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QPR may have their one or two new reported players at QPR by then. And the "great" news for QPR is that Robert Earnshaw will be back for Nottingham Forest!
Thus far, Nottingham Forest, currently bottom of the table, have lost all five away games in the championship (which means...!) See Complete Nottingham Forest Stats for the season
As noted below, Nottingham Forest have the far superior record in meetings between the two clubs - Head to Head Results .
A couple of the famous QPR victories over Nottingham Forest: Tommy Docherty did achieve his sole QPR victory in his month in charge of QPR (and one of QPR's four league victories that season), back in November 1968, Rodney Marsh scoring one of QPR's goals and his first QPR goal in the First Division (one of only four he ever scored for QPR in the First Division! - Tony Hazell getting the other QPR goal - as QPR beat Nottingham Forest 2-1. Ian Gillard made his debut in this game. Kelly Clement Watson Hazell Gillard - Morgan Sibley McGovern Morgan - Bridges Marsh
And Stan Bowles made his debut against Nottingham Forest, back September 16, 1972, making the first and scoring the second (and Andy McCulloch the third) as QPR won 3-0! From Bowles' autobiography "Stan The Man" "...[A]s luck would have it, I scored one and made another for Don Givens in my first game - against Nottingham Forest on September 16th, 1972. We won 3-0, and the fans seemed to take to my style of play; which, to them, was a bit like Rodney's..." QPR's team that day: Parkes - Clement Evans Hazell Watson - Venables Francis Busby - Givens Bowles Mcculloch - Sub: Salvage
- The two clubs last met in April 2005. QPR won, Nottingham Forest were relegated, and the QPR team included a appearance by Rossi in goal for QPR. QPR: Rossi, Bignot, Shittu, Santos, Padula, Rowlands, Gallen, Bircham (Bean 90), Cook, Thorpe, Furlong. Subs not used: Day, Edghill, Cureton, Miller.
Among the players who played for both teams: Stan Bowles, Dave Needham, Chris Woods, Steve Burke, and Danny Cullip.
See Also:
- Nottingham Forest Squad Profiles
- Nottingham Forest Results
Nottingham Forest Official Site - Robert's Rangers Return
Robert Earnshaw will make his Nottingham Forest return against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Saturday.
The club's leading five-goal scorer has missed Forest's last three games after picking up a hamstring injury in last month's goalless draw with Charlton.
The fitness setback also forced him to withdraw from the Welsh squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Lichtenstein on Saturday and tonight's meeting with Germany.
But the £2.65millionsigning has successfully resumed full training this week and manager Colin Calderwood has confirmed to www.nottinghamforest.co.uk that he will figure against Rangers. Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest Official Site - Preview QPR vs Nottingham Forest
QPR v Forest Preview
Nottingham Forest will return to action at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday hoping the two-week international break brings a change in fortunes.
The Reds have lost six of their last seven games and are rooted to the foot of the table, five points adrift of safety.
QPR, meanwhile, have not made the kind of start many expected after their big-spending exploits during the summer.
They are without a win in four Championship games and have been beaten by Derby and held to a draw by Blackpool in their last two home games.
Team news
Forest could have a new face in their line-up at Loftus Road, the club having confirmed they hope to land Crystal Palace midfielder Carl Fletcher on loan.
And Fletcher's international team-mate, five-goal leading scorer Robert Earnshaw, could also be available to The Reds after a three-match lay-off with a hamstring injury.
He suffered a slight reaction after resuming full training yesterday but there's still a good chance he will get the all-clear from the club's medical staff to travel.
Paul Anderson will be hoping he has done enough to force their way into Calderwood's plans for the trip to West London.
The winger, who is on a season-long loan from Liverpool, is still waiting to make his Reds debut after being sidelined since pre-season by a groin injury.
But he has appeared twice at reserve level - scoring in both games - and is eager to get the chance to make his mark on the first team scene.
The same applies to striker Joe Garner, although the summer signing from Carlisle is unlikely to be considered for the game at Loftus Road.
He has also made two appearances since being given the green light to resume his career after eight months out with a knee ligament injury.
But he has been laid low this week by a bout of tonsillitis and Calderwood has hinted he will be overlooked.
Lewis McGugan hit the comeback trail at reserve level earlier this week after a nine-match lay-off with a thigh injury.
He played for just over 30 minutes of Tuesday's 7-1 win over Walsall and although it's very much early days in his comeback, he's hoping to make the squad for the Rangers game.
Julian Bennett and Garath McCleary, both of whom missed last week's trip to Ireland due to slight knocks, are expected to be fit.
But The Reds will be without midfielder Guy Moussi, who is nursing an ankle ligament problem.
He played for both
Danny Cullip
Less than a year ago Danny Cullip was plying his trade in the Championship with QPR - now he's a member of the Lewes side battling to avoid relegation from the Blue Square Premier Division.
Cullip turned down the offer of a one-year contract with Gillingham to join Lewes during the summer.
The tough-tackling central defender had ended last season on Gillingham's books having joined them as a non-contract player following his release by Rangers in February.
But the lure of a return to the south coast - where he still has a house from his days as Brighton captain - prompted him to pledge his future to Lewes.
Cullip joined Forest from Sheffield United for an undisclosed fee in 2005 as Gary Megson reshaped his squad following relegation to League One.
Injuries hampered his progress at The City Ground and he joined QPR in January 2007.
Head to head
In 52 past league and cup meetings between the two sides Forest have emerged victorious 24 times, compared to QPR's 13 wins.
However, it was Rangers who took the spoils the last time they locked horns on a day etched in the memory of many Forest fans - for all the wrong reasons.
That's because the club's 54-year stay in the top two divisions of English football came to an end when they were beaten 2-1 at Loftus Road in April, 2005.
Gary Megson and his men went into the game in West London knowing that a victory would keep alive their slim hopes of avoiding the drop.
But ultimately it proved too much to ask for and relegation to League One was confirmed as Forest were on the receiving end of a 2-1 scoreline.
Forest's task was made that much harder when Darryl Powell received his marching orders 14 minutes before half-time.
The midfielder had already been booked for a challenge on Paul Furlong when he caught Martin Rowlands and referee Kevin Wright felt the need to show a second yellow card.
QPR added to the misery four minutes before half-time as they took the lead, courtesy of John Curtis, who unwittingly headed a twice-taken Lee Cook free-kick past Paul Gerrard.
Wes Morgan wasted a golden opportunity to level matters early in the second half when he fired over from an unmarked position.
And worse was to follow as Rangers made it 2-0 in the 50th minute with Marc Bircham curling home a right-footed shot.
Substitute Eugen Bopp gave Forest a glimmer of hope when he pulled one back for us 13 minutes from time by hooking home a Curtis cross from the left but it proved to the only bright spot on a bleak afternoon.
QPR: Rossi, Bignot, Shittu, Santos, Padula, Rowlands, Gallen, Bircham (Bean 90), Cook, Thorpe, Furlong. Subs not used: Day, Edghill, Cureton, Miller.
Forest: Gerrard, Curtis, Morgan, Taylor, Melville, Robertson (Louis-Jean 67), Gardner, Evans (Bopp 62), Powell, Commons, Dobie (Harris 56). Subs not used: Doyle, Hjelde.
Where they currently stand
Forest - 24th QPR - 11th
Nottingham Forest
- See also Match Preview by Clive Whittingham/Loft for Words
QPR OFFICIAL SITE THE FRIDAY PREVIEW: FOREST
Nottingham Forest have found life back in the Championship tough going so far this season - indeed, by their Manager Colin Calderwood's own admission, 'in certain areas of the game, we are way, way, way short.'
What hasn't helped is an injury to top-scorer and new signing Robert Earnshaw, who has already bagged five goals in all competitions this season.
The loss of the Welshman has hurt the Nottinghamshire side, who have failed to register a goal since losing to Preston North End back on September 16th - and even that was a Youl Mawene own goal!
Despite losing seven out of the ten games going into today's clash with the R's, there have been some positives. An opening day 0-0 draw with current high-fliers Reading and a hard-fought victory at The City Ground over Watford offer Forest fans a glimmer of hope.
When you look at the attacking potential of the likes of Earnshaw, fellow new-boy and home-town hero Andy Cole, Nathan Tyson and former Carlisle favourite Joe Garner, it is baffling why they cannot find the back of the net.
There is no shortage of ammunition as Calderwood pulled off the double coup of Paul Anderson from Liverpool and Lee Martin from Manchester United on loan, as well as French midfielder Guy Moussi from Angers.
A brief Carling Cup run saw them prove their goal-scoring ability with a 4-0 win over Morecombe, but Sunderland eventually dumped them out of the competition at The City Ground.
Forest fans will be hoping their team has used the international break to work hard on stopping the flow of goals conceded over recent weeks and for their main-man Earnshaw to regain his fitness.
With over three-quarters of the season still to go, there is still time for Calderwood's charges to play their way out of trouble.
Team News
Robert Earnshaw has been pencilled in for a return to the Forest line-up, after missing their last three matches owing to a hamstring injury.
The 27-year-old is the Reds' leading goalscorer after netting five goals this season.
QPR
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Friday, October 17, 2008
Snippets: Dowie on his Job....Fulop Deal?...Ex-QPR Birthdays...RIP Memory...Simon Walton's Bad Start...Andy McCulloch Debut Memory
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- Mirror - Iain Dowie insists he is the man for QPR
Terry Venables has been told there is no job for him at QPR - by the current Rangers manager Iain Dowie.
Dowie has hit back at talk that Loftus Road legend Venables or Millwall chief Kenny Jackett will replace him.
The club's mega-rich owners are expecting promotion, but Dowie, who only took the job on in May, said: "I'm not going to worry about it.
"I know I am doing a decent job here and I have got the support of the players, which is the most important thing." Mirror
- Sunderland Reserve Goalie Martin Fulop:
As originally reported, yesterday by Dave McIntyre/BBC606, Daily Mail reports "- QPR close in on deal for Sunderland keeper Fulop
Queens Park Rangers are close to agreeing a deal for Sunderland goalkeeper Martin Fulop. The Hungary keeper is expected to join on loan with view to a permanent deal worth around £1.6million." Mail
- Ex-QPR Maurice Doyle Turns 39. Born October 17, 1969.
Signed by Trevor Francis from Crewe as "one for the future" but never really emerged at QPR.
- Ex-QPR Manager, Jim Smith Turns 68: Born October 17, 1940 - Smith managed QPR from 1985-1988 (one League Cup Final against Oxford United!). Smith almost returned in the Gary Waddock managership and was rumoured on more than one occasion to be set to return. Smith/Wikipedia
- RIP Memory: Barry Wallace - Two years ago today, former QPR player Barry Wallace Died. RIP
Plymouth Herald - Simon Walton - I HAVEN'T LIVED UP TO MY BILLING
-MIDFIELDER Simon Walton has admitted he has not lived up to expectations at Plymouth Argyle.
- But the 21-year-old, who signed from Queens Park Rangers in August, is determined to battle his way back into the starting line-up.
Walton also revealed he had been told by manager Paul Sturrock 'in no uncertain terms' what was expected from him, and he was now working to achieve that.
- The midfielder, whose transfer fee could rise to a club record £750,000, started the first five Championship matches of the season for Argyle.
- But Walton was one of the seven players axed by Sturrock after the 2-1 home defeat by Norwich City on September 13.
Plymouth are unbeaten in five games since then – winning four of them – and Walton has not even been included among the substitutes.
- Instead, he has played in the last three reserve team matches, most recently the 2-1 win away to Exeter City on Tuesday.
In a candid interview about his first three months at Argyle, Walton said: "I couldn't have wished for a worse start, to be honest.
"I came here with big expectations – from other people and myself – and, obviously, I haven't lived up to that, or anywhere close.
"I have been told what to do, or what not to do, so I know what it will take to get back in the team.
"It's going to be hard, but I have got a few months to put it right."
Sturrock shook up his side after the defeat by Norwich, which saw Argyle slide to the bottom of the Championship.
His bold decision paid off as the Pilgrims beat Watford 2-1 at Vicarage Road only three days later, which sparked their recent revival.
Walton said: "You can't argue with four wins and a draw. It has made it a little bit easier for me because we have been winning.
"I have just had to get on with it because there is nothing I could have done.
"At the time, the gaffer had to do something to turn things around, and it has worked.
"I haven't sulked – I'm sure he (Sturrock) would say that if you asked him. I had my little chat with him the day after the game against Watford and I have got on with it.
"I have worked so hard to try to get back in the team, but after four wins and a draw there is not much you can do.
"It has made it a little bit easier to take in a way, but, at the same time, it's not a period I have enjoyed."
Walton, who signed a four-year contract with Argyle when he arrived from QPR, is prepared to do what it takes to win over Sturrock.
"He has told me in no uncertain terms what he wants from me," said the midfielder. "It's more clear to me now.
"I know what I have got to do, like I said, and I'm trying to go the right way about it.
"You have got to be able to adapt to different ways as a footballer, and maybe I haven't adapted as I should have to the style of play here.
"Like I keep saying, I'm doing my best and I want to play here. I have never ever said I don't want to play here.
"It's just I have maybe got to change the way I play to suit the team, and not suit Simon Walton."
Even though he has not been playing, Walton has been pleased to see the Pilgrims make such good progress.
He said: "For Plymouth to be fifth in the league now is better for me than to be sat bottom, where we were when I was playing.
"Obviously, now the challenge is for me to get into the side and for us to stay up there.
"I'm not a player or a person who settles for second best.
"I wouldn't take being in the bottom three and playing. I want to play for a team at the top of the league.
"I want to play in the Premier League, so the higher up the team the better it is. But, at the end of the day, I need to be playing and I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure I do."
Walton has played two games for the reserves over the past fortnight, a 3-3 draw at Reading and the 2-1 win against Exeter.
"I feel like I have done well in training and maybe done that bit extra to make sure that when I do get back in, I stay in," he said.
"It's just getting that chance, and I would like to think that chance will come pretty soon.
"I have worked hard, I haven't sulked and I have got on with it.
"But if the team keeps winning, and the lads keep doing what they are doing, there isn't much you can say." Plymouth Herald
- Andy McCulloch Debut: Thirty-Eight Years ago today: Andy McCulloch made his debut and scored as Rodney Marsh scored a Hatrick vs Birmingham (and the game was shown on "The Big Match" the next day!-Andy McCulloch: Signed by Les Allen from non-league Walton & Hersham, Center forward Andy McCulloch made his debut in QPR's home game in place of Frank Saul vs Birmingham, October 17, 1970. Marsh got a brilliant hattrick as QPR won 5-2 vs a good Birmingham team. QPR's team that day: Parkes, Clement, Hazell, Watson, Gillard. Ferguson Venables Hunt Morgan Marsh McCulloch. (In their previous home game, a brilliant Martyn Busby playing up front had led QPR to a 5-1 at home to Orient.) McCulloch was eventually sold to Oxford for 45,000 pounds in 1972, and he became a prolific goalscorer in the lower leagues.
- Mirror - Iain Dowie insists he is the man for QPR
Terry Venables has been told there is no job for him at QPR - by the current Rangers manager Iain Dowie.
Dowie has hit back at talk that Loftus Road legend Venables or Millwall chief Kenny Jackett will replace him.
The club's mega-rich owners are expecting promotion, but Dowie, who only took the job on in May, said: "I'm not going to worry about it.
"I know I am doing a decent job here and I have got the support of the players, which is the most important thing." Mirror
- Sunderland Reserve Goalie Martin Fulop:
As originally reported, yesterday by Dave McIntyre/BBC606, Daily Mail reports "- QPR close in on deal for Sunderland keeper Fulop
Queens Park Rangers are close to agreeing a deal for Sunderland goalkeeper Martin Fulop. The Hungary keeper is expected to join on loan with view to a permanent deal worth around £1.6million." Mail
- Ex-QPR Maurice Doyle Turns 39. Born October 17, 1969.
Signed by Trevor Francis from Crewe as "one for the future" but never really emerged at QPR.
- Ex-QPR Manager, Jim Smith Turns 68: Born October 17, 1940 - Smith managed QPR from 1985-1988 (one League Cup Final against Oxford United!). Smith almost returned in the Gary Waddock managership and was rumoured on more than one occasion to be set to return. Smith/Wikipedia
- RIP Memory: Barry Wallace - Two years ago today, former QPR player Barry Wallace Died. RIP
Plymouth Herald - Simon Walton - I HAVEN'T LIVED UP TO MY BILLING
-MIDFIELDER Simon Walton has admitted he has not lived up to expectations at Plymouth Argyle.
- But the 21-year-old, who signed from Queens Park Rangers in August, is determined to battle his way back into the starting line-up.
Walton also revealed he had been told by manager Paul Sturrock 'in no uncertain terms' what was expected from him, and he was now working to achieve that.
- The midfielder, whose transfer fee could rise to a club record £750,000, started the first five Championship matches of the season for Argyle.
- But Walton was one of the seven players axed by Sturrock after the 2-1 home defeat by Norwich City on September 13.
Plymouth are unbeaten in five games since then – winning four of them – and Walton has not even been included among the substitutes.
- Instead, he has played in the last three reserve team matches, most recently the 2-1 win away to Exeter City on Tuesday.
In a candid interview about his first three months at Argyle, Walton said: "I couldn't have wished for a worse start, to be honest.
"I came here with big expectations – from other people and myself – and, obviously, I haven't lived up to that, or anywhere close.
"I have been told what to do, or what not to do, so I know what it will take to get back in the team.
"It's going to be hard, but I have got a few months to put it right."
Sturrock shook up his side after the defeat by Norwich, which saw Argyle slide to the bottom of the Championship.
His bold decision paid off as the Pilgrims beat Watford 2-1 at Vicarage Road only three days later, which sparked their recent revival.
Walton said: "You can't argue with four wins and a draw. It has made it a little bit easier for me because we have been winning.
"I have just had to get on with it because there is nothing I could have done.
"At the time, the gaffer had to do something to turn things around, and it has worked.
"I haven't sulked – I'm sure he (Sturrock) would say that if you asked him. I had my little chat with him the day after the game against Watford and I have got on with it.
"I have worked so hard to try to get back in the team, but after four wins and a draw there is not much you can do.
"It has made it a little bit easier to take in a way, but, at the same time, it's not a period I have enjoyed."
Walton, who signed a four-year contract with Argyle when he arrived from QPR, is prepared to do what it takes to win over Sturrock.
"He has told me in no uncertain terms what he wants from me," said the midfielder. "It's more clear to me now.
"I know what I have got to do, like I said, and I'm trying to go the right way about it.
"You have got to be able to adapt to different ways as a footballer, and maybe I haven't adapted as I should have to the style of play here.
