complaints are few and far between.
Who are you Dangermen/Most valued/most overrated/most underrated players?
Grant Holt continues to give his critics the bird; the manner in which Warnock always draws attention to Holt's ability to 'con' referees on the edge of the box always smacks to me of a grudging admiration for the 30-year-old whose Bergkamp-esque strike away at Everton proved again that Grant is more than an old-fashioned battering ram.
Under-rated has to be centre-half Russell Martin; a right-back by repute, the former Posh skipper answered the manager's call when injury struck at centre-half and hasn't looked back since. Cool, calm and a greater talker at the heart of that Norwich defence, his three goal-line clearances against Arsenal puts him in pole already to win the Player of the Season 'gong'.
Are you happy with your youth set up? Is your club doing enough to bring young/local talent through the ranks?.
Norwich's problem youth recruitment-wise has always been the 90-minute journey time - giving them Thetford Forest and Dogger Bank as prime recruitment areas. So it's been hard work for all concerned; their biggest success is in the goalkeeping department. Watch out for Jed Steer, who spent the autumn on loan at Yeovil. He has fellow England Youth international Declan Rudd ahead of him, too.
Who would you say was the greatest City player that you yourself personally saw? And past player? (You can name more than one if it's that close!)
Ian Crook was a class apart; Darren Huckerby - on his day - was unstoppable. Having written a book on '12 Canary Greats', Martin Peters' name is always talked about in reverential terms.
What is your prediction for Norwich City this season?
They will be safe; anywhere between 10th and 14th is within their grasp - particularly if they spend well again this window.
Are you aware of any player or manager links between our two clubs past and present?
Neil Warnock and Norwich have always enjoyed a lively relationship. I half suspect there is a grudging admiration on both sides - if they ever cared to admit it.
What is your view and the general City view of QPR (If we even feature in your consciousness) or of Neil Warnock and our owners?
Think QPR have turned the corner owner-wise after the Briatore days; Fernandes has strong Norfolk links with his Team Lotus connections. I think most people expect QPR to stay up alongside Norwich; there is a sense that money is less of a hardship at Loftus Road than Carrow Road. Bold move taking Barton off Newcastle's hands.
Who(if any) is your most memorable/favourite QPR Player over the years?
Stan Bowles. Being brought up in Slough, Ian Gillard used to be a local hero.
Any memorable matches between our two clubs that stand out for you? And the reasons why?
Last two games at Carrow Road have been big, noisy and tight affairs; Russell Martin - see above - certainly enjoyed both. Monday will, no doubt, be the same again.
Your score prediction for QPR v Norwich City?
1-1.
What, realistically, do you think City are capable of achieving in the next five years?
Cementing their place in the middle third of the Premiership; Europa Cup via the Fair Play route?
Rick Waghorn
Barnet Official Site - BORROWDALE LOAN "ON HOLD"
Posted on: Sat 31 Dec 2011
A planned loan extension until the end of the season for 26-year-old QPR left back Gary Borrowdale is on hold.
Borrowdale, who has played 15 games on loan for the Bees since September, did not sign the necessary form to extend the loan "because of a contractual dispute with QPR".
With Borrowdale's loan period due to expire after Friday's game against Crawley Town, the clubs prepared and signed the necessary paperwork in midweek. Borrowdale told the Barnet coaching staff he wanted to speak to the Rangers coaching staff about the document... and it remained unsigned by the player when he turned out for the Bees at Crawley.
The situation is that the paperwork is in place for a renewed bid to extend the contract but Borowdale is unlikely to be available for Monday's home game with Bristol Rovers.
Dennis Signy Barnet Official Site
- Borrowdale Stats
ARSENAL vs QPR
Photos
QPR Official Site
GAFFER'S ARSENAL VERDICT
Posted on: Sat 31 Dec 2011
Neil Warnock chose to look at the positives after seeing his side go down to a narrow defeat at Arsenal, despite a spirited display from the R's.
Robin van Persie's 60th-minute strike was the difference, against a QPR side who can consider themselves unfortunate to be on the end of a defeat.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Warnock told us: "I'm delighted with how we played.
"We came with four forwards and tried to have a go at them.
"I thought we were well organised and wanted to create chances.
"We didn't just want to come and shut up shop for a 0-0 draw - we wanted to win the game.
"I thought we had some good chances throughout."
He added: "You can accept if you lose to a cracking goal but it was terrible from our point of view.
"Shaun Wright-Phillips is distraught, and yet he has had a fabulous game.
"I thought he was a threat all afternoon and I feel sorry for him.
"He made a mistake, but at the other end he could have won us the game.
"(Wojciech) Szczesny produced a good save from him and he did well. That is the fine line at Premier League level.
"You give van Persie a chance like that and it's as if Christmas has come early really."
Tomorrow (Sunday) sees the opening of the January transfer window, and Warnock continued: "I have been looking forward to it for a number of weeks.
"Tony Fernandes and Amit Bhatia are both very supportive and we have targets.
