-
And further Transfer Gossip:
Belfast Telegraph/Stuart McKinley - May 27 - Dowie and Magilton in battle to sign McAuley
Former Northern Ireland team-mates Iain Dowie and Jim Magilton are locked in a battle over a member of the current international squad.
The pair – who were also colleagues at Southampton during their playing days – have both placed defender Gareth McAuley at the top of their summer shopping list.
McAuley looks certain to leave Leicester City after their relegation into League One, with a number of clubs chasing his signature.
Interested parties, however, are likely to have to part with around £1.5 million for the Larne man and that will give the Foxes a handsome profit after siging him on a free transfer from Lincoln City just two years ago.
Dowie, who took over as manager of Queens Park Rangers shortly after the season finished, wants to make McAuley one of his first signings as he aims to mount a challenge for at least a play-off place in the Championship next season.
He has been given the remit of taking the Loftus Road outfit into the promised land of the Premier League and Dowie has set himself a target of getting there within the term of the two-year contract he signed when appointed.
He is believed to see McAuley as the kind of player he needs to add steel to his defence after finishing mid-table.
Ipswich Town manager Magilton chased McAuley during the January transfer window as he tried to beef up his squad for what turned out to be an unsuccessful fight for a play-off place.
New owner Marcus Evans wants to see an improvement next time around and he is prepared to invest in the players that the manager wants.
Twice at the start of the year Magilton had offers for McAuley rejected and he is currently weighing up a fresh bid for the player in the hope that he will be on-board by the time the Tractor Boys arrive in Northern Ireland for a three-match pre-season venture in mid-July.
Any move from QPR may be on hold though after Dowie’s mother Ann died at the age of 71 at the weekend after a long-term illness.
She was well known to Northern Ireland fans at Windsor Park having been a regular attender at matches when Iain led the attack.
Leicester will hold out for as big a fee as possible for McAuley as they are aware that there is plenty of interest from around the Championship..." Belafst Telegraph
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Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Two Forthcoming Club-Fan Meetings
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Two forthcoming Fan-Club Meetings:
The QPR group, QPR1st is holding its annual AGM tonight. Scheduled to appear is QPR's Deputy Managing Director (Defacto CEO) Ali Russell.
And it's reported on a couple of fan messageboards that in response to a joint fans group letter to the club re season ticket prices, Ali Russell will meet with representatives of these groups, May 31.
Two forthcoming Fan-Club Meetings:
The QPR group, QPR1st is holding its annual AGM tonight. Scheduled to appear is QPR's Deputy Managing Director (Defacto CEO) Ali Russell.
And it's reported on a couple of fan messageboards that in response to a joint fans group letter to the club re season ticket prices, Ali Russell will meet with representatives of these groups, May 31.
Flasback: On This Day - Out of Administration and Into ABC Debt...and Spurs "Stole" Our FA Cup
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Six years ago today, May 27, 2002: QPR Exited
Administration - and entered the era of the ABC Loan, with fans wondering why the club had left Administration with a ten million pound debt. Not to mention, fans wondering exactly WHO was behind the ABC Loan. Over the past couple of years especially, there were been repeated reports and statements that QPR were set to refinance this loan at a lower rate than the current 10% (which in theory, could go even higher). Only with the takeover last year, did it appear that things were going up the upswing.
BBC Monday, 27 May, 2002 - Survival boost for QPR
By David McIntyre
BBC Sport - Second Division QPR have been taken out of administration.
The administration order was lifted following a hearing at the High Court on Monday.
Former chairman Chris Wright took a substantial write-off on his loans and handed back a large part of his shareholding in the club a few weeks ago.
We have faced some javascript:void(0)tough decisions and learned some hard lessons
David Davies QPR chief executive
His decision helped enable the repayment of debts to all the Loftus Road club's creditors.
Loftus Road chief executive David Davies said in a statement: "This is wonderful news and the conclusion of one of the darkest periods in our history.
"We have faced some tough decisions and learned some hard lessons.
"These are lessons which many clubs are now having to learn.
"We will come out of this experience in a much stronger position.
Wright retains stake
"Gone are the days when players will be paid excessive wages.
"When we first went into administration, QPR was highlighted as being run on the economics of a madhouse.
"What we have done is bring some sanity to the club."
Wright, the main creditor as well as owner, agreed to accept half of the £6.7m he was owed.
But he has retained a 25% stake in the company as well as ownership of the club's training ground.
Rangers failed to get out of the First Division despite a massive investment resulting from a floatation in the summer of 1996.
They were hard hit the money from 'parachute' payments given to relegated clubs ran out.
With a wage bill already far too big for the First Division the club dropped into Division Two last year and in April 2001 administrators BDO Stoy Hayward were called in.
Transfer embargo lifted
But as many clubs struggle following the collapse of ITV Digital, QPR find themselves in a strong position.
They have not budgeted for television money and have slashed their wage bill.
It has been an awful period for QPR but I'm calling us 'the orange club', because the future is bright
Ian Holloway
QPR manager
Current manager Ian Holloway also has highly-rated players in his squad such as Richard Langley, Clarke Carlisle, Terrell Forbes and Dan Shittu.
Holloway said: "QPR were the first into the tunnel and are coming out of it just as everyone else is going in.
"There must be a lot of worried clubs but we have learned hard lessons and now we are on solid ground at last.
"It has been an awful period for QPR but I'm calling us 'the orange club', because the future is bright."
Holloway will now be looking to add to his squad having been restricted by a transfer embargo, which will be lifted with immediate effect after the club was taken out of administration. BBC
Bucks Free Press - May 31, 2002 On QPR Out of Administration.
QPR on road to cash recovery QPR or to be strictly accurate, parent company Loftus Road plc are out of administration following a High Court ruling on Monday.
The plc and QPR went into administration in April 2001, but following a refinancing package finalised by the directors last week, the company has been able to pay off its creditors.
Chief executive David Davies said: "This is wonderful news and the conclusion of one of the darkest periods of our history. Having the administration order lifted marks the end of more than a year of tough financial decisions and hard work.
"This would not have been possible were it not for the commitment of coaches, players and backroom staff and the hard work of our administrators."
Mr Davies said, however, that one of the major factors in pulling the club back from the brink had been the supporters: "None it would have been possible without the support of the QPR fans. After seeing the club placed in administration, relegated and then lose more than half of our squad, they stuck by us in record numbers and continue to do so."
