QPR Report Monday: QPR's Golden Past! On This Day QPR's Championship and Cup Winning Season Concludes: Rodney Marsh Country's Top Goalscorer with 44 Goals

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-QPR History in Photos: From the 1880s to the 21st Century - The Bushman QPR Photo Archives

- The Main QPR REPORT MESSAGEBOARD

- Follow QPR REPORT on TWITTER!
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 - Year ago Today: The Manchester City Game - and Mark Hughes' Post-Match Promise


- Two Years Ago: Ben Kosky and David McIntyre on QPR, Chairman Paladini and Need for Change.

- Video of the QPR and Newcastle Goals
Man Utd 37 88
Man City 36 75
Chelsea 37 72
Tottenham 37 69
Arsenal 36 67
Everton 37 63
Liverpool 37 58
West Brom 37 48
Swansea 37 46
West Ham 37 43
Stoke 37 41
Norwich 37 41
Newcastle 37 41
Southampton 37 40
Fulham 37 40
Aston Villa 37 40
Sunderland 37 39
Wigan 36 35
Reading 36 28
QPR 37 25


On this Day in 1967, QPR's 1966-67 season concludes with a loss at Oxford United. A look back at the 1966-67 Season


- From the Bushman QPR Photo Archives: A Look Back at 1966-1967




Division III League Champions 1966-67 Season

This image is reduced by 23%, click it to view full size.























































Les Allen has his shirt ripped in the Watford match


























Ron Phillips, Len Shipman, Alec Stock & Jim Gregory.

Alec Stock Champions Medal Division Three




















This image is reduced by 23%, click it to view full size.
This image is reduced by 32%, click it to view full size.

And Bushman Photo Archives II QPR 3-2 WBA League Cup Final 4th March 1967. Att: 97,952. Scorers: R. Morgan. Marsh, Lazarus The players read Good Luck telegrams in the Wembley dressing room before kick-off. Reg Hayter who founded Hayter's Sports Reporting Agency in Fleet Street is in the overcoat. Frank Sibley & Jim Langley check the Wembley Pitch. Parade of Final teams by schoolboys attired in the colours of the last 32 clubs The two sides walk out onto the Wembley pitch greeted by a crowd of 97,952. The crowd mixed in together. Marsh goes up but Roger Morgan is waiting to score Rangers first goal. Roger Morgan heads Rangers first goal. Rodney Marsh scores. Rodney celebrates his goal. Mark Lazarus (No.7) turns after scoring winning goal. Marsh & Hunt celebrate. Left to Right Back row:Mike Keen,Tony Hazell,Ron Hunt, Mark Lazarus, Les Allen,Frank Sibley,Jim Langley,Two Black & White Minstrels & three stewards. Front row:Peter Springett, Roger Morgan, Rodney Marsh, Ian Morgan & Keith Sanderson. This image is reduced by 23%, click it to view full size. Mike Keen Ian Morgan looks on as Roger Morgan holds the cup aloft. Les Allen can be seen throwing his tankard in the air. Left to Right: Ron Hunt,Roger Les Allen,Ian Morgan,Mike Keen,Tony Hazell & Peter Springett. Les Allen & Jim Langley Mike Keen & Jim Gregory (Chairman) Keith Sanderson,Mark Lazarus,Peter Springett & Les Allen Les Allen,Jim Gregory (Chairman) & Alec Farmer (trainer) Tony Hazell,Rodney Marsh,Ron Hunt,Ian Morgan,Roger Morgan & Peter Springett Jim Langley & Les Allen

QPR Report Saturday: QPR's Greatest-Ever Day... 45 Years Ago Today - Promoted to Division One...34 Years Ago: Chelsea Relegated. (So are QPR!)...Devon Pre-Season?...Birthdays for Marc Bircham and John Gregory

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- QPR Win Promotion to Division One - QPR's 1967/1968 Season


QPR History in Photos: From the 1880s to the 21st Century - The Bushman QPR Photo Archives

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- 14 Years Ago Today: Chairman Chris Wright on "QPR Reborn"


- 28 Years Ago Today: The Terrible Bradford City Fire.

- 34 Years Ago Today: QPR Finish above Chelsea who are relegated! Unfortunately, so are QPR!

- QPR Birthdays: Marc Bircham Turns 35. John Gregory Turns 59


- The 1982-83 Championship QPR Team Return to Loftus Road Schedule
 - The 2013/14 QPR Ticket Prices Announced


- England C Squad Announced



Dave McIntyre/West London Sport

QPR are planning a pre-season visit to Devon.
West London Sport revealed last week that the club had abandoned a proposed trip to South Korea.
And having scrapped plans for another summer tour of Asia, Rangers are now lining up a return to the West Country, which they visited during Neil Warnock’s time in charge.
They are likely to be based in Woodbury, around seven miles from Exeter, where Portsmouth spent pre-season during Harry Redknapp’s time as their manager.
Rangers boss Redknapp is hoping friendlies against clubs in the region will be confirmed in the next couple of weeks.
“We’re booked up to go down to Devon,” he confirmed.
“I’ve been there about six times when I was manager of Portsmouth. They’ve got a good pitch there and it’s a good place to go.
“We’ll have a game down there – Plymouth, Torquay, Exeter or somebody – and will enjoy going there.” - West London Sport 

BBC - QPR: Harry Redknapp promises disciplinary crackdown

BBC - QPR manager Harry Redknapp has promised a far stricter regime next season following the club's relegation.
Earlier this week, midfielder Stephane Mbia was fined after a message on his Twitter account suggested he wanted to move to Marseille.
Redknapp wants a significant change in attitude in the Championship.