"We are looking at a number of players but it is just a shame it opens on Monday.
"It is probably a bit too early. We might have one in but we would like three or four before Newcastle."
Hot on the heels of this afternoon's clash at the Emirates comes the visit of Norwich City to Loftus Road on Monday.
Warnock said: "I think it'll be a decent game - we've got to put our chances away.
"Hopefully whoever plays on Monday gives it a good shot."
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/TheGaffer/0,,10373~2562310,00.html
Arsenal end 2011 with victory against QPR
INDEPENDENT - PA Sport
obin van Persie may have been thwarted in his hunt for a Premier League goalscoring record but was on hand to help Arsenal end 2011 with victory against QPR today.
The Gunners captain had 90 minutes to net twice against the Rs to equal Alan Shearer's record of Premier League goals in a calendar year.
Having wasted four decent chances in the first period, van Persie swept home his first opportunity of the second half after latching onto Andrey Arshavin's neat ball.
However, the Holland international failed to add to his 60th minute effort and missed the chance to equal the former Blackburn striker's 36-goal haul from 1995.
Van Persie was not the only Arsenal player left ruing missed opportunities, with Theo Walcott and substitute Gervinho both guilty of failing to convert gilt-edged chances.
The Gunners' futility led to a nervy ending against spirited QPR, although resolute defending saw the majority of the 60,067 crowd go home happy.
Before kick-off Arsenal legend Tony Adams was given a standing ovation on the Emirates pitch.
The former captain's appearance failed to boost today's side, though, with QPR dominating the opening exchanges.
After Per Mertesacker thwarted an Adel Taarabt through ball, ex-Arsenal striker Jay Bothroyd soon found space to get away a 20-yard effort on goal in the ninth minute.
Wojciech Szczesny held with ease but looked less comfortable when an exquisite Taarabt pass put Shaun Wright-Phillips behind the Gunners' backline a minute later, forcing the Polish goalkeeper into a quick block.
QPR were playing with confidence in north London, although a moment of van Persie magic could have easily seen the home side break the deadlock.
The Arsenal skipper jinked back and forth on the right-hand side, before sneaking past his marker and toe-poking an effort on goal from close range, but without success.
Former Tottenham playmaker Taarabt was fortunate to escape punishment from referee Martin Atkinson in the 19th minute when he seemingly caught Arshavin with a stray arm.
Joey Barton fired a shot across the face of goal with the Russia international still grounded, before van Persie twice came close at the other end.
The Dutch striker first backtracked furiously to head just wide, before wriggling past Luke Young in the box and lifting the ball just over the bar.
The Gunners were in the ascendancy and van Persie fired just over the bar after being put through by a long ball from the back.
Arsenal twice had penalty shouts rejected as half-time approached, before a goalbound Aaron Ramsey effort was cleared off the line by Barton and Cerny parried a fierce Mikel Arteta drive.
QPR looked rejuvenated after the break and Jamie Mackie found the net within two minutes, although the whistle had already been blown for offside.
Armand Traore's dangerous left-wing cross caught Arsenal off guard five minutes later, but Alejandro Faurlin's miscued shot allowed Szczesny to gather comfortably.
Wenger's side were looking most dangerous on the break and Walcott should have scored the afternoon's opening goal in the 56th minute.
Ramsey put the former Southampton man through one on one with Cerny and, despite the goalkeeper diving the wrong way, Walcott somehow pulled his shot wide.
Fortunately that lack of composure did not haunt the Gunners, who broke the deadlock through van Persie four minutes later.
Arshavin found time and space on the left flank to find the Arsenal skipper, who swept a left-footed drive past Cerny inside the box.
Young's block stopped Arshavin doubling the north Londoners' advantage, before Taarabt forced Szczesny into a low save to prevent a curling effort finding the net.
The shot began a bright spell for the west Londoners, who saw Connolly blaze over and felt aggrieved not to receive a penalty when Taarabt went down under substitute Francis Coquelin's challenge.
Arsenal, having seen a rasping Ramsey effort come close, were close again through Gervinho.
The indomitable van Persie showed strength and skill to lose his marker and cross for the Ivory Coast international, who somehow put wide from close range.
Arsenal continued to press for a second as the game drew to a close but were thwarted, with Ramsey and van Persie both unable to find the net. Independent
QPR Official Site
Robin van Persie's 60th-minute strike was enough to hand Arsenal victory, despite a brave QPR showing at the Emirates Stadium.
The Dutch hot-shot was on target with his 17th Barclays Premier League goal of the season, on an afternoon when the R's far from disgraced themselves in North London.
Both sides enjoyed chances to lead but it was van Persie who took the initiative 15 minutes after the half-time break, following Aaron Ramsey's sublime through pass.
Further chances arrived at either end - but it was van Persie's solitary strike that ultimately proved decisive.
R's boss Neil Warnock made some five changes to his R's side for the trip across the capital, following Tuesday night's 1-1 draw at Swansea City.
