QPR REPORT

Friday, June 19, 2009

Briatore vs Ecclestone Conflict?...Further Sousa Appointment Reactions

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- For cutting-edge, continually-updated news about QPR: Visit the combination, quasi-blog/messageboard QPR Report Messageboard. The site where the focus is only QPR and football. Nothing else! And all views welcome!

- The Magilton Diaries (Satire) - Entry V

- (The Earlier Entries to the Magilton Diaries (Satire)

- In Formula One Racing: Briatore et al vs Ecclestone et al?

- 2009-2010 Championship Promotion Odds

- Two Ex-QPR Birthdays: David Kerslake and Paul McGee

- The QPR squads of 2007-2008 and 2008-2009

- Top Ten Sports Brands

- The Return of The Magilton Diaries - Entry IV (Satire!) --- (Complete set of Magilton Diaries Entries (Satire!)

- Key Dates for QPR's 2009-2010 Season

- 2009-2010 FA Cup Round Dates - and QPR in Masters Tournament June 20

- Top Twenty Football Club Programmes

- Five Years Ago: QPR's Chairman Blackburn and CEO Davies Depart

Western Mail - Paul Abbandonato - Wales Football
Swansea City gamble on Paulo Sousa could pay off
- HAVE Swansea City made yet another left-field, out-of-the-box, totally inspired managerial appointment?
- Eyebrows were raised, remember, when the Swans gave an untried Kenny Jackett the job ... but he made a success of it.
- A couple of years on, Roberto Martinez was leapfrogged ahead of red-hot favourite Dean Saunders and he didn’t do a bad old job, did he?
- This time around, the name of Paulo Sousa was not even as much as whispered as the likes of Gary Speed, Paul Tisdale, Chris Coleman, Ady Bothroyd, Simon Davey and, more recently, Gus Poyet were tipped for the Swans hot seat.
- But the moment the Western Mail yesterday revealed that Sousa was suddenly in the frame, there was a vibe that this was a gamble worth taking.
- The flamboyant Portuguese won’t offer the secure, traditional, good old-fashioned British approach of a Coleman, Bothroyd or Davey.
- But it is the very unpredictability that Sousa brings to the table that should make his appointment exciting for Swans fans.
- He might prove to be an enormous flop. On the other hand, he might just prove to be the nearest thing to Martinez the Swans board of directors could find.
- Fair play to chairman Huw Jenkins (pictured) and the close confidantes of his who made this decision.
- They got it right with Jackett, they got it spot-on with Martinez and they might just have pulled off another blinder with Sousa.
- The challenge for Jenkins and his colleagues was to somehow carry on the Martinez legacy. The alternative, quite frankly, was for them to tread water at best, go back three years at worst.
- Sousa offers them something none of the others would have, in my opinion.
- There is an argument for saying the Swans have moved beyond the Bothroyds and Daveys of this world.
- They had to go foreign again because they need a manager whose continental approach and style of football suits the players Martinez has left behind.
- They had to go foreign because, like Martinez, they need a manager who knows the market abroad and where you can unearth a little gem like Bodde, Rangel or Gomez.
- Sousa may not be a household name to many, but have no doubt of his standing in European football.
- He was a member of the so-called Portuguese golden generation of players, a team-mate of Luis Figo, Rui Costa and Paolo Futre.
- He won the Uefa Champions League twice, with Borussia Dortmund and Juventus. Not too many other people in Welsh football can boast that.
- He was Portugal assistant boss to Carlos Queiroz, the former Real Madrid chief and Manchester United No 2.
- He comes highly recommended to Swansea by Jose Mourinho and 2002 Brazilian World Cup winner Luis Felipe Scolari.
- That is some CV and it is one which will have bowled over Jenkins and his board.
- Of course, the Champions League final, Mourinho and Portugal’s Golden Generation are light years away from bread and butter Championship football against the likes of Doncaster, Rovers Peterborough United and Sc***horpe.
- Sousa’s only experience as a manager at that level was when he failed to set the world on fire with Queens Park Rangers last season.
- It would be wholly unfair, however, to judge his managerial credentials on that.
- Sousa was given a mere 26 games in charge and two things sum up his sudden departure best.
- The first is that he was chairman and co-owner Flavio Briatore’s fourth manager in a year-and-a-half... and that’s not including two caretaker bosses.
- The other is Sousa was said to have been sacked because he divulged sensitive information without permission from the club’s hierarchy, namely Dexter Blackstock’s loan move to Nottingham Forest having been agreed without his knowledge.
- In other words, footballing decisions were being made behind his back, some might argue.
- At the Liberty, Sousa will have complete control – just like Martinez – and he will be backed the whole way by Jenkins.
- It’s a gamble, but it’s one which could well be worth taking.
- And if Sousa wants some advice, Mourinho isn’t a bad sounding board, is he? Western Mail

