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- Brian Mahon/Soccernet Blog re QPR - "Seven Days and Counting"
- QPR Podcast this week with Les Ferdinand
- Fifteen Years ago Today: THE Trevor Sinclair Goal for QPR vs Barnsley in the FA Cup
- Fourteen Years Ago: Trevor Sinclair Leaves QPR...Iain Dowie Joins...Mark Kennedy Joins on Loan
- 12 Years Ago: QPR Inaugurate the New QPR Messageboard
- FIve Years Ago: QPR's Financial Difficulties - Epitomized with St. Johns Ambulance Brigade reported non-Payment
- Also Five Years Ago: Ben Kosky Article Assessing QPR's Signings over an 18 Month Period (Holloway/Waddock/Gregory - and Paladini!)
- Two Years Ago: Former QPR Statician, Derek Buxton Died
- INDEPENDENT JAMES LAWTON - It may be legal, but should managers earn sell-on fees?
QPR's Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal Receive "Investors in Football" Award at Asian Football Awards
The Asian Football Awards were held last night at Wembley. Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal received the award for "Investors in Football."
There were several other nominees for awards which didn't win.
- QPR - Player Development Centre (West London) nominees in the "Football Development project of the year" category.
- QPR's Sangi Patel is one of the nominees for "Woman Footballer of the Year."
- Sangi Patel (Physio) is also nominated in the "Football behind the scenes award - 'Medical'
- Former QPR Player, Zesh Rehman was one of the Nominees for Asian Footballer of the year. Rehman's Zesh Rehman Foundation was also nominated for Football Foundation of the year
QPR's Sangi Patel
- Complete Set of Winners Asian Football Awards
Asian Football Awards –
Player of the Year Michael Chopra – Ipswich Town
Young Player of the Year Danny Batth – Sheffield Wednesday/Wolves
Coach of the Year Nas Bashir – Hayes & Yeading
Asian Woman in Football
Rimla Akhtar – Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation
Investors in Football
Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal – QPR
Foundation of the Year
Osmani Trust
Behind the Scenes – Administration
Raj Athwal – Watford
Behind the Scenes – Medical
Dr Zaf Iqbal – Liverpool
Football Media of the Year
Manish Bhasin – BBC
Grass Roots Hero
Bal Singh – KFA
Asian Community Club of the Year
London Tigers
Inspiration Awards
Permi Jhooti
Football Development Project of the Year
Diversity Academy – Nottingham
Lifetime Achievement Award Jarnail Singh - Winners
- See Complete List of Nominations (All Categories)
PR Official Site
FERNANDES & MITTAL SCOOP AWARD
Posted on: Wed 25 Jan 2012
Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal were honoured at last night's inaugural Asian Football Awards (AFA), staged at Wembley Stadium.
The pair won the 'Investors in Football' award as a number of exceptional UK Asians from the world of football were recognised for their achievements and contribution to the game.
In their absence, QPR in the Community Trust CEO Andy Evans collected the award on their behalf.
Meanwhile Sangi Patel, QPR's Assistant Physio, was also recognised with a double nomination.
Patel was short-listed for 'Woman Footballer Of The Year' and 'Football Behind The Scenes Award - Medical'.
The AFA has been set up to help raise the awareness and development of Asians in Football.
It was stated that the global power of South Asians in football is "clear to see with owners such as Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal". QPR
GUARDIAN/DOMINIC FIFIELD - J
Chelsea and QPR chairmen to appeal for FA Cup-tie calm
• Anton Ferdinand to consult about shaking John Terry's hand
• Alex leaves Chelsea for Paris St-Germain in £4m deal
The chairmen of Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers, Bruce Buck and Tony Fernandes, will issue a joint statement on Wednesday appealing for calm ahead of Saturday's potentially explosive derby between the clubs.
Tensions are running high around the fixture, with John Terry due to appear at west London magistrates' court a week today charged with racially abusing the QPR defender Anton Ferdinand during the league clash involving the clubs in October. Terry denies directing the comments at his opponent.
The Chelsea manager, André Villas-Boas, has already indicated he will have no qualms selecting his captain for the FA Cup fourth-round tie – which has been moved forward to a midday kick-off on police advice – though Buck and Fernandes will release their statement in the hope they can defuse some of the tension.
Pockets of Chelsea supporters have adopted a provocative chant about the incident that has been sung at some games since, most notably in the Champions League match at Genk, though the chairmen will plead for both sets of fans to "focus on the football" rather than the issues around the game.