He went on to say that he felt the hard lessons learned would benefit the club in the future - "gone are the days when players will be paid excessive wages" - at a time when many clubs are on the verge of calling in the administrators. In the past, QPR had been highlighted as being run "on the economics of the madhouse."
But Mr Davies warned that although coming out of administration was a major step forward, much remained to be done on and off the field, although he was optimistic that the hard work of manager Ian Holloway and others would bear fruit.
"We don't suddenly have a magic wand to wave and make everything better. We are not suddenly flush with cash. With hard work and passion, we will improve this club but by bit and season by season.
"Ian Holloway has restored pride to the team and brought together a hungry and talented bunch of players. With the handcuffs of administration finally removed, we can start to build a solid future for QPR." Bucks Free Press
See Past QPR Reports compilations re ABC Loan:
October 27, 2006 - QPR's ABC Loan: What's Known
QPR Statement re Blitz Loan, ABC Refinancing
July 05, 2006 - QPR's Ongoing 10% per-annum ABC Loan & QPR's Efforts to Deal with it
April 14, 2006 - ABC, QPR & Derby County - Looking Back
April 18, 2007 - Approaching the Five Year Mark Since QPR's ABC Loan
Almost Five Years Since QPR's ABC Loan, Exit Administration and Takeover Efforts Ended
See Also:
QPR1st - May 2002
Clubs in Crisis - QPR
Old LSA News
Boardroom Blues
BBC - May 30, 2002 - Blackburn takes charge at QPR
Nick Blackburn has been installed as the new chairman of QPR, following the club's exit from administration last week.
Blackburn was vice-chairman to Chris Wright, and then acting chairman following Wright's resignation last year.
Rangers chief executive David Davies had been strongly tipped to take on the role of chairman, having helped steer the club through its crisis period.
However, Davies will be staying in his current job, while director Ross Jones has taken over as chairman of parent company Loftus Road plc. BBC|
Twenty Six Years Ago: The Cup Final Replay:
Twenty-six Years ago today May 27, 1982: Spurs won the FA Cup 1-0 over QPR in the FA Cup Final Replay at Wembley.
Despite having Captain Glen Roeder suspended; brilliant striker Clive Allen injured; and star Defender Steve Wicks cup tied. Despite being an early goal down to a Glenn Hoddle penalty...STILL QPR deserved to win the FA Cup replay against Spurs at Wembley on May 27th 1982...But bottom line: Spurs beat QPR 1-0.
Hucker
Neil Fenwick Hazell Gillard
Gregory Waddock Currie Flanagan
Mickelwhite Stainrod
Sub: Burke
See: QPR Report re FA Cup Final
Also: Wikipedia on 1982 FA Cup Final
Six years ago today, May 27, 2002: QPR Exited
Administration - and entered the era of the ABC Loan, with fans wondering why the club had left Administration with a ten million pound debt. Not to mention, fans wondering exactly WHO was behind the ABC Loan. Over the past couple of years especially, there were been repeated reports and statements that QPR were set to refinance this loan at a lower rate than the current 10% (which in theory, could go even higher). Only with the takeover last year, did it appear that things were going up the upswing.
BBC Monday, 27 May, 2002 - Survival boost for QPR
By David McIntyre
BBC Sport - Second Division QPR have been taken out of administration.
The administration order was lifted following a hearing at the High Court on Monday.
Former chairman Chris Wright took a substantial write-off on his loans and handed back a large part of his shareholding in the club a few weeks ago.
We have faced some javascript:void(0)tough decisions and learned some hard lessons
David Davies QPR chief executive
His decision helped enable the repayment of debts to all the Loftus Road club's creditors.
Loftus Road chief executive David Davies said in a statement: "This is wonderful news and the conclusion of one of the darkest periods in our history.
"We have faced some tough decisions and learned some hard lessons.
"These are lessons which many clubs are now having to learn.
"We will come out of this experience in a much stronger position.
Wright retains stake
"Gone are the days when players will be paid excessive wages.
"When we first went into administration, QPR was highlighted as being run on the economics of a madhouse.
"What we have done is bring some sanity to the club."
Wright, the main creditor as well as owner, agreed to accept half of the £6.7m he was owed.
But he has retained a 25% stake in the company as well as ownership of the club's training ground.
Rangers failed to get out of the First Division despite a massive investment resulting from a floatation in the summer of 1996.
They were hard hit the money from 'parachute' payments given to relegated clubs ran out.
With a wage bill already far too big for the First Division the club dropped into Division Two last year and in April 2001 administrators BDO Stoy Hayward were called in.
Transfer embargo lifted
But as many clubs struggle following the collapse of ITV Digital, QPR find themselves in a strong position.
They have not budgeted for television money and have slashed their wage bill.
It has been an awful period for QPR but I'm calling us 'the orange club', because the future is bright
Ian Holloway
QPR manager
Current manager Ian Holloway also has highly-rated players in his squad such as Richard Langley, Clarke Carlisle, Terrell Forbes and Dan Shittu.
Holloway said: "QPR were the first into the tunnel and are coming out of it just as everyone else is going in.
"There must be a lot of worried clubs but we have learned hard lessons and now we are on solid ground at last.
"It has been an awful period for QPR but I'm calling us 'the orange club', because the future is bright."
Holloway will now be looking to add to his squad having been restricted by a transfer embargo, which will be lifted with immediate effect after the club was taken out of administration. BBC
Bucks Free Press - May 31, 2002 On QPR Out of Administration.
QPR on road to cash recovery QPR or to be strictly accurate, parent company Loftus Road plc are out of administration following a High Court ruling on Monday.
The plc and QPR went into administration in April 2001, but following a refinancing package finalised by the directors last week, the company has been able to pay off its creditors.
Chief executive David Davies said: "This is wonderful news and the conclusion of one of the darkest periods of our history. Having the administration order lifted marks the end of more than a year of tough financial decisions and hard work.
"This would not have been possible were it not for the commitment of coaches, players and backroom staff and the hard work of our administrators."
Mr Davies said, however, that one of the major factors in pulling the club back from the brink had been the supporters: "None it would have been possible without the support of the QPR fans. After seeing the club placed in administration, relegated and then lose more than half of our squad, they stuck by us in record numbers and continue to do so."