Western Mail/Blair Wood
Paulo Sousa could be something special at Swansea City
- SWANSEA CITY are set to reap huge rewards from the Jose Mourinho factor with incoming manager Paulo Sousa revealing he takes plenty of advice from the ‘Special One.’
- Sousa, who has verbally agreed a three-year deal to take over the Liberty Stadium hot seat, cites Mourinho as one of the biggest influences on his fledgling managerial career.
- And, with Swansea hoping to officially unveil him as Roberto Martinez’s replacement early next week, it’s his fellow Portuguese’s success with Chelsea that inspires the 38-year-old to test himself on these shores.
- The link with Mourinho will undoubtedly be a huge boost for Swans fans as they look to bounce back from the devastation of Martinez’s departure to Wigan.
- If modern football is about contacts, it seems Sousa has the very best you could ask for.
- “Jose helped me and I speak with him often as he has more experience than me,” says Sousa.
- “But I am going my way and I know what I can do, which is a great job.
- “I am proud because a Portuguese coach has been a winner over here. I want to be one too.”
- Mourinho is not the only big name that Sousa can call upon for help. In fact, when he first moved into management with Queens Park Rangers last season, it was former Brazil, Portugal and Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari that recommended him for the job.
- The charismatic Brazilian worked with Sousa during his time in charge of Portugal. And, when asked by QPR supremo Flavio Briatore, he had no hesitation in backing him as the perfect man for the job.
- With such a high profile and successful brains trust helping him, it’s no wonder Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins views Sousa, a two-times Champions League winner during his glittering playing career, as the ideal replacement for Martinez. And it’s no surprise that, following a hugely impressive interview on Wednesday, the club moved quickly to secure the Portuguese legend’s services.
- Sousa completed talks with the Swans yesterday before returning home to Portugal to discuss the move with his family. And, after two weeks of despair, all involved with the club will be hoping to avoid any stumbling blocks in completing the formalities.
- Jenkins certainly feels he has found the right man. And, while the likes of former Chelsea star Gus Poyet and Wales legend Gary Speed were in the running, he claimed Sousa is best placed to continue the unique culture Martinez cultivated at Swansea over the past two years.
- “As a club we feel strongly that we have created something completely different in the British game,” he explained. “We have become renowned as a quality football team with supporters who really appreciate the way we try and play the game.
- “We are committed to keeping this theme moving forward under the leadership and guidance of Paulo Sousa, who, I’m pleased to say, has verbally accepted the job.
- “Taking into account the development of the football club over the last two and a half years and the image we have portrayed as a footballing side, myself and the board of directors felt it was vital to continue along the same lines. It was felt that Paulo is the right man to do this.
- “He is young, bright, enthusiastic and a visionary with extensive knowledge and contacts, not only throughout Europe, but world football. He will provide Swansea City with a fantastic chance to continue developing and growing over the next few years.”
- After the success yielded by Martinez’s Spanish revolution, it’s little wonder the Swans board find themselves going down a similar route again. As far as Jenkins and his fellow bigwigs are concerned, a foreign policy remains the best one when looking for new managers.
- Like his predecessor, one of the key attributes Sousa brings is a fantastic knowledge of the European market. While Martinez may have found the likes of Ferrie Bodde, Angel Rangel and Jason Scotland, the Portuguese will have his own hidden gems to bring to the Liberty.
- And then there’s the influence he could have on the players already a the club. With Martinez regularly cited as the reason players either joined or stayed with Swansea, it was vital they replaced him with someone that could captivate the dressing room, enthuse the players and convince them their footballing dreams can be realised with the Swans.
- Along with his penchant for stylish football, a must for a large portion of the club’s fans, Sousa ticks those boxes. After all he achieved as a player, his name commands respect and the players are already excited about the prospect of working with him.
- While the same could be said about the likes of Poyet and Speed, both of whom are household names in British football, Sousa is at a different level. For both club and country the former midfielder was regarded as one of the most talented players of his generation.
- As well as winning back-to-back Champions League titles with first Juventus and then Borussia Dortmund, he also represented the likes of Inter Milan, Sporting Lisbon and Parma. And, along with the likes of Luis Figo, Rui Costa and Jorge Costa, he formed part of Portugal’s “Golden Generation” in the 1990s.
- When injury forced him to retire prematurely, it wasn’t long before he was offered a coaching role in the national set-up. He made his bow taking charge of the under-15s before being promoted to assistant head coach when Carlos Queiroz took charge of Portugal in 2008.
- It wasn’t long before QPR came calling. And Sousa was soon being tipped as the new Mourinho.
- It turned out to be a disastrous move though, with Briatore sacking him after just 26 games. In what is currently the only blot on his footballing CV, he was dismissed for “divulging sensitive information without permission from the club’s hierarchy.”
- Sousa’s crime was telling the media that striker Dexter Blackstock had been loaned to Nottingham Forest without his knowledge. Far from being a black mark against his name, it shows the sort of issues he was forced to deal with during his time at Loftus Road.
- Tellingly the club’s fans offer a glowing reference for the style of football he tried to introduce. And, with the board support he will undoubtedly get at Swansea, there’s is little suggestion history will repeat itself at the Liberty. " Western Mail

- Flashback: Rehman Joins QPR

- Six Sodjes Playing Together

- The Complete QPR Websites Listing

- Week-by-Week Championship Fixtures
- Week-by-Week Premiership Fixtures

Thursday, June 18, 2009

2009-2010 Championship Promotion Odds

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- Reminder: For cutting-edge, continually-updated, news items about QPR: Visit the combination, quasi-blog/messageboard QPR Report Messageboard. The site where the focus is only QPR and football. Nothing else! And all views welcome!

Early Days...But View of one Betting Firm

BET 365 - Coca-Cola League Championship 2009/10

Newcastle 5/4
West Brom 7/4
Middlesbrough 9/4
Ipswich 11/4
Sheff Utd 10/3
Reading 9/2
QPR 5/1
Nottm Forest 13/2
Swansea 13/2
Cardiff 13/2
Leicester 13/2
Crystal Palace 8/1
Sheff Wed 8/1
Derby 8/1
Bristol City 8/1
Preston 8/1
Coventry 14/1
Peterborough 14/1
Watford 14/1
Doncaster 20/1
Barnsley 28/1
Plymouth 28/1
Blackpool 28/1
Scunthorpe 40/1

Bet 365

- Sousa Offered the Managerial Job by Swansea

- Earlier: Sousa Favourite as Swansea Manager

- The Return of The Magilton Diaries - Entry IV (Satire!) ---- (Complete set of Magilton Diaries Entries (Satire!)

- Top Twenty Football Club Programmes

- Five Years Ago: QPR's Chairman Blackburn and CEO Davies Depart

- Another tabloid: Newcastle interest in Delaney, Hall and Blackstock

- Six Sodjes Playing Together

Terminated By QPR. Appointed By Swansea: "Visionary" Paulo Sousa Swansea's New Manager

QPR Confirm Forest Green Rovers Friendly...Taarabt Linked to Malaga...Another Ipswich Player Praises Magilton...Rowlands Looks Forward.