"Like I keep saying, I'm doing my best and I want to play here. I have never ever said I don't want to play here.
"It's just I have maybe got to change the way I play to suit the team, and not suit Simon Walton."
Even though he has not been playing, Walton has been pleased to see the Pilgrims make such good progress.
He said: "For Plymouth to be fifth in the league now is better for me than to be sat bottom, where we were when I was playing.
"Obviously, now the challenge is for me to get into the side and for us to stay up there.
"I'm not a player or a person who settles for second best.
"I wouldn't take being in the bottom three and playing. I want to play for a team at the top of the league.
"I want to play in the Premier League, so the higher up the team the better it is. But, at the end of the day, I need to be playing and I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure I do."
Walton has played two games for the reserves over the past fortnight, a 3-3 draw at Reading and the 2-1 win against Exeter.
"I feel like I have done well in training and maybe done that bit extra to make sure that when I do get back in, I stay in," he said.
"It's just getting that chance, and I would like to think that chance will come pretty soon.
"I have worked hard, I haven't sulked and I have got on with it.
"But if the team keeps winning, and the lads keep doing what they are doing, there isn't much you can say." Plymouth Herald
- Andy McCulloch Debut: Thirty-Eight Years ago today: Andy McCulloch made his debut and scored as Rodney Marsh scored a Hatrick vs Birmingham (and the game was shown on "The Big Match" the next day!-Andy McCulloch: Signed by Les Allen from non-league Walton & Hersham, Center forward Andy McCulloch made his debut in QPR's home game in place of Frank Saul vs Birmingham, October 17, 1970. Marsh got a brilliant hattrick as QPR won 5-2 vs a good Birmingham team. QPR's team that day: Parkes, Clement, Hazell, Watson, Gillard. Ferguson Venables Hunt Morgan Marsh McCulloch. (In their previous home game, a brilliant Martyn Busby playing up front had led QPR to a 5-1 at home to Orient.) McCulloch was eventually sold to Oxford for 45,000 pounds in 1972, and he became a prolific goalscorer in the lower leagues.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
QPR Set to Sign Loan striker: Hull's Caleb Folan
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The incoming striker, according to Dave McIntyre is Hull's almost-26 forward, Caleb Folan, who just made his Republic of Ireland debut as a 93rd minute substitute against Cyprus.
Dave McIntyre BBC/606 - R's turn to Folan and Fulop
Rangers are close to signing Hull striker Caleb Folan and want Marton Fulop to become their first-choice goalkeeper.
Folan will make his debut against Nottingham Forest on Saturday if an initial loan deal is agreed in time.
If it goes through, the move will be with a view to a permanent transfer in January.
Folan, who turns 26 later this month, joined Hull from Wigan for £1m in August last year. He has featured in six Premier League matches this season, scoring once.
Fulop, 25, is currently Craig Gordon’s understudy at Sunderland and is top of Rangers’ wanted list as they look for an alternative to both Lee Camp and Radek Cerny.
Camp has been told he can leave if another club comes in for him and Cerny, who has kept him out of the side, will himself be relegated to the bench if Rangers get Fulop.
Peterborough prospect Joe Lewis is an obvious possibility for any higher-division club looking for a keeper, and he was linked with QPR after assistant boss Tim Flowers went to watch him in action.
But Fulop is the man Rangers really want and he will be brought in on an initial loan deal if an agreement can be thrashed out.
Agreeing a fee for any subsequent permanent move could be difficult though, as Sunderland turned down several offers for the Hungary international before accepting a £3m bid from Stoke in the summer.
And they are unlikely to accept much less than that in the near future.
Talks with Sunderland are ongoing and Rangers will also try to persuade them to part with striker Michael Chopra – again on an initial loan deal.
Fulop, who was a team-mate of Akos Buzsaky at Hungarian club MTK, spent three years with Tottenham before signing for Sunderland in 2007. He has since had loan spells with Leicester and Stoke.
Anyone wary of another ex-Spurs reserve in light of Cerny’s displays need not worry. Fulop is a far superior keeper, imposing at 6ft 6in and a proven Championship performer.
He would be a good signing, although he’d do more than well to win as many points for QPR as Camp did before he was axed.
That said, while Brighton have expressed an interest in taking him on loan, no offers for Camp have come in since he was made available for transfer last week." BBC606
The incoming striker, according to Dave McIntyre is Hull's almost-26 forward, Caleb Folan, who just made his Republic of Ireland debut as a 93rd minute substitute against Cyprus.
Dave McIntyre BBC/606 - R's turn to Folan and Fulop
Rangers are close to signing Hull striker Caleb Folan and want Marton Fulop to become their first-choice goalkeeper.
Folan will make his debut against Nottingham Forest on Saturday if an initial loan deal is agreed in time.
If it goes through, the move will be with a view to a permanent transfer in January.
Folan, who turns 26 later this month, joined Hull from Wigan for £1m in August last year. He has featured in six Premier League matches this season, scoring once.
Fulop, 25, is currently Craig Gordon’s understudy at Sunderland and is top of Rangers’ wanted list as they look for an alternative to both Lee Camp and Radek Cerny.
Camp has been told he can leave if another club comes in for him and Cerny, who has kept him out of the side, will himself be relegated to the bench if Rangers get Fulop.
Peterborough prospect Joe Lewis is an obvious possibility for any higher-division club looking for a keeper, and he was linked with QPR after assistant boss Tim Flowers went to watch him in action.
But Fulop is the man Rangers really want and he will be brought in on an initial loan deal if an agreement can be thrashed out.
Agreeing a fee for any subsequent permanent move could be difficult though, as Sunderland turned down several offers for the Hungary international before accepting a £3m bid from Stoke in the summer.
And they are unlikely to accept much less than that in the near future.
Talks with Sunderland are ongoing and Rangers will also try to persuade them to part with striker Michael Chopra – again on an initial loan deal.
Fulop, who was a team-mate of Akos Buzsaky at Hungarian club MTK, spent three years with Tottenham before signing for Sunderland in 2007. He has since had loan spells with Leicester and Stoke.
Anyone wary of another ex-Spurs reserve in light of Cerny’s displays need not worry. Fulop is a far superior keeper, imposing at 6ft 6in and a proven Championship performer.
He would be a good signing, although he’d do more than well to win as many points for QPR as Camp did before he was axed.
That said, while Brighton have expressed an interest in taking him on loan, no offers for Camp have come in since he was made available for transfer last week." BBC606
Lee Cook - Players Back Dowie
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Sky Sports/Chris Galea - Cook backing for Dowie
Rs winger claims speculation over manager is unfair
- QPR winger Lee Cook believes under-pressure manager Iain Dowie is the right man for the job and the recent speculation surrounding his future is undeserved.
- The Rs began the season with promotion aspirations, but one point from a possible 12 has seen Dowie's troops slide outside the top 10 and raise question marks over the manager's job security.
- Cook, who is on loan from Fulham, was brought back to the club he left in 2007 by Dowie at the start of this season, and he told skysports.com that the manager has the players' backing.
- "We've had a really good start and we are through to the fourth round of the Carling Cup, which we haven't done for a very long time," he told skysports.com.
"A few of the fans are getting excited, but we need to remember how far we've come in such a short space of time.
Confident
"We are confident in the manager and all the players are enjoying working for him, so it's just a case of getting back to winning a ways so that the speculation can be put to bed."
QPR entertain strugglers Nottingham Forest on Saturday and Cook knows that it will be a tough game despite the newly-promoted side's slow start to life in the Championship.
"Everyone's going to expect us to win that game, but we are not going to take them lightly because every game in this division is hard," he continued.
"We are all confident about winning on Saturday and it's an important game for us considering the run we've been on recently. It's a chance to put things right again."
Patience
The Rs' recent run of poor results has coincided with a lack of goals from their strike force, with just one scored in the last four games, but Cook believes they will find their touch sooner rather than later.
He said: "At the start of the season we were scoring for fun, so I think we are just going through a sticky patch at the moment.
"We've got quality attacking players who can score goals for the team, so I don't think we are too worried as the goals should come sooner rather than later.
"For our sakes I hope that's the case because we need to score goals to win games and we've been pretty solid at the back lately, only conceding the odd goal." Sky Sports
Sky Sports/Chris Galea - Cook backing for Dowie
Rs winger claims speculation over manager is unfair
- QPR winger Lee Cook believes under-pressure manager Iain Dowie is the right man for the job and the recent speculation surrounding his future is undeserved.
- The Rs began the season with promotion aspirations, but one point from a possible 12 has seen Dowie's troops slide outside the top 10 and raise question marks over the manager's job security.
- Cook, who is on loan from Fulham, was brought back to the club he left in 2007 by Dowie at the start of this season, and he told skysports.com that the manager has the players' backing.
- "We've had a really good start and we are through to the fourth round of the Carling Cup, which we haven't done for a very long time," he told skysports.com.
"A few of the fans are getting excited, but we need to remember how far we've come in such a short space of time.
Confident
"We are confident in the manager and all the players are enjoying working for him, so it's just a case of getting back to winning a ways so that the speculation can be put to bed."
QPR entertain strugglers Nottingham Forest on Saturday and Cook knows that it will be a tough game despite the newly-promoted side's slow start to life in the Championship.
"Everyone's going to expect us to win that game, but we are not going to take them lightly because every game in this division is hard," he continued.
"We are all confident about winning on Saturday and it's an important game for us considering the run we've been on recently. It's a chance to put things right again."
Patience
The Rs' recent run of poor results has coincided with a lack of goals from their strike force, with just one scored in the last four games, but Cook believes they will find their touch sooner rather than later.
He said: "At the start of the season we were scoring for fun, so I think we are just going through a sticky patch at the moment.
"We've got quality attacking players who can score goals for the team, so I don't think we are too worried as the goals should come sooner rather than later.
"For our sakes I hope that's the case because we need to score goals to win games and we've been pretty solid at the back lately, only conceding the odd goal." Sky Sports
Gianni Paladini's Role at QPR?
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And yet another item from the Daily Mail
Daily Mail/HATCHET MAN: Dowie's not a lone Ranger as long as Paladini sticks his oar
QPR have been hammering another nail into the coffin of the role of director of football.
After Tottenham's struggles in the Premier League had other clubs crowing about their slicker structures, Rangers' Gianni Paladini has demonstrated how hard it is to stay on the same wavelength as a manager in that position.
Sporting director Paladini said this week that Lee Camp could leave the club if they got a decent offer because he has not been playing.
Manager Iain Dowie then insisted he was not putting the goalkeeper up for sale and expected him to work hard in an attempt to regain his place.
Directors of football, of which Paladini is one by a slightly different title, and the men who direct their teams, such as Dowie, just can't seem to work well together in this country.
There is too much power playing and politics as a position between manager and board can only encroach on the traditional team boss's role, which was all encompassing.
Maybe that is why Terry Venables, Darren Ferguson and other managers who might fancy taking charge of the richest club in the Championship, keep being linked with Dowie's job. Daily Mail
And yet another item from the Daily Mail
Daily Mail/HATCHET MAN: Dowie's not a lone Ranger as long as Paladini sticks his oar
QPR have been hammering another nail into the coffin of the role of director of football.
After Tottenham's struggles in the Premier League had other clubs crowing about their slicker structures, Rangers' Gianni Paladini has demonstrated how hard it is to stay on the same wavelength as a manager in that position.
Sporting director Paladini said this week that Lee Camp could leave the club if they got a decent offer because he has not been playing.
Manager Iain Dowie then insisted he was not putting the goalkeeper up for sale and expected him to work hard in an attempt to regain his place.
Directors of football, of which Paladini is one by a slightly different title, and the men who direct their teams, such as Dowie, just can't seem to work well together in this country.
There is too much power playing and politics as a position between manager and board can only encroach on the traditional team boss's role, which was all encompassing.
Maybe that is why Terry Venables, Darren Ferguson and other managers who might fancy taking charge of the richest club in the Championship, keep being linked with Dowie's job. Daily Mail
Gerry Francis Rejects Newcastle
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[And just to note (as I did in an earlier blog post), it's a decade to the day - October 16, 1998 - since Gerry Francis returned to QPR for his second stint as QPR manager]
Evening Chronicle/Lee Ryder - Gerry Francis says no to NUFC coaching role
GERRY FRANCIS will not be coming to St James’s Park as coach.
Newcastle United interim manager Joe Kinnear had wanted the experienced former Premier League manager to help bolster his paper-thin coaching roster.
But the Chronicle can confirm that Kinnear held unsuccessful talks with the former Tottenham Hotspur and QPR boss, who was put off by the uncertainty hovering above St James’s Park.
And the ex-England international did not want to jeopardise his current coaching role at Stoke City.
Kinnear told the Chronicle: “A lot of it has been blown out of proportion.
“I was surprised to see it all over the TV. We had a casual chat about things.
“He is already doing two days a week at Stoke.
“Gerry doesn’t want to be involved with football on match days.”
Kinnear also admitted the current restraints at the club mean he can offer no guarantees when it comes to attracting any other potential coaches.
He added: “It was a difficult one for Gerry because I can’t give him a contract in any form or way. I think he has one at Stoke.
“So he doesn’t want to burn his bridges.
“If something happens here in the next month and the club is sold, he knows that if the new people come in and don’t want you that is the end of it.
“I told him that and he had to know that before he came in.
“In theory, it wasn’t worth his while to leave his job at Stoke.
“The job there is more permanent.
“He was very interested, but there was no contract and certainly nobody is getting any contracts at the moment.
“Nobody knows how long anybody is going to be here at the moment – and that includes me.” News
[And just to note (as I did in an earlier blog post), it's a decade to the day - October 16, 1998 - since Gerry Francis returned to QPR for his second stint as QPR manager]
Evening Chronicle/Lee Ryder - Gerry Francis says no to NUFC coaching role
GERRY FRANCIS will not be coming to St James’s Park as coach.
Newcastle United interim manager Joe Kinnear had wanted the experienced former Premier League manager to help bolster his paper-thin coaching roster.
But the Chronicle can confirm that Kinnear held unsuccessful talks with the former Tottenham Hotspur and QPR boss, who was put off by the uncertainty hovering above St James’s Park.
And the ex-England international did not want to jeopardise his current coaching role at Stoke City.
Kinnear told the Chronicle: “A lot of it has been blown out of proportion.
“I was surprised to see it all over the TV. We had a casual chat about things.
“He is already doing two days a week at Stoke.
“Gerry doesn’t want to be involved with football on match days.”
Kinnear also admitted the current restraints at the club mean he can offer no guarantees when it comes to attracting any other potential coaches.
He added: “It was a difficult one for Gerry because I can’t give him a contract in any form or way. I think he has one at Stoke.
“So he doesn’t want to burn his bridges.
“If something happens here in the next month and the club is sold, he knows that if the new people come in and don’t want you that is the end of it.
“I told him that and he had to know that before he came in.
“In theory, it wasn’t worth his while to leave his job at Stoke.
“The job there is more permanent.
“He was very interested, but there was no contract and certainly nobody is getting any contracts at the moment.
“Nobody knows how long anybody is going to be here at the moment – and that includes me.” News
The Goalkeeper QPR Reported Want - Marton Fulop
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Marton Fulop
Dave McIntyre/BBC 606: - Marton Fulop is the man Rangers want to become their first-choice goalkeeper.
Fulop, 25, is currently Craig Gordon’s understudy at Sunderland and is top of Rangers’ wanted list as they look for an alternative to both Lee Camp and Radek Cerny.
Camp has been told he can leave if another club comes in for him and Cerny, who has kept him out of the side, will himself be relegated to the bench if Rangers get Fulop.
Peterborough prospect Joe Lewis is an obvious possibility for any higher-division club looking for a keeper, and he was linked with QPR after assistant boss Tim Flowers went to watch him in action.
But Fulop is the man Rangers really want and he will be brought in on an initial loan deal if an agreement can be thrashed out.
Agreeing a fee for any subsequent permanent move could be difficult though, as Sunderland turned down several offers for the Hungary international before accepting a £3m bid from Stoke in the summer.
And they are unlikely to accept much less than that in the near future.
Talks with Sunderland are ongoing and Rangers will also try to persuade them to part with striker Michael Chopra – again on an initial loan deal.
Fulop, who was a team-mate of Akos Buzsaky at Hungarian club MTK, spent three years with Tottenham before signing for Sunderland in 2007. He has since had loan spells with Leicester and Stoke.
Anyone wary of another ex-Spurs reserve in light of Cerny’s displays need not worry. Fulop is a far superior keeper, imposing at 6ft 6in and a proven Championship performer.
He would be a good signing, although he’d do more than well to win as many points for QPR as Camp did before he was axed.
That said, while Brighton have expressed an interest in taking him on loan, no offers for Camp have come in since he was made available for transfer last week. Mcintyre/BBC606
See Also: Fulop/Wikipedia
Marton Fulop
Dave McIntyre/BBC 606: - Marton Fulop is the man Rangers want to become their first-choice goalkeeper.
Fulop, 25, is currently Craig Gordon’s understudy at Sunderland and is top of Rangers’ wanted list as they look for an alternative to both Lee Camp and Radek Cerny.
Camp has been told he can leave if another club comes in for him and Cerny, who has kept him out of the side, will himself be relegated to the bench if Rangers get Fulop.
Peterborough prospect Joe Lewis is an obvious possibility for any higher-division club looking for a keeper, and he was linked with QPR after assistant boss Tim Flowers went to watch him in action.
But Fulop is the man Rangers really want and he will be brought in on an initial loan deal if an agreement can be thrashed out.
Agreeing a fee for any subsequent permanent move could be difficult though, as Sunderland turned down several offers for the Hungary international before accepting a £3m bid from Stoke in the summer.
And they are unlikely to accept much less than that in the near future.
Talks with Sunderland are ongoing and Rangers will also try to persuade them to part with striker Michael Chopra – again on an initial loan deal.
Fulop, who was a team-mate of Akos Buzsaky at Hungarian club MTK, spent three years with Tottenham before signing for Sunderland in 2007. He has since had loan spells with Leicester and Stoke.
Anyone wary of another ex-Spurs reserve in light of Cerny’s displays need not worry. Fulop is a far superior keeper, imposing at 6ft 6in and a proven Championship performer.
He would be a good signing, although he’d do more than well to win as many points for QPR as Camp did before he was axed.
That said, while Brighton have expressed an interest in taking him on loan, no offers for Camp have come in since he was made available for transfer last week. Mcintyre/BBC606
See Also: Fulop/Wikipedia
No Kenny Jackett to QPR
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The Millwall response to the Sun's one-line snippet from a couple of days ago: "QPR are eyeing Lions chief Kenny Jackett as a replacement for under-fire Iain Dowie" - The Sun
Southwark News/David Yuill - GOING NOWHERE
KENNY JACKETT and Zak Whitbread are going nowhere insist Millwall, who have rubbished rumours linking the club’s two most prized assets with big money moves in January.