"There will be a lot of things changing here over the summer. We'll have the players disciplined from the start," Redknapp said.
"Maybe we had to pussy-foot around players when I came in because of the situation this season."
Redknapp's sterner measures appear likely to include tighter guidelines on his players' use of Twitter.
He added: "If they practiced more on the training ground instead of tweeting, maybe they'd become better footballers.
"In terms of discipline it's got to change with some of them. Some of them think they can do what they want, when they want. We don't want people doing silly things. We don't want people tweeting all the time."
Redknapp has suggested there is more chance of Rangers suffering a second successive relegation than bouncing straight back to the Premier League.
The manager wants a significant turnover of players in order to challenge in the Championship.
Redknapp added: "Getting players out will be difficult, but we're not going to give them away. I want players who want to give their all . I think change is needed. We need to freshen up the squad after a tough season.
"You need good characters in the dressing room. We've got some but we've also got some dysfunctional ones too."  BBC




QPR's GREATEST-EVER SEASON: 1967/1968 PROMOTED TO DIVISION ONE

FROM THE BUSHMAN ARCHIVES

Video from 1967/1968
QPR Portsmouth
QPR vs Huddersfield
QPR vs Norwich

 

2nd Division Runners-Up 1967-68 Season


(Middle row, 4th from left is Colin Moughton and not Colin Murphy as stated)

Rangers kicked of the season as 3rd Division Champions and League Cup Champions.



Rangers won 5-1. Scorers Keen, Lazarus, Morgan I, Morgan R, Leach.



Mick Leach scoring against Italian Olympic XI.



Rangers first game in the 2nd Division 1967-68 was away to Portsmouth ending 1-1. Scorer Morgan R.





First 2nd Division home game of the season against Norwich City brings a 2-0 win. Scorers Keen (pen), Morgan I,









Rangers beat Oxford Utd 5-1 in the League Cup 3rd Round.

Alan Wilks score five goals for The Rs.




The new programme is launched and the apostrophe goes missing.


At the end of 1967 Rangers are top of Division 2.
Beating Plymouth Argyle 4-1 on the 30th Dec 1967. Scorers Marsh 2, Keen 2.








Marsh celebrates as Mike Keen turns away with his arm in the air after scoring from a free kick.


The start of 1968 and Rangers are top at all levels.





The cover shows Rodney Marsh celebrating his second goal against Preston North End on the 20th January. Rangers won 2-0

The Rs did not have a league fixture on Saturday 2nd March,
instead they played a friendly against Internacional Bratislavia Slovanaft on Monday 4th March winning 4-3.



Jimmy Armfield (Blackpool), R. V. Spittle (Ref), Mike Keen. 23rd March Rangers won 2-0. Scorers Morgan I, Clarke.



Frank Clarke scores his first goal for the club against Blackpool.


It all came down to the final game of the season on the 11th May 1968, against Aston Villa at Villa Park.
Rangers won 2-1 with goals from Mick Leach and the never to be forgotten Keith Bradley own goal.
Rangers were in the top Division for the first time



Villa goalkeeper Colin Withers stopping Rodney Marsh getting to the ball.






Rodney Marsh and Frank Clarke with Alan Harris joining in the celebrations after Aston Villa full back Keith Bradley scores an own goal and promotes Rangers.



A section of the 15,000 Rangers supporters at Villa Park.


Alec Stock and Bill Dodgin celebrate as the final whistle goes at Villa Park.
Also on the touchline Ricky Orsmond (club mascot), Alan Wilks (sub) & Ron Woolnough (physio)


Mick Leach being mobbed by Rangers supporters at the end of the game at Villa Park.






Mick Leach celebrates.

The final table.




Manager and players raise a glass to winning promotion from the 2nd Division.


Left to Right:
Rodney Marsh, Ian Morgan, Roger Morgan, Keith Sanderson, Ron Springett, Frank Clarke, Mick Leach, Ron Hunt, Tony Hazell, Mike Keen & Alec Stock.

The Civic Reception at Hammersmith Town Hall






Les Allen is congratulated by The Mayor of Hammersmith, Sir Samuel Salmon, J.P. Roger Morgan looks on.

Read more: http://qprreport.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=general&thread=13479&page=1#323095#ixzz2SxpHwz00

10 Years Ago Today: QPR's PlayOff Semi-Final First Leg at Oldham...QPR and Cardiff's Chairmen Meet....Gianni Paladini Interview Flashback....Child Signs for QPR!...Gareth Ainsworth Turns 40

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QPR History in Photos: From the 1880s to the 21st Century - The Bushman QPR Photo Archives

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- Gareth Ainsworth Turns 40 (Was with the wrong club for the Cardiff Playoff Final!)

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Ten Years Ago Today: May 10, 2003 - QPR Draw at Oldham in First Leg
(Richard Langley sent off and misses the Cardiff final. )

- [A Few days later...! Video of the Second Leg at Loftus Road)

QPR: Day, Forbes, shiteetu, Rose (Pacquette 76min), Williams, Langley, Bircham, Palmer, McLeod, Furlong, Gallen - Culkin, Pacquette, Angell, Thompson, Plummer.