He went on to say that he felt the hard lessons learned would benefit the club in the future - "gone are the days when players will be paid excessive wages" - at a time when many clubs are on the verge of calling in the administrators. In the past, QPR had been highlighted as being run "on the economics of the madhouse."
But Mr Davies warned that although coming out of administration was a major step forward, much remained to be done on and off the field, although he was optimistic that the hard work of manager Ian Holloway and others would bear fruit.
"We don't suddenly have a magic wand to wave and make everything better. We are not suddenly flush with cash. With hard work and passion, we will improve this club but by bit and season by season.
"Ian Holloway has restored pride to the team and brought together a hungry and talented bunch of players. With the handcuffs of administration finally removed, we can start to build a solid future for QPR." Bucks Free Press
See Past QPR Reports compilations re ABC Loan:
October 27, 2006 - QPR's ABC Loan: What's Known
QPR Statement re Blitz Loan, ABC Refinancing
July 05, 2006 - QPR's Ongoing 10% per-annum ABC Loan & QPR's Efforts to Deal with it
April 14, 2006 - ABC, QPR & Derby County - Looking Back
April 18, 2007 - Approaching the Five Year Mark Since QPR's ABC Loan
Almost Five Years Since QPR's ABC Loan, Exit Administration and Takeover Efforts Ended
See Also:
QPR1st - May 2002
Clubs in Crisis - QPR
Old LSA News
Boardroom Blues
BBC - May 30, 2002 - Blackburn takes charge at QPR
Nick Blackburn has been installed as the new chairman of QPR, following the club's exit from administration last week.
Blackburn was vice-chairman to Chris Wright, and then acting chairman following Wright's resignation last year.
Rangers chief executive David Davies had been strongly tipped to take on the role of chairman, having helped steer the club through its crisis period.
However, Davies will be staying in his current job, while director Ross Jones has taken over as chairman of parent company Loftus Road plc. BBC|
Twenty Six Years Ago: The Cup Final Replay:
Twenty-six Years ago today May 27, 1982: Spurs won the FA Cup 1-0 over QPR in the FA Cup Final Replay at Wembley.
Despite having Captain Glen Roeder suspended; brilliant striker Clive Allen injured; and star Defender Steve Wicks cup tied. Despite being an early goal down to a Glenn Hoddle penalty...STILL QPR deserved to win the FA Cup replay against Spurs at Wembley on May 27th 1982...But bottom line: Spurs beat QPR 1-0.
Hucker
Neil Fenwick Hazell Gillard
Gregory Waddock Currie Flanagan
Mickelwhite Stainrod
Sub: Burke
See: QPR Report re FA Cup Final
Also: Wikipedia on 1982 FA Cup Final
Snippets: Gavin Peacock Pursuing Very Different Post-Football Career...Transfer Gossip
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The article notes he collaborated on a book with Alan Comfort (who also was a one-time QPR winger).
The Times/Tom Dart May 27, 2008 - Gavin Peacock departs for religious journey
The end of Euro 2008 will mark the beginning of a new life for Gavin Peacock. The BBC pundit and former Chelsea and Newcastle United midfield player is moving to Canada to study religion in preparation for a career in the church.
After finishing work at the tournament in Austria and Switzerland next month, the 40-year-old will emigrate with his wife and two children to Calgary in July to begin a three-year Masters course in Divinity at Ambrose Seminary, a leading theological college. Peacock will become a pastor, vicar or minister, depending on which denomination he chooses to follow.
Peacock is a frequent visitor to Canada and has said that he finds the Rocky Mountains to be a deeply spiritual place. Since last September, he has studied for a BA in Theology at Ridley Hall, a college in Cambridge that trains future ministers.
The pundit has been a Christian since the age of 19, when he was with Queens Park Rangers, and hosted a Bible study group for footballers. A frequent speaker at church events, he has preached at his Anglican church in Kent and this year he has combined his football broadcasting duties with presenting Songs of Praise.
Peacock’s faith is far from unusual in football — a number of prominent players are Christians, such as Jermain Defoe and Linvoy Primus, of Portsmouth. Kaká, the AC Milan playmaker, has made no secret of his beliefs. After Milan’s Champions League final victory over Liverpool last year, he unveiled a vest emblazoned with the words “I belong to Jesus”.
In 1994, the year that Peacock famously hit the bar as Chelsea lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup Final, he collaborated on a book — Never Walk Alone — with Alan Comfort, a winger-turned-reverend who is club chaplain at Leyton Orient. The Times
Telegraph - Gavin Peacock departs for religious journey
Gavin Peacock will quit his role as a football pundit with the BBC to pursue a career in the church at the conclusion to this summer's Euro 2008 finals.
The former Chelsea and Newcastle midfielder is emigrating to Canada later this year to begin a three-year Masters course in Divinity at Ambrose Seminary.
The 40-year-old will then decide whether to become a pastor, vicar or minister at the end of his studies.
Since last September Peacock has been studying for a BA in Theology at a college in Cambridge.
The TV pundit, who is a regular on Football Focus and Match of the Day 2, has been a Christian since he was 19 and has combined his religious studies during his footballing career.
While at QPR, Peacock hosted a Bible study group for footballers. More recently he combined his punditry duties with hosting Songs of Praise.
Peacock, however, has decided to begin a new life away from football at the end of Euro 2008 to dedicate more of his time to the church.
After working on the championship in Austria and Switzerland, Peacock, his wife and two children will move to Calgary in July.
Peacock's dedication to his faith is nothing unusual in football. There are plenty of Premier League players who have said that faith has played a part in their careers, including Middlesbrough's George Boateng and Portsmouth's Jermain Defoe.
AC Milan playmaker Kaka, meanwhile, has openly admitted he wants to become a priest when he retires.
After Milan's Champions League final success over Liverpool last year, he unveiled a vest will the words "I belong to Jesus".
Kaka said he become deeply religious when he was 12 and it was strengthened in October 2000 when he slipped on a swimming pool slide and broke a vertebrae.
"The doctors said that I was lucky to be able to walk normally," he said.
"They were talking about luck and my family was talking about God. We knew that it was His hand that had saved me." Telegraph
TRANSFER GOSSIP
BBC Gossip - Norwich are leading the race to sign Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford but Ipswich, QPR and Reading are also interested. (Daily Star)" BBC
Various rumours about QPR/Crystal Palace's Clint Morrison:
From a couple of days ago: Ealing Times - Simon Mail - Morrison linked with QPR switch
Clinton Morrison could be set for a move to Queens Park Rangers after turning down a new contract.