Flashback: The Departure of QPR's CEO David Davies and Chairman Nick Blackburn

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For cutting-edge, continually-updated news about QPR: Visit the combination messageboard and quasi-blog: The QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and other football news; nostalgia; and posters' views: No focus on politics, films, music, etc. No ad-hominem attacks on fellow posters. Just an (usually) intelligent focus on QPR and Football

- The Return of The Magilton Diaries - Entry IV (Satire)
- Top Twenty Football Club Programmes

- "Taarabt could leave Tottenham for Malaga"

- Blackpool's Burgess Looks forward to QPR Game

- Sousa Favourite as Swansea Manager

- Another tabloid: Newcastle interest in Delaney, Hall and Blackstock

Flashback: The Departure of the "GOT" - David Davies, Nick Blackburn and Ross Jones
Five years ago today: June 18, 2004: QPR CEO David Davies announced his departure. A few days later, QPR's Chairman, Nick Blackburn resigned. With the departure of Davies, Blackburn and also Ross Jones (Chairman of the PLC), the new people in charge of QPR became Bill Power who became QPR Chairman, Kevin McGrath who became QPR PLC Chairman; and Gianni Paladini (whose wife officially became a Director).

June 18, 2004 BBC -Davies leaving Loftus Road
- Queens Park Rangers chief executive David Davies is leaving the club.
The departure of Davies, who has been at QPR for four years, was confirmed after a series of board meetings.
"Whilst I am naturally sad to be leaving, I'd like to place on record my best wishes to the players and the supporters for the future," he said.
QPR Holdings chairman Ross Jones said: "He has worked his socks off for the company and I am personally very grateful for all he has done." BBC

A few days later....
BBC - June 24, 2004 QPR chief stands down
- Nick Blackburn has resigned as Queens Park Rangers chairman.
His future has been in doubt since the recent resignation of chief executive David Davies.
- Blackburn was former Rangers owner Chris Wright's deputy before taking over as chairman when Wright quit the club in 2001.
Davies, Blackburn and company chairman Ross Jones are leaving as part of a shake-up at Loftus Road following disagreements at board level.
Blackburn told the club's website: "I will always be proud that I was chairman of the football club when it achieved promotion.
"And I particularly enjoyed my close personal and professional relationship with manager Ian Holloway."
- Blackburn was effectively at the helm through all of the club's worst times and, while we don't doubt his professed commitment to QPR, we will not miss him
QPR director Bill Power will replace Blackburn, with fellow director Kevin McGrath appointed acting plc chairman.
- Justin Pieris of the QPR supporters' trust, QPR 1st, welcomed news of Blackburn's departure.
- Blackburn angered fans by considering a merger with Wimbledon and was also associated with the club's slide into administration.
Pieris said: "Nick Blackburn was our last link with the years of waste that followed QPR's relegation from the Premiership.
- "As Chris Wright's deputy, he was effectively at the helm through all of the club's worst times and, while we don't doubt his professed commitment to QPR, we will not miss him.
- "His attempt to broker the merger of Wimbledon FC and Rangers was probably the single act that cost him most trust amongst supporters.
"He never regained that trust, deservedly so." BBC

BOARDROOM BLUES - June 21 2004 - END OF WRIGHT ERA APPROACHES
Monday 21 June 2004
- Chief executive David Davies is to leave Loftus Road "by mutual agreement" next month, and it is reported that directors Ross Jones and Nick Blackburn will soon follow. With their departure the QPR boardroom will finally be rid of Chris Wright's appointees.
- The exact reasons for Davies' exit are not yet clear, although QPR's official website refers to a "restructuring" at the club. This is likely to mean that there are plans afoot to convert the plc into a private company and / or that cost-cutting measures off the pitch are underway (even with loan repayments to the ABC Corporation running at £1m a year many QPR supporters are baffled as to how the club, with vastly improved merchandise sales and record attendances, can still be losing money hand over fist).
- During Davies' four years at Loftus Road numerous potential investors have come and gone, and Davies is on record as describing most of them as "men of straw" with two exceptions, both of whom he courted vigorously on behalf of the club. The first was Australian David Thorne, and Davies described it as a "hammer blow" when Thorne withdrew his offer to invest. The second was Milwaukee Wave owner Tim Krause: after 18 months of prevarication QPR have given Krause a deadline of today and there is still no sign whatsoever of his investment materialising.
- Davies assumed more responsibility than most chief executives of league football clubs and was often left to deal with crises alone when you would have expected chairmen or directors to step in and take over or at least provide help. Consequently he leaves big footprints, and it will be interesting to see who fills them over the coming months.
- Boardroom Blues believes that behind the scenes Gianni Paladini has been trying to restructure the club since April when he bought 22% of the plc shares and installed his representative, accountant Mohammed Azeem Malik, on the board of directors. It seems probable that Paladini has now persuaded directors Kevin McGrath and Bill Power to line up with him and outvote the old guard. Boardroom Blues

QPR Rivals - June 19, 2004 DD's D-Day By Ron Norris
- It was announced today that Chief Executive David Davies will leave Loftus Road next month sparking rumours of a possible imminent investment at QPR.
David Davies To Leave QPR
- Davies joined QPR four years ago and leaves the club by mutual consent. He will stay until July at which point you would expect him to be handing over to someone, who that might be remains a mystery.
DD's departure has been met with mixed reactions; there is no doubt that he has done some good for the club. He is clearly a good face for QPR. He is eloquent, media friendly and comes across as an approachable man.
- His impeccable handling of the recent situation with Ian Wright showed just how astute he can be, however he came in for much criticism just before Christmas when his ill timed comments to a local paper about the clubs financial position created wide spread panic.
- Davies moved the club into, through and out of administration, taking out the highly controversial loan with ABC in the process; something he still maintains was unavoidable despite many protestations to the contrary. He leaves the club promoted with record season ticket sales and heading in the right direction.
- He was involved in the decision to bring Ian Holloway to the club, which has undoubtedly been our best managerial appointment of recent years, however it was one the board lucked into having been turned down by all their principal choices.
- His reputation took a major battering the day he decided to take three Rangers fans to court after a leaked boardroom memo was placed on a QPR website.
In a recent interview with QPRnet.com Davies defended this decision by saying "We've come too far to have people treat QPR like it's an amateur club. It's a professional club, it's got good people in it and I'm dammed if I'm going to have people treat it like no name United playing in an amateur league".
- It was a move that left a sour taste in the mouth of many and one that could forever tarnish his legacy at Loftus Road. QPR Rivals - QPR Report

See Also:
- AKUTRS Interview with Chairman, Nick Blackburn
- QPR Net Interview with CEO, David Davies

- A Reminder of last season's Friendlies

- The A-Z of QPR Websites

- Key Dates for QPR's 2009-2010 Season

- QPR in Masters Tournament June 20

Sousa Swansea Speculation: Interviewed and Favourite for Managerial Job....Tabloid: Newcastle Interest in Delaney, Hall and Blackstock?