The TimesLouise Taylor at Boundary Park
RICHARD LANGLEY scored a vital equalising goal for Queens Park Rangers yesterday, then got himself sent off, as Ian Holloway's team gained a creditable draw in the first-leg of this semi-final tie.
�I�m sick of finishing games with 10 men but I have no sympathy with him,� said Holloway. �He�ll be dealt with internally and I am angry with his actions.�

Oldham will be disappointed not to have made the most of their home advantage as they are experiencing something of a renaissance under Iain Dowie�s management. Even so, QPR will start the second leg at Loftus Road on Wednesday as slight favourites. The Londoners are the subject of a partial takeover bid from Haleem Kherallah, a 37-year-old Palestinian multi-millionaire who has offered �1m for a quarter stake in the club.

In his manifesto, Kherallah promises the attempted signing of David Ginola, along with several players domiciled in the Middle East. He hopes to attract 2,000 new Arab fans along with sponsorship from Kuwaiti Airlines.

Given the state of their finances, Oldham could do with a Kherallah type figure on their horizon. Meanwhile their manager could have done with the speedy Wayne Andrews converting a highly inviting volleyed chance after Danny shiteetu, QPR�s man-mountain of a centre-half, helpfully sliced Fitz Hall�s long ball into his path.

If only Dowie had been on the pitch to connect with that one. No matter; in the 28th minute midfielder David Eyres � at 39, a year older than his manager � put Oldham ahead courtesy of a free kick straight through the QPR wall.

Ian Holloway, QPR's manager, must have been alternately reassured and alarmed by the combative central midfield commitment offered by Marc Bircham. With Bircham swiftly booked, his often gung ho approach to 50-50 balls threatened to end in a red card but, equally, his presence prevented Oldham's playmaker Paul Murray from displaying his superior passing skills.

Two minutes into the second half, QPR were level, Langley connecting with a cross, luring the erratic David Miskelly off his line and guiding the ball into an unguarded net.

Miskelly became an increasing liability, dashing off his line and regularly succeeding in flattening only his own defenders � indeed, the unfortunate Hall required prolonged treatment after one collision.

Possibly inspired, Murray nearly succeeded in lobbing Chris Day as shiteetu turned nervous and QPR were further undermined when, nine minutes from time, Langley was sent off for collecting two yellow cards inside 60 seconds.

Somehow Rangers clung on to secure a potentially priceless draw.

Oldham: Miskelly, Hall, Haining, Armstrong, Low, Eyre (Carss 70min), Sheridan (Corazzin 83min), Murray, Eyres, Andrews, Wijnhard

QPR: Day, Forbes, shiteetu, Rose (Pacquette 76min), Williams, Langley, Bircham, Palmer, McLeod, Furlong, Gallen

Scorers: Oldham: Eyres 28

QPR: Langley 47

Referee: S Bennett

Attendance: 12,152
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article885424.ece

John Banks/The Guardian - Evergreen Eyres upstages double-yellow Langley
= Football League Play-Offs Semi-Final 1st Leg
Oldham 1 Eyres 28 QPR 1 Langley 47

Fitz Hall and David Eyres stand at opposite ends of their careers but, if Oldham are to win promotion to the First Division this season, the young defender and veteran winger look certain to have a large say in the matter.

They have each made 41 League appearances this season, a surprising statistic in Eyres' case given that, at 39, he is a month older than his manager Iain Dowie and that he is also the club's leading goalscorer with 16.

His was the superbly struck 20-yard free-kick that handed Oldham a 28th-minute lead here on Saturday, squandered when the home goalkeeper David Miskelly misjudged Tommy Williams' free-kick after half-time and allowed Richard Langley to slide in the equaliser.

Langley went on to undo much of his good work, though, by collecting two yellow cards inside 30 seconds - for a dive and a backward head-butt on Eyres - and incur the wrath of the Rangers manager Ian Holloway.

His suspension from Wednesday's return leg is one reason the tie is so finely balanced, although Eyres has the look of a man with a point to prove. "Everyone always mentions my age but I don't think that affects the playing side," said Eyres. "I have proved that in the past two years.

"I feel I have another year or two left in me. I have good self-discipline and work as hard as any player and helping Oldham into the First Division would be a great step."

Hall, 17 years Eyres' junior and a player tipped to play in the Premiership, summed up his team-mate's worth to their club. "I don't know how David hasn't played at the very highest level," he said.

"He didn't turn pro until he was 25, so maybe that's the reason. But that's also probably what has kept him going until he's 39. Everyone at the club looks up to him, the senior players and the gaffer as well as us."

Hall - nicknamed, originally enough by football standards, "One Size" - is also a relative latecomer to the game. Now 22, he is coming to the end of his first full season in the professional ranks after Dowie's brother Bob, manager of non-league Chesham, recommended him.

On the verge of a place in the England under-21 ranks this season, Hall has as much as his older team-mate to play for right now. "Second Division players never really get that recognition," said Hall. "Getting into the First Division might help. But, with this being my first full season, I'd be more delighted than anyone to win promotion."

Oldham must have been helped towards that by Langley's dismissal, from two of the game's nine bookings, and it certainly took the shine off the result for Holloway.

"That marred it for me," the Rangers manager said. "When are we going to learn?

"You've got to be professional on occasions like these but we have shown signs today that we cannot handle it and I won't have it. We have got to deal with ourselves in a more professional manner, a less emotional manner, otherwise we will shoot our foot off.