The Crystal Palace striker can leave on a free transfer this summer and would be tempted by a move across London to link up with old boss Iain Dowie again.
Dowie brought Morrison back to Selhurst Park in 2005 and a striker is likely to be at the top of his shopping list this summer.
Reading are also thought to be leading the chase for the Republic of Ireland striker. Ealing Times
The article notes he collaborated on a book with Alan Comfort (who also was a one-time QPR winger).
The Times/Tom Dart May 27, 2008 - Gavin Peacock departs for religious journey
The end of Euro 2008 will mark the beginning of a new life for Gavin Peacock. The BBC pundit and former Chelsea and Newcastle United midfield player is moving to Canada to study religion in preparation for a career in the church.
After finishing work at the tournament in Austria and Switzerland next month, the 40-year-old will emigrate with his wife and two children to Calgary in July to begin a three-year Masters course in Divinity at Ambrose Seminary, a leading theological college. Peacock will become a pastor, vicar or minister, depending on which denomination he chooses to follow.
Peacock is a frequent visitor to Canada and has said that he finds the Rocky Mountains to be a deeply spiritual place. Since last September, he has studied for a BA in Theology at Ridley Hall, a college in Cambridge that trains future ministers.
The pundit has been a Christian since the age of 19, when he was with Queens Park Rangers, and hosted a Bible study group for footballers. A frequent speaker at church events, he has preached at his Anglican church in Kent and this year he has combined his football broadcasting duties with presenting Songs of Praise.
Peacock’s faith is far from unusual in football — a number of prominent players are Christians, such as Jermain Defoe and Linvoy Primus, of Portsmouth. Kaká, the AC Milan playmaker, has made no secret of his beliefs. After Milan’s Champions League final victory over Liverpool last year, he unveiled a vest emblazoned with the words “I belong to Jesus”.
In 1994, the year that Peacock famously hit the bar as Chelsea lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup Final, he collaborated on a book — Never Walk Alone — with Alan Comfort, a winger-turned-reverend who is club chaplain at Leyton Orient. The Times
Telegraph - Gavin Peacock departs for religious journey
Gavin Peacock will quit his role as a football pundit with the BBC to pursue a career in the church at the conclusion to this summer's Euro 2008 finals.
The former Chelsea and Newcastle midfielder is emigrating to Canada later this year to begin a three-year Masters course in Divinity at Ambrose Seminary.
The 40-year-old will then decide whether to become a pastor, vicar or minister at the end of his studies.
Since last September Peacock has been studying for a BA in Theology at a college in Cambridge.
The TV pundit, who is a regular on Football Focus and Match of the Day 2, has been a Christian since he was 19 and has combined his religious studies during his footballing career.
While at QPR, Peacock hosted a Bible study group for footballers. More recently he combined his punditry duties with hosting Songs of Praise.
Peacock, however, has decided to begin a new life away from football at the end of Euro 2008 to dedicate more of his time to the church.
After working on the championship in Austria and Switzerland, Peacock, his wife and two children will move to Calgary in July.
Peacock's dedication to his faith is nothing unusual in football. There are plenty of Premier League players who have said that faith has played a part in their careers, including Middlesbrough's George Boateng and Portsmouth's Jermain Defoe.
AC Milan playmaker Kaka, meanwhile, has openly admitted he wants to become a priest when he retires.
After Milan's Champions League final success over Liverpool last year, he unveiled a vest will the words "I belong to Jesus".
Kaka said he become deeply religious when he was 12 and it was strengthened in October 2000 when he slipped on a swimming pool slide and broke a vertebrae.
"The doctors said that I was lucky to be able to walk normally," he said.
"They were talking about luck and my family was talking about God. We knew that it was His hand that had saved me." Telegraph
TRANSFER GOSSIP
BBC Gossip - Norwich are leading the race to sign Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford but Ipswich, QPR and Reading are also interested. (Daily Star)" BBC
Various rumours about QPR/Crystal Palace's Clint Morrison:
From a couple of days ago: Ealing Times - Simon Mail - Morrison linked with QPR switch
Clinton Morrison could be set for a move to Queens Park Rangers after turning down a new contract.
The Crystal Palace striker can leave on a free transfer this summer and would be tempted by a move across London to link up with old boss Iain Dowie again.
Dowie brought Morrison back to Selhurst Park in 2005 and a striker is likely to be at the top of his shopping list this summer.
Reading are also thought to be leading the chase for the Republic of Ireland striker. Ealing Times
Monday, May 26, 2008
Flavio Briatore and Vijay Mallya Compared and Contrasted
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As was noted earlier on QPR Report, it was suggested earlier today in The Mail that Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya was the latest to become involved with QPR: "Indian Formula One high roller joins Ecclestone and Briatore's party at Queens Park Rangers...Vijay Mallya, the Indian Kingfisher lager and airline mogul, paid into the QPR pot, according to insiders in his Force India F1 team...." Mail.
Nothing's been announced by the club or reported elsewhere, so remains to be see how accurate the Mail account is. By chance, this article in Tuesday's Metro focuses on Flavior Briatore and Vijay Mallya in a rather gossipy way!
Tuesday Metro.co.uk - Posted by Adam Hay-Nicholls
"Life in the Fast Lane - F! Inside Gossip" compares Flavior Briatore and Vijay Mallya
King of Bling
We're in Monaco, the playground of the rich and famous. But just who is Formula One's biggest spender? If a man is judged by the size of his assets, then Force India owner Dr Vijay Mallya and Renault boss Flavio Briatore are extraordinarily well endowed. But who has the most toys?
BUSINESS
VIJAY:
Industrialist Vijay’s empire is founded on alcohol, which is why he’s known as the King of Good Times in India. Vijay’s run the firm, which is responsible for Kingfisher beer, Whyte & Mackay whisky and Pinky vodka, since his father’s death in 1983 and now it’s the world’s third largest distiller and the biggest brewer in India.
Kingfisher Airlines is the largest carrier in India, making 218 flights a day. Vijay has plans to go global and in August this year will commence routes to the USA. He’s got five Airbus A380s on order. The fleet is currently at 39 but that’s set to jump to 164 Airbus planes by 2010.