Paddy Kenny missed out owing to a knock picked up in training yesterday (Friday), while Clint Hill, Shaun Derry and Heidar Helguson dropped to the bench. Fitz Hall sat out altogether.
That meant Radek Cerny, Danny Gabbidon, Jay Bothroyd, Matt Connolly and Shaun Wright-Phillips deputised for Rangers.
Cerny was in goal for the R's, who stuck with a tried and tested 4-2-3-1 formation.
Luke Young, Gabbidon, Connolly and Armand Traore made up QPR's back four.
Captain Joey Barton and Ale Faurlin were deployed in defensive midfield, behind the more advanced trio of Jamie Mackie, Adel Taarabt and Wright-Phillips.
Bothroyd spearheaded Rangers' attack.
The R's made a positive a start and appeared to be far from overawed by the calibre of their hosts - the North London giants just a point off the top four prior to kick-off.
In fact, it was QPR who were first to test their opposing keeper on nine minutes.
Bothroyd did well to control Young's high ball, before the former Gunners front-man rode two challenges to blast a low drive straight at Wojciech Szczesny.
Two minutes later, Rangers again when close. It was a moment of magic from Taarabt, who showed tremendous vision to pick out Wright-Phillips on the left-hand side of the box, before the diminutive wide-man forced an excellent point-blank block from Szczesny.
The Gunners mustered their first opportunity on 16 minutes. van Persie twisted and turned Connolly down the right, before seeing his fizzed drive across goal gobbled up by Cerny.
But the R's were soon back on the attack. Taarabt dispossessed Andrey Arshavin before the ball eventually found Barton on 25 yards, who dragged a shot well wide of the left-hand post.
The natives were starting to grow restless but Arsenal, in truth, improved as the half wore on.
Van Persie was unlucky not to do better with a header on 24 minutes, after Ramsey's pinpoint cross deep from the left picked out the unmarked Dutch forward at the back post.
And just a minute later, the Premier League's top scorer spurned another chance, brushing aside Young before smashing an effort over the onrushing Cerny - and the bar - from six-yards out.
Van Persie was now beginning to have much more of a say in this contest. His free-kick from deep sparked confusion in the R's ranks and when Cerny was unable to come and claim, Theo Walcott could only drag an effort wide of the target.
The Gunners were now on top, going close once again on 30 minutes.
Van Persie - now Arsenal's tormentor-in-chief - muscled his way past Connolly following a ball over the top of the QPR defence, before firing his shot over the bar from 20 yards.
Two minutes before the break, Arsenal went their closest yet.
Van Persie's corner eventually fell into the path of Mikel Arteta on the edge of the box, before the Spaniard's subsequent effort was headed off the line by Barton.
Arteta was again involved on the stroke of half-time, with his blast from distance forcing a smart two-fisted clearance from Cerny.
The Gunners were undoubtedly the stronger force come the end of the first half - but it was Rangers who should have done better with a great opportunity shortly after the interval.
A fine passing move from the R's ended in Traore feeding Bothroyd down the left before his cross was blocked by Szczesny into the path of Faurlin on 18 yards, whose tame drive was comfortably collected by the Arsenal custodian.
Soon after, the home side missed an even better chance to opening to scoring.
Ramsey's pass put Walcott in the clear and, when the England attacker strode towards the edge of the box, he could only slide a low effort agonisingly wide of the target.
The first goal of the afternoon finally arrived on 60 minutes.
Wright-Phillips' misplaced pass fell to Ramsey midway into the Arsenal half and, when the Welsh midfielder guided a fantastic ball past Connolly into the path of van Persie, he made no mistake from ten yards to slide the home side in front.
Despite falling behind, the R's didn't despond.
Indeed, Taarabt was unfortunate not to do better when he cut in from the left to force a wonderful fingertip save by Szczesny, with an effort from 25 yards.
And Rangers soon went close again. Gabbidon's flick-on from a Taarabt corner fell into the path of Connolly, who could only a lash an effort over from 12-yards out.
Arsenal had chances of their own to double the advantage. Ramsey flashed a shot just over the bar following a counter attack.
Substitute Gervinho, meanwhile, should have done better with an effort shortly after his arrival, smashing van Persie's cross wide of the right-hand post from close range.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Mertesacker, Vermaelen (Coquelin 54), Koscielny, Arteta, Van Persie, Walcott (Gervinho 74), Ramsey, Song, Djourou, Arshavin (Rosicky 67).
Subs: Almunia, Oxlade-Chamberlin, Chamakh, Benayoun.
Goals: van Persie (60)
Bookings: Vermaelen, Djourou
QPR: Cerny, Gabbidon, Taarabt, Bothroyd (Campbell 74), Faurlin, Mackie (Smith 64), Traore (Orr 77), Connolly, Barton, Young, Wright-Phillips.
Subs: Murphy, Hill, Derry, Helguson.
Bookings: Barton, Young
Referee: Mr M Atkinson
Attendance: 60,076
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10373~58371,00.html