Terry intends to offer his hand to his opponent in the pre-match formalities that will inevitably draw the focus at Loftus Road, though it remains unclear whether Ferdinand will accept it. The QPR defender is expected to speak with the club [THURS] on Thursday about the issue and will only then decide whether or not to shake hands prior to kick-off.
Lord Ouseley, an FA Councillor and chairman of the anti-racism campaign Kick it Out, has urged Ferdinand to do so. "Here we have the due process taking place, where a player will face the consequences of his actions," he said. "But there is every reason for players and indeed fans to show civility and respect toward each other and focus on the football. I have nothing against that. A handshake now is part of the reconciliation and honesty that needs to take place.
"It is not about retribution and continued hostility. It is about reconciliation. It is about how to take the heat out of the situation of the two clubs meeting again, and problems with fans' behaviour as a result of what happened between the players previously. A handshake before the game will not deflect from what went on before and how it will be dealt with."
Chelsea, whose squad are in Majorca on a warm-weather training break, are expected to make an improved offer for Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian forward Willian before the closure of the transfer window next week. An initial inquiry for the 23-year-old, who would be cup-tied for the Champions League, has been rejected, with Shakhtar seeking considerably more than the £16.5m Chelsea initially indicated they might be willing to pay, though an improved bid will test the Ukrainian club's resolve.
Chelsea may also seek to complete a move for Genk's Kevin de Bruyne before the cut-off, though the winger would remain at the Belgian club on loan for the season. Alex, meanwhile, is close to completing a £4m move to Paris St-Germain that will see the central defender reunited with Carlo Ancelotti. The Brazilian rejected the chance to join QPR, who have at least completed the six-month loan of the Milan defender Taye Taiwo after the Nigerian was granted a work permit. Guardian
Dave McIntyre on Buzsaky and Bothroyd
Dave McIntyre Blog - questions for Buzsaky to answer
I�ve received some nice comments since Saturday suggesting I was proved right about Akos Buzsaky, which in fairness is a bit premature.
Even while Taarabt was in his pomp I�ve always said Buzsaky is the best player at Rangers and the one whose attributes are most transferable to the Premier League, which upset some admirers of Ale Faurlin as well as Taarabt�s fan club.
But even after Saturday I think questions still remain about Buzsaky. Three bad injuries in succession and other periods of inactivity are bound to affect a player.
I doubt even his staunchest critic would deny that Buzsaky is dangerous from set-pieces and can deliver a ball, so in many ways the Wigan game told us nothing we didn�t already know.
The main question is whether Buzsaky has the legs to play consistently in the Premier League and so far that hasn�t been answered. The Wigan game was ideal for him. Faurlin, who I�ve been critical of, looks a great player in matches like that too.
The signs are good though. Buzsaky�s actually getting better and sharper with every game and during games, which is exactly what you�d want to see from someone who needs to recover his sharpness after a long spell of inactivity.
It�s been particularly difficult for Buzsaky, because the odd cameo appearance in which he�s desperate to impress is the worst situation for a player of his type to be in.
He�s a touch player, and those kind of players need games � and confidence.
With that and some match sharpness back, I�ve no doubt whatsoever that Buzsaky isn�t only Premier League class, he�s top half of the Premier League class.
I�ve believed that since he wasn�t even a first-team regular at Plymouth and stand by it. But the centre of a 4-4-2 can be very unforgiving in the top division and tougher tests lie in store for him, that�s for sure.
I�d really like to see him establish himself as a first-team regular, which won�t be easy under a new manager who is urgently looking to strengthen every area of the team apart from goalkeeper � despite being linked with Ben Foster and Heurello Gomes.
It�s a great chance for Buzsaky though, made possible as much by Faurlin�s sad injury as the sacking of Neil Warnock.
In fairness to Warnock, he did initially regard him as a first-team player and planned to make him a key part of the side last season.
But Buzsaky picked up an injury shortly before the opening game, Shaun Derry � who was signed purely as a squad player � started instead and the rest is history.
That said, only a club with more money than sense would have been looking to offload a player like Buzsaky while, as usual, trying to buy half a team during the transfer window � something no-one else does but which at Rangers seems to be accepted as the done thing.
Buzsaky was written off too quickly, and I think the same may be happening with Jay Bothroyd.
I can�t claim to be Bothroyd�s biggest fan, but I would have taken him on a free last summer and think he�s since been a bit unlucky.