Premiership new-boys West Brom were reportedly eyeing up a £1 million raid for 24-year-old central defender Whitbread, who has already been the subject of speculation from European heavyweights Everton.
In the following paragraph of the article printed in a national paper midweek, September's League One manager of the month Jackett was linked with a sensational move to replace under-fire QPR boss Iain Dowie at the world's richest club.
Chief Operating Officer Andy Ambler was quick to dispel both rumours as pure rubbish, telling the 'News': "I have read the news this morning [Wednesday] and it is just paper talk.
"There has not been any approach for Zak from any club since I have been at the club and the rumours about Kenny as well are absolutely ridiculous."
Ambler is Chairman John Berylson's right-hand man and adds that while the speculation can be unsettling, it is a sign of the club's recent growth. Ambler said: "It is flattering that our players and our manager are being linked with other clubs. That is a sign that we are successful, as that doesn't happen when you are losing.
"The more successful this club gets, the more we expect to see these rumours coming out in the press, but we are focussed on getting Millwall into the Championship and that means keeping our best players...."
Assistant manager Joe Gallen, who has strong family links with QPR, having watched his brother Kevin play over 300 games for the West London club, laughed off the speculation, before adding: "Our message is clear. We have been doing well and don't want to lose any of our best players.
"Zak has a growing reputation in the game, with people coming to watch him at home games and away games, that we know about as well.
"He is a very good player and - along with a host of Millwall players - is capable at playing at a higher level.
"But our plan is to grow and succeed together, to get into the Championship as a club and allow players to achieve their goals from there." Southwark News
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Millwall response to the Sun's one-line snippet from a couple of days ago: "QPR are eyeing Lions chief Kenny Jackett as a replacement for under-fire Iain Dowie" - The Sun
Southwark News/David Yuill - GOING NOWHERE
KENNY JACKETT and Zak Whitbread are going nowhere insist Millwall, who have rubbished rumours linking the club’s two most prized assets with big money moves in January.
Premiership new-boys West Brom were reportedly eyeing up a £1 million raid for 24-year-old central defender Whitbread, who has already been the subject of speculation from European heavyweights Everton.
In the following paragraph of the article printed in a national paper midweek, September's League One manager of the month Jackett was linked with a sensational move to replace under-fire QPR boss Iain Dowie at the world's richest club.
Chief Operating Officer Andy Ambler was quick to dispel both rumours as pure rubbish, telling the 'News': "I have read the news this morning [Wednesday] and it is just paper talk.
"There has not been any approach for Zak from any club since I have been at the club and the rumours about Kenny as well are absolutely ridiculous."
Ambler is Chairman John Berylson's right-hand man and adds that while the speculation can be unsettling, it is a sign of the club's recent growth. Ambler said: "It is flattering that our players and our manager are being linked with other clubs. That is a sign that we are successful, as that doesn't happen when you are losing.
"The more successful this club gets, the more we expect to see these rumours coming out in the press, but we are focussed on getting Millwall into the Championship and that means keeping our best players...."
Assistant manager Joe Gallen, who has strong family links with QPR, having watched his brother Kevin play over 300 games for the West London club, laughed off the speculation, before adding: "Our message is clear. We have been doing well and don't want to lose any of our best players.
"Zak has a growing reputation in the game, with people coming to watch him at home games and away games, that we know about as well.
"He is a very good player and - along with a host of Millwall players - is capable at playing at a higher level.
"But our plan is to grow and succeed together, to get into the Championship as a club and allow players to achieve their goals from there." Southwark News
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Combatting Discrimination, Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
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QPR Official Site ONE GAME, ONE COMMUNITY
- Queens Park Rangers Football Club will pledge its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion this weekend, by backing Kick It Out's 'One Game, One Community' initiative.
- Saturday's fixture against Nottingham Forest is our designated 'Kick It Out' match, as part of a 12-day, nationwide celebration of diversity.
- The special matchday will be one of 1000 events taking place across the country during the 'Kick It Out' week of action. All 92 professional Clubs, as well as Conference and Non-League Clubs, will also hold activities to support the initiative, alongside schools, universities and community and youth centres.
- 'Kick It Out' - the game's equality and inclusion campaign - is co-ordinating the initiative as part of football's ongoing contribution to promote greater inclusion.
- Lord Herman Ouseley, Chairman of 'Kick It Out,' commented: "The 'One Game, One Community' weeks of action provides a focal point for everyone connected to football - from supporters to players - to stand up against discrimination in all its forms.
- "The game flourishes when people from all communities, and from all walks of life, are able to participate in it. Club activity like this reinforces the 'One Game, One Community' ethos and is a vital part of the drive for equality at all levels of the game."
- To demonstrate its support of the 'One Game, One Community' message the Club will undergo the following activities on Saturday.
- *Players from both sides will wear T-shirts during the pre-match warm-up.
- *Messages from Iain Dowie, Martin Rowlands and Mikele Leigertwood will appear in the Hoops matchday programme, as well as on our Giant Screen.
- *The Club will display the 'Kick It Out' banner and flag prior to kick-off.
- *Iain Dowie and Colin Calderwood and their respective backroom staff members will wear 'Kick It Out' badges in the build up to kick-off, as well as in post-match interviews.
- *All in-house staff will wear badges throughout the day.
- QPR Sporting Director, Gianni Paladini, pledged his support to the initiative, commenting: "Queens Park Rangers are fully committed to ensuring that we are doing everything in our powers to ensure communities of all races, cultures and religions feel welcome at Loftus Road.
- "This is an initiative we feel very strongly about and will continue to support."
- R's midfielder Mikele Leigertwood, who is the Club's nominated Ambassador for the period of action, commented: "This is an issue of great concern in football and in the real world at large.
- "We need to keep working away on this issue until it is totally eradicated from our game.
- "It has improved significantly in the last 20 years or so, but there are still one or two mindless people who continue to persist with racism, whether it be in football or in life in general.
- "As a member of the QPR First Team, I speak on behalf of the entire squad when I say we are one hundred per-cent behind this scheme."
- QPR
QPR Official Site - ROWLY BACKS ANTI-RACISM CAMPAIGN
Martin Rowlands has pledged his support to Kick It Out's 'One Game, One Community' initiative.
The R's Club Captain told www.qpr.co.uk: "Our Football in the Community department work tirelessly with 'Kick It Out' all year round, culminating in this weekend's events, where both organisations' hard work can be seen by all.
"On behalf of the entire playing squad, I would like to underline the fact that there is absolutely no place for racism in football, or in any walk of life for that matter.
- "During this, the anti-racism period of action, it is the responsibility of everyone associated with football to remember this." QPR
QPR Official Site ONE GAME, ONE COMMUNITY
- Queens Park Rangers Football Club will pledge its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion this weekend, by backing Kick It Out's 'One Game, One Community' initiative.
- Saturday's fixture against Nottingham Forest is our designated 'Kick It Out' match, as part of a 12-day, nationwide celebration of diversity.
- The special matchday will be one of 1000 events taking place across the country during the 'Kick It Out' week of action. All 92 professional Clubs, as well as Conference and Non-League Clubs, will also hold activities to support the initiative, alongside schools, universities and community and youth centres.
- 'Kick It Out' - the game's equality and inclusion campaign - is co-ordinating the initiative as part of football's ongoing contribution to promote greater inclusion.
- Lord Herman Ouseley, Chairman of 'Kick It Out,' commented: "The 'One Game, One Community' weeks of action provides a focal point for everyone connected to football - from supporters to players - to stand up against discrimination in all its forms.
- "The game flourishes when people from all communities, and from all walks of life, are able to participate in it. Club activity like this reinforces the 'One Game, One Community' ethos and is a vital part of the drive for equality at all levels of the game."
- To demonstrate its support of the 'One Game, One Community' message the Club will undergo the following activities on Saturday.
- *Players from both sides will wear T-shirts during the pre-match warm-up.
- *Messages from Iain Dowie, Martin Rowlands and Mikele Leigertwood will appear in the Hoops matchday programme, as well as on our Giant Screen.
- *The Club will display the 'Kick It Out' banner and flag prior to kick-off.
- *Iain Dowie and Colin Calderwood and their respective backroom staff members will wear 'Kick It Out' badges in the build up to kick-off, as well as in post-match interviews.
- *All in-house staff will wear badges throughout the day.
- QPR Sporting Director, Gianni Paladini, pledged his support to the initiative, commenting: "Queens Park Rangers are fully committed to ensuring that we are doing everything in our powers to ensure communities of all races, cultures and religions feel welcome at Loftus Road.
- "This is an initiative we feel very strongly about and will continue to support."
- R's midfielder Mikele Leigertwood, who is the Club's nominated Ambassador for the period of action, commented: "This is an issue of great concern in football and in the real world at large.
- "We need to keep working away on this issue until it is totally eradicated from our game.
- "It has improved significantly in the last 20 years or so, but there are still one or two mindless people who continue to persist with racism, whether it be in football or in life in general.
- "As a member of the QPR First Team, I speak on behalf of the entire squad when I say we are one hundred per-cent behind this scheme."
- QPR
QPR Official Site - ROWLY BACKS ANTI-RACISM CAMPAIGN
Martin Rowlands has pledged his support to Kick It Out's 'One Game, One Community' initiative.
The R's Club Captain told www.qpr.co.uk: "Our Football in the Community department work tirelessly with 'Kick It Out' all year round, culminating in this weekend's events, where both organisations' hard work can be seen by all.
"On behalf of the entire playing squad, I would like to underline the fact that there is absolutely no place for racism in football, or in any walk of life for that matter.
- "During this, the anti-racism period of action, it is the responsibility of everyone associated with football to remember this." QPR
QPR Snippets: QPR Player Interest?...QPR/International Action
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London Informer/Paul Warburton - On the Heidar
QPR are planning a raid for Heidar Helguson in their latest bid to beef up the team's firepower.
Rangers want the Icelandic international on loan from Bolton Wanderers after being turned down in a failed bid to land Michael Chopra from Sunderland.
The Black Cats want to hold on to the much-travelled forward as cover for Djibril Cisse and Kenwyne Jones.
QPR are also waiting in the wings for Leroy Lita. " London Informer
BBC Gossip Citing Daily Mirror -"Bolton striker Heidar Helguson is the latest QPR target after the Hoops failed with a move for Michael Chopra. (Daily Mirror) BBC Gossip No more in the Mirror itself: "QPR switch sights to Heidar Helguson
By Football Spy Bolton striker Heidar Helguson is the latest QPR target after the Hoops failed in a move for Michael Chopra." Mirror
(Obviously purely coincidentally, these two player names are ones I happen to have seen mentioned on QPR messageboards!)
QPR/International Games Yesterday:
- Gorkss played for Latvia in their 1-1 draw against Israel.
- Delaney stayed on the bench in the Republic Of Ireland's 1-0 win over Cyprus - The Times
Damion Stewart's Jamaica won 1-0 over Honduras (not sure if he played) - Match Report
Meanwhile Stewart is apologizing to his Jamaica team mates:
Ealing Times/Fran Smith - QPR's Stewart apologises for fight with team mate
QPR'S Damion Stewart has apologised after he was involved in a training ground bust-up with team mates while on international duty with Jamaica.
The Rangers defender became involved in a scrap between Stoke's Ricardo Fuller and his younger brother Demar last Thursday.
Stewart, who was signed from Bradford in 2006, said he felt like "we let everyone down".
It is reported that Fuller reacted angrily to a series of challenges from Demar Stewart, the two were said to have exchanged words and then became involved in a physical exchange, at which point Damion Stewart was said to have stepped in.
"Everyone knows the importance of the game. Things got out of hand and we kind of feel like we let everyone down," the QPR player said.
"This is not the kind of example we want to be setting for the kids, it is just that we let our emotions boil over. The issue was settled though, everything is fine and we are now focused on the task."
The trio were said to have put the incident behind them in time for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Mexico, which Jamaica won 1-0 thanks to a Fuller goal." Ealing Times
London Informer/Paul Warburton - On the Heidar
QPR are planning a raid for Heidar Helguson in their latest bid to beef up the team's firepower.
Rangers want the Icelandic international on loan from Bolton Wanderers after being turned down in a failed bid to land Michael Chopra from Sunderland.
The Black Cats want to hold on to the much-travelled forward as cover for Djibril Cisse and Kenwyne Jones.
QPR are also waiting in the wings for Leroy Lita. " London Informer
BBC Gossip Citing Daily Mirror -"Bolton striker Heidar Helguson is the latest QPR target after the Hoops failed with a move for Michael Chopra. (Daily Mirror) BBC Gossip No more in the Mirror itself: "QPR switch sights to Heidar Helguson
By Football Spy Bolton striker Heidar Helguson is the latest QPR target after the Hoops failed in a move for Michael Chopra." Mirror
(Obviously purely coincidentally, these two player names are ones I happen to have seen mentioned on QPR messageboards!)
QPR/International Games Yesterday:
- Gorkss played for Latvia in their 1-1 draw against Israel.
- Delaney stayed on the bench in the Republic Of Ireland's 1-0 win over Cyprus - The Times
Damion Stewart's Jamaica won 1-0 over Honduras (not sure if he played) - Match Report
Meanwhile Stewart is apologizing to his Jamaica team mates:
Ealing Times/Fran Smith - QPR's Stewart apologises for fight with team mate
QPR'S Damion Stewart has apologised after he was involved in a training ground bust-up with team mates while on international duty with Jamaica.
The Rangers defender became involved in a scrap between Stoke's Ricardo Fuller and his younger brother Demar last Thursday.
Stewart, who was signed from Bradford in 2006, said he felt like "we let everyone down".
It is reported that Fuller reacted angrily to a series of challenges from Demar Stewart, the two were said to have exchanged words and then became involved in a physical exchange, at which point Damion Stewart was said to have stepped in.
"Everyone knows the importance of the game. Things got out of hand and we kind of feel like we let everyone down," the QPR player said.
"This is not the kind of example we want to be setting for the kids, it is just that we let our emotions boil over. The issue was settled though, everything is fine and we are now focused on the task."
The trio were said to have put the incident behind them in time for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Mexico, which Jamaica won 1-0 thanks to a Fuller goal." Ealing Times
"On This Day" - A Decade Since Gerry Francis Returned as Manager....Also Dave Sexton Appointed QPR Manager on this Date
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Two of QPR's finest managers, Dave Sexton and Gerry Francis, were both appointed as QPR manager on this day!)
- [Give YOUR view of who was QPR's best-ever manager on the new QPR Report Message Board]
One decade ago, October 16, 1998: Gerry Francis Returns as QPR's manager.
Gerry Francis returned after his Spurs managership, replacing Ray Harford (and acting manager Iain Dowie). And QPR fans thought the club would soon be back, despite its financial problems.
Francis' first game back, QPR lost 0-2 at Huddersfield: Miklosko, Barraclough Ready, Rose, Maddix Murray, Breaker, Barker, Peacock, Morrow, Sheron, Gallen - Subs: Slade, Scully, Rowland.
Independent/October 17, 1998 - Football: Francis reveals ambition on return to QPR
- GERRY FRANCIS has promised an end to "First Division mediocrity" after returning to Queen's Park Rangers for his second spell in charge.
- Francis, appointed both manager and director of football at Loftus Road, was in ebullient mood as he outlined his plans for the future. "Although I'm not setting any targets, I'm not here to keep this club in First Division mediocrity," he said. "QPR should be in the Premiership and in time that's where we intend to be."
- The west London club's chairman, Chris Wright, took the opportunity to apologise to the fans for "past mistakes", but claimed the club has now turned the corner with the appointment of Francis as Ray Harford's replacement. "I don't think this club has been very well run for several years," Wright said. "Before we came in it was run very badly and we've made lots of mistakes. But I have brought in Gerry Francis and he has blue-and-white- hooped blood. He lives and breathes QPR. He is an absolutely top-class manager."
- Francis, a QPR player, captain and manager over a period of 17 years, has signed a contract for the remainder of this season and for two more years. He added: "Over the past 11 months I've turned down flat 12 offers of work. If it hadn't been QPR who came in, I'd still be out of the game but I've got a soft spot for this club." ...Francis' tough start, page 29 - Independent
Telegraph/Christopher Davies - October 17, 1998 - Francis returns to direct QPR's fight for survival
- IT was like This Is Your Life at Loftus Road yesterday, with a video of Gerry Francis, complete with Seventies sideburns, during his playing days with Queens Park Rangers.
-What followed was a string of one-liners, confirmation that QPR are all but broke and that Vinnie Jones is moving out lock, stock and one terminating contract.
- Francis left Rangers four years ago after he felt his authority was undermined by moves to bring in Rodney Marsh as director of football.
- There will be no such problems this time as Francis returns to the club in that capacity. Introducing QPR's new manager, Francis said: "I know him well. He's a bit of a shady character. Me."
- Francis will be in charge of all aspects of football from the youth academy to managing the first team. Iain Dowie, who has been caretaker-manager, will continue as player-coach with Francis bringing in an assistant.
- Jones, player, coach and actor, will be on his way after turning down the chance to be considered as coach or assistant manager. Neither Francis nor chairman-owner Chris Wright seemed to know why Vinnie was unwilling to stay on - no doubt all will be revealed in a movie or, more likely, an exclusive tabloid interview.
- Francis was in fine form yesterday, relaxed and refreshed after spending most of the 11 months since leaving Tottenham "recharging my batteries and being with my wife and three children".
- Had he spoken to Spurs' chairman Alan Sugar? "Yes, today. He asked me to come back."
- Francis had, he said, turned down "flat" 12 offers to return to management. Then, in the wake of Ray Harford's departure, Wright rang Francis.
- The chairman did not have much of a sales patter. "Hey, Gerry. Do you fancy taking charge of this First Division club who are struggling against relegation, whose gates have halved since you were last manager [between 1991 and 1994] and with no money to spend?"
- That was the gist of it. Francis said: "I looked at the situation and thought about it for two weeks. At the end of a fortnight I was even more shocked. When I was manager of Bristol Rovers I lent the club money to buy a player. I'm not doing that here."
- So why did Francis take on "the biggest, most massive challenge of my career?" It was a toss-up between the heart and head and the heart won. Just.
- Francis tried not to make it sound corny but there was no alternative. "I have QPR in my veins. One way or the other I've been with the club for 17 years. That's a long time. I've always had a soft spot for Rangers.
- "It's a heck of a job to pull the club round to where it was when I left. It was a close decision whether I'd take the job or not. My priority is to get us away from near the bottom of the table and then sort out the club financially." That will be much easier said than done. Wright admitted that mistakes, which was putting it mildly, had been made in recent years.