"We can't keep blaming referees, we have to take responsibility for our own actions. Yes, I've spoken to Richard about it and that's why I'm out of the dressing room. Right now, I'm not a very happy man." If Eyres and Hall have their way, he will be even less happy after Wednesday.

Man of the match: David Eyres (Oldham)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2003/may/12/match.sport17




 New Straits Times

Of Shakespeare, tycoons and football power -
May 2013| last updated at 12:04AM

By Chan Wai Kong | kongster@nstp.com.  

MALAYSIAN DRAMA: Vincent Tan meets Tony Fernandes in London

FOLLOWING a weekend of climactic football, two of Malaysia's wealthiest men had a meeting at a hotel in London last Monday.

Something is afoot, you wonder, as Tan Sri Vincent Tan, the founder of Berjaya Corporation Berhad, sat down with Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, the owner of AirAsia.

It wasn't about swapping shares over a power lunch as the two Malaysian big shots had some footy chat in EPL Land, and it was not the type that people usually talk about at the warong, well, not about Manchester United or Liverpool.

In all likelihood, serious business was on the menu when Tan and Fernandes, both relatively new to the football industry, exchanged views at the 152-year-old Victorian hotel called Berjaya Eden Park.

They had plenty to chew over what had been a contrasting season for their clubs and what needs to be done for the new season which kicks off on Aug 17.

With Tan and Fernandes having experienced the ups and downs of football, both men would have advised each other on avoiding the pitfalls and perils of the English league. For all you know, the two tycoons might enter into a "player loan deal" with Tan taking one or two QPR players from Fernandes for the Cardiff team that competes in the 2013-2014 season.

For Tan, exciting days are ahead after his Cardiff City club lifted the Championship trophy on April 27. Known as the Bluebirds, the team has soared into the Premier League where it will be in the same flight of Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and other big names.

For Fernandes, grim days lie ahead after his team, Queens Park Rangers, was demoted from the Premier League to the second-tier Championship league, just 24 hours after Tan was handed the Championship trophy.

Prior to their meeting on Monday, Tan had revealed to this writer that he and Fernandes have had their share of "football chat" since their goals are to be successful in the English Premier League (EPL).

You picture Fernandes, who has had some bad experience buying pricey players who let the team down eventually, giving some what-not-to-do advice to Tan when Cardiff City competes in the Premier League for the first time in 51 years.

Before anything else, he might have warned Tan to beware of the agents, transfer-fixers and middlemen of the game.

Appropriately, Fernandes, who is reported to have put STG50 million (RM250 million) of his personal fortune into QPR, is the right person to alert the Tan Sri to these money-grabbers.

Vowing that he won't be exploited any more, Fernandes had said that QPR's tragic season was a "Shakespearean play in the making" as nothing went right for the team, which was beset by bad luck and players' injuries, apart from "immoral" football agents.

"I've seen all of the parts that make football quite ... maybe immoral is a strong word but they would sell their grandmother to do something. What I am saying is there are people in the business where money comes first," Fernandes told the British media in London recently.

On the positive side, Fernandes, who is also the owner of the Caterham Formula One team and used to life in the fast lane, is well geared for a speedy return to Premier League with QPR.

On paper, QPR, which is still a team of calibre players, "should do a Newcastle" by winning the Championship title outright, that is in just a season over 10 months. For instance, when a relegated Newcastle played in the Championship in the 2009-2010 season, its rivals were already conceding that the club was too strong for them.

True enough, Newcastle scored more than a hundred points (102) to duly run away with the Championship title and win promotion to the Premier League again. In comparison, Cardiff scored only 87 points from 46 games this season,

In return, it could be Tan giving tips to Fernandes on how QPR could achieve "fast promotion" from the Championship. After all, his Cardiff City has proved that it could occupy the top spot in the 24-team table this season since November. That is C for consistency as Cardiff became the league winner with 25 wins, 12 draws and nine losses in 46 games.

As for Tan's team, the biggest challenge is to stay in the Premier League and avoid demotion. They have seen it with their own eyes; the Reading team, which was first in the Championship last year, is now second last in the Premier League and relegated.

Nonetheless, Tan, who has proved to be a winner in many fields of business, is determined that his Bluebirds will not go the way of so many other teams that have plunged back to the Championship after a brief stay in the Premier League.

The billionaire, intent on making Cardiff City a well known EPL club, and not just a team participating in the Premier League, said he could spend up to STG25 million on new players to reinforce the team. If that translates into a permanent stay in the Premier League which offers about STG100 million a season from television money, it is worth the investment.

Will that be enough against big spenders like Manchester City or Chelsea or for that matter, teams like Tottenham Hotspur? Of course not, but more importantly, Cardiff City needs to buy the right players from the right agents.

Tan's Bluebirds should be a good bet to stay in the Premier League for more than one season while Fernandes' relegated QPR should fly back into the top flight by May next year. New Straits Times


Kilburn Times
Kingsbury schoolboy signed by QPR football club

Kingsbury schoolboy signed by QPR football club

 Eight-year-old Deven Solanki signing the contract for QPR
Max Walters, Reporter
Thursday, May 9, 2013

Deven Solanki, eight, was spotted while playing for AFC Wembley

An eight-year-old budding footballer from Kingsbury has been plucked from his local team and signed a contract with Premier League side Queen’s Park Rangers (QPR).

Deven Solanki was spotted by QPR coaches during a game for his club AFC Wembley.

The striker signed a contract with the West London side two weeks ago.

Speaking to the Times, his father Hemel said: “We are extremely proud of him and will continue to support him. Hopefully he has a very bright future ahead of him.”