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For cutting-edge, continually-updated news about QPR: Visit the combination messageboard and quasi-blog: The QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and other football news; nostalgia; and posters' views: No focus on politics, films, music, etc. No ad-hominem attacks on fellow posters. Just an (usually) intelligent focus on QPR and Football

- The Return of The Magilton Diaries - Entry IV (Satire)
- Top Twenty Football Club Programmes

- "Taarabt could leave Tottenham for Malaga"
- Blackpool's Burgess Looks forward to QPR Game

Sousa Favourite at Swansea
BBC - Sousa joins frame for Swans job- Paulo Sousa has emerged as the latest candidate to be considered for the vacant Swansea City job.
- BBC Wales understands the former Queens Park Rangers boss has been interviewed by the Swans and is among the leading contenders to replace Roberto Martinez.
- Swansea City's board are due to meet on Friday and a decision is expected "in the next few days".
- Former Tottenham assistant manager Gus Poyet and Sheffield United player-coach Gary Speed are also being considered.
- Sousa, 38, was a member of Portugal's golden generation alongside Luís Figo, Rui Costa, Nuno Gomez and Sergio Conceição and Jorge Costa and won 51 international caps.
- The midfielder, who graduated through the Benfica academy, played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe including Sporting Lisbon, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and Parma.
Sousa won back-to-back Champions League crowns in the 1990s as a player. BBC

Western Daily Mail/Blair Wood - Sousa
- "....UEFA Champions League winner and Portuguese legend Paulo Sousa has emerged as the hot favourite for the vacant Swansea City manager’s job.
The Western Mail understands the former QPR boss has held talks with the Swans and is at the top of their short-list as the board seek Roberto Martinez’s successor.
Ex-Chelsea star Gus Poyet and Wales legend Gary Speed have also been interviewed for the post.
- However, it is thought that early front-runner Speed has dipped down the pecking order, with Sousa very much the bookies’ favourite for the job.
Rotherham manager Mark Robins, Southend boss Steve Tilson and ex-Watford chief Adiy Bothroyd are also being eyed by the Swans.
- Former Portugal international Sousa, who won the Champions League with Juventus and Borussia Dortmund in the mid-1990s, has a very similar management style to Martinez.
- Like the Spaniard, he has a strong knowledge of the European transfer market, a key credential for the Swans’ board seeking Martinez’s full-time replacement.
Those attributes were clearly evident during Sousa’s short spell with QPR last season.
- But his reign at Loftus Road was abruptly cut short when Sousa was sacked for “divulging sensitive information without permission from the club’s hierarchy” after he revealed striker Dexter Blackstock was loaned to Nottingham Forest without his knowledge.
- Having enjoyed his time in London, it is understood Sousa would be interested in a move back into the Championship. And, as they look to unveil their new manager by the end of the week, he fits the Swans requirements for a young manager who likes attractive football and has good contacts in Europe.
- Even if he does impress chairman Huw Jenkins, Sousa faces strong competition for the job.
- Former Uruguayan international Poyet, who is also a top contender for the job, said: “I would really be interested in the job. I would really like to go there, it would be a great opportunity.”
But whoever replaces Martinez at the Liberty Stadium, the new manager’s first task is likely to be convincing the Swans’ prize assets to remain at the club with Martinez refusing to rule out transfer raids this summer...." Western Daily Mail

South Wales Evening Post - Swans' search for manager down to five
- SWANSEA City's search for a manager is down to a final five which includes double Champions League winner Paula Sousa.
- And the Evening Post understands another of the contenders is a name which has so far not been mentioned.
- Former Queens Park Rangers manager Sousa features on the short list to replace Roberto Martinez alongside Gary Speed, Gus Poyet and Aidy Boothroyd.
- And there is one more candidate who is currently in a manager's job elsewhere.
- But it is understood that man is not Paul Tisdale, who was on Swansea's list of possible targets but has indicated that he will be staying on at Exeter City.
-The likes of Roberto Di Matteo, the MK Dons manager, and Hearts's Romanian boss Csaba Laszlo have been touted as potential Martinez successors.
- But chairman Huw Jenkins is refusing to discuss individual candidates as Swansea edge closer to making an appointment.
- Speed, one of the frontrunners throughout, visited the Liberty for talks with Jenkins on Tuesday and will be allowed to leave his player-coach role at Sheffield United if Swansea go for him.
- Poyet, who is currently out of work, was at the stadium on Monday trying to convince Jenkins that he is the right man for the job, while ex-Watford boss Boothroyd has also visited the city in the last few days.
- It is believed that Sousa, who left QPR in April, met Jenkins yesterday to put his point across.
- The 38-year-old Portuguese lasted just five months at Loftus Road, where he was under pressure from Rangers' outspoken board almost from the off.
- He was sacked with the club claiming he had divulged sensitive information over
the transfer of Dexter Blackstock to Nottingham Forest.
- Sousa, who had previously been No.2 to Portugal manager Carlos Queiroz, enjoyed a glittering playing career which took in spells at Benfica, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and Espanyol among others.
- Capped 51 times, he is the only man ever to have won back-to-back European Cups after successes with Juve in 1996 and Dortmund in 1997.
- Swansea's owners are conscious that an appointment needs to be made as soon as possible with pre-season training due to start one week today.
- And it could well be that they come to a decision on who is the right man to take them forward at a board meeting which takes place tomorrow.
- "We are hopeful that we'll have some news by the end of the week," Jenkins told the Post.
- "We have had a much better week this week than last and things are going to move on at a pace from now on.
- "We are well aware that the new season is fast approaching and we need to make an appointment."
- Former Swindon, Leeds and Spurs No. 2 Poyet, who played in midfield for Chelsea from 1997 to 2001, has publicly declared his interest in taking the reins at Swansea.
- "I would really be interested in the job," the Uruguayan said. "I would really like to go there. It would be a great opportunity."
- Poyet is one of around 20 potential managers Jenkins has spoken to since it became clear Martinez was heading for Wigan. This is South Wales