- "The club haven't been well run for several years," he said. "Not before I came here or even since. I've learnt a lot and had I known two years ago what I know now history would have been different. But this doesn't make it any easier starting from where we are.
- "But I've brought in Gerry Francis and he has blue-and-white-hooped blood. He lives and breathes QPR. He's a top-class manager and the long-standing QPR connection is a bonus."
- Francis, who will become a shareholder in the plc, has signed a contract for three seasons. He is full of enthusiasm and is "particularly looking forward to negotiating the manager's salary".
- He will be at Huddersfield today only as an observer. "I hope the director of football signs my petrol docket, but he's a right so-and-so."
- Rangers barely have two pennies to rub together yet Wright, a Rangers fan since he could kick a ball, even spoke about a 40,000-capacity stadium to the west of Shepherds Bush "which would be full if we were in the Premiership".
- Dreams are for the future. A win and then a few more are what is required right now from a poor side.
- "Results don't lie," said Francis, who was the popular choice as manager but knows he will be judged only on what he does from next week. Telegraph
See also Francis Resigns and Francis reflects on his career. Also Francis/Wikipedia-- Dave Barton's Profile of Francis
Also On This Date: October 16, 1974 - Almost 35 years ago - Dave Sexton Appointed Manager of QPR
Dave Sexton appointed manager of QPR - replacing Gordon Jago (who took over at Millwall). "...Dave Sexton is appointed Q.P.R. manager and Gordon Jago takes over Millwall" Rothmans .
In QPR's first game under Sexton, QPR lose 1-0 ironically at home to Liverpool. QPR's team that day:
Parkes - Clement McClintock Webb Gillard - Rogers Beck Francis Thomas - Bowles Givens
- With the exception of the addition of Don Masson and Don Hollins, Dave Sexton inherited (and then coached to an even-higher level) Gordon Jago's team.
Two Players Made their QPR Playing Debuts on this date:
Terry Mancini October 16, 1971.
Mancini, signed by Gordon Jago for his promotion-chasing team from Orient, made his debut away to Sheffield Wednesday. QPR drew 0-0. QPR's team: Parkes - Clement Mancini Hazell Gillard - Hunt Venables Busby - Saul McCulloch Marsh - Sub Leach . Mancini Profile
And another making his debut on this date: Peter Eastoe October 16, 1976 - Siged the previous season. Eastoe made his debut coming on as sub away to Manchester City coming on for Don Givens. For more re Eastoe, see Wikipedia/Eastoe
Two of QPR's finest managers, Dave Sexton and Gerry Francis, were both appointed as QPR manager on this day!)
- [Give YOUR view of who was QPR's best-ever manager on the new QPR Report Message Board]
One decade ago, October 16, 1998: Gerry Francis Returns as QPR's manager.
Gerry Francis returned after his Spurs managership, replacing Ray Harford (and acting manager Iain Dowie). And QPR fans thought the club would soon be back, despite its financial problems.
Francis' first game back, QPR lost 0-2 at Huddersfield: Miklosko, Barraclough Ready, Rose, Maddix Murray, Breaker, Barker, Peacock, Morrow, Sheron, Gallen - Subs: Slade, Scully, Rowland.
Independent/October 17, 1998 - Football: Francis reveals ambition on return to QPR
- GERRY FRANCIS has promised an end to "First Division mediocrity" after returning to Queen's Park Rangers for his second spell in charge.
- Francis, appointed both manager and director of football at Loftus Road, was in ebullient mood as he outlined his plans for the future. "Although I'm not setting any targets, I'm not here to keep this club in First Division mediocrity," he said. "QPR should be in the Premiership and in time that's where we intend to be."
- The west London club's chairman, Chris Wright, took the opportunity to apologise to the fans for "past mistakes", but claimed the club has now turned the corner with the appointment of Francis as Ray Harford's replacement. "I don't think this club has been very well run for several years," Wright said. "Before we came in it was run very badly and we've made lots of mistakes. But I have brought in Gerry Francis and he has blue-and-white- hooped blood. He lives and breathes QPR. He is an absolutely top-class manager."
- Francis, a QPR player, captain and manager over a period of 17 years, has signed a contract for the remainder of this season and for two more years. He added: "Over the past 11 months I've turned down flat 12 offers of work. If it hadn't been QPR who came in, I'd still be out of the game but I've got a soft spot for this club." ...Francis' tough start, page 29 - Independent
Telegraph/Christopher Davies - October 17, 1998 - Francis returns to direct QPR's fight for survival
- IT was like This Is Your Life at Loftus Road yesterday, with a video of Gerry Francis, complete with Seventies sideburns, during his playing days with Queens Park Rangers.
-What followed was a string of one-liners, confirmation that QPR are all but broke and that Vinnie Jones is moving out lock, stock and one terminating contract.
- Francis left Rangers four years ago after he felt his authority was undermined by moves to bring in Rodney Marsh as director of football.
- There will be no such problems this time as Francis returns to the club in that capacity. Introducing QPR's new manager, Francis said: "I know him well. He's a bit of a shady character. Me."
- Francis will be in charge of all aspects of football from the youth academy to managing the first team. Iain Dowie, who has been caretaker-manager, will continue as player-coach with Francis bringing in an assistant.
- Jones, player, coach and actor, will be on his way after turning down the chance to be considered as coach or assistant manager. Neither Francis nor chairman-owner Chris Wright seemed to know why Vinnie was unwilling to stay on - no doubt all will be revealed in a movie or, more likely, an exclusive tabloid interview.
- Francis was in fine form yesterday, relaxed and refreshed after spending most of the 11 months since leaving Tottenham "recharging my batteries and being with my wife and three children".
- Had he spoken to Spurs' chairman Alan Sugar? "Yes, today. He asked me to come back."
- Francis had, he said, turned down "flat" 12 offers to return to management. Then, in the wake of Ray Harford's departure, Wright rang Francis.
- The chairman did not have much of a sales patter. "Hey, Gerry. Do you fancy taking charge of this First Division club who are struggling against relegation, whose gates have halved since you were last manager [between 1991 and 1994] and with no money to spend?"
- That was the gist of it. Francis said: "I looked at the situation and thought about it for two weeks. At the end of a fortnight I was even more shocked. When I was manager of Bristol Rovers I lent the club money to buy a player. I'm not doing that here."
- So why did Francis take on "the biggest, most massive challenge of my career?" It was a toss-up between the heart and head and the heart won. Just.
- Francis tried not to make it sound corny but there was no alternative. "I have QPR in my veins. One way or the other I've been with the club for 17 years. That's a long time. I've always had a soft spot for Rangers.
- "It's a heck of a job to pull the club round to where it was when I left. It was a close decision whether I'd take the job or not. My priority is to get us away from near the bottom of the table and then sort out the club financially." That will be much easier said than done. Wright admitted that mistakes, which was putting it mildly, had been made in recent years.
- "The club haven't been well run for several years," he said. "Not before I came here or even since. I've learnt a lot and had I known two years ago what I know now history would have been different. But this doesn't make it any easier starting from where we are.
- "But I've brought in Gerry Francis and he has blue-and-white-hooped blood. He lives and breathes QPR. He's a top-class manager and the long-standing QPR connection is a bonus."
- Francis, who will become a shareholder in the plc, has signed a contract for three seasons. He is full of enthusiasm and is "particularly looking forward to negotiating the manager's salary".
- He will be at Huddersfield today only as an observer. "I hope the director of football signs my petrol docket, but he's a right so-and-so."
- Rangers barely have two pennies to rub together yet Wright, a Rangers fan since he could kick a ball, even spoke about a 40,000-capacity stadium to the west of Shepherds Bush "which would be full if we were in the Premiership".
- Dreams are for the future. A win and then a few more are what is required right now from a poor side.
- "Results don't lie," said Francis, who was the popular choice as manager but knows he will be judged only on what he does from next week. Telegraph
See also Francis Resigns and Francis reflects on his career. Also Francis/Wikipedia-- Dave Barton's Profile of Francis
Also On This Date: October 16, 1974 - Almost 35 years ago - Dave Sexton Appointed Manager of QPR
Dave Sexton appointed manager of QPR - replacing Gordon Jago (who took over at Millwall). "...Dave Sexton is appointed Q.P.R. manager and Gordon Jago takes over Millwall" Rothmans .
In QPR's first game under Sexton, QPR lose 1-0 ironically at home to Liverpool. QPR's team that day:
Parkes - Clement McClintock Webb Gillard - Rogers Beck Francis Thomas - Bowles Givens
- With the exception of the addition of Don Masson and Don Hollins, Dave Sexton inherited (and then coached to an even-higher level) Gordon Jago's team.
Two Players Made their QPR Playing Debuts on this date:
Terry Mancini October 16, 1971.
Mancini, signed by Gordon Jago for his promotion-chasing team from Orient, made his debut away to Sheffield Wednesday. QPR drew 0-0. QPR's team: Parkes - Clement Mancini Hazell Gillard - Hunt Venables Busby - Saul McCulloch Marsh - Sub Leach . Mancini Profile
And another making his debut on this date: Peter Eastoe October 16, 1976 - Siged the previous season. Eastoe made his debut coming on as sub away to Manchester City coming on for Don Givens. For more re Eastoe, see Wikipedia/Eastoe
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Dani Parejo Updates His Blog: Loving London - Weather Excepted; Still Adjusting to English Championship Football
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Dani Parejo Blog/ GuillemBalague.com - An elevator, a cup win and even more rain
My blog this week comes all the way from Spain. I'm currently on international duty with the Spanish U21's down in Murcia.
I didn’t play at the weekend but its still great to be with the squad, Spanish football is on a bit of a high at the moment and the talent - even amongst this group of younger players - is just incredible. I must admit as well that its good to back in Spain for a while and amongst some of my old mates.
Don’t get me wrong, I'm settling in well in London and absolutely loving the City, it's one of the best places in the world. Apart from the weather. I know I went on about the weather last time, but I've been in England for four months and it hasn't stopped raining yet. Although I hear the sun came out as soon as I arrived in Spain the other day. Typical.
I've not been missing home though as I've had lots of mates over from Spain since I've been in London, my cousin has been staying with me for a couple of weeks, my sister is coming over to learn English soon and my parents are with me the whole time.
I haven't spent all that much time at our new house in Brentford as - when I've been in London - we've been doing lots of stuff in the City, visiting the tourist attractions and showing my mates around. My cousin isn't going to forget his trip to London in a hurry after we went to a drinks thing at QPR one night. A word of advice, when the person operating the elevator tells you that the it has a maximum capacity of 10 persons, it's probably best to listen to them. We spent 15 minutes trapped in a lift with 13 people and while we got out alright in the end, my cousin and I lost a few kilos in the process, it was like a sauna!
At QPR the league results have gone against us since my last post, we've gone three games without a win, but we'll bounce back I'm sure. We're not playing badly so everyone remains confident and we're due a win in the league, starting against Nottingham Forest this weekend. However, we had a great win in the Carling Cup and beat Aston Villa 1-0 up in Birmingham. That has set us up with a massive game in the next round up at Manchester United, which I'm obviously really looking forward to playing in.
I haven't been to see a Premiership match yet, but I'm good mates with Fernando Torres and he's told me all about what it's like at Liverpool, he loves it. He been going on about the incredible support at Anfield and the way the fans live for their team up there. I'm hoping to see the game against Atletico Madrid if I get the chance, that's going to be something special.
I'm fairly pleased with how its going for me personally, I'm doing my best to learn the ropes here and to give my all for the team. I started out as an attacking midfielder , as someone who likes to play behind the strikers, but I'm developing my game in the centre of midfield as well and have been playing in both positions for QPR.
I haven't scored yet, which is disappointing for me as I'm a midfielder who likes to get on the score sheet: I scored 8 or 9 goals last season, as I do most seasons, so I'm aiming to help out with at least that many for QPR. I'm not putting myself under any pressure though as I have had around 7 or 8 assists so far this season - including the ball for Damion's header to give us the win against Aston Villa in the Cup.
I'm still adjusting to the football played here. It's almost a completely different game to the football played in Spain, it's so much more physical and I'm having to adapt to spending a lot of time battling for the second ball. It is a fantastic experience for me and I'm learning a lot as a footballer and developing another side to my game. I have always been known for my touch and technique, but playing here is forcing me to develop a more physical side - as well as teaching me a lot about hard work and a more aggressive, committed way of playing.
I'm learning about what it means to give everything for the team and to get stuck in, to not let your head drop out there on the pitch. It's an experience that is going to improve me and my time here is going to make me a much better all round player. Guillembalague.com
[Discuss this - as well as any oother QPR-related topics - on the new QPR Report Message Board]
Dani Parejo Blog/ GuillemBalague.com - An elevator, a cup win and even more rain
My blog this week comes all the way from Spain. I'm currently on international duty with the Spanish U21's down in Murcia.
I didn’t play at the weekend but its still great to be with the squad, Spanish football is on a bit of a high at the moment and the talent - even amongst this group of younger players - is just incredible. I must admit as well that its good to back in Spain for a while and amongst some of my old mates.
Don’t get me wrong, I'm settling in well in London and absolutely loving the City, it's one of the best places in the world. Apart from the weather. I know I went on about the weather last time, but I've been in England for four months and it hasn't stopped raining yet. Although I hear the sun came out as soon as I arrived in Spain the other day. Typical.
I've not been missing home though as I've had lots of mates over from Spain since I've been in London, my cousin has been staying with me for a couple of weeks, my sister is coming over to learn English soon and my parents are with me the whole time.
I haven't spent all that much time at our new house in Brentford as - when I've been in London - we've been doing lots of stuff in the City, visiting the tourist attractions and showing my mates around. My cousin isn't going to forget his trip to London in a hurry after we went to a drinks thing at QPR one night. A word of advice, when the person operating the elevator tells you that the it has a maximum capacity of 10 persons, it's probably best to listen to them. We spent 15 minutes trapped in a lift with 13 people and while we got out alright in the end, my cousin and I lost a few kilos in the process, it was like a sauna!
At QPR the league results have gone against us since my last post, we've gone three games without a win, but we'll bounce back I'm sure. We're not playing badly so everyone remains confident and we're due a win in the league, starting against Nottingham Forest this weekend. However, we had a great win in the Carling Cup and beat Aston Villa 1-0 up in Birmingham. That has set us up with a massive game in the next round up at Manchester United, which I'm obviously really looking forward to playing in.
I haven't been to see a Premiership match yet, but I'm good mates with Fernando Torres and he's told me all about what it's like at Liverpool, he loves it. He been going on about the incredible support at Anfield and the way the fans live for their team up there. I'm hoping to see the game against Atletico Madrid if I get the chance, that's going to be something special.
I'm fairly pleased with how its going for me personally, I'm doing my best to learn the ropes here and to give my all for the team. I started out as an attacking midfielder , as someone who likes to play behind the strikers, but I'm developing my game in the centre of midfield as well and have been playing in both positions for QPR.
I haven't scored yet, which is disappointing for me as I'm a midfielder who likes to get on the score sheet: I scored 8 or 9 goals last season, as I do most seasons, so I'm aiming to help out with at least that many for QPR. I'm not putting myself under any pressure though as I have had around 7 or 8 assists so far this season - including the ball for Damion's header to give us the win against Aston Villa in the Cup.
I'm still adjusting to the football played here. It's almost a completely different game to the football played in Spain, it's so much more physical and I'm having to adapt to spending a lot of time battling for the second ball. It is a fantastic experience for me and I'm learning a lot as a footballer and developing another side to my game. I have always been known for my touch and technique, but playing here is forcing me to develop a more physical side - as well as teaching me a lot about hard work and a more aggressive, committed way of playing.
I'm learning about what it means to give everything for the team and to get stuck in, to not let your head drop out there on the pitch. It's an experience that is going to improve me and my time here is going to make me a much better all round player. Guillembalague.com
[Discuss this - as well as any oother QPR-related topics - on the new QPR Report Message Board]
Reserves Crush Lewes...QPR Open Day....Perspective re QPR Youth Players Released
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QPR Official Site - IN RESERVE: BALANTA BAGS BRACE
An Angelo Balanta-inspired QPR Reserves cruised to a 6-0 victory over their Lewes counterparts at a wet and windy Loftus Road.
The Colombian bagged a brace and made the second for Romone Rose who tapped into an empty net. Reserve Manager Gareth Ainsworth added a third before Balanta's brilliance led to his second and Rangers' fourth.
With the game well and truly safe there was just time for Chris Flood to cap off a fine personal performance with a fifth and fine sixth.
For the visit of Lewes, Ainsworth selected himself at right back, whilst also handing starts to first teamers Adam Bolder, Balanta and Samuel Di Carmine.
Jake Cole, returning from injury, was preferred to Lee Camp in goal.
Under the watchful eye of First Team coach Iain Dowie in the stands, the R's started brightly despite the overcast conditions and nearly took an early lead but Romone Rose could only drag his shot wide.
Rangers next shot was on target this time and it was striker Balanta who tested visiting keeper Seb Barton from 20 yards.
Balanta tried again seconds later when, after picking up Rose's infield pass, he jinked his way into the area before firing a left foot shot that needed another smart stop from Barton. From the resultant corner, Ed Harris headed over.
With constant Rangers pressure the deadlock was finally broken just before the hour mark. Rose escaped down the right, left the Lewes full back for dead, cut back a pass for Balanta who took a touch to steady and switch to his left foot before firing an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.
The game settled and began to simmer after the goal with the R's dominating possession, but could only fabricate a few half chances for first Chris Arthur, and then Captain Joe Oastler, to show for their efforts.
However, in first half injury time, rangers added second. Lewes won a free-kick on the edge of the R's penalty area and, in clearing the danger, substitute Flood was set free down the right. His brilliant early cross found an unmarked Balanta who took the ball into the box, rounded keeper Barton who managed to get a touch to the ball and knock it away from the forward. Unfortunately for him, he knocked it into the path of Rose who tapped into an empty net.
The second half opened with a bang and it was the gaffer himself who got the third. Good trickery from Femi Ilesanmi to get out of danger allowed the left back to feed Flood who turned and sent a searching ball out to Ainsworth on the right. The winger cut inside, jinked past another defender before accurately firing past Barton.
Flood, who'd been impressing since coming on, was almost rewarded for his efforts but his overhead kick landed on top of the net instead of inside it.
Minutes later, the moment of the match. Brilliant build up play all over the park, in particular involving Bolder and Balanta, saw the former send an excellent ball into the feet of the latter on the edge of the six-yard box, who dragged the ball away from the despairing dive of the defender, swivelled round towards goal and picked his spot into the roof of the net.