The group also owns India’s second largest pharmaceutical company, Aventis Pharma, which makes prescription drugs and vaccines.
Vijay’s a burgeoning media baron, having bought a share in The Asian Age newspaper and taken over film magazine CineBlitz. And his love of cinema has seen him produce a couple of Bollywood movies – The Forest and the critically acclaimed Dance Like A Man.
BLING SCORE: 4/5
The drinks are always free for Vijay, and owning an airline has made him the Branson of Bangalore. There’s talk of a Bollywood F1 movie – will Vijay be at the helm? Just think how bling an Oscar would look on the mantelpiece.
FLAVIO:
It’s difficult to find greater nouveau riche sparkle than in Sardinia’s Porto Cervo where Flavio is treated as a deity, largely so the party set can get around the 45 Euro cover charge of his Billionaire nightclub. Once there, though, they can easily spend up to 12,000 Euros just on dinner. If you’re not beautiful you’re not getting in. And if you don’t pose for a photo with Flav’s fiancée you get chucked out, as Bruce Willis discovered.
There are plans to open a members-only sister club in London’s Pall Mall, but there have been some licensing headaches. This weekend the Billionaire club has touched down at Monte Carlo’s Fairmont Hotel. Entry is 100 Euros, and that entitles you to one drink.
In addition, Flavio owns the expansive Twiga Beach Club in Tuscany. Here, you’re presented with a cordless phone as you head to your sun lounger, so as you don’t need to catch a waiter’s eye to order a drink. He also owns an uber-luxurious spa hotel in Kenya, but we’ll come back to that later.
Then there’s Cipriani, an Italian restaurant in London’s Mayfair and a favourite of celebrity diners including Madonna who, according to tabloids, sometimes rows with her husband there.
Having sold high street threads for Benetton in the 1980s, Flavio has stepped up a gear and is now in the business of haute couture. Billionaire Couture fans include David Beckham and P Diddy, whose chosen Agnelli-style watch-cuff shirt is known as the ‘Cuff Daddy’.
Flavio also had a major stake in pharmaceuticals company Pierrel, a premier chemist for local anesthetics and industry research, but recently sold his shares. The company generated a 25.7 million Euro profit in 2007, a 90 percent year-on-year increase.
BLING SCORE: 4.5/5
By ditching the profitable but unglamorous pharmaceuticals division, Flav’s bling score goes up – now his entire portfolio is about living well and having a good time. A playboy in the boardroom as well as the bedroom. Not nearly as high-grossing as Vijay’s interests, though.
SPORTS
VIJAY:
The acquisition of Spyker F1 has been, to date, Vijay’s boldest move into sport. In addition, he’s passionate about the most traditional form of horsepower. He purchased his first race horse, Danish Lad, when he was 21 and subsequently purchased the historic Kunigal stud farm, the oldest in India. The company, United Racing and Bloodstock Breeders, have some of the best trainers, jockeys and animals in the world. Vijay is the only owner to win the Indian Derby more than four times.
The Bangalore Royal Challengers cricket team is named after one of UB’s liquor brands and was purchased by Vijay earlier this year for US$111.6 million.
And while, unlike Flavio, he doesn’t own a soccer team, he does get a greater choice of managers’ boxes given Kingfisher sponsor both East Bengal and Mohun Bagon. Both teams are from Calcutta and are fierce rivals. East Bengal’s homeground is the biggest stadium in Asia.
BLING SCORE: 5/5
How do you get more bling that owning an F1 team? You can’t. The only others in the private members club are Frank/Patrick and Dietrich/Gerhard. What’s more, his football teams give his business a major presence in India and if Force India is half as successful as United Racing they’ll be winners.
FLAVIO:
Briatore is now even bigger news in the back pages of British newspapers following his investment in Queens Park Rangers football club. He and Bernie Ecclestone masterminded a £14 million takeover, and then invited Lakshmi Mittal, the fourth richest person in the world, to climb into bed with them. With massive financial clout, many observers expect a spending spree on top name players and are already drawing comparisons to Chelsea FC, the playground of another billionaire.
Since Bernie and Flav took over last August the team has risen from the bottom of the Championship League to mid-table. The Premiership can’t be far away, and when that happens the club’s value will rise massively.
Makes you wonder where he finds the time to run the Renault team.
BLING SCORE: 3.5/5
Unlike Vijay, Flavio doesn’t own his F1 team – he’s merely a well-paid employee, but maintaining that position does his other brands no harm as they benefit from F1 association. Now that he’s sold his stake in GP2 his biggest personal investment is QPR, and his goal is to reach the heights of Abramovich.
HOMES
VIJAY:
Estimates put Vijay’s total property tally at up to 42 homes. These include his main bases in Sausalito near San Francisco, and London, pads in Monte Carlo, Singapore, South Africa, homes in every major city in India, a palatial beach retreat in Goa, an apartment in New York’s Trump Plaza, and a castle in Scotland.
BLING SCORE: 5/5
How do you top that?
FLAVIO:
Briatore prefers to keep his homes to just a couple, and then rely on the presidential suites of Park Hyatt, his preferred hotelier.
Right now, Flav is camped out in a modestly-sized penthouse apartment overlooking the Thames on London’s Cheyne Walk, while he has his large Chelsea house renovated, just around the corner.
Then there’s the Lion In The Sun, his magnificent Kenyan getaway, which is made up of 20 villas, a huge pool and a world-class spa. Originally this was a private place for Flavio and his friends, but now he’s running it as a business. Rooms are available from a very reasonable 200 Euros. Last month Bono booked out the whole hotel.
BLING SCORE: 3/5
Flavio’s property portfolio is very modest for a man with eight figures in the bank, and loses some bling points by allowing paying guests to stay at his Malindi retreat. Then again, give him a bonus for getting the A-list to pay for something.
TOYS
VIJAY:
His flagship yacht, the Indian Empress, is the 15th biggest in the world and was purchased from the Saudi royals. The connoisseur will overlook the 95m length, the monogrammed bed sheets and twin Mercedes stashed on board and concentrate on the art – Dali, Renoir, Chagall and Picasso steal the limelight from the ocean view.
In addition, there’s the Indian Princess, a slightly smaller gin palace, and a new 125m berth on order which will be one of the top five biggest yachts ever built. Vijay takes delivery in 2010.
Then there’s the Kalizma, a 50m Edwardian yacht once owned by Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.