Apart from last season, Bothroyd has never been a goalscorer. So getting on his back for not scoring is a complete waste of time.
He isn�t that kind of forward. His strengths are his touch, being at the centre of things, bringing others into play, moving defenders around and so on. He isn�t and never has been what you might call a number one striker.
And like Buzsaky, he�s a touch player who needs games. There�s no point putting him in and taking him out. You either stick with him or ditch him, and I�d be inclined to stick with him.
Part of the reason he was so effective last season was that he played regularly for Cardiff. Their other striker changed repeatedly, but be it alongside Chopra, Bellamy, McCormack or Whittingham, he played.
It�s different for someone like Helguson � once similarly written off and now the blue-eyed boy � as he�s more of a battering-ram type of forward so can be chucked on during a game and expected to do his stuff.
Bothroyd did his job as a lone striker very well earlier in the season, but that job is a thankless one and it�s no coincidence that players in that role are consistently criticised by fans at QPR and elsewhere.
It�s a team role appreciated mainly by the team � not least the attacking midfielder who pops up in acres of space in the penalty area. Few ask how and why he got there or where the opposing centre-backs were.
Helguson is a recent example of that. Kevin Gallen made Rangers tick and was a fine Mark Hughes-type forward but, according to some, slow, overweight and often the weak link in the side.
Bothroyd�s confidence dipped a bit after his time in the firing line and he�s having to work his way back into the swing of things when he�s not a crowd favourite.
Personally I�m not a fan of his attitude, but he�s one of these players who doesn�t respond to being berated, either from the stands or touchline.
He does have a contribution to make and, like most number two-type forwards, that contribution is always more appreciated on the pitch than in the stands.
Proof of that is in the reaction of other players to him.
Think of the QPR players you�d consider to be the best pros at the club and have the best attitude. I imagine the kind of names that come to mind are Derry, Hill and Mackie maybe.
Now think back to last season and those players� reaction to Taarabt during games.
Yes, they tolerated him and at times marvelled at him. But there were times when their anger at him was obvious. Before his injury, Mackie often looked particularly frustrated with Taarabt during matches.
Look at the very different reaction to Bothroyd from those players when they�re on the pitch together.
At every opportunity they�re having a word in his ear, patting him on the back when something doesn�t come off for him, and are always looking to get around him and encourage him. That tells you a lot.
So I�ve got some time for Bothroyd. As misfiring strikers with questionable attitudes go. Dave McIntyre Blog
TAYE TAIWO JOINS QPR ON LOAN
QPR Official Site
AC MILAN STAR SIGNS
Mark Hughes has clinched his first signing as new QPR Manager, with the addition of AC Milan left-back Taye Taiwo.
The 26 year-old, who can also operate in midfield, has put pen-to-paper on loan deal until the end of the season.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Hughes said: "I have known of him for a long time and admired him from afar.
"To get him now is a fantastic coup and a real statement of intent that we can attract the quality of player that he is. I am looking forward to working with him.
"He has got great ability, a good reputation in the game and a great personality.
"He plays with a smile on his face and I think QPR fans are going to enjoy seeing him play for us."
Taiwo, who is widely regarded as one of the best left-back's in world football, joined AC Milan from Olympique de Marseille this summer, and has made eight appearances in all competitions to date this term, including four in the Champions League.
An expert from dead-ball situations, Taiwo - who will wear the number 34 shirt - has 48 international caps to his name for his native Nigeria.
He said: "It's a new and exciting challenge for me and one I am very much looking forward to.
"I'm very grateful to Mark Hughes for bringing me here. It is always nice for a player when you know the Manager wants you and I will repay his faith in me.
"I can't wait to play for the Club.
"I know only hard work, good performance, dedication, and passion will connect me with the fans but I'm prepared.
"I'm looking forward to what lies ahead and I'm prepared to give my all to the QPR cause."
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2583414,00.html
QPR Official Site
HUGHES: TAIWO SIGNING A COUPPosted on: Tue 24 Jan 2012
Mark Hughes has revealed his delight after finally securing the services of Taye Taiwo - at the third attempt.
Hughes was keen on the Nigerian left-back while managing both Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City, and he told www.qpr.co.uk: "I have known of him for a long time and admired him from afar.
"I actually showed an interest in him while I was at Blackburn, but he was a little bit too expensive at the time.
"He was also on my radar when I was at City, and we had an interest in him again but it didn't happen.