From Vital Football Swansea
Manager Candidate Profiles - Paulo Sousa
- "....Paulo Sousa has only been linked to the job because of speculation and rumours with nothing reported about him in the media.
However, he has recently emerged as one of the favourites to take the job with SkyBet dramatically shortening their odds on him, making Sousa favourite at 2/5, followed by Gus Poyet at 5/2..." Vital Football Swansea
- Swansea Managerial Betting Odds

Daily Star -SHEARER 'N KEANO SET FOR A SCRAP
- ALAN Shearer will go head-to-head with Roy Keane for QPR’s Damien Delaney.
- The rival managers are set to battle it out in a summer scramble for the £1.5m-rated Republic of Ireland defender.
- Shearer is finally set to be named Newcastle boss in the next 48 hours, and will make up for lost time in the transfer market by lining up a £5m triple swoop of Loftus Road stars.
- The 38-year-old, whose No.2 Iain Dowie spent five months in charge of Rangers last year, is also eyeing striker Dexter Blackstock and defender Fitz Hall as he looks to rebuild a squad capable of bouncing straight back into the Premier League after relegation.
- But Shearer faces stiff competition from Ipswich boss Keane.
- The Irishman is a long-term admirer of his fellow Corkman Delaney, and has money to spend in his bid to lead the Tractor Boys to promotion in his first full season in charge.
- QPR’s new manager Jim Magilton is keen to hang onto the former Hull player, and will do all he can to keep the 27-year-old, who can also operate in midfield." Daily Star

- A Reminder of last season's Friendlies

- 2009/2010 Premiership Odds

- QPR in Masters Tournament June 20

- The A-Z of QPR Websites

- Key Dates for QPR's 2009-2010 Season

- Week-by-Week Championship Fixtures --- Week-by-Week Premiership Fixtures

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Assessment of Magilton's Rangers and Magilton on Giving Youth a Chanc....Buzsaky Looks Back and Forward...Player Praises Magilton

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For cutting-edge, continually-updated news about QPR: Visit the combination messageboard and quasi-blog: The QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and other football news; nostalgia; and posters' views: No focus on politics, films, music, etc. No ad-hominem attacks on fellow posters. Just an (usually) intelligent focus on QPR and Football

- The Slippery Slope: What Happens After Relegation
- Rumour/Report: Scott Sinclair to Bristol City £1.5M Move
- Swindon Announce Policy of Possibly Buying Youth Players
- Video: QPR vs Chelsea (from 1982)
- Video: QPR vs Barnsley (From 1982)
- 1976 Video: Stan Bowles Breaks European Scoring Record vs Cologne
- 1992/93 Video: QPR vs Manchester United & Ryan Giggs goal vs QPR
- QPR's 2009/2010 Fixtures and Reactions

BBC - QPR boss encourages young players
- Jim Magilton says he would like to give QPR's youngsters a chance to establish themselves in the first team.
-The former Ipswich manager, who recently took over at Loftus Road, said: "I believe in bringing young players through.
- "We tried to do it at Ipswich and I'll do the same here whenever possible.
- "In terms of young players, all I can say is that if any youngster is good enough he will definitely get a chance while I'm manager. That's for sure."
- Rangers' Flavio Briatore-led board favoured a continental-style approach following their takeover two years ago.
-Coaches such as Paulo Sousa and Luigi De Canio had limited influence during their brief spells at Loftus Road.
- But Magilton has been installed as manager with overall responsibility for several areas of the club, including identifying transfer targets.
- Everyone rushes around at this time of year and I just look at the squad we have and think 'why panic?'
QPR assistant boss John Gorman
- Magilton said: "Ultimately, managers are judged by results on the pitch. But I'll look at every aspect of the club; scouting, youth development - all of it.
- "As for the players already in the squad, I already know they're good players. I've a group of lads here that I believe are more than capable. I'm confident about that."
- Former England assistant boss John Gorman, who worked alongside Magilton at Ipswich, will be his right-hand man at QPR.
- The west London outfit have had seven managers in three-and-a-half years and five since Briatore took over.
- But Gorman told BBC Sport: "Every club has its up and downs.
- "The people who run this club have given me and Jim their full backing and I'm hopeful we'll do well and be here a long time."
- And Gorman insists Rangers do not need to rush into the transfer market ahead of the new season.
- The Scot said: "Everyone rushes around at this time of year and I just look at the squad we have and think 'why panic?'
- "Our first priority is to work with the players that are already here - and there are some really good players. Then, when the dust settles, perhaps we can have a better look at things and add one or two.
- "You've got quality players coming back from injury. Things are going well for Martin Rowlands and Akos Buzsaky, plus you've got Heidar Helguson too.
- "It's going to be like having new signings when those players are fully fit. It'll be a real boost for us.
- "So we'll have a look at the players here and then further down the line, or if perhaps someone leaves, we'll see what we need." BBC