Deven’s path is similar to former Wembley schoolboy Raheem Sterling who, like Deven, started out as a player for Kingsbury based Alpha and Omega FC and AFC Wembley before signing for QPR.

Mr Sterling eventually moved to Liverpool FC where he currently plays.

Angel Reid, Deven’s mother said: “Ever since he was tiny he has always been kicking balls around, his love of football has really paid off.

“He certainly didn’t get his talent from either of us, its all self taught.”

Deven will play for QPR’s under nines team.

The first team will play in the Championship, professional football’s second tier next season following relegation from the Premier League.
Kilburn Times



Seven Year Flashback...

Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times Interview - May 10, 2006

Exclusive Gianni Paladini interview

10 May 2006

CARETAKER managers are nothing unusual at Loftus Road - just ask John Hollins, Iain Dowie or the most experienced QPR stand-in of the lot, Frank Sibley.

A few weeks tends to be the extent of the caretaker's tenure, yet Gary Waddock is just beginning his fourth month in that 'temporary' role since Ian Holloway was suspended.

Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini has repeatedly stated that he plans to appoint Waddock as Holloway's successor before the start of next season - despite an uninspiring run that saw the team gain just five points from their last 11 games.

And, in an exclusive interview with Ben Kosky, Paladini explains his unswerving support for Waddock and his number two Alan McDonald, defends the decision to ditch Holloway and outlines his plans for next season.

How soon do you expect to appoint the new manager?

"It's public knowledge that Gary will be the manager and Macca will be his assistant - the players all know that, so let's make it clear and there's no confusion about it.

"Gary wants to be his own man and he'll bring in his own people.

"I cannot believe that Ollie will be out of work for the next two years - he's an up and coming manager, very popular and I'm positive he'll get a job by the end of this month. If he doesn't, we'll have to do something about it."

With hindsight, do you feel you handled Ian Holloway's situation in the right way?

"When I meet other chairmen, there's not one that doesn't think I did the right thing and they all think they'd do the same.

"If Gary, after three months, said he wanted to go and speak with, say, Birmingham City or Manchester United when he has a two-year contract with me, it's the end.

"Goodbye, don't bother to collect your stuff - I'll send it to you. It's as simple as that.

"What amazes me is this - a player under contract cannot be approached by another club, or they get fined. A manager under contract can be approached by another club, go and talk to them and he doesn't get fined by anybody.

"I don't see how that can work. Leicester approached me and I don't think it should be allowed for them to ask when my manager is under contract for another two and a half years."

The season ended with a very poor run of results under Gary Waddock, so why do you feel he is the right man to take QPR forward?

"My personal view is that I've enjoyed the football under Gary - we played some very good games against Norwich and Reading recently.

"I really don't have much time for people who say 'good luck, bad luck' - I'm looking at the way we play.

"There was never any danger of us going down and in our division it makes no difference to be 21st or seventh. It's about whether you are preparing for next season.

"The reason why we played some younger players and stuck to that in the last five or six games was to see the strength of what we've got in the camp.

"It's only fair to Gary to judge him on the players he brings in. If we're unsuccessful next season, it'll be a problem and he knows that."

Is it realistic to expect a push for the top six next season while you're trying to cut costs?

"Unless they live on Mars or the Moon, everybody knows that unless you get success, the fans won't stand for you and we're all in the same boat. I don't want to come here and not enjoy the games.

"It will be the fourth year since I became involved with QPR and I've never been in a position where we're fighting relegation. I want us to be in a good position by Christmas to challenge for the play-offs and, if we're not, Gary knows the situation.

"Queens Park Rangers fans are not stupid - they're brought up to be entertained and they like good football, so I think they understand what we're trying to do.

"The good news is that we are up on ticket sales compared with this time last year, so people are already responding."

What's the financial state of the club compared to when you took over as chairman?

"Things are much better - we expect to be able to bring our loss to a manageable level, between �200,000 and �300,000 next season. We have a new shirt sponsor and we hope to have a different sponsor for the shorts as well.

"We've reduced our budget for next season. This year was �5.5m and next year will be nearer �4m - that's our plan for the next three years and this is why we're reducing the number of players.

"There are just too many players and we seem to have the longest squad list wherever we go. We want to have a squad of about 25, that's more or less what teams like Watford have got."

How has the squad size been allowed to balloon - is it a direct result of signing players with persistent injury problems such as Dean Sturridge?

"To be fair, Sturridge's record was outstanding - he scored goals left, right and centre and I'm not blaming Ollie for the fact that it didn't work out.

"He felt Sturridge was worth a gamble and we took it, but when you cut open the melon it's not always nice and red."

"At any club, you can have the best players in the world, but if they're injured through silly things, you're forced to get more players in all the time.

"That's what happened to Ollie this year - we got seven players in during the summer and he had to bring more because of the injuries. Players' wages have to be paid, but we also have to pay the bills.

"I don't want people injured all the time for no reason. It was always the same - hamstring, hamstring, hamstring - and something can't be right there.

"I believe that going to Ibiza last summer wasn't the best preparation, especially working on the plastic pitch and I won't take the team there again.

"In Italy there will be better training facilities - and also it's an easy way for me to get home for a week

http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/content/ca....3A13%3A18%3A417

QPR Report Thursday Flashbacks -14 Years Ago: QPR Crush Crystal Palace and Stay Up....40 Years Ago: Promoted QPR Knock Over Sunderland's FA Cup!