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"To get him now is a fantastic coup and a real statement of intent that we can attract the quality of player that he is. I am looking forward to working with him.
"He has got great ability, a good reputation in the game and a great personality.
"He plays with a smile on his face and I think QPR fans are going to enjoy seeing him play for us."
Taiwo, who was a regular during his six-year stint at French giants Marseille before his summer move to AC Milan, has shown a keenness which has impressed Hughes.
"Taye is a very driven guy and his personality and character is very important to me," added the QPR boss.
"He is desperate to play and I think that is one of the main reasons why he is here. He is used to playing week in, week out.
"If you look at his playing record he has played a lot of games since he has been professional.
"It is only this year that he lacked opportunities to play at AC Milan, which is a top, top Club."
And despite this being Taiwo's first spell in English football, Hughes has no reservations about how he will settle on these shores.
"I don't have any concerns about that," he added. "He speaks perfect English as do his children and I am sure they are looking forward to coming here."
Hughes believes his previous keenness on Taiwo may have helped attract the 26 year-old to W12.
"He knew of my interest in him in the past and maybe that was a factor," he added.
"He seems very motivated to come in and do well. He said he wants to show people what he is about."
And R's fans could be in for a treat when it comes to set-pieces, with Taiwo regarded as a dead-ball specialist.
"He is a big powerful guy who likes to take free-kicks," confirmed Hughes. "I am sure we will enjoy him having big run-ups and lashing the ball at goal - hopefully some of them will go in."
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2583076,00.html
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
EXCLUSIVE: TAIWO RELISHING PREM CHALLENGE
New QPR signing Taye Taiwo is relishing the opportunity to play in the Premier League - a division he describes as 'the best league in the world.'
The Nigerian international, who has penned a six month loan deal at Loftus Road, spoke exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, commenting: "It's a new challenge for me.
"I don't know too much about QPR, but I'm learning a lot already.
"I know the Premier League and it's a very exciting division.
"It has always been a dream of mine to play in this league.
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"Wherever you go in the world, people always talk about the Premier League and it will be nice to play in a country that speaks the same language as me."
The Club expects Taiwo to receive his international clearance in the coming days, once he returns to Italy for his visa tomorrow, but Saturday's FA Cup tie against Chelsea could come too soon for him.
However, the Milan star is fully aware that the Premier League is Rangers' priority between now and the end of the season.
"The Chelsea tie is a big one, but the league matters most.
"We need to stay in this division this season - and that is the objective."
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2583442,00.html
QPR Official Site
TAYE TAIWO: IN PROFILE
Posted on: Tue 24 Jan 2012
New QPR recruit Taye Taiwo arrives at Loftus Road with a wealth of experience at both Club and international level.
The Nigerian left-back, who can also operate in midfield, started his career in his homeland with Gabros International, before moving to Nigeria Premier League side, Lobi Stars.
After impressing a whole host of Europe's top Clubs, the defender earned a move to French giants Olympique de Marseille in 2005, filling the void left by revered French international Bixente Lizarazu following his move to Bayern Munich.
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It proved to be the making of the then 20 year-old, who would go on to make the left-back spot his own for the next six years.
Various personal and team achievements followed, with Taiwo - an expert from dead-ball situations - notching a number of crucial winning goals, most recently against Montpellier HSC, to win the Coupe de la Ligue at the Stade de France last season.
Taiwo also played a pivotal role in Marseille's league title success last term, scoring four goals from left-back, as the L'OM secured their first Ligue 1 title in 18 years.
AC Milan was his next port of call, with the defender - who has 48 international caps to his name - joining the Rossoneri in a joint deal with French defender Philippe Mexes.
He made his debut in a 1-0 Serie A victory against Cesena, and has made eight appearances in all competitions this term, including four in the Champions League.
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2583412,00.html
- NEXT: Chelsea (And New Statement re Chelsea Fans/Racism!)
- African Cup Updates
- Two interesting recent articles: re Managers and Agents (including Mark Hughes) and re Malaysia and Football (including re QPR)
- Who is Kia Joorabchian?
- QPR will Play Newcastle United (Away) in the Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup
- Tuesday, January 24: The Asian Football Awards: Nominees Include Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal...Also a couple of other QPR Nominations
- The Current Bottom Six Premiership Clubs: Their Remaining Fixtures
- Latest QPR Player Signing Reports/Gossip
- Recent QPR Transfer Gossip: Player-by-Player