Dave McIntyre/BBC 606 - Enthusiasm is a must
- Enthusiasm alone won’t be enough for a manager to succeed anywhere, but at QPR it’s particularly important.
- My concern about some of the other men linked with Rangers before Jim Magilton got the job was that although they were capable managers, they seemed like tired ones – and the last thing QPR need is a tired manager.
- The reason for this is that there’s so much to be done.
- Beneath the hot air generated by Rangers and despite them having some very good Championship players, a complete revamp is required.
- Saying this a year or two ago was usually met with derision given the hype surrounding the takeover and image of QPR as a club going places.
- But some of Rangers’ shortcomings have since been well documented enough for that perception to change.
- It is still a troubled club starting from a very low point after a decade of serious problems.
- The team is more than capable by Championship standards, it's the club as a whole that needs to improve and yet another glut of signings won't change that.
- And a mere first-team coach, no matter how talented, was never going to be able to take Rangers beyond a certain point – no matter how much money was splashed out on players.
- It will be at least a few months before we know whether Magilton and John Gorman are the right men to take the club forward.
- But they at least tick that vital box of having energy and enthusiasm for the job, which certainly came across when I spoke to them both on Tuesday.
- They’ll need that enthusiasm – and frankly their sense of humour too – in the weeks and months ahead, because they face a major job.
- Magilton, like many managers, would like to give youngsters a chance and improve the club’s infrastructure but is well aware that ultimately results are everything and a good start to the season is important.
- Like Paulo Sousa before them, Magilton and Gorman are not looking to make major changes.
- They see the return to full fitness of Akos Buzsaky, Martin Rowlands, Rowan Vine and Heidar Helguson as being more important than signing new players.
- All have proven quality at Championship level and would be major assets if they find their best form.
- The sale of Dexter Blackstock – a possibility prior to Magilton’s appointment – could make a new signing necessary.
- But apart from that, there will be no urgent rush into the transfer market. BBC 606

London Informer - Akos Buzsaky: 'underperforming players' got last two QPR managers the boot
- AKOS Buzsaky believes an 'underperforming' QPR team was responsible for getting the last two managers sacked.
- But the Hungarian international is also sure the squad will have learned from their mistakes under the short regimes of Iain Dowie and Paulo Sousa, and reckons a punt on Rs next season will pay dividends.
- Buzsaky also believes his injury woe is over after making just one start in a Hoops shirt last season.
- An ankle injury was followed by a knee problem, but the midfielder is already in training for the start of pre-season on July 1.
- He said: "I don't want to talk about the new man [Jim Magilton].
- "I have no idea what he's like as a man or a coach - although I know when I've played against his teams they always pass the ball well. I don't want to talk about the last two managers either. The past is the past, but it's easier to sack a manager than 15 players - that's football.
- "There were times last season when we underperformed - and should have done better."
- Despite almost losing a year of football, the 27-year-old is sure he's still on track to play in the Premiership.
- He added: "I'm not old, and as long as we are focused we can get into the play-offs. Should you have a bet on us? Absolutely London Informer

Ealing Gazette/London Informer - Yann Tear - Rhodes predicts exciting future under new QPR bossesJun 17- QPR will be in good hands with Jim Magilton and John Gorman at the helm, according to a player familiar with the way they worked together at Ipswich Town.
- Jordan Rhodes, who played on loan at Brentford last season, is convinced Rangers have made a good choice and predicts some thrilling football at Loftus Road next season.
- He also says that contrary to what outsiders might think, no-nonsense Ulsterman Magilton is far from being a scary, two-dimensional boss.
- Rhodes might have been excused for painting a less flattering picture, having never started a game for the ex-Ipswich boss and being farmed out to the Bees, but there is no suggestion that it has coloured his views.
- "I think Rangers have made a great appointment and Jim Magilton proved when he was given money to spend that he can identify very good players," Rhodes said.
- "He knows how to play football in the right way and I think he'll get QPR playing attractive football and will get the fans going again.
- "There should be goals and some 3-2s or 4-3s because he's the type of manager who likes attacking football and likes players to express themselves. He's not one for hanging on for a 1-0 victory with 20 minutes to go."
- If Magilton is thought of as a bullying sort - with Gorman the moderating voice on the training ground - Rhodes is eager to shatter the stereotype.
- He said: "It may be that he comes across as a bit frightening at first but that soon goes. He is a bright, bubbly man and always comes into training with a smile on his face. He also comes up with different things in training and it was never a chore working for him. He loves a laugh and a joke.
- "But there was also a work ethic and a never-say-die attitude at the club, which will work for QPR. They kept their belief in reaching the play-offs until the very end last season."
- Rhodes, who describes Gorman as 'a terrific guy', says of the new Rangers assistant's relationship to Magilton: "They seem to work very well together and although Jim is more fiery, John gets his points quietly across and they bounce ideas off each other.
- "But the thing that impresses me most is that Jim takes you to one side with little observations about your game.
- "It might be about your first touch or your passing - things you might not have noticed yourself - but it's small details like that which add up to a good team." Ealing Gazette

- Week-by-Week Championship Fixtures
- Week-by-Week Premiership Fixtures

- 2009-2010 FA Cup Round Dates - and Reminder of Masters Tournament this Weekend

- QPR Advertising Open Coaching Positions (Ladies' Teams)

- The Complete QPR Websites Listing

- Key Dates for QPR's 2009-2010 Season

- David Conn on Portsmouth's takeover & Finances

- Senior Police Urge Clubs to Assume More Policing Costs

- Hull's City Chairman has Driving Ban because of his football involement

- Football 'Franchises': Right or Wrong?

Gorman: No Rush to Spend....Ostensible Newcastle Interest in Three QPR Players

QPR Start at Home to Blackpool - QPR's 2009-2010 Fixtures...Reactions

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For cutting-edge, continually-updated news about QPR: Visit the combination messageboard and quasi-blog: The QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and other football news; nostalgia; and posters' views: No focus on politics, films, music, etc. No ad-hominem attacks on fellow posters. Just an (usually) intelligent focus on QPR and Football

- QPR's 2009/2010 Fixtures

- Week-by-Week Championship Fixtures
- Week-by-Week Premiership Fixtures

QPR Official Site - R'S AT HOME ON OPENING DAY
- Jim Magilton's first competitive outing as the new QPR gaffer will see him go head-to-head with R's old-boy Ian Holloway, whose Blackpool side will visit Loftus Road on the opening day of the 2009/10 Coca Cola Championship season.

Ollie, as he is affectionately known, will bring his Tangerines to W12 on Saturday 8th August, before the R's face the long journey to Plymouth Argyle seven days later.

Sandwiched in between those two matches will be the small matter of a 380-mile round journey to Exeter City in the Carling Cup.

Next up for the R's will be a midweek trip to Bristol City, before Nottingham Forest visit Loftus Road on Saturday 22nd August.