As well as the art, there are the antiquities – he owns a number of significant artifacts including Tipu Sultan’s sword that was used to fight the British in 1799. Vijay paid £175,000 for it and returned it to India, after it had been seized by British forces 200 years earlier.
To keep up with Vijay you’ll need not one but four private jets. He’s got a Gulfstream, a Hawker, a Boeing 727 and an Airbus which is so loaded with luxurious materials and state-of-the-art toys that it took a year to outfit.
Now for the cars: He’s got about 260 of them! They are stored across ten countries and include a very valuable 1913 Rolls Royce low-slung Silver Ghost, the 1926 Sunbeam Tiger land speed record car, and a bunch of F1 cars from the 1970s which Vijay likes to drive at Sears Point. He also owns a Hummer bicycle and a Rolls Royce garbage truck.
BLING SCORE: 5/5
The toy story by which all other billionaires should be judged.
FLAVIO:
The 68.2m Force Blue is a former ice breaker that has been refitted at vast expense. It features 12 ultra-luxurious cabin suites and its own spa with vapor showers, Turkish bath and gym. It’s currently the 91st largest yacht in the world and has several recreational craft on board as well as a supremely elegant tender.
Flav manages to pack so much into his life thanks to a silver Lear Jet.
He prefers to be chauffeured rather than drive himself in either his Maybach, a classic Bentley or his company car, an Infiniti 4x4.
BLING SCORE: 3/5
Some smart toys there, no doubt, but a lackluster garage for a motor racing chief and in Vijay’s company he’ll have to try harder.
CLOTHES AND JEWELLERY
VIJAY:
He favours clothes from Armani, Lanvin and Ralph Lauren but it’s his jewellery that’s most impressive. Vijay is always adorned by weighty gold bangles and huge diamond earrings. He also owns a knuckleduster encrusted with precious stones.
BLING SCORE: 5/5
Even his underwear draw sparkles.
FLAVIO:
Think that’s team issue kit he’s wearing? You’re wrong, those Renault shirts are custom made by Flav’s personal tailor Angelo Galasso. His entire wardrobe is fitted and personalized. He wears a black diamond around his neck. On his left wrist is a silver bracelet given to him by Mohammed al-Fayed. On his right is a gold-platted bangle given to him by a girlfriend, and a mysterious red cloth band he acquired from a girl in Brazil.
BLING SCORE: 4/5
The link between the pitlane and the catwalk.
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
VIJAY:
An icon in India, Vijay is mates with all of Bollywood’s biggest stars. Now with a global presence thanks to F1, he’s picking up new friends everywhere he goes. Jay-Z is on the Indian Empress more often than Vijay is! This weekend he entertained Lance Armstrong and Kate Hudson. He’s on his second marriage and has three children. But to promote his aspirational brand he travels the world with the Kingfisher calendar girls.
BLING SCORE: 3/5
With two massive parties planned aboard the Indian Empress this weekend, he’ll have made many more celebrity pals by Monday.
FLAVIO:
Flavio is one of the world’s best connected men, thanks in no small part to his relationships with Naomi Campbell and Heidi Klum, with whom he has a daughter. He’s got Nelson Mandela on speed dial, is great mates with Silvio Berlusconi, and was even credited in U2’s last two album booklets after he helped broker a deal with Italy to cancel Africa’s debt.
BLING SCORE: 5/5
A friend to the starving, as well as the minted. There are, at most, six degrees of separation between Flav and everyone else.
OVERALL BLING:
Vijay Mallya: 28/30
Flavio Briatore: 23/30
Flavio Briatore’s estimated $150 million has gone a fairly long way and won him many admirers in the process. As he establishes himself in football his wealth and fame will rise, but when it comes to flashing his cash he’s met his match in Dr Vijay Mallya, who is worth £1.2 billion according to Forbes. With a bigger yacht on the way and now a global platform, Vijay’s bling will shine even brighter.
- Adam Hay-Nicholls - Metro.co.uk
Metro
As was noted earlier on QPR Report, it was suggested earlier today in The Mail that Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya was the latest to become involved with QPR: "Indian Formula One high roller joins Ecclestone and Briatore's party at Queens Park Rangers...Vijay Mallya, the Indian Kingfisher lager and airline mogul, paid into the QPR pot, according to insiders in his Force India F1 team...." Mail.
Nothing's been announced by the club or reported elsewhere, so remains to be see how accurate the Mail account is. By chance, this article in Tuesday's Metro focuses on Flavior Briatore and Vijay Mallya in a rather gossipy way!
Tuesday Metro.co.uk - Posted by Adam Hay-Nicholls
"Life in the Fast Lane - F! Inside Gossip" compares Flavior Briatore and Vijay Mallya
King of Bling
We're in Monaco, the playground of the rich and famous. But just who is Formula One's biggest spender? If a man is judged by the size of his assets, then Force India owner Dr Vijay Mallya and Renault boss Flavio Briatore are extraordinarily well endowed. But who has the most toys?
BUSINESS
VIJAY:
Industrialist Vijay’s empire is founded on alcohol, which is why he’s known as the King of Good Times in India. Vijay’s run the firm, which is responsible for Kingfisher beer, Whyte & Mackay whisky and Pinky vodka, since his father’s death in 1983 and now it’s the world’s third largest distiller and the biggest brewer in India.
Kingfisher Airlines is the largest carrier in India, making 218 flights a day. Vijay has plans to go global and in August this year will commence routes to the USA. He’s got five Airbus A380s on order. The fleet is currently at 39 but that’s set to jump to 164 Airbus planes by 2010.
The group also owns India’s second largest pharmaceutical company, Aventis Pharma, which makes prescription drugs and vaccines.
Vijay’s a burgeoning media baron, having bought a share in The Asian Age newspaper and taken over film magazine CineBlitz. And his love of cinema has seen him produce a couple of Bollywood movies – The Forest and the critically acclaimed Dance Like A Man.
BLING SCORE: 4/5
The drinks are always free for Vijay, and owning an airline has made him the Branson of Bangalore. There’s talk of a Bollywood F1 movie – will Vijay be at the helm? Just think how bling an Oscar would look on the mantelpiece.