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QPR History in Photos: From the 1880s to the 21st Century - The Bushman QPR Photo Archives

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12 Years Ago: Merger With Wimbledon Abandoned

QPR Managers Since Alex Ferguson took at Manchester United in 1986 - 20 of them (NOT counting various QPR "Caretaker" Appointments)
Jim Smith...Trevor Francis...Don Howe...Gerry Francis...Ray Wilkins...Stuart Houston...Ray Harford...Gerry Francis...Ian Holloway...Gary Waddock...John Gregory...Luigi De Canio...Iain Dowie...Paulo Sousa...Jim Magilton...Paul Hart...Mick Harford...Neil Warnock...Mark Hughes...Harry Redknapp

9 Years ago, (Yesterday) QPR Win Promotion at Hillsborough


14 Years Ago...QPR STAY UP 

May 9, 1999: QPR 6 Crystal Palace 0

Miklosko, Breacker, Baraclough, Kulcsar, Linighan, Maddix, Scully, PeaC***, Rowland (Gallen 86), Slade,Kiwomya (Murray 86).

- Scorers: G.Kulscar, C.Kiwomya (3), T.Scully, T.Breacker [Goals: George Kulcsar (8), Chris Kiwomya (43), Chris Kiwomya (56), Tony Scully (77), Tim Breacker (84), Chris Kiwomya (85)]

- Crystal Palace: Miller, Frampton, Woozley, Austin, Petric (Tuttle 615), Thomson, Foster (Burton 55), Zhiyi, Martin (Carlisle 52), Morrison, Mullins.

- Video



MATCH REPORTS and COMMENTS

Guardian, May 10, 1999 - Rescue only the start for Francis
Martin Thorpe sees Rangers reprieved by a Kiwomya hat-trick
- Large gaps have characterised Queens Park Rangers' season: a debt of 8.6m, players on 100,000 salaries who are not deemed good enough for the first team, a share price which has plummeted from 72p to 8p, memories of being fifth in the Premiership only six years ago.
- So yesterday's win was totally in keeping as Rangers, with a Chris Kiwomya hat-trick, saved themselves from the ignominy of relegation to the Second Division in style, albeit on goals scored.
- They were aided in their victory by an inexperienced Crystal Palace side reduced to nine men by two sendings-off, a fitting end to Palace's season of farce.
- Indeed, this was a classic encounter between two clubs bought by fans who put heart before head and ended up with their heads in their hands.
- Mark Goldberg overstretched himself and steered Palace on to the rocks of administration. Chris Wright took over Rangers in 1996 but spent too much in trying to get them back to the Premiership and was left with nothing but an empty transfer kitty. 'All my good business principles went out the window,' he says.
- He also admits a mistake in giving the manager's job to Stewart Houston, then Ray Harford. So now Gerry Francis, in his second stint in charge, must pick up the pieces, with little money to spend and well-paid players bought by his pre decessors sitting on long contracts in the reserves.
- But, if there is one person who can lift this club back to the heights, it is the man who took them there in the first place. The spirit Rangers showed yesterday was totally characteristic of Francis teams.
- He returned in November with Rangers bottom of the table. He was shocked at the mess he found but convinced he could do something about it. 'I'd been here 17 years as a player and manager and the club means a lot to me,' he said yesterday.
- Now he will apply his undoubted talent-spotting skills to improving the squad. 'Ultimately I want to get us back in the Premiership.''
- The midfielder George Kulcsar opened the scoring with a 20-yard volley and Kiwomya added the second, shooting against the post and heading in the rebound.
- Three minutes after the interval Palace's Chinese midfielder Fan Zhiyi was sent off for pushing the referee, and a mistake by Palace's keeper Kevin Miller gave Kiwomya the chance for his second on 57 minutes.
- Tony Scully made it four with a volley 20 minutes later, then Palace were reduced to nine men when David Woozley pulled back Scully. Kiwomya's penalty was saved but Tim Breacker bundled in the rebound, and Kiwomya completed his hat-trick five minutes from time from close range.
- Four thousand fans were locked out but those inside went delirious at Rangers' salvation. Francis was more reserved. 'The real job starts tomorrow.' Guardian