"There's never any easy games in this division, but I'm pleased with our opening fixtures," Magilton told www.qpr.co.uk.

"I wanted a home fixture first up and we've got that. The fact it's Ian Holloway's side adds a bit of spice to the occasion too, which is great.

"Both Manager's will be really looking forward to it for obvious reasons - it will be a really special day."

Magilton added: "The timing of the Plymouth away fixture, so soon after our trip to Exeter in the Cup, could have been kinder, but it's just one of those things that the fixture lists always seem to throw up.

"It's a tough start, but I'm pleased with it all the same."

Other eye catching fixtures include a midweek trip to St James Park - home of Newcastle United - in late September, as well as the mouth-watering prospect of a journey to Magilton's former Club, Ipswich Town, on Monday 28th December.

The R's are at home against Bristol City on Boxing Day, whilst Barnsley provide the opposition for the R's final away fixture on the penultimate weekend of the campaign.

To round things off nicely, the Geordies are the visitors to Loftus Road on the final day of the season.

"Let's hope there's plenty riding on that one," added Magilton.

"They'll travel in their thousands and it will be a fantastic occasion. It's one to really, really look forward to, but there's a lot of football to be played between now and then, that's for sure." QPR

Blackpool Official Site - Holloway Reaction

Following the release of the provisional fixture list for the new season, www.blackpoolfc.co.uk caught up with Pool boss Ian Holloway and began by asking him about the season opener at Loftus Road,

"I knew I was going to play some of my ex teams at certain times of the season," said the Pool boss, " but it will be a great time to play them before they spend their mega, mega bucks that they have got. Obviously they have a sparkling interior of the ground now and a new manager but like I said I just can't wait to take the Tangerine army there and give it a right good go."

Holloway played over 150 League games for the Hoops and was manager of the Shepherds Bush outfit for almost five years and Ollie was quick to point out, he will be given a warm welcome by the Loftus Road faithful,

"I won't get stick, I have been back there a few times now and I have always had a very good reception from them," laughed Holloway," I will probably get stick from Leicester and Plymouth and obviously Bristol City but if we ever drew Bristol Rovers, I would get a good reception."

"It was quite emotional last time I took a team to QPR, they were all singing there is only one Ian Holloway and when I left there the supporters were singing my name, but I can't wait to get there and show them what we are all about, it won't be about Ian Holloway and QPR it will be about Blackpool and getting off to a good start."

It isn't the first time the two sides have met on the opening day and Holloway was in the QPR dug out when his team swept the Seasiders aside in a 5-0 battering asked for his memories of the game, Holloway said, "

"I remember it well, Steve McMahon was manager of us then and I remember they had signed a couple of academy players from Blackburn and having watched Blackpool pre-season and in some of the games the season before we knew that Blackpool had a tendency to overplay in midfield and we worked hard in midfield on winning the ball and breaking at pace and three of the five goals came from that, hopefully the score line won't be anything like that for them and who knows it might be a scoreline like that for us."

That game saw the club criticised for wearing a new black kit on the opening day of the season and Ollie said he won't be making that mistake again,

"No matter what the weather I will telling our kit man to make sure the Tangerine kit is packed, it is such a unique kit it won't clash with their blue and white, I am certainly cutting the dash with the Tangerine shorts at home at the minute, my neighbours have all bought sunglasses because the shorts are so bright and my legs are so white and the people across the valley are telling me to get inside because the shorts are so bright! But on a serious note, our Tangerine colours are so unique and the history of the club is so rich and special, I feel honoured to be part of it, when you look at the great players that have played for the club over the years, the likes of Stanley Matthews, Stan Mortensen, Jimmy Armfield, Alan Suddick, Tony Green, I feel honoured to be part of it and I can't wait to try and help take this club forward and make some more great players. We have a great history at the club and I want to be part of making more history."

The first home game of the new campaign sees Pool up against Cardiff City who are managed by Holloway's close friend Dave Jones,

"Dave is one of my best mates in football, he is a fantastic fella and he kept his dignity when he was wrongly treated by Southampton, he likes to play the game the right way and I thought he was desperately unlucky last year not to have got in the play-offs, he has had to sell some his better players because the offers were too good to turn down, but he has a good squad of players and it will be another game I can't wait for, our home form last season was not good and we know we have to put that better and it will be important to get off to a good start at home, but like I keep saying I can't wait, I can't wait to get on the grass and working with the players. I know it is an old cliché and every manager will say it, we have to play everyone at some time so it doesn't matter when, but I wanted to have one of my former teams in the opening few games and I have that so I can't complain..."
. Blackpool

- 2009-2010 FA Cup Round Dates
- Video: QPR vs Chelsea (from 1982)
- Video: QPR vs Barnsley (From 1982)
- 1976 Video: Stan Bowles Breaks an European Scoring Record vs FC Cologne
- 1992/93 Video: QPR vs Manchester United and also Ryan Giggs goal vs QPR
- QPR Advertising Open Coaching Positions (Ladies' Teams)
- The Complete QPR Websites Listing
- Key Dates for QPR's 2009-2010 Season
- Away from QPR Specific: David Conn on Portsmouth's takeover & Finances.....Senior Police Urge Clubs to Assume More Policing Costs.....Hull's City Chairman has Driving Ban because of his football involement....Football 'Franchises': Right or Wrong?