FLAVIO:
It’s difficult to find greater nouveau riche sparkle than in Sardinia’s Porto Cervo where Flavio is treated as a deity, largely so the party set can get around the 45 Euro cover charge of his Billionaire nightclub. Once there, though, they can easily spend up to 12,000 Euros just on dinner. If you’re not beautiful you’re not getting in. And if you don’t pose for a photo with Flav’s fiancée you get chucked out, as Bruce Willis discovered.
There are plans to open a members-only sister club in London’s Pall Mall, but there have been some licensing headaches. This weekend the Billionaire club has touched down at Monte Carlo’s Fairmont Hotel. Entry is 100 Euros, and that entitles you to one drink.
In addition, Flavio owns the expansive Twiga Beach Club in Tuscany. Here, you’re presented with a cordless phone as you head to your sun lounger, so as you don’t need to catch a waiter’s eye to order a drink. He also owns an uber-luxurious spa hotel in Kenya, but we’ll come back to that later.
Then there’s Cipriani, an Italian restaurant in London’s Mayfair and a favourite of celebrity diners including Madonna who, according to tabloids, sometimes rows with her husband there.
Having sold high street threads for Benetton in the 1980s, Flavio has stepped up a gear and is now in the business of haute couture. Billionaire Couture fans include David Beckham and P Diddy, whose chosen Agnelli-style watch-cuff shirt is known as the ‘Cuff Daddy’.
Flavio also had a major stake in pharmaceuticals company Pierrel, a premier chemist for local anesthetics and industry research, but recently sold his shares. The company generated a 25.7 million Euro profit in 2007, a 90 percent year-on-year increase.
BLING SCORE: 4.5/5
By ditching the profitable but unglamorous pharmaceuticals division, Flav’s bling score goes up – now his entire portfolio is about living well and having a good time. A playboy in the boardroom as well as the bedroom. Not nearly as high-grossing as Vijay’s interests, though.
SPORTS
VIJAY:
The acquisition of Spyker F1 has been, to date, Vijay’s boldest move into sport. In addition, he’s passionate about the most traditional form of horsepower. He purchased his first race horse, Danish Lad, when he was 21 and subsequently purchased the historic Kunigal stud farm, the oldest in India. The company, United Racing and Bloodstock Breeders, have some of the best trainers, jockeys and animals in the world. Vijay is the only owner to win the Indian Derby more than four times.
The Bangalore Royal Challengers cricket team is named after one of UB’s liquor brands and was purchased by Vijay earlier this year for US$111.6 million.
And while, unlike Flavio, he doesn’t own a soccer team, he does get a greater choice of managers’ boxes given Kingfisher sponsor both East Bengal and Mohun Bagon. Both teams are from Calcutta and are fierce rivals. East Bengal’s homeground is the biggest stadium in Asia.
BLING SCORE: 5/5
How do you get more bling that owning an F1 team? You can’t. The only others in the private members club are Frank/Patrick and Dietrich/Gerhard. What’s more, his football teams give his business a major presence in India and if Force India is half as successful as United Racing they’ll be winners.
FLAVIO:
Briatore is now even bigger news in the back pages of British newspapers following his investment in Queens Park Rangers football club. He and Bernie Ecclestone masterminded a £14 million takeover, and then invited Lakshmi Mittal, the fourth richest person in the world, to climb into bed with them. With massive financial clout, many observers expect a spending spree on top name players and are already drawing comparisons to Chelsea FC, the playground of another billionaire.
Since Bernie and Flav took over last August the team has risen from the bottom of the Championship League to mid-table. The Premiership can’t be far away, and when that happens the club’s value will rise massively.
Makes you wonder where he finds the time to run the Renault team.
BLING SCORE: 3.5/5
Unlike Vijay, Flavio doesn’t own his F1 team – he’s merely a well-paid employee, but maintaining that position does his other brands no harm as they benefit from F1 association. Now that he’s sold his stake in GP2 his biggest personal investment is QPR, and his goal is to reach the heights of Abramovich.
HOMES
VIJAY:
Estimates put Vijay’s total property tally at up to 42 homes. These include his main bases in Sausalito near San Francisco, and London, pads in Monte Carlo, Singapore, South Africa, homes in every major city in India, a palatial beach retreat in Goa, an apartment in New York’s Trump Plaza, and a castle in Scotland.
BLING SCORE: 5/5
How do you top that?
FLAVIO:
Briatore prefers to keep his homes to just a couple, and then rely on the presidential suites of Park Hyatt, his preferred hotelier.
Right now, Flav is camped out in a modestly-sized penthouse apartment overlooking the Thames on London’s Cheyne Walk, while he has his large Chelsea house renovated, just around the corner.
Then there’s the Lion In The Sun, his magnificent Kenyan getaway, which is made up of 20 villas, a huge pool and a world-class spa. Originally this was a private place for Flavio and his friends, but now he’s running it as a business. Rooms are available from a very reasonable 200 Euros. Last month Bono booked out the whole hotel.
BLING SCORE: 3/5
Flavio’s property portfolio is very modest for a man with eight figures in the bank, and loses some bling points by allowing paying guests to stay at his Malindi retreat. Then again, give him a bonus for getting the A-list to pay for something.
TOYS
VIJAY:
His flagship yacht, the Indian Empress, is the 15th biggest in the world and was purchased from the Saudi royals. The connoisseur will overlook the 95m length, the monogrammed bed sheets and twin Mercedes stashed on board and concentrate on the art – Dali, Renoir, Chagall and Picasso steal the limelight from the ocean view.
In addition, there’s the Indian Princess, a slightly smaller gin palace, and a new 125m berth on order which will be one of the top five biggest yachts ever built. Vijay takes delivery in 2010.
Then there’s the Kalizma, a 50m Edwardian yacht once owned by Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.
As well as the art, there are the antiquities – he owns a number of significant artifacts including Tipu Sultan’s sword that was used to fight the British in 1799. Vijay paid £175,000 for it and returned it to India, after it had been seized by British forces 200 years earlier.
To keep up with Vijay you’ll need not one but four private jets. He’s got a Gulfstream, a Hawker, a Boeing 727 and an Airbus which is so loaded with luxurious materials and state-of-the-art toys that it took a year to outfit.
Now for the cars: He’s got about 260 of them! They are stored across ten countries and include a very valuable 1913 Rolls Royce low-slung Silver Ghost, the 1926 Sunbeam Tiger land speed record car, and a bunch of F1 cars from the 1970s which Vijay likes to drive at Sears Point. He also owns a Hummer bicycle and a Rolls Royce garbage truck.