Rangers were strolling towards the finishing line and a one-two between Flood and Damiano Tommasi in the area, saw the former Italy international curl an effort wide of the left and post.
With quarter of an hour left to play, Balanta should've sealed his hat-trick. A wonderful cross-field pass from Arthur found him in space and as he set himself he forced the keeper to commit one way but couldn't squeeze his shot through the retreating Lewes defence. His follow up was even worse, flying high over the bar.
Rangers did add a fifth and it was the hardworking Flood who held off a defender after picking up Bolder's through ball before sliding a shot under the onrushing Barton to score a well-deserved goal.
Not content with just one, Flood then let rip from the edge of the box to make the score 6-0 and see the R's well and truly high and dry.
QPR Reserves: Cole, Ainsworth, Oastler, Ilesamni, Harris, Bolder, Balanta, Rose (Maguire), Arthur, Di Carmine (Flood), Tommasi. Subs: Crowther.
Lewes Reserves: Barton, Hall, Storrie, Beda, Sappleton, Sackey, Wheeler, Elliott (Foreman), Koroma (Rivers), Fenelon, Bell. Subs: Essam, Osborn. QPR
QPR Official Site -FESTIVE FUN AT OUR FAMILY OPEN DAY
The Club will be holding a Family Open Day at Loftus Road on Tuesday 23rd December - and we want you to be part of it!
Have you ever wondered what a First Team training session entails?
Do you want to see Akos Buzsaky and co strutting their stuff on the hallowed Loftus Road turf during a series of small-sided games?
Have you got a question you'd like to ask a player in a post-training press conference in the R's newly refurbished press room?
Well now is your chance to get closer to the action, as the Club opens its doors to its Season Ticket holders and Members at the Family Open Day.
Starting at 10.00am, the R's players will be put through their paces by Iain Dowie and co, as the preparations for our Boxing Day clash against local rivals Charlton Athletic continue apace.
Supporters will have the chance to watch the entire hour-long training session, before the R's boss and a couple of his players make their way up to the press room for a brief Q and A session with a select group of fans. All those supporters who book their place will have the opportunity of being picked at random prior to the event, to ask a question to their QPR heroes.
The players will also be on hand to sign autographs and pose for photos, so don't forget to bring you camera along to savour every minute of this truly unique day.
Our popular mascot - Spark - will also be in attendance, while a special Santa's grotto will be set up in the Superstore for our younger fans, who will be rewarded with a complimentary festive gift.
Face painting and balloon modelling will also be on offer in and around the ground, while the adults can get into the festive spirit by sampling some of our special mulled wine, which will be available in the kiosks.
Entrance is FREE for all Season Ticket holders and members, but tickets are limited, so book early! To secure your FREE ticket, e-mail boxoffice@qpr.co.uk with the subject header FAMILY FUN DAY.
Please ensure you include your full name and client reference number. QPR
South London/Richard Cawley - Tooting winger lands Reading trial
TOOTING & Mitcham winger Michael Antonio is training with Reading this week... Tooting boss Billy Smith said: "I don’t mind...
Tooting’s victory at Hastings means they have now won eight and drawn one of their last 10 matches - pushing them up to second in the table. And they went on that run after being thumped 7-0 by Ashford Town (Middx) at the end of August....
"I have changed the team a bit since then and the boys who have come in have done really well," said Smith. "The two lads we signed from QPR - Aaron Goode and Andrew Howell - are really useful. I was lucky enough to get them when the new owners went in there and let most of the really good youth team players go...."
." South London
QPR Official Site - IN RESERVE: BALANTA BAGS BRACE
An Angelo Balanta-inspired QPR Reserves cruised to a 6-0 victory over their Lewes counterparts at a wet and windy Loftus Road.
The Colombian bagged a brace and made the second for Romone Rose who tapped into an empty net. Reserve Manager Gareth Ainsworth added a third before Balanta's brilliance led to his second and Rangers' fourth.
With the game well and truly safe there was just time for Chris Flood to cap off a fine personal performance with a fifth and fine sixth.
For the visit of Lewes, Ainsworth selected himself at right back, whilst also handing starts to first teamers Adam Bolder, Balanta and Samuel Di Carmine.
Jake Cole, returning from injury, was preferred to Lee Camp in goal.
Under the watchful eye of First Team coach Iain Dowie in the stands, the R's started brightly despite the overcast conditions and nearly took an early lead but Romone Rose could only drag his shot wide.
Rangers next shot was on target this time and it was striker Balanta who tested visiting keeper Seb Barton from 20 yards.
Balanta tried again seconds later when, after picking up Rose's infield pass, he jinked his way into the area before firing a left foot shot that needed another smart stop from Barton. From the resultant corner, Ed Harris headed over.
With constant Rangers pressure the deadlock was finally broken just before the hour mark. Rose escaped down the right, left the Lewes full back for dead, cut back a pass for Balanta who took a touch to steady and switch to his left foot before firing an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.
The game settled and began to simmer after the goal with the R's dominating possession, but could only fabricate a few half chances for first Chris Arthur, and then Captain Joe Oastler, to show for their efforts.
However, in first half injury time, rangers added second. Lewes won a free-kick on the edge of the R's penalty area and, in clearing the danger, substitute Flood was set free down the right. His brilliant early cross found an unmarked Balanta who took the ball into the box, rounded keeper Barton who managed to get a touch to the ball and knock it away from the forward. Unfortunately for him, he knocked it into the path of Rose who tapped into an empty net.
The second half opened with a bang and it was the gaffer himself who got the third. Good trickery from Femi Ilesanmi to get out of danger allowed the left back to feed Flood who turned and sent a searching ball out to Ainsworth on the right. The winger cut inside, jinked past another defender before accurately firing past Barton.
Flood, who'd been impressing since coming on, was almost rewarded for his efforts but his overhead kick landed on top of the net instead of inside it.
Minutes later, the moment of the match. Brilliant build up play all over the park, in particular involving Bolder and Balanta, saw the former send an excellent ball into the feet of the latter on the edge of the six-yard box, who dragged the ball away from the despairing dive of the defender, swivelled round towards goal and picked his spot into the roof of the net.
Rangers were strolling towards the finishing line and a one-two between Flood and Damiano Tommasi in the area, saw the former Italy international curl an effort wide of the left and post.
With quarter of an hour left to play, Balanta should've sealed his hat-trick. A wonderful cross-field pass from Arthur found him in space and as he set himself he forced the keeper to commit one way but couldn't squeeze his shot through the retreating Lewes defence. His follow up was even worse, flying high over the bar.
Rangers did add a fifth and it was the hardworking Flood who held off a defender after picking up Bolder's through ball before sliding a shot under the onrushing Barton to score a well-deserved goal.
Not content with just one, Flood then let rip from the edge of the box to make the score 6-0 and see the R's well and truly high and dry.
QPR Reserves: Cole, Ainsworth, Oastler, Ilesamni, Harris, Bolder, Balanta, Rose (Maguire), Arthur, Di Carmine (Flood), Tommasi. Subs: Crowther.
Lewes Reserves: Barton, Hall, Storrie, Beda, Sappleton, Sackey, Wheeler, Elliott (Foreman), Koroma (Rivers), Fenelon, Bell. Subs: Essam, Osborn. QPR
QPR Official Site -FESTIVE FUN AT OUR FAMILY OPEN DAY
The Club will be holding a Family Open Day at Loftus Road on Tuesday 23rd December - and we want you to be part of it!
Have you ever wondered what a First Team training session entails?
Do you want to see Akos Buzsaky and co strutting their stuff on the hallowed Loftus Road turf during a series of small-sided games?
Have you got a question you'd like to ask a player in a post-training press conference in the R's newly refurbished press room?
Well now is your chance to get closer to the action, as the Club opens its doors to its Season Ticket holders and Members at the Family Open Day.
Starting at 10.00am, the R's players will be put through their paces by Iain Dowie and co, as the preparations for our Boxing Day clash against local rivals Charlton Athletic continue apace.
Supporters will have the chance to watch the entire hour-long training session, before the R's boss and a couple of his players make their way up to the press room for a brief Q and A session with a select group of fans. All those supporters who book their place will have the opportunity of being picked at random prior to the event, to ask a question to their QPR heroes.
The players will also be on hand to sign autographs and pose for photos, so don't forget to bring you camera along to savour every minute of this truly unique day.
Our popular mascot - Spark - will also be in attendance, while a special Santa's grotto will be set up in the Superstore for our younger fans, who will be rewarded with a complimentary festive gift.
Face painting and balloon modelling will also be on offer in and around the ground, while the adults can get into the festive spirit by sampling some of our special mulled wine, which will be available in the kiosks.
Entrance is FREE for all Season Ticket holders and members, but tickets are limited, so book early! To secure your FREE ticket, e-mail boxoffice@qpr.co.uk with the subject header FAMILY FUN DAY.
Please ensure you include your full name and client reference number. QPR
South London/Richard Cawley - Tooting winger lands Reading trial
TOOTING & Mitcham winger Michael Antonio is training with Reading this week... Tooting boss Billy Smith said: "I don’t mind...
Tooting’s victory at Hastings means they have now won eight and drawn one of their last 10 matches - pushing them up to second in the table. And they went on that run after being thumped 7-0 by Ashford Town (Middx) at the end of August....
"I have changed the team a bit since then and the boys who have come in have done really well," said Smith. "The two lads we signed from QPR - Aaron Goode and Andrew Howell - are really useful. I was lucky enough to get them when the new owners went in there and let most of the really good youth team players go...."
." South London
Dowie Not Planning Sell Camp!...Dowie's Urgent Striker Desire...Interesting Statistical Look at QPR Season Starts....Ainsworth View
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Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Camp confusion
QPR boss Iain Dowie has no plans to get rid of Lee Camp, despite reports that the goalkeeper has been put up for sale.
Rangers' sporting director Gianni Paladini stated earlier this week that Camp, who has not featured in the league since the summer arrival of Radek Cerny, was available for transfer.
But Dowie insisted: "I haven't put him on the transfer list. Lee trains hard every day and I've got a good relationship with him.
"Obviously he's disappointed that he isn't in the team at the moment, but I expect him to crack on and keep working hard, the same as anyone else in the squad."
Camp, 24, was one of QPR's most consistent performers last season after joining the club in a £300,000 transfer from Derby.
Rangers are reported to be eyeing Peterborough's England under-21 keeper Joe Lewis as a replacement if Camp leaves. Kilburn Times
Ben Kosky Kilburn Times - Dowie's forward thinking
IAIN Dowie has urged the QPR board to sign a striker as soon as possible and end his side's goal drought.
Rangers, whose squad includes just two established forwards in Dexter Blackstock and Patrick Agyemang, have found the net only once in their last four Championship games.
Now Dowie has told sporting director Gianni Paladini he needs a Premier League frontman on loan, but the Rs boss does not anticipate any new arrivals ahead of Saturday's home clash with bottom club Nottingham Forest.
"I've always said we were short in a couple of areas and if we could, we'd like to bring another forward in," Dowie told the Times.
"We've had scouts at games and we've got one or two irons in the fire, but - although things can change very quickly - at the moment we're a long way off from getting there.
"Now we've got to concentrate on what we do against Forest and it's important we get back to the excellent home form we had until recently. Even against Derby we didn't play that well, but neither did they and we still had the better chances - and we should have got more out of the Blackpool and Birmingham games than we did.
"The fact is we're still one point off the play-offs and in the last 16 of the Carling Cup without really spending any money."
On paper, the Forest game should represent an ideal opportunity for QPR to recapture their early season form, with Colin Calderwood's side struggling to adapt after finishing second in League One last season.
The Midlanders, who suffered relegation the last time they visited Loftus Road in 2005, have lost six of their last seven league games, but Dowie is backing Calderwood to reverse their fortunes.
"I know Colin well and he'll be smarting a bit with what's gone on this season, but it takes time to settle into this league," added Dowie.
"They've got two centre-forwards who have caught the eye in Rob Earnshaw and Nathan Tyson and they've also got a number of good young players there like James Perch and Lewis McGugan, so there's a good balance.
"We'll treat Forest with the ultimate regard and do our homework all week. I'm sure Colin will be fine and I'll wish him all the best after Saturday."
Apart from long-term absentee Rowan Vine, Rangers have no injury concerns, but defender Damion Stewart is likely to be rested after a gruelling international double header.
Kaspars Gorkss is expected to play his second game in four days for Latvia on Wednesday night against Israel, so Matthew Connolly is the prime candidate to step into central defence alongside Fitz Hall.
Dowie is likely to change the side around again three days later when QPR make their first ever trip to the Liberty Stadium to take on Swansea City (kick-off 7.45pm). Kilburn Times
An interesting analysis by Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Stats rarely tell the full story
THE first 10 games of a league campaign are often regarded as a fairly reliable litmus test for a club's chances of success.
And, with QPR dropping to 11th place in the Championship after picking up just one point from their last four outings, it's perhaps understandable that fans have begun to question their team's capabilities.
Or is it? A glance at Rangers' recent record suggests that, in fact, the first 10 matches have little bearing on their prospects for the remainder of the season.
This is QPR's 10th season at this level since relegation from the Premier League and the current team's total of 14 points is better than the average return from the first 10 games in each of those campaigns.
Statistically, the Rs' best start came in the aftermath of promotion in 2004/05, when Ian Holloway's side wobbled initially before embarking on a run of seven straight victories.
Ultimately, a lack of depth in the squad cost Rangers the chance of a play-off push and that winning streak proved to be insurance against a relegation battle.
Hopes were high again the following season and QPR garnered 15 points from their first 10 games - yet Holloway's protracted sacking destabilised the club and, although never in danger, they eventually finished just one place above the drop zone.
It was a similar story back in the autumn of 1997, when Stewart Houston had splashed out big money on John Spencer, Gavin Peacock and Mike Sheron and Loftus Road was brimming with confidence.
Houston's team won five of their first 10 games and reached second place in the table - only for the wins and the funds to dry up at an alarming rate and they staved off relegation by just one point.
The next year Rangers could only muster six points in 10 games, but they somehow beat the drop on goal difference thanks to an extraordinary 6-0 thrashing of Crystal Palace on the last day.
By contrast, when the Rs' luck finally ran out and they plunged into the third tier in 2000/01, they had actually collected a reasonable return of 11 points from their first 10 games that season.
So what does any of this prove? Well, the most significant statistic when you compare Rangers' recent history is that their best finishes have come in a season WITHOUT a change of manager.
Gerry Francis led them to ninth place in 1999/2000 and Holloway's side ended the campaign 11th in 2004/05. Every other recent season has been a struggle.
Houston's sacking in 1997, Ray Harford's nine-month reign in 1998, the dismissals of Holloway and Gary Waddock... even with the significant investment that followed John Gregory's exit last season, Rangers could only finish 14th.
The message is very clear to those grumbling at Iain Dowie's selections and systems at the moment. Chopping and changing has never got QPR anywhere in the past.
Despite hitting a bumpy patch of late, Dowie has organised his team into a determined unit that can pull off wins at Norwich (with 10 men) and Aston Villa, the kind of results they would never have achieved in recent years.
Coupled with the flowing football we saw at the start of the season, that is reason enough for fans to cut him a little slack. Whether Dowie's bosses are acquainted with reason and common sense, though, is another matter. Kilburn Times
Gareth Ainsworth/Kilburn Times - Step on the Gaz
I'VE never known a footballer play better when he's being booed and I don't like to hear it - but I can understand why it happens sometimes.
If someone's not trying and it's perfectly obvious that he isn't giving 100 per cent, then voicing your opinion is probably justified. But I don't think you can confuse that with a player making a genuine mistake.
The whole issue has come up again because Ashley Cole was booed at Wembley the other day and, without discussing that particular incident too much, I'd like to point out a couple of things.
Throughout my career, I've never come across any player who wasn't giving his all - especially in my time at QPR - and if that was the case, he'd be dug out in training anyway.
Sometimes you get people joining in with booing just because of peer pressure - and David Beckham was a classic example of that 10 years ago.
He got booed everywhere after his red card in the World Cup, but he matured quickly despite that. I bet none of the people who booed Beckham did it when his free-kick took England to another World Cup finals a few years later.
Anyway, after yet another round of internationals, we're back to the nitty-gritty of league games with Nottingham Forest and then Swansea.
Forest have got plenty of firepower with the likes of Rob Earnshaw, Nathan Tyson and Lee Martin, the boy from Man United, so it's surprising that they're down where they are.
I think Forest were one of the victims of the Premiership parachute system - they ended up paying big wages in League One and had to have a bit of a revamp before they were able to start moving up again.
QPR have been there too, so we can empathise with Forest and I'm sure they'll find their feet soon, but hopefully not before we've shown them what we can do.
It's a game where we have to be looking for three points, not that it's going to be any easier than Birmingham was - that's how close the league is and how I think it's going to be all season.
Swansea's going to be tough - they've turned a few teams over already and it's clear that they're not the Swansea of old.
This side get the ball down and play, they've got a good lad up front in Jason Scotland and the new stadium warrants Championship football.
Their manager Roberto Martinez was my room-mate when we played at Walsall a few years back and it looks like he's had a big influence on the game in south Wales.
I should be able to speak a bit more Spanish with him now than I did at Walsall - and hopefully it'll be to offer my commiserations after we take the three points! Kilburn Times
[Discuss these, or any other QPR-related topics on the new QPR Report Message Board]
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Camp confusion
QPR boss Iain Dowie has no plans to get rid of Lee Camp, despite reports that the goalkeeper has been put up for sale.
Rangers' sporting director Gianni Paladini stated earlier this week that Camp, who has not featured in the league since the summer arrival of Radek Cerny, was available for transfer.
But Dowie insisted: "I haven't put him on the transfer list. Lee trains hard every day and I've got a good relationship with him.
"Obviously he's disappointed that he isn't in the team at the moment, but I expect him to crack on and keep working hard, the same as anyone else in the squad."
Camp, 24, was one of QPR's most consistent performers last season after joining the club in a £300,000 transfer from Derby.
Rangers are reported to be eyeing Peterborough's England under-21 keeper Joe Lewis as a replacement if Camp leaves. Kilburn Times
Ben Kosky Kilburn Times - Dowie's forward thinking
IAIN Dowie has urged the QPR board to sign a striker as soon as possible and end his side's goal drought.
Rangers, whose squad includes just two established forwards in Dexter Blackstock and Patrick Agyemang, have found the net only once in their last four Championship games.
Now Dowie has told sporting director Gianni Paladini he needs a Premier League frontman on loan, but the Rs boss does not anticipate any new arrivals ahead of Saturday's home clash with bottom club Nottingham Forest.