2009-2010 FA Cup Dates.....QPR Videos....Reminder QPR London Masters Tournament

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Magilton and Gorman Talking About QPR Prospects

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For cutting-edge, continually-updated news about QPR: Visit the combination messageboard and quasi-blog: The QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and other football news; nostalgia; and posters' views: No focus on politics, films, music, etc. No ad-hominem attacks on fellow posters. Just an (usually) intelligent focus on QPR and Football

- Ex-QPR Loanee Joins Fulham

- 1976 Video: Stan Bowles Breaks an European Scoring Record vs FC Cologne

- Also: 1992/93 Video: QPR vs Manchester United and also Ryan Giggs goal vs QPR

- Bernie Ecclestone's Perspective of Flavio Briatore

BBC - QPR will play with style - Gorman
- QPR's new assistant manager John Gorman believes the club's fans will enjoy watching their team next season.
- The Scot has resumed his partnership with new Rangers boss Jim Magilton after they worked together at Ipswich.
- Gorman, 59, told BBC London 94.9: "I'm just so happy to get back into football so quickly and play the style of football that Jim and I want to play.
- "I'm sure that will suit the QPR fans because they do like to see good, quality football."
- Gorman, who was Glenn Hoddle's right-hand man when he managed England and has also had spells in charge of Swindon, Wycombe and Northampton, is impressed with the players at his disposal at Loftus Road.
- "It's a really good squad here. They might need a couple more players just to strengthen things but, generally, you look at the players and think that's a good squad and any club in the Championship would love to have it.
- "We will play a style of football that Jim played as a player and as a manager. We do pass the ball through the midfield and we like to create chances and get crosses in and I think the fans will enjoy it.
- "I've always been adamant about this, whatever team I go to. I know we want to win but we want to win with a bit of style and, even when I was manager of Wycombe, I proved that even in the lower levels you can play good football."
- Magilton was sacked after three years at Ipswich in April, just a few weeks after QPR sacked their previous manager Paulo Sousa but Gorman is not concerned about the high turnover of managers at at the West London club in recent times.
- "To be fair, I think have realised that [regularly changing managers] is not the way to go. I think they feel that's why they've got people in like us.
- "I'm hoping they give us the chance to really get on with the job. It's not going to be an easy job because everybody's expectations are very high but I really feel that they've said they'll give us a real chance to get our teeth into it." BBC

QPR Official Site - MAGILTON EYES HOME COMFORT
- Jim Magilton is hoping the opening fixtures of the Coca Cola Championship season prove kind to the R's, following the news that Rangers will face a 380-mile round journey to play Exeter City in the Carling Cup in early August.
- The all-important fixtures for the 2009/10 campaign are released at 10.00am tomorrow (Wednesday) morning and the R's gaffer is hoping for a home fixture on Saturday 8th August, with a long trip to the Grecians' St James Park home now penciled in just a few days later.
- "The fixture release day is when everyone really gets buzzing again for the season ahead - and I'm no different," beamed Magilton.
- "Of course, we'd love to start with a home fixture on day one. It would be great for myself and John (Gorman) to kick-start the campaign with a home match, in front of the QPR supporters who have been so supportive to us both in our short time here."
- However, the history books would suggest Magilton is due an away day fixture on the opening day of the new campaign.
- In his three year spell at Ipswich Town, the new R's boss was handed three home fixtures in a row between seasons 2006/07 and 2008/09, winning one and losing the other two.
- But whoever the R's get on the first day of the campaign, Magilton is confident his charges will be fired up for the season ahead.
- "The hard work really starts now for us," he said.
- "Once the fixtures come out on Wednesday, we can really start planning for the season ahead."
- Magilton added: "As a professional, I always kept an eye out for the fixture release day, because it's when you really start focusing your attentions towards the new season again.
- "It's always important to get off to a winning start. All eyes will be on us, but I love that pressure and if we can get off to a winning start, then that will be great."
- Magilton also touched upon the R's Carling Cup first round tie against Exeter, adding: "It's a good game for us.
- "I've known Paul (Tisdale) for quite a while, since our days at Southampton, when he was a very young midfielder.
- "He's a good man and a good Manager, who has got his side promoted two years in a row. He's very highly regarded and we're expecting a very tough game."
QPR

QPR Official Site - GORMAN PREDICTS 'TRICKY' TIE
-New R's Assistant Manager John Gorman believes Rangers will have to be 'thoroughly committed and professional' when they travel to St James Park - the home of Exeter City - in the first round of this season's Carling Cup.
- Tuesday's draw pitted the R's against the League One outfit and Gorman is adamant Rangers won't be taking their lower league opposition lightly.
- Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Gorman said: "It's a tricky tie, but one we're more than capable of winning.
-"We'll need to be totally committed and professional to get the job done, and we'll be drumming that in to the players from day one of pre-season training."
- Exeter have enjoyed back-to-back promotions in recent years and there's one member of the Grecians set-up that Gorman knows particularly well.
- Former Tottenham Hotspur legend Steve Perryman MBE is the Director of Football at St James Park - and the R's number two is looking forward to locking horns with his old Spurs chum.
- "Steve's a close friend of mine, so it's a nice draw in that respect," he said.
- "It's been a while since I've been to St James Park, but it's a difficult place to go at any time." QPR

Eurosport - Yems relishing Rangers test
- Exeter assistant manager John Yems is looking forward to the newly-promoted Grecians' Carling Cup first round clash at home to Championship side QPR.
- Paul Tisdale's City side will play in League One next season following automatic promotion from League Two, a season after winning the Blue Square Premier play-off final at Wembley.
- Yems said: "It's a great draw for us, against one of the big Championship clubs."
- He added: "I think it shows the level we`ve come to that we can really look forward to a game like this and it's at home so it will be a real early-season treat for our fans.
- "I`m sure on the back of our back-to-back promotions, our fans will really be getting behind us on the night - I imagine the whole club is looking forward to it." Eurosport

- Complete First Round Draw

- Meanwhile, Exeter have appointed: Ex-QPR Defender Appointed First Team Coach at Exter|

- June 16 Key Contract Date for Football League Clubs

- The Complete QPR Websites Listing -

- Key Dates for QPR's 2009-2010 Season

QPR at Exeter...Video Stan Bowles' Record Breaking Goal....Blackstock on Playing for QPR at Oxford

Monday, June 15, 2009

Stan Bowles' Ex-Team Mate (John Gorman) Joins QPR.....QPR Snippets

Sunday, June 14, 2009

QPR Flashback - "Inside QPR With Flavio"....Di Carmine Update....Ex-QPR Star Bob Hazell Turns Fifty

- A May Express and Star 2008 Interview with Bob Hazell and John Gregory recall the 1982 Semi-Final vs WBA
"...Hazell is now a Birmingham-based 48-year-old Sports Prevention Manager working to help rehabilitate young offenders through sport..."
Express and Star Interview

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