Irish Examiner - Francis already mapping out future for QPR after great escape
QPR 6 - Crystal Palace 0
QPR boss Gerry Francis may have saved his team from relegation to the Second Division but he is not resting on his laurels.
The Loftus Road chief is relieved that his side's 6-0 win against Crystal Palace on the last day of the season guaranteed First Division football in West London next season.
But Francis said: "My job starts tomorrow. It's all very well celebrating today but we shouldn't be celebrating avoiding relegation, we want to be up in the promotion race.
"It's going to be a slow process because we can't compete in the transfer market, so we have to bring the kids through and find players in the non-leagues who'll do a job because I don't want another season like this one."
The first job that Francis will face will be to persuade out of contract players Chris Kiwomya and Gavin PeaC*** to stay at the club.
"We haven't been able to negotiate because of our position. If we had gone down we may not have been able to afford them and we may also have had to let other players go. Hopefully any money available will come to me but it is not going to be millions of pounds."
QPR guaranteed their First Division survival in spectacular style as Kiwomya scored a hat-trick. Palace, who managed only one shot on target, finished with nine men after having Fan Zhiyi and David Woozley sent off in a blistering second half.
Rangers, on a run of five consecutive defeats, looked jittery at the start of this vital game but they grabbed an early goal to steady their nerves.
On eight minutes a clever move involving Kiwomya and Keith Rowland saw the ball cleared to the edge of the Palace area. George Kulcsar waited patiently for the ball to come down before thumping a superb shot into the top corner with Palace keeper Kevin Miller watching in admiration.
Palace, with nothing to play for, found themselves overwhelmed by hungry Rangers and the home side should have added to their lead.
Two minutes before half time Miller was at fault as Rangers deservedly made it 2-0. A huge goal kick by Ludek Miklosko saw Miller dawdle on his line and Kiwomya took full advantage, getting to the ball first and after hitting the post he headed in the rebound.
Palace's token resistance all but ended three minutes after the break when they were reduced to 10 men. They conceded a foul on the edge of their own box and as midfielder Fan Zhiyi protested he seemed to push the referee and was immediately sent off.
Rangers went for the kill and on 56 minutes they made it 3-0 when Tony Scully's free kick was bodied on by Slade and after an almighty scramble forced over the line by Kiwomya.
Palace were in freefall and Rangers were beginning to revel in the open spaces all over the park.
Scully made it four on 76 minutes when he latched on to Andy Linighan's nod down to thump an unstoppable shot into the top corner. And six minutes later Palace went down to nine men when Woozley was dismissed after pulling down Scully as he was about to tap in to an empty net.
- Kiwomya was given the chance of his hat-trick from the spot but his effort was blocked by Miller only for Tim Breacker to follow up and score.
Still QPR weren't finished. Three minutes later Scully crossed to Kiwomya whose first header was saved, his second effort hit the post, before he completed his hat-trick with his third chance to make it 6-0.
- Rowland hit a post, Kevin Gallen had another effort just wide and the Rangers fans, so tense before kick off, were hailing their team as if they had won the championship by the end.


QPR OFFICIAL SITE RANGERS CLINCH SAFETY WITH STYLE

Just when Rangers needed to put in a gutsy do or die show to stay in Division One, they turned on a masterclass show and hit London neighbours Crystal Palace for six, to safely avoid the dreaded drop.
Star of the sow was Chris Kiwomya who bagged a hat-trick and could have finished with even more.

Palace, who had two men sent off, simply fell apart after George Kulscar settled early nerves with a sweet volley in the eigth minute, to pur Rangers in front.
But even the most optimistic R's fans wouldn't have dreamt what would follow, as Gerry Francis's side went on to grab the glory.

In front of a sell out crowd, QPR's early goal gave R's the confidence and the belief that this was to be their day.

On eight minutes a clever move involving Chris Kiwomya and Keith Rowland saw the ball cleared to the edge of the Palace area. George Kulcsar waited for the ball drop before thumping a superb shot into the top corner with Palace keeper Kevin Miller a spectator.

Rangers should have added to their lead, Gavin PeaC*** going very close, but two minutes before half time Miller was at fault as Rangers deservedly made it 2-0.

A massive punt by Ludek Miklosko saw Miller hesitate on his line and Chris Kiwomya took full advantage, getting to the ball first and after hitting the post he calmly headed in the rebound.

After the break Palace were reduced to 10 men and it looked as though it was R's day Palace conceded a foul on the edge of their own box and as midfielder Fan Zhiyi protested he seemed to push the referee and was immediately sent off.

R's then pressed forward and on 56 minutes they made it 3-0 when Tony Scully's free kick was bodied on by Slade and after an almighty scramble forced over the line by Kiwomya.

Scully then made it four on 76 minutes when he latched on to Andy Linighan's nod down to thump an unstoppable shot into the top corner, as Palace fell apart.

Six minutes later Palace went down to nine men when Woozley was dismissed after pulling down Scully as he was about to tap in to an empty net.

Kiwomya was given the chance of his hat-trick from the spot but his effort was blocked by Miller only for Tim Breacker to follow up and score.

Three minutes later Scully crossed to Kiwomya whose first header was saved, his second effort hit the post, before he completed his hat-trick with his third chance to make it 6-0.

Late on Rowland hit a post, Kevin Gallen had another effort just wide and the Rangers faithfull were left to celebrate the great escape and a chance to now turn corner next season.
Gerry Francis has pledged to stay, Rangers fans will now hope that they can follow the example of promoted Bradford City, who themselves were so nearly down and are now in the topflight.
Let the rebuliding work commence.


QPR CHAIRMAN CHRIS WRIGHT SPEAKS RANGERS REBORN

A relieved, ecstatic and triumphant Rangers Chairman Chris Wright, today promised all QPR fans that the dark days of the last two seasons were now over and that under the stewardship of Director of Football Gerry Francis, he fully expects the club to rise from the bottom of Division One to be challenging for a place in the Premiership next season.

" It's a huge weight off my shoulders. I didn't want to be the Chairman who took QPR back to where they were 30 years ago, that would have been horrible to live with," started Chris Wright.

Although the QPR Chairman could not give any definite guarantees, he is confident that the 18,500 who witnessed the great escape from the drop with the resounding 6-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday, would soon be packing Loftus Road chasing glory rather than last day of the season fears of relegation.
In an exclusive interview for the Official QPR Website, Chris Wright summed up his feelings now the season was safely over and his thoughts looking ahead to the future of this famous old club.

" Happy isn't the word for how I'm feeling," added the QPR supremo. " It was just fantastic on Sunday. Once we had the game sown up it was like a part atmosphere, not seen at Loftus Road since we were going for the Championship in 1975.