"I've always said we were short in a couple of areas and if we could, we'd like to bring another forward in," Dowie told the Times.
"We've had scouts at games and we've got one or two irons in the fire, but - although things can change very quickly - at the moment we're a long way off from getting there.
"Now we've got to concentrate on what we do against Forest and it's important we get back to the excellent home form we had until recently. Even against Derby we didn't play that well, but neither did they and we still had the better chances - and we should have got more out of the Blackpool and Birmingham games than we did.
"The fact is we're still one point off the play-offs and in the last 16 of the Carling Cup without really spending any money."
On paper, the Forest game should represent an ideal opportunity for QPR to recapture their early season form, with Colin Calderwood's side struggling to adapt after finishing second in League One last season.
The Midlanders, who suffered relegation the last time they visited Loftus Road in 2005, have lost six of their last seven league games, but Dowie is backing Calderwood to reverse their fortunes.
"I know Colin well and he'll be smarting a bit with what's gone on this season, but it takes time to settle into this league," added Dowie.
"They've got two centre-forwards who have caught the eye in Rob Earnshaw and Nathan Tyson and they've also got a number of good young players there like James Perch and Lewis McGugan, so there's a good balance.
"We'll treat Forest with the ultimate regard and do our homework all week. I'm sure Colin will be fine and I'll wish him all the best after Saturday."
Apart from long-term absentee Rowan Vine, Rangers have no injury concerns, but defender Damion Stewart is likely to be rested after a gruelling international double header.
Kaspars Gorkss is expected to play his second game in four days for Latvia on Wednesday night against Israel, so Matthew Connolly is the prime candidate to step into central defence alongside Fitz Hall.
Dowie is likely to change the side around again three days later when QPR make their first ever trip to the Liberty Stadium to take on Swansea City (kick-off 7.45pm). Kilburn Times
An interesting analysis by Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Stats rarely tell the full story
THE first 10 games of a league campaign are often regarded as a fairly reliable litmus test for a club's chances of success.
And, with QPR dropping to 11th place in the Championship after picking up just one point from their last four outings, it's perhaps understandable that fans have begun to question their team's capabilities.
Or is it? A glance at Rangers' recent record suggests that, in fact, the first 10 matches have little bearing on their prospects for the remainder of the season.
This is QPR's 10th season at this level since relegation from the Premier League and the current team's total of 14 points is better than the average return from the first 10 games in each of those campaigns.
Statistically, the Rs' best start came in the aftermath of promotion in 2004/05, when Ian Holloway's side wobbled initially before embarking on a run of seven straight victories.
Ultimately, a lack of depth in the squad cost Rangers the chance of a play-off push and that winning streak proved to be insurance against a relegation battle.
Hopes were high again the following season and QPR garnered 15 points from their first 10 games - yet Holloway's protracted sacking destabilised the club and, although never in danger, they eventually finished just one place above the drop zone.
It was a similar story back in the autumn of 1997, when Stewart Houston had splashed out big money on John Spencer, Gavin Peacock and Mike Sheron and Loftus Road was brimming with confidence.
Houston's team won five of their first 10 games and reached second place in the table - only for the wins and the funds to dry up at an alarming rate and they staved off relegation by just one point.
The next year Rangers could only muster six points in 10 games, but they somehow beat the drop on goal difference thanks to an extraordinary 6-0 thrashing of Crystal Palace on the last day.
By contrast, when the Rs' luck finally ran out and they plunged into the third tier in 2000/01, they had actually collected a reasonable return of 11 points from their first 10 games that season.
So what does any of this prove? Well, the most significant statistic when you compare Rangers' recent history is that their best finishes have come in a season WITHOUT a change of manager.
Gerry Francis led them to ninth place in 1999/2000 and Holloway's side ended the campaign 11th in 2004/05. Every other recent season has been a struggle.
Houston's sacking in 1997, Ray Harford's nine-month reign in 1998, the dismissals of Holloway and Gary Waddock... even with the significant investment that followed John Gregory's exit last season, Rangers could only finish 14th.
The message is very clear to those grumbling at Iain Dowie's selections and systems at the moment. Chopping and changing has never got QPR anywhere in the past.
Despite hitting a bumpy patch of late, Dowie has organised his team into a determined unit that can pull off wins at Norwich (with 10 men) and Aston Villa, the kind of results they would never have achieved in recent years.
Coupled with the flowing football we saw at the start of the season, that is reason enough for fans to cut him a little slack. Whether Dowie's bosses are acquainted with reason and common sense, though, is another matter. Kilburn Times
Gareth Ainsworth/Kilburn Times - Step on the Gaz
I'VE never known a footballer play better when he's being booed and I don't like to hear it - but I can understand why it happens sometimes.
If someone's not trying and it's perfectly obvious that he isn't giving 100 per cent, then voicing your opinion is probably justified. But I don't think you can confuse that with a player making a genuine mistake.
The whole issue has come up again because Ashley Cole was booed at Wembley the other day and, without discussing that particular incident too much, I'd like to point out a couple of things.
Throughout my career, I've never come across any player who wasn't giving his all - especially in my time at QPR - and if that was the case, he'd be dug out in training anyway.
Sometimes you get people joining in with booing just because of peer pressure - and David Beckham was a classic example of that 10 years ago.
He got booed everywhere after his red card in the World Cup, but he matured quickly despite that. I bet none of the people who booed Beckham did it when his free-kick took England to another World Cup finals a few years later.
Anyway, after yet another round of internationals, we're back to the nitty-gritty of league games with Nottingham Forest and then Swansea.
Forest have got plenty of firepower with the likes of Rob Earnshaw, Nathan Tyson and Lee Martin, the boy from Man United, so it's surprising that they're down where they are.
I think Forest were one of the victims of the Premiership parachute system - they ended up paying big wages in League One and had to have a bit of a revamp before they were able to start moving up again.
QPR have been there too, so we can empathise with Forest and I'm sure they'll find their feet soon, but hopefully not before we've shown them what we can do.
It's a game where we have to be looking for three points, not that it's going to be any easier than Birmingham was - that's how close the league is and how I think it's going to be all season.
Swansea's going to be tough - they've turned a few teams over already and it's clear that they're not the Swansea of old.
This side get the ball down and play, they've got a good lad up front in Jason Scotland and the new stadium warrants Championship football.
Their manager Roberto Martinez was my room-mate when we played at Walsall a few years back and it looks like he's had a big influence on the game in south Wales.
I should be able to speak a bit more Spanish with him now than I did at Walsall - and hopefully it'll be to offer my commiserations after we take the three points! Kilburn Times
[Discuss these, or any other QPR-related topics on the new QPR Report Message Board]
New QPR Message Board - QPR Report Messageboard
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QPR Report Message Board
After several years of QPR Report, a sister QPR Report Message Board was "launched" this week. For those interested, the board can be viewed at QPR Report Messageboard.
The sole focus of the QPR Report Messageboard is QPR matters, on and off the field; present and past; as well as possibly a limited focus on broader Football ("soccer!") concerns. Nothing else.
QPR Report Messageboard is open to all QPR supporters. Its operating premise is that supporting QPR is what we all have in common and is the reason for why people are on the board. There is no "official" message board perspective regarding QPR matters. Critics, skeptics, defenders, and boosters; and everyone in between, are all very welcome to participate. It is anticipated - or at least hoped - that this will be a forum bereft of ad-hominem attacks and slurs; where other peoples' perspectives will be tolerated, if not always agreed with; and where people actually live out the well-worn cliche: "To disagree without being disagreeable."
- QPR Report Message Board.
QPR Report Message Board
After several years of QPR Report, a sister QPR Report Message Board was "launched" this week. For those interested, the board can be viewed at QPR Report Messageboard.
The sole focus of the QPR Report Messageboard is QPR matters, on and off the field; present and past; as well as possibly a limited focus on broader Football ("soccer!") concerns. Nothing else.
QPR Report Messageboard is open to all QPR supporters. Its operating premise is that supporting QPR is what we all have in common and is the reason for why people are on the board. There is no "official" message board perspective regarding QPR matters. Critics, skeptics, defenders, and boosters; and everyone in between, are all very welcome to participate. It is anticipated - or at least hoped - that this will be a forum bereft of ad-hominem attacks and slurs; where other peoples' perspectives will be tolerated, if not always agreed with; and where people actually live out the well-worn cliche: "To disagree without being disagreeable."
- QPR Report Message Board.
Snippets: Jackett to Replace Dowie?...Venables to Replace Dowie?...Gorkss vs Ben Sahar?
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A seemingly-unlikely one-liner from the Sun, saying QPR are interested in former QPR Assistant Manager under Ian Holloway, Millwall's current manager, Kenny Jackett
- "QPR are eyeing Lions chief Kenny Jackett as a replacement for under-fire Iain Dowie." The Sun -
Alternatively: the old Terry-Venables-to-Manage-QPR story again!
- "QPR will turn to former England manager Terry Venables, who counts Rangers among his former clubs, if current boss Iain Dowie fails to keep the club in the promotion picture." (Daily Mirror) - BBC Gossip
Daily Mirror/Alan Nixon - Exclusive: QPR close in on Terry Venables
Ambitious QPR will turn to former boss Terry Venables - if Iain Dowie fails to keep them in the promotion race for the Premier League.
Venables' name is top of the emergency list at the billionaire-backed London outfit and there could be a dramatic move for the one-time Hoops chief to return and lead them back to the big time.
Under-pressure Dowie was carpeted after the last game and 'reminded of what is expected'.
Venables, 65, who recently turned down an offer to take over at Newcastle on a part-time basis, could be tempted by QPR where he made a huge impression in the 80s." Mirror
And Daily Mail follow up re Venables - QPR 'consider return of former England boss Venables' as pressure mounts on Dowie
Queens Park Rangers manager Iain Dowie is unlikely to be surprised by another name being linked with his post at Loftus Road.
However he may have raised an eyebrow when the name is former England, Tottenham and QPR boss Terry Venables.
Venables was extremely popular in that corner of west London playing for the Hoops from 1969 to 1974 and managing them between 1980 and 1984.
The 65-year-old is the frame to take over the QPR post temporarily if the club's super-rich backers begin to doubt Dowie can lead the club to a serious promotion push this season.
Rangers have scored just once in their last four league games and scored just once.
After the defeat to Birmingham Dowie said: 'With the money, you get the expectation that comes with it. You know what modern football is like. You win three games in a row and you’re a hero. You lose three and you’re the devil incarnate. I don’t worry about that.’ Daily Mail
[One year ago today: Franesco Guidolin confirmed he'd been offered the QPR managership! - Guidolin confirms QPR Offer - and then-profiles of Guidolin!]
- Kaspars Gorkss set to play for Latvia against Israel (maybe even against ex-QPR loan, Ben Sahar - or maybe one-time QPR target, Omer Golan!) - Latvia vs Israel
- Ex-QPR Director Dunga unhappy: "Brazil manager Dunga claims his team were the target of dirty tricks before their 4-0 victory in Venezuela on Sunday with delayed transport, harassment at their hotel, and food poisoning all alleged. (Daily Telegraph)" - BBC Gossip
[Discuss this, or any other QPR-related topic on the new QPR Report Message Board]
A seemingly-unlikely one-liner from the Sun, saying QPR are interested in former QPR Assistant Manager under Ian Holloway, Millwall's current manager, Kenny Jackett
- "QPR are eyeing Lions chief Kenny Jackett as a replacement for under-fire Iain Dowie." The Sun -
Alternatively: the old Terry-Venables-to-Manage-QPR story again!
- "QPR will turn to former England manager Terry Venables, who counts Rangers among his former clubs, if current boss Iain Dowie fails to keep the club in the promotion picture." (Daily Mirror) - BBC Gossip
Daily Mirror/Alan Nixon - Exclusive: QPR close in on Terry Venables
Ambitious QPR will turn to former boss Terry Venables - if Iain Dowie fails to keep them in the promotion race for the Premier League.
Venables' name is top of the emergency list at the billionaire-backed London outfit and there could be a dramatic move for the one-time Hoops chief to return and lead them back to the big time.
Under-pressure Dowie was carpeted after the last game and 'reminded of what is expected'.
Venables, 65, who recently turned down an offer to take over at Newcastle on a part-time basis, could be tempted by QPR where he made a huge impression in the 80s." Mirror
And Daily Mail follow up re Venables - QPR 'consider return of former England boss Venables' as pressure mounts on Dowie
Queens Park Rangers manager Iain Dowie is unlikely to be surprised by another name being linked with his post at Loftus Road.
However he may have raised an eyebrow when the name is former England, Tottenham and QPR boss Terry Venables.
Venables was extremely popular in that corner of west London playing for the Hoops from 1969 to 1974 and managing them between 1980 and 1984.
The 65-year-old is the frame to take over the QPR post temporarily if the club's super-rich backers begin to doubt Dowie can lead the club to a serious promotion push this season.
Rangers have scored just once in their last four league games and scored just once.
After the defeat to Birmingham Dowie said: 'With the money, you get the expectation that comes with it. You know what modern football is like. You win three games in a row and you’re a hero. You lose three and you’re the devil incarnate. I don’t worry about that.’ Daily Mail
[One year ago today: Franesco Guidolin confirmed he'd been offered the QPR managership! - Guidolin confirms QPR Offer - and then-profiles of Guidolin!]
- Kaspars Gorkss set to play for Latvia against Israel (maybe even against ex-QPR loan, Ben Sahar - or maybe one-time QPR target, Omer Golan!) - Latvia vs Israel
- Ex-QPR Director Dunga unhappy: "Brazil manager Dunga claims his team were the target of dirty tricks before their 4-0 victory in Venezuela on Sunday with delayed transport, harassment at their hotel, and food poisoning all alleged. (Daily Telegraph)" - BBC Gossip
[Discuss this, or any other QPR-related topic on the new QPR Report Message Board]
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Ex-QPR Youth Player Wins "Player of The Round" Award...No Camp in QPR Reserve Squad Against Lewes
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Congratulations to ex-QPR's Dean Lodge for winning the "E.On Player of the Round" award for his four second half goals for Kinsgtonian. (After being released by QPR in 2004, Lodge was at Beckenham Town and Kingstonian, as well as loan Bassingstoke Town"
FA/Glenn Lavery - Dean's honour
The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON - E.ON Player of the Round 2008-09 Second Round Qualifying
Kingstonian midfielder Dean Lodge received the 'E.ON Player of the Round' award after his four-goal haul against Braintree Town secured the K's passage into The FA Cup Third Round Qualifying, and the 22-year-old says it is a privilege to receive recognition for his remarkable performance.
All four of Lodge's goals came in the second half and he received 44 per cent of the vote for his efforts, just ahead of Sutton United's Billy Dunn. He also saw off the challenge of three other hat-trick heroes in Martin Tuohy, Danny Harris and Terry Fearns and is the second player to receive the 'E.ON Player of the Round' accolade this season, after Dartford 'keeper Deren Ibrahim picked up the award for his performance in the First Round Qualifying.
"To be voted ‘Player of the Round’ is an honour," Lodge beamed. "I did have a lot of friends - and friends of friends - voting for me, but I must say a big thank you to all the Kingstonian fans, because I think most of our fans voted for me. They even put a link to the poll on their website to encourage more people to vote, so I'm really grateful to them."
With the score goalless at half-time and with the visitors down to ten men, Lodge seized the opportunity and turned in a tremendous 45 minutes, scoring all of Kingstonian's goals in a 4-0 victory, but scoring two of the goals against one of his friends made these particular strikes even more satisfying.
"The four goals came quite quick and they were all a bit of a blur, but I was delighted to get the win and get myself on the scoresheet," he said.
"I played against the Braintree 'keeper - Craig Holloway - a few times when we were younger; I was at QPR and he was at Arsenal and we've stayed in touch. After I scored my first two goals, he went off injured, but I think the real reason was because he didn't want me scoring a hat-trick against him!" he joked.
Kingstonian dreams of FA Cup glory may have been ended by Hayes & Yeading United at the weekend, but when asked for his favourite FA Cup memory of all time, Lodge cited three short sentences that will be revered by every Manchester United fan for generations:
Ryan Giggs' incredible dribble and emphatic finish against the Gunners in the 1999 FA Cup Semi-Final at Villa Park is one of the most iconic goals to ever be scored in The FA Cup and was one of the key contributor's to United's subsequent push to their historic treble.
"I watched that game on TV with a few of my mates who are Arsenal fans and it didn't look good when we went down to ten men," Lodge recalled. "We were all preparing ourselves for penalties and then Giggsy came up with that bit of magic and I was buzzing."
‘Buzzing’ he certainly will be when he takes his place at Wembley Stadium for this season's Final, having won two VIP tickets alongside his ‘E.ON Player of the Round’ award.
"I can't wait," Lodge admitted. "I have never been to Wembley in my life, so that makes the award even sweeter. The closest I've been to the stadium is when I once picked my mum up from across the road!"
In the meantime, Lodge’s focus is firmly fixed on Kingstonian’s push for promotion to the Ryman Premier League. Having scored five league goals so far this season to add to his impressive FA Cup tally, Lodge hopes he can continue his fine form in front of goal as he looks to help the K’s maintain their position at the top of the Ryman Division One South.
"We just missed out on the play-off's last year, but made a few good signings in the summer, and we're going for promotion at the very least. We’ve started well, now we have to make sure we keep that going and I’ll be doing all I can to help us do just that."
The vote for the ‘E.ON Player of the Round’ for the Third Round Qualifying is now open. Click here to submit your vote The 'E.ON Player of the Round' award is presented to the outstanding player at each stage of competition, starting from the First Round Qualifying all the way to the Semi-Final.
'E.ON Player of the Round' winners will receive VIP hospitality for themselves and their guest at The FA Cup Final on Saturday 30 May 2009.
The winner of each award will also be presented with a commemorative trophy. League
Official Site - IN RESERVE: LEWES SQUAD NAMED
QPR Reserves are back in action in the Totesport.com Combination League tomorrow (Wednesday), when Lewes travel to Loftus Road.
Gareth Ainsworth has once again selected a strong squad for the fixture, naming Adam Bolder, Angelo Balanta, Samuel Di Carmine and Damiano Tommasi in his 14 man squad.
The match kicks off at 2.00pm.
Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £3 for Under-16's.
However, Season Ticket holders can enter free of charge, on the production of their booklets. QPR
Congratulations to ex-QPR's Dean Lodge for winning the "E.On Player of the Round" award for his four second half goals for Kinsgtonian. (After being released by QPR in 2004, Lodge was at Beckenham Town and Kingstonian, as well as loan Bassingstoke Town"
FA/Glenn Lavery - Dean's honour
The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON - E.ON Player of the Round 2008-09 Second Round Qualifying
Kingstonian midfielder Dean Lodge received the 'E.ON Player of the Round' award after his four-goal haul against Braintree Town secured the K's passage into The FA Cup Third Round Qualifying, and the 22-year-old says it is a privilege to receive recognition for his remarkable performance.
All four of Lodge's goals came in the second half and he received 44 per cent of the vote for his efforts, just ahead of Sutton United's Billy Dunn. He also saw off the challenge of three other hat-trick heroes in Martin Tuohy, Danny Harris and Terry Fearns and is the second player to receive the 'E.ON Player of the Round' accolade this season, after Dartford 'keeper Deren Ibrahim picked up the award for his performance in the First Round Qualifying.
"To be voted ‘Player of the Round’ is an honour," Lodge beamed. "I did have a lot of friends - and friends of friends - voting for me, but I must say a big thank you to all the Kingstonian fans, because I think most of our fans voted for me. They even put a link to the poll on their website to encourage more people to vote, so I'm really grateful to them."
With the score goalless at half-time and with the visitors down to ten men, Lodge seized the opportunity and turned in a tremendous 45 minutes, scoring all of Kingstonian's goals in a 4-0 victory, but scoring two of the goals against one of his friends made these particular strikes even more satisfying.
"The four goals came quite quick and they were all a bit of a blur, but I was delighted to get the win and get myself on the scoresheet," he said.
"I played against the Braintree 'keeper - Craig Holloway - a few times when we were younger; I was at QPR and he was at Arsenal and we've stayed in touch. After I scored my first two goals, he went off injured, but I think the real reason was because he didn't want me scoring a hat-trick against him!" he joked.
Kingstonian dreams of FA Cup glory may have been ended by Hayes & Yeading United at the weekend, but when asked for his favourite FA Cup memory of all time, Lodge cited three short sentences that will be revered by every Manchester United fan for generations:
Ryan Giggs' incredible dribble and emphatic finish against the Gunners in the 1999 FA Cup Semi-Final at Villa Park is one of the most iconic goals to ever be scored in The FA Cup and was one of the key contributor's to United's subsequent push to their historic treble.
"I watched that game on TV with a few of my mates who are Arsenal fans and it didn't look good when we went down to ten men," Lodge recalled. "We were all preparing ourselves for penalties and then Giggsy came up with that bit of magic and I was buzzing."
‘Buzzing’ he certainly will be when he takes his place at Wembley Stadium for this season's Final, having won two VIP tickets alongside his ‘E.ON Player of the Round’ award.
"I can't wait," Lodge admitted. "I have never been to Wembley in my life, so that makes the award even sweeter. The closest I've been to the stadium is when I once picked my mum up from across the road!"
In the meantime, Lodge’s focus is firmly fixed on Kingstonian’s push for promotion to the Ryman Premier League. Having scored five league goals so far this season to add to his impressive FA Cup tally, Lodge hopes he can continue his fine form in front of goal as he looks to help the K’s maintain their position at the top of the Ryman Division One South.
"We just missed out on the play-off's last year, but made a few good signings in the summer, and we're going for promotion at the very least. We’ve started well, now we have to make sure we keep that going and I’ll be doing all I can to help us do just that."
The vote for the ‘E.ON Player of the Round’ for the Third Round Qualifying is now open. Click here to submit your vote The 'E.ON Player of the Round' award is presented to the outstanding player at each stage of competition, starting from the First Round Qualifying all the way to the Semi-Final.
'E.ON Player of the Round' winners will receive VIP hospitality for themselves and their guest at The FA Cup Final on Saturday 30 May 2009.
The winner of each award will also be presented with a commemorative trophy. League
Official Site - IN RESERVE: LEWES SQUAD NAMED
QPR Reserves are back in action in the Totesport.com Combination League tomorrow (Wednesday), when Lewes travel to Loftus Road.
Gareth Ainsworth has once again selected a strong squad for the fixture, naming Adam Bolder, Angelo Balanta, Samuel Di Carmine and Damiano Tommasi in his 14 man squad.
The match kicks off at 2.00pm.
Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £3 for Under-16's.
However, Season Ticket holders can enter free of charge, on the production of their booklets. QPR
Kaspars Gorkss Speaks
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UEFA/Mihail Korolev - Gorkšs progress bodes well for Latvia
With Marians Pahars and Imants Bleidelis no longer in the Latvia reckoning and Maris Verpakovskis considered too old, defender Kaspars Gorkšs is leading the country's next generation.
-- 'Difficult periods'
These are good times for Gorkšs. Three years ago the towering centre-back was on the fringe of the national team, struggling to make the step up from the Under-21s while turning out for Swedish top-flight strugglers Assyriska Föreningen. Now at Queen's Park Rangers FC, pushing for a place in the English top flight, he is one of the first names on Latvia coach Aleksandrs Starkovs' team sheet. "If somebody had told me three years ago I would be playing in England and be a starter for the national team, I wouldn't have believed them," said Gorkšs. "There have been difficult periods in my career, so I couldn't have envisaged such a scenario."
-- Ventspils spell
Gorkšs' career looked to have faltered before it had really begun when a three-year spell in Sweden with Östers IF and Assyriska Föreningen ended with his return to Latvia – and a move to FK Ventspils – in 2006. Instead, it proved the catalyst for greater things. He made an immediate impression, playing a key role as Ventspils won the Latvian title and earning a dream transfer to England. "I remember the Ventspils boys and still have a good relationship with them, calling them from time to time," said the 26-year-old. "I would never have made it to QPR without Ventspils."
-- Step up
His first port of call in England was Blackpool FC. The Riga-born defender arrived during the 2006/07 campaign and made 50 appearances for the one-time FA Cup winners. Although he settled in Lancashire, Gorkšs did not think twice when London-based QPR came calling this summer. "This is a step forward as Queen's Park Rangers have more ambitions than Blackpool," he said. "QPR want to be in the Premier League – that says it all. If we don't make the play-offs, it is a failure. I'm dreaming about promotion, because playing in the top flight would be comparable only with getting to a European Championship or World Cup with Latvia."
-- Advice
It is perhaps more likely. Latvia sit fourth in FIFA World Cup qualifying Group 2 after losing two of their first three matches. Gorkšs has played every minute, and if selected to face Israel in Riga on Wednesday he will win his 21st cap. "It's a big honour and I'm delighted to play for my country," he said, before giving advice to any budding Latvian player. "It's possible to play in England but you have to work hard – I'm living proof of that. I still don't have Premier League experience, but I hope I'm not far from it. You have to be ambitious and believe in yourself, take it step by step." UEFA
UEFA/Mihail Korolev - Gorkšs progress bodes well for Latvia
With Marians Pahars and Imants Bleidelis no longer in the Latvia reckoning and Maris Verpakovskis considered too old, defender Kaspars Gorkšs is leading the country's next generation.
-- 'Difficult periods'
These are good times for Gorkšs. Three years ago the towering centre-back was on the fringe of the national team, struggling to make the step up from the Under-21s while turning out for Swedish top-flight strugglers Assyriska Föreningen. Now at Queen's Park Rangers FC, pushing for a place in the English top flight, he is one of the first names on Latvia coach Aleksandrs Starkovs' team sheet. "If somebody had told me three years ago I would be playing in England and be a starter for the national team, I wouldn't have believed them," said Gorkšs. "There have been difficult periods in my career, so I couldn't have envisaged such a scenario."
-- Ventspils spell
Gorkšs' career looked to have faltered before it had really begun when a three-year spell in Sweden with Östers IF and Assyriska Föreningen ended with his return to Latvia – and a move to FK Ventspils – in 2006. Instead, it proved the catalyst for greater things. He made an immediate impression, playing a key role as Ventspils won the Latvian title and earning a dream transfer to England. "I remember the Ventspils boys and still have a good relationship with them, calling them from time to time," said the 26-year-old. "I would never have made it to QPR without Ventspils."
-- Step up
His first port of call in England was Blackpool FC. The Riga-born defender arrived during the 2006/07 campaign and made 50 appearances for the one-time FA Cup winners. Although he settled in Lancashire, Gorkšs did not think twice when London-based QPR came calling this summer. "This is a step forward as Queen's Park Rangers have more ambitions than Blackpool," he said. "QPR want to be in the Premier League – that says it all. If we don't make the play-offs, it is a failure. I'm dreaming about promotion, because playing in the top flight would be comparable only with getting to a European Championship or World Cup with Latvia."
-- Advice
It is perhaps more likely. Latvia sit fourth in FIFA World Cup qualifying Group 2 after losing two of their first three matches. Gorkšs has played every minute, and if selected to face Israel in Riga on Wednesday he will win his 21st cap. "It's a big honour and I'm delighted to play for my country," he said, before giving advice to any budding Latvian player. "It's possible to play in England but you have to work hard – I'm living proof of that. I still don't have Premier League experience, but I hope I'm not far from it. You have to be ambitious and believe in yourself, take it step by step." UEFA
Blackstock Prefers a Partner...Gavin Mahon's Perspective...Buszaky's Hungarian Return and Ex-QPR Paul Murray
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London Informer/Paul Warburton - Blackstock: I prefer to hunt in a pair
Dexter Blackstock wants to keep a 4-4-2 formation but isn’t sure that would end QPR’s mini-slump in form.
Rangers have taken only one from a possible 12 Championship points, and apart from cashing in on a rebound against Blackpool two weeks ago for a 1-1 draw, the striker has also failed to find the net in the last four games.
Blackstock and co had to endure another barren Saturday in the last outing against Birmingham - their third in a row – and the forward is praying for a turnaround in fortunes.
At St Andrews, Patrick Agyemang and he started together, but Blackstock was still left scratching his head as to why they came back from the midlands with a 1-0 defeat.
He said: “Would I prefer to hunt in a pair? Yes. Whether it’s the best formation for the team I don’t know, but any formation would be good if we were getting the results.
“It’s been a mixture of things that have gone wrong – and we’ve not been getting the rub of the green in the last two games.
“So now we have a test, and the game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday will be a hard match.” London Informer
Eurosport - 60 seconds with Gavin Mahon (Football-related Excerpts)
Eurosport-Yahoo grilled Queens Park Rangers' hardman midfielder Gavin Mahon on a series of important issues, such as why he hates Finland.
Who is your sporting hero?
I have to say Steven Gerrard. Every player looks up to him. He's just got better and better and he's been so successful....
Who is the best player you have ever played with?
When I played with Jermaine Pennant at Watford, you'd give him the ball and he'd do things with it, just go past people.
What is your least favourite away ground?
Rotherham's old ground Millmoor was poor. The pitch was bad and the changing rooms were separated by a thin wall so you could hear the other manager's team talk from next door! Welling United's was bad in non-league, you'd get changed with only plywood between you and you had to share toilets - you'd go before the match and see their centre-half on his way out! Eurosport
Goal.com Buszaky Return
"...Sandor Torghelle and Roland Juhasz headed the Magyars to victory, and coach Erwin Koeman would also have been pleased with the return to form of QPR's Akos Buszaky who provided the assist for Juhasz..." Goal.com
Shropshire Star - [Paul] Murray Hits Comeback Trail
Key midfielder Paul Murray has hit the comeback trail by returning to full training with Shrewsbury Town.
The 32-year-old, whose last act in a Town shirt was to score a late winner at Exeter in the 1-0 League Two triumph on August 16, has spent almost two months on the sidelines with an Achilles problem.
But the former QPR, Carlisle and Gretna man has been involved in training with his team-mates since Friday, and was pencilled in to play some part in a behind-close-doors friendly against Crewe today." Shropshire Star
London Informer/Paul Warburton - Blackstock: I prefer to hunt in a pair
Dexter Blackstock wants to keep a 4-4-2 formation but isn’t sure that would end QPR’s mini-slump in form.
Rangers have taken only one from a possible 12 Championship points, and apart from cashing in on a rebound against Blackpool two weeks ago for a 1-1 draw, the striker has also failed to find the net in the last four games.
Blackstock and co had to endure another barren Saturday in the last outing against Birmingham - their third in a row – and the forward is praying for a turnaround in fortunes.
At St Andrews, Patrick Agyemang and he started together, but Blackstock was still left scratching his head as to why they came back from the midlands with a 1-0 defeat.
He said: “Would I prefer to hunt in a pair? Yes. Whether it’s the best formation for the team I don’t know, but any formation would be good if we were getting the results.
“It’s been a mixture of things that have gone wrong – and we’ve not been getting the rub of the green in the last two games.
“So now we have a test, and the game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday will be a hard match.” London Informer
Eurosport - 60 seconds with Gavin Mahon (Football-related Excerpts)
Eurosport-Yahoo grilled Queens Park Rangers' hardman midfielder Gavin Mahon on a series of important issues, such as why he hates Finland.
Who is your sporting hero?
I have to say Steven Gerrard. Every player looks up to him. He's just got better and better and he's been so successful....
Who is the best player you have ever played with?
When I played with Jermaine Pennant at Watford, you'd give him the ball and he'd do things with it, just go past people.
What is your least favourite away ground?
Rotherham's old ground Millmoor was poor. The pitch was bad and the changing rooms were separated by a thin wall so you could hear the other manager's team talk from next door! Welling United's was bad in non-league, you'd get changed with only plywood between you and you had to share toilets - you'd go before the match and see their centre-half on his way out! Eurosport
Goal.com Buszaky Return
"...Sandor Torghelle and Roland Juhasz headed the Magyars to victory, and coach Erwin Koeman would also have been pleased with the return to form of QPR's Akos Buszaky who provided the assist for Juhasz..." Goal.com
Shropshire Star - [Paul] Murray Hits Comeback Trail
Key midfielder Paul Murray has hit the comeback trail by returning to full training with Shrewsbury Town.
The 32-year-old, whose last act in a Town shirt was to score a late winner at Exeter in the 1-0 League Two triumph on August 16, has spent almost two months on the sidelines with an Achilles problem.
But the former QPR, Carlisle and Gretna man has been involved in training with his team-mates since Friday, and was pencilled in to play some part in a behind-close-doors friendly against Crewe today." Shropshire Star
Books About QPR
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As noted yesterday, there is a new book about QPR "The Little Book About QPR" by David Clayton"
Trying to list other books in which QPR Focus predominantly or at least significantly (besides the annuals such as Rothman Football Yearbook):
I've listed a number. But there must be others I've ommitted. Suggestions welcome!
SOME OTHER BOOKS ABOUT QPR
- Gordon Macey "Queen's Park Rangers: A Complete Record"
- Dennis Signy "A history of Queen's Park Rangers football club"
- Gordon Macey - Definitive Queen's Park Rangers F.C.- Tony Williams "Queens Park Rangers Football Club"
-Queen's Park Rangers (Britain in Old Photographs) - by William Powell
- Queen's Park Rangers Football Club An A-Z (Paperback
- QPR Football Archive Book
- David Shaoul - The History of Queens Park Rangers 1882-1990
- Official Queens Park Rangers FC Annual (Hardcover
- Stan Bowles: The Autobiography
- Stan Bowles "Stan The Man"
- Rodney Marsh - Priceless My Autobiograph
- Rodney Marsh: Shooting To The Top
- Robert Steen: The Mavericks: English Football When Flair Wore Flares
- Venables: The Autobiography - by Tery Venables and Neil Hanson
- SIr Les: Autobiography of Les Ferdinand
ADDENDUM
- There's Only One Clive Allen
- The History of Queens Park Rangers by R.J. Hayter (1948)
- The facts about a Football Club featuring Queens Park Rangers (1976)
- The Official History of Queens Park Rangers by Gordon Macey (1999)
- Heroes in Hoops - QPR players A-Z (2002)
- Loftus Road Legends vol 1 (2003)
- The facts about a Football Club featuring Queens Park Rangers
- AKUTRs Collection - "But first an apology"
Many Thanks for these additional books
[Discuss this topic on the new QPR Report Messageboard]
As noted yesterday, there is a new book about QPR "The Little Book About QPR" by David Clayton"
Trying to list other books in which QPR Focus predominantly or at least significantly (besides the annuals such as Rothman Football Yearbook):
I've listed a number. But there must be others I've ommitted. Suggestions welcome!
SOME OTHER BOOKS ABOUT QPR
- Gordon Macey "Queen's Park Rangers: A Complete Record"
- Dennis Signy "A history of Queen's Park Rangers football club"
- Gordon Macey - Definitive Queen's Park Rangers F.C.- Tony Williams "Queens Park Rangers Football Club"
-Queen's Park Rangers (Britain in Old Photographs) - by William Powell
- Queen's Park Rangers Football Club An A-Z (Paperback
- QPR Football Archive Book
- David Shaoul - The History of Queens Park Rangers 1882-1990
- Official Queens Park Rangers FC Annual (Hardcover
- Stan Bowles: The Autobiography
- Stan Bowles "Stan The Man"
- Rodney Marsh - Priceless My Autobiograph
- Rodney Marsh: Shooting To The Top
- Robert Steen: The Mavericks: English Football When Flair Wore Flares
- Venables: The Autobiography - by Tery Venables and Neil Hanson
- SIr Les: Autobiography of Les Ferdinand
ADDENDUM
- There's Only One Clive Allen
- The History of Queens Park Rangers by R.J. Hayter (1948)
- The facts about a Football Club featuring Queens Park Rangers (1976)
- The Official History of Queens Park Rangers by Gordon Macey (1999)
- Heroes in Hoops - QPR players A-Z (2002)
- Loftus Road Legends vol 1 (2003)
- The facts about a Football Club featuring Queens Park Rangers
- AKUTRs Collection - "But first an apology"
Many Thanks for these additional books
[Discuss this topic on the new QPR Report Messageboard]
Snippets: QPR's Need for Another Forward?...Two Ex-QPR Birthdays...Year Flashback: QPR Bottom..Holloway and Mancienne Looking...Nardiello's Injury
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Ricky Brooks/Goal.com - Do Queens Park Rangers Need Another Forward?Following QPR's recent defeat away at Birmingham City, manager Iain Dowie admitted he may be in the market for a striker. With Rangers having failed to win in their last four league games, is a new forward just what they're looking for?
- Queens Park Rangers started the season as one of the favourites to win promotion from the Championship to the Premier League according to the bookmakers. Although they have billionaire backing which makes them one of the wealthiest clubs in the world, the R's spent relatively little over the summer. Of the nine players who have arrived at Loftus Road this summer only one was not either a free transfer or loan, Kaspars Gorkss, and his transfer fee was only around £250,000.