"I know people will think it strange to compare avoiding relegation to Division two with winning the League, but it was just as important.

" The crowd we had in on Sunday showed just how big this club can be,when the fans turn up in numbers like that. We had to disappoint nearly 5000 more supporters, so it makes you wonder how many we could attract if we were challenging at the other end of the table.

" This is a great family club and we saw what a great place Loftus Road can be for people. Sunday was like a rebirth. It was more than avoiding relegation it was the rebirth of what is and will be again, a great club."

Now the man handed the task of restoring glory to West London, Director of Football, Gerry Francis will have the close season to fine tune the blueprint that he hopes will have the R's battling for a top spot next season. that work is already underway.
" Gerry's already been on the phone discussing where we go from here and which players he wants to keep here and which players he like to try to bring in," continued Chris Wright.

" I know we will get it right and Gerry is very confident about the future. We now have the right framework and set up to move forward.

"All our fans and everyone at the club should now forget about the past and look to the future." he added.

40 YEARS AGO - SEASON ENDS AS QPR WIN AT SUNDERLAND - And the FA Cup Gets Knocked Over!!

40 Years ago today: Gordon Jago's QPR team, with Parkes, Clement, Venables, Francis, Thomas, Bowles and Givens, completed their 1972-1973 promotion season with a 3-0 victory at FA Cup Winners Sunderland. 1972-1973 Results

In that final games at Sunderland, Stan Bowles has spoken and written about how he almost started a riot, by deliberately knocking over Sunderland's newly-won FA Cup with a long range shot.
As someone on Wikipedia has written "Bowles was often regarded as something of a character both on and off the pitch. One notable incident in his playing days involved the famous FA Cup trophy. Having won the FA Cup competition four days prior, Sunderland were parading the trophy at Roker Park on May 9, 1973 when they met QPR in the old Division 2. The trophy had been placed on a table at the side of the pitch when Bowles tore straight across the park and kicked the ball at it full speed, sending the Cup flying through the air.[1] The crowd predictably went ballistic, however Stan had the last laugh by scoring a brace in the match which ended in a pitch invasion. According to Bowles some of the QPR players had laid bets as to who could hit the trophy first." Wikipedia

Although For what it's worth: From the Guardian - November 2006
DID STAN BOWLES TAKE A POT SHOT AT THE FA CUP (2)?

Last week we delved into Stan Bowles's autobiography to discover that, apparently, he once booted a ball at the FA Cup trophy while it was being displayed pitchside at Sunderland during a game. But that's not the end of the story ...
Because reader Brian Halliday sent our article to a friend of his, one Gordon Jago MBE, the manager of QPR at the time of the incident, and who now resides in Dallas. Here's Gordon's view of the events: "The truth is that yes, the FA Cup was knocked off the table during the game against Sunderland, but not by Stan Bowles. It was Tony Hazell, the QPR defender.
"At some time during the game Tony cleared a ball and it knocked the cup flying. This incident really upset the home fans; so much so that the referee took both teams from the field to let tempers cool. The game was eventually restarted and we finished 3-0 winners. Stan had someone write a book for him and he tells the story about a bet and that he deliberately knocked the cup off the table. Fiction! I do not know if Tony or any of the other players have contacted Stan to correct him, but that story is typical of him and no doubt it helped to sell the book." Guardian


DIVISION TWO 1972/1973
Pos Name Pld W D L GF GA Pts
1 Burnley 42 24 14 4 72 35 62
2 Queens Park Rangers 42 24 13 5 81 37 61
3 Aston Villa 42 18 14 10 51 47 50
4 Middlesbrough 42 17 13 12 46 43 47
5 Bristol City 42 17 12 13 63 51 46
6 Sunderland 42 17 12 13 59 49 46
7 Blackpool 42 18 10 14 56 51 46
8 Oxford United 42 19 7 16 52 43 45
9 Fulham 42 16 12 14 58 49 44
10 Sheffield Wednesday 42 17 10 15 59 55 44
11 Millwall 42 16 10 16 55 47 42
12 Luton Town 42 15 11 16 44 53 41
13 Hull City 42 14 12 16 64 59 40
14 Nottingham Forest 42 14 12 16 47 52 40
15 Orient 42 12 12 18 49 53 36
16 Swindon Town 42 10 16 16 46 60 36
17 Portsmouth 42 12 11 19 42 59 35
18 Carlisle United 42 11 12 19 50 52 34
19 Preston North End 42 11 12 19 37 64 34
20 Cardiff City 42 11 11 20 43 58 33
21 Huddersfield Town 42 8 17 17 36 56 33
22 Brighton & Hove Albion 42 8 13 21 46 83 29

Courtesy of the Bushman Archives

The Night Tony Hazell sent the FA Cup Flying. (Not Stan Bowles) In his autobiography legendary Hoops midfielder Stan Bowles claims it was he who did the deed, to win a bet between his teammates. Bowles takes up the story: There were a couple of us who had a bet on who could knock it off the table with the ball first. With the ball at my feet I tear off straight across the park. Everyone on the pitch is just staring at me and then, bang! The FA Cup goes shooting up in the air. The whole ground knew that I'd done it on purpose then the Sunderland fans go ape. They want my balls in their sandwiches. I wound up their fans even more by scoring a couple of goals and in the end there was a pitch invasion. At least I got my tenner, and my picture on News at Ten. And all because I was just having a bit of a laugh.

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