- Rangers' recruits so far this season include one goalkeeper (Radek Cerny), two defenders (Peter Ramage and Kaspars Gorkss), five midfielders (Matteo Alberti, Emmanuel Ledesma, Dani Parejo, Lee Cook and Damiano Tommassi) and a solitary striker (Samuel Di Carmine). Following the 1-0 defeat to Birimingham City before the international break, Hoops boss Iain Dowie revealed that the club could be in the loan market for a striker, telling BBC London: "I've said all along that there are one or two areas I'd like to strengthen, that's something we'll do when it's the right character."
- Having started the season rather brightly, winning four of their first six league games and only losing once, QPR were sitting pretty in the play-off zone. Aside from the 4-1 thrashing of Southampton however, Rangers had not been prolific in front of goal scoring ten times. Since their 1-0 win away at Norwich City, Iain Dowie's team have picked up only one point from a possible twelve, finding the back of the net only once in that period.
- Of the eleven goals QPR have scored in the league this season, five of them have come from Dexter Blackstock who is only bettered by Kevin Doyle, Chris Iwelumo and Ross McCormack in the Championship scoring charts. In a recent interview, Blackstock told the club's official website that while he acknowledges the club have not been performing to their potential in recent games he has been happy with his own form, even if it has not kept the club in the promotion hunt.
- "We've suffered a dip in form over the last couple of weeks but that was always going to happen at some stage," stated Blackstock. He continued: "We made a great start to the season but we couldn't go through the whole year showing that type of form, that's unrealistic. I'm happy with the start I've made, it's been nice to get amongst the goals. If I keep plugging away and get a few more, then it bodes well for the future."
- Only one other forward has been on the score sheet in the Championship for QPR in the 2008/09 campaign, Patrick Agyemange who scored in the 4-1 win over Southampton in September. This could be due to the formation which Rangers have adopted this season, playing many of their games with one forward. However, Fitz Hall is the only other member of the squad to have scored more than once in the league, with Ledesma and Rowlands the only two midfielders to have found the back of the net.
- The R's do have plenty of options in midfield and defence, aside from left back perhaps, but are slightly shorter in attacking numbers. Both Samuel Di Carmine and Angelo Balanta are young and inexperienced and Rowan Vine is still recovering from a broken leg suffered last season. That leaves only Blackstock and Agyemang as the fully fit senior forwards available for selection and while the former has started every leage game, the latter has featured in only eight and six of them coming off the bench.
- The question therefore is do QPR need to bring in another forward on loan? Would a change of formation back to a 4-4-2 be more beneficial, allowing Blackstock to be paired with Agyemang? Could one of either Di Carmine or Balanta come in and do a job for the R's? Or should the Hoops perhaps employ one of either Buzsaky or Ledesma in a more attacking role just behind the lone striker? Whatever the answer may be, the fact remains that QPR need to start scoring more goals if they are to mount a serious challenge for promotion this season. Ricky Brooks, Goal.com
Ex-QPR Birthdays Although technically, Rehman is only on loan from QPR.
Zesh Rehman Turns 25:
- Born October 14, 1983. Signed from by Gary Waddock from Fulham in August 2006. Went out on loan a couple of times. Currently on long-term loan at Blackpool. See Rehman/Wikpedia
Clarke Carlisle Turns 29
Born: October 14, 1979. Signed from Blackpool by Gerry Francis in July 2000. Left QPR to join Leeds in July 2004. Then went to Watford and now at Burnley. Carlisle/Wikipedia
Flashback a year:
A year ago, after nine games, QPR were bottom with six points (and a minus 12 goal difference; and had scored two goals at home.
Repeating what's been in various papers over the last few days:
BBC Gossip
Ian Holloway, who parted company with Leicester in May, is in line to become the new manager of struggling League One side Swindon. (Daily Star) [Although Swindon have denied it; Holloway was at Swindon's last game. When Bill Power and Mark Devlin were at Swindon, they did not appoint Holloway as manager.] See also: Swindon Chairman Andrew Fitton "...If Holloway was at the game then he was there to watch a football match. He wasn't an invited guest and it's not relevant," "Denial
Chelsea's England Under-21 star Michael Mancienne has admitted he may have to quit the Stamford Bridge club to fulfil his desire for first-team football. (The Sun) BBC Gossip
- The Sun/Michael Mancienne "I Might Jump Off The Bridge" (but say Fulham and West Ham are interested in Mancienne.]
Danny Nardiello Injury UpdateBlackpool Gazette/Steve Canavan - Grayson backs injury hit striker
SIMON Grayson insists he has no long-term concerns about Daniel Nardiello despite the striker's injury-hit start to his Seasiders career.
The unlucky frontman has made just two brief appearances from the sub's bench since his summer switch from QPR.
He has suffered a string of injuries and Grayson admits the 25-year-old is unlikely to be fit for the Doncaster clash, despite a fortnight of intensive treatment.
But the manager has dismissed suggestions that a medical might have picked up Nardiello's injury problems.
Instead he has staunchly defended the striker and insists Nardiello just needs time to get himself fully fit.
"He is working hard with our physio Phil Horner, although he is not doing any football work yet," said Grayson.
"We've just got to be careful that we don't bring him back soon because he keeps breaking down with different injuries. He needs to spend some decent time with Phil.
"Whether's he's fit for the Doncaster game I don't know. He may be over his injury but whether he's actually fit to play a part is another thing."
Grayson added: "Some people have said that these problems should have been picked up in a medical but sometimes you can't do that. It's just one of those things – it happens.
"We've signed players who we thought might struggle with a couple of injuries and they didn't have an injury for two or three years. And vice versa, it happens.
"Players pass medicals and sometimes you just can't legislate for things." Blackpool Gazette
Ricky Brooks/Goal.com - Do Queens Park Rangers Need Another Forward?Following QPR's recent defeat away at Birmingham City, manager Iain Dowie admitted he may be in the market for a striker. With Rangers having failed to win in their last four league games, is a new forward just what they're looking for?
- Queens Park Rangers started the season as one of the favourites to win promotion from the Championship to the Premier League according to the bookmakers. Although they have billionaire backing which makes them one of the wealthiest clubs in the world, the R's spent relatively little over the summer. Of the nine players who have arrived at Loftus Road this summer only one was not either a free transfer or loan, Kaspars Gorkss, and his transfer fee was only around £250,000.
- Rangers' recruits so far this season include one goalkeeper (Radek Cerny), two defenders (Peter Ramage and Kaspars Gorkss), five midfielders (Matteo Alberti, Emmanuel Ledesma, Dani Parejo, Lee Cook and Damiano Tommassi) and a solitary striker (Samuel Di Carmine). Following the 1-0 defeat to Birimingham City before the international break, Hoops boss Iain Dowie revealed that the club could be in the loan market for a striker, telling BBC London: "I've said all along that there are one or two areas I'd like to strengthen, that's something we'll do when it's the right character."
- Having started the season rather brightly, winning four of their first six league games and only losing once, QPR were sitting pretty in the play-off zone. Aside from the 4-1 thrashing of Southampton however, Rangers had not been prolific in front of goal scoring ten times. Since their 1-0 win away at Norwich City, Iain Dowie's team have picked up only one point from a possible twelve, finding the back of the net only once in that period.
- Of the eleven goals QPR have scored in the league this season, five of them have come from Dexter Blackstock who is only bettered by Kevin Doyle, Chris Iwelumo and Ross McCormack in the Championship scoring charts. In a recent interview, Blackstock told the club's official website that while he acknowledges the club have not been performing to their potential in recent games he has been happy with his own form, even if it has not kept the club in the promotion hunt.
- "We've suffered a dip in form over the last couple of weeks but that was always going to happen at some stage," stated Blackstock. He continued: "We made a great start to the season but we couldn't go through the whole year showing that type of form, that's unrealistic. I'm happy with the start I've made, it's been nice to get amongst the goals. If I keep plugging away and get a few more, then it bodes well for the future."
- Only one other forward has been on the score sheet in the Championship for QPR in the 2008/09 campaign, Patrick Agyemange who scored in the 4-1 win over Southampton in September. This could be due to the formation which Rangers have adopted this season, playing many of their games with one forward. However, Fitz Hall is the only other member of the squad to have scored more than once in the league, with Ledesma and Rowlands the only two midfielders to have found the back of the net.
- The R's do have plenty of options in midfield and defence, aside from left back perhaps, but are slightly shorter in attacking numbers. Both Samuel Di Carmine and Angelo Balanta are young and inexperienced and Rowan Vine is still recovering from a broken leg suffered last season. That leaves only Blackstock and Agyemang as the fully fit senior forwards available for selection and while the former has started every leage game, the latter has featured in only eight and six of them coming off the bench.
- The question therefore is do QPR need to bring in another forward on loan? Would a change of formation back to a 4-4-2 be more beneficial, allowing Blackstock to be paired with Agyemang? Could one of either Di Carmine or Balanta come in and do a job for the R's? Or should the Hoops perhaps employ one of either Buzsaky or Ledesma in a more attacking role just behind the lone striker? Whatever the answer may be, the fact remains that QPR need to start scoring more goals if they are to mount a serious challenge for promotion this season. Ricky Brooks, Goal.com
Ex-QPR Birthdays Although technically, Rehman is only on loan from QPR.
Zesh Rehman Turns 25:
- Born October 14, 1983. Signed from by Gary Waddock from Fulham in August 2006. Went out on loan a couple of times. Currently on long-term loan at Blackpool. See Rehman/Wikpedia
Clarke Carlisle Turns 29
Born: October 14, 1979. Signed from Blackpool by Gerry Francis in July 2000. Left QPR to join Leeds in July 2004. Then went to Watford and now at Burnley. Carlisle/Wikipedia
Flashback a year:
A year ago, after nine games, QPR were bottom with six points (and a minus 12 goal difference; and had scored two goals at home.
Repeating what's been in various papers over the last few days:
BBC Gossip
Ian Holloway, who parted company with Leicester in May, is in line to become the new manager of struggling League One side Swindon. (Daily Star) [Although Swindon have denied it; Holloway was at Swindon's last game. When Bill Power and Mark Devlin were at Swindon, they did not appoint Holloway as manager.] See also: Swindon Chairman Andrew Fitton "...If Holloway was at the game then he was there to watch a football match. He wasn't an invited guest and it's not relevant," "Denial
Chelsea's England Under-21 star Michael Mancienne has admitted he may have to quit the Stamford Bridge club to fulfil his desire for first-team football. (The Sun) BBC Gossip
- The Sun/Michael Mancienne "I Might Jump Off The Bridge" (but say Fulham and West Ham are interested in Mancienne.]
Danny Nardiello Injury UpdateBlackpool Gazette/Steve Canavan - Grayson backs injury hit striker
SIMON Grayson insists he has no long-term concerns about Daniel Nardiello despite the striker's injury-hit start to his Seasiders career.
The unlucky frontman has made just two brief appearances from the sub's bench since his summer switch from QPR.
He has suffered a string of injuries and Grayson admits the 25-year-old is unlikely to be fit for the Doncaster clash, despite a fortnight of intensive treatment.
But the manager has dismissed suggestions that a medical might have picked up Nardiello's injury problems.
Instead he has staunchly defended the striker and insists Nardiello just needs time to get himself fully fit.
"He is working hard with our physio Phil Horner, although he is not doing any football work yet," said Grayson.
"We've just got to be careful that we don't bring him back soon because he keeps breaking down with different injuries. He needs to spend some decent time with Phil.
"Whether's he's fit for the Doncaster game I don't know. He may be over his injury but whether he's actually fit to play a part is another thing."
Grayson added: "Some people have said that these problems should have been picked up in a medical but sometimes you can't do that. It's just one of those things – it happens.
"We've signed players who we thought might struggle with a couple of injuries and they didn't have an injury for two or three years. And vice versa, it happens.
"Players pass medicals and sometimes you just can't legislate for things." Blackpool Gazette
Monday, October 13, 2008
QPR Statement Denying Claims re Manchester United Ticket Prices
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QPR Official Site -MANCHESTER UNITED TICKET UPDATE
- In response to a number of queries the Club has received over the last few days, as well as a misleading report in one national newspaper, we would like to place on the record that the Club did not refuse cheaper tickets for our Carling Cup fourth round tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
- Manchester United Football Club's pricing policy states that seats in the East Stand Upper Tier of the ground are priced at £40 on matchdays.
- The Board of Manchester United took the decision solely to offer tickets at normal non-members prices for the tie.
- At no stage did any consultation take place with the Board of QPR.
- Both QPR and Manchester United are happy to set the record straight on this matter.
QPR
QPR Official Site -MANCHESTER UNITED TICKET UPDATE
- In response to a number of queries the Club has received over the last few days, as well as a misleading report in one national newspaper, we would like to place on the record that the Club did not refuse cheaper tickets for our Carling Cup fourth round tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
- Manchester United Football Club's pricing policy states that seats in the East Stand Upper Tier of the ground are priced at £40 on matchdays.
- The Board of Manchester United took the decision solely to offer tickets at normal non-members prices for the tie.
- At no stage did any consultation take place with the Board of QPR.
- Both QPR and Manchester United are happy to set the record straight on this matter.
QPR
Peterborough Say Not Selling Joe Lewis
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Sporting Life/Chris Galea - POSH ISSUE HANDS-OFF WARNING
Peterborough have issued a hands-off warning after Craig Mackail-Smith and Joe Lewis were linked with moves to Championship clubs.
Both Cardiff and Birmingham have been linked with moves for striker Mackail-Smith, while there is speculation that 'keeper Lewis could join QPR.
But Posh director of football Barry Fry told skysports.com that the pair are going nowhere.
He said: "Craig has started off the season well with eight goals in 10 league games, but it's not just his goalscoring that he brings to the table as he creates a lot of opportunities for others.
"We had a bid of a million pounds offered to us a year ago for him, which we turned down flat, and we are not interested in selling our best players.
"We are trying to build a team here capable of winning promotion and Craig is part of that, so we won't be looking to sell him any time in the near future."
Fry is also adamant that the club will keep hold of Lewis, despite the shotstopper being linked to QPR, who will need a replacement if Lee Camp leaves Loftus Road.
He said: "Joe is part of the side and we don't want to let any of our players leave the club.
"The board have backed the manager all the way and have proven, by rejecting big offers for both Mackail-Smith and Aaron McLean, that they have the backbone to keep our stars here and they will continue to support Darren (Ferguson) in his ambition to gain promotion." Sky Sports
[Tim Flowers was at Saturday's Walsall vs Peterbrough game
"...With QPR assistant manager - and former Wolves goalkeeper - Tim Flowers along with Cardiff boss Dave Jones watching, it would be hard to see either of Peterborough’s stars staying at London Road long term." - Report
Sporting Life/Chris Galea - POSH ISSUE HANDS-OFF WARNING
Peterborough have issued a hands-off warning after Craig Mackail-Smith and Joe Lewis were linked with moves to Championship clubs.
Both Cardiff and Birmingham have been linked with moves for striker Mackail-Smith, while there is speculation that 'keeper Lewis could join QPR.
But Posh director of football Barry Fry told skysports.com that the pair are going nowhere.
He said: "Craig has started off the season well with eight goals in 10 league games, but it's not just his goalscoring that he brings to the table as he creates a lot of opportunities for others.
"We had a bid of a million pounds offered to us a year ago for him, which we turned down flat, and we are not interested in selling our best players.
"We are trying to build a team here capable of winning promotion and Craig is part of that, so we won't be looking to sell him any time in the near future."
Fry is also adamant that the club will keep hold of Lewis, despite the shotstopper being linked to QPR, who will need a replacement if Lee Camp leaves Loftus Road.
He said: "Joe is part of the side and we don't want to let any of our players leave the club.
"The board have backed the manager all the way and have proven, by rejecting big offers for both Mackail-Smith and Aaron McLean, that they have the backbone to keep our stars here and they will continue to support Darren (Ferguson) in his ambition to gain promotion." Sky Sports
[Tim Flowers was at Saturday's Walsall vs Peterbrough game
"...With QPR assistant manager - and former Wolves goalkeeper - Tim Flowers along with Cardiff boss Dave Jones watching, it would be hard to see either of Peterborough’s stars staying at London Road long term." - Report
QPR Confirm Prepared to Sell Lee Camp
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BBC - QPR ready to sell goalkeeper Camp
QPR sporting director Gianni Paladini has confirmed that out-of-favour goalkeeper Lee Camp can leave if another club comes in for him.
Camp, 24, has lost his place to summer signing Radek Cerny and is keen to play first-team football.
"I understand his position and we won't stand in his way,” said Paladini.
"Lee's a good, young keeper but isn't in the team at the moment and he wants to play. If he goes we will want to sign another keeper."
Camp had two spells on loan at QPR before completing a £300,000 move to the club from Derby in 2007.
He is popular among Rangers fans - some of whom chanted his name during Cerny's debut on the opening day of the season. BBC
BBC - QPR ready to sell goalkeeper Camp
QPR sporting director Gianni Paladini has confirmed that out-of-favour goalkeeper Lee Camp can leave if another club comes in for him.
Camp, 24, has lost his place to summer signing Radek Cerny and is keen to play first-team football.
"I understand his position and we won't stand in his way,” said Paladini.
"Lee's a good, young keeper but isn't in the team at the moment and he wants to play. If he goes we will want to sign another keeper."
Camp had two spells on loan at QPR before completing a £300,000 move to the club from Derby in 2007.
He is popular among Rangers fans - some of whom chanted his name during Cerny's debut on the opening day of the season. BBC
Gossip: QPR Interest in Peterborough Goalie Joe Lewis?
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"Queens Park Rangers are preparing a £2m bid for Peterborough's under-21 keeper Joe Lewis. (Daily Mirror)" - BBC Gossip
Mirror/Alan Nixon - QPR want Peterborough's Joe Lewis
- QPR are ready to make a bid for Peterborough's England Under-21 keeper Joe Lewis - and want to land him quickly.
- The impressive prospect has starred for Darren Ferguson's side since moving from Norwich City and being called up for training with the full national squad.
- Rangers now plan to make an offer for the £2 million rated keeper - after Iain Dowie's right-hand man Tim Flowers witnessed his impressive display against Walsall at the weekend. Mirror
- About Peterborough goalie, Joe Lewis --- Stats
"Queens Park Rangers are preparing a £2m bid for Peterborough's under-21 keeper Joe Lewis. (Daily Mirror)" - BBC Gossip
Mirror/Alan Nixon - QPR want Peterborough's Joe Lewis
- QPR are ready to make a bid for Peterborough's England Under-21 keeper Joe Lewis - and want to land him quickly.
- The impressive prospect has starred for Darren Ferguson's side since moving from Norwich City and being called up for training with the full national squad.
- Rangers now plan to make an offer for the £2 million rated keeper - after Iain Dowie's right-hand man Tim Flowers witnessed his impressive display against Walsall at the weekend. Mirror
- About Peterborough goalie, Joe Lewis --- Stats
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