BLING SCORE: 5/5
The toy story by which all other billionaires should be judged.
FLAVIO:
The 68.2m Force Blue is a former ice breaker that has been refitted at vast expense. It features 12 ultra-luxurious cabin suites and its own spa with vapor showers, Turkish bath and gym. It’s currently the 91st largest yacht in the world and has several recreational craft on board as well as a supremely elegant tender.
Flav manages to pack so much into his life thanks to a silver Lear Jet.
He prefers to be chauffeured rather than drive himself in either his Maybach, a classic Bentley or his company car, an Infiniti 4x4.
BLING SCORE: 3/5
Some smart toys there, no doubt, but a lackluster garage for a motor racing chief and in Vijay’s company he’ll have to try harder.
CLOTHES AND JEWELLERY
VIJAY:
He favours clothes from Armani, Lanvin and Ralph Lauren but it’s his jewellery that’s most impressive. Vijay is always adorned by weighty gold bangles and huge diamond earrings. He also owns a knuckleduster encrusted with precious stones.
BLING SCORE: 5/5
Even his underwear draw sparkles.
FLAVIO:
Think that’s team issue kit he’s wearing? You’re wrong, those Renault shirts are custom made by Flav’s personal tailor Angelo Galasso. His entire wardrobe is fitted and personalized. He wears a black diamond around his neck. On his left wrist is a silver bracelet given to him by Mohammed al-Fayed. On his right is a gold-platted bangle given to him by a girlfriend, and a mysterious red cloth band he acquired from a girl in Brazil.
BLING SCORE: 4/5
The link between the pitlane and the catwalk.
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
VIJAY:
An icon in India, Vijay is mates with all of Bollywood’s biggest stars. Now with a global presence thanks to F1, he’s picking up new friends everywhere he goes. Jay-Z is on the Indian Empress more often than Vijay is! This weekend he entertained Lance Armstrong and Kate Hudson. He’s on his second marriage and has three children. But to promote his aspirational brand he travels the world with the Kingfisher calendar girls.
BLING SCORE: 3/5
With two massive parties planned aboard the Indian Empress this weekend, he’ll have made many more celebrity pals by Monday.
FLAVIO:
Flavio is one of the world’s best connected men, thanks in no small part to his relationships with Naomi Campbell and Heidi Klum, with whom he has a daughter. He’s got Nelson Mandela on speed dial, is great mates with Silvio Berlusconi, and was even credited in U2’s last two album booklets after he helped broker a deal with Italy to cancel Africa’s debt.
BLING SCORE: 5/5
A friend to the starving, as well as the minted. There are, at most, six degrees of separation between Flav and everyone else.
OVERALL BLING:
Vijay Mallya: 28/30
Flavio Briatore: 23/30
Flavio Briatore’s estimated $150 million has gone a fairly long way and won him many admirers in the process. As he establishes himself in football his wealth and fame will rise, but when it comes to flashing his cash he’s met his match in Dr Vijay Mallya, who is worth £1.2 billion according to Forbes. With a bigger yacht on the way and now a global platform, Vijay’s bling will shine even brighter.
- Adam Hay-Nicholls - Metro.co.uk
Metro
QPR Promotion Favourite?
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It's interesting, but not sure QPR fans would be so sanguine. It also puts the "moneybags" team under pressure; makes other teams raise their game against QPR. It will be easier to evaluate odds, when see the type of signings made by various teams. And bottom line, at the start of the season, the odds of Hull being promoted (or Bristol City) or Cardiff reaching the FA Cup Final, were not perceived as high. [Flashback: What QPR's odds were before the start of 2007-2008]
Casino Beacon - 26 May 2008 - QPR Favourites For Championship
In Football Betting, newly promoted Doncaster are 4/1 to be relegated, 40/1 to win the Championship and 14/1 to be promoted to the Premiership.
Bookies William Hill offer betting odds of 6/4 that Leeds will gain promotion next year.
QPR and their moneybags are the hot favourites to win the Championship, but we expect Doncaster to struggle." said William Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams.
Championship Betting Odds 08/09: 6/1 QPR, 15/2 Birmingham, 8/1 Reading, 10/1 Sheff Utd, 11/1 C Palace, 12/1 Ipswich, 14/1 Derby, 14/1 Wolves, 14/1 Charlton, 16/1 Watford, 20/1 Cardiff, 25/1 Bristol, 25/1 Nottm Forest, 25/1 Coventry, 33/1 Southampton, 33/1 Norwich, 33/1 Preston, 33/1 Swansea, 40/1 Doncaster, 40/1 Plymouth, 40/1 Burnley, 66/1 Sheff Wed, 80/1 Barnsley, 80/1 Blackpool. Casino Beacon
See Also other Championship Odds
- Odds Checker
-
Best Betting Championship 2008-2009 Odds
[Prior to Leeds-Doncaster Final putting up Doncaster)
* Best Odds - * All Odds - * Historic Odds * Info
Compare Coca-Cola Championship 08/09 betting odds from all the leading Internet bookmakers and betting exchanges and always bet at the best odds! To place a bet, click on the (bold) best Coca-Cola Championship 08/09 odds of the outcome you want to bet on in the Best Odds, All Odds or Exchanges tab. For other betting events, browse the menu on the left.
Birmingham City 6 6 7 6 13/2 6 6 15/2
QPR 7 8 13/2 7 6 8 6
Reading 10 8 8 10 8 6 8 8
Crystal Palace 11 10 12 11 12 9 14 11
Derby County 14 14 16 14 16 16 9 14
Sheffield Utd 11 10 9 11 16 12 14 10
Watford 12 14 16 12 14 14 14 16
Wolves 10 16 14 10 14 14 9 14
Charlton Athletic 12 20 16 12 16 18 20 14
Ipswich Town 18 16 16 18 20 20 14 12
Cardiff City 22 20 20 22 22 18 25 20
Nottingham Forest 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25
Norwich City 40 33 33 40 40 40 33 33
Southampton 33 33 40 33 33 33 33 33
Swansea 33 40 25 33 28 33 25 33
Coventry City 33 33 33 33 33 50 50 25
Preston North End 40 33 40 40 50 25 33 33
Burnley 33 66 33 33 50 66 25 40
Plymouth Argyle 33 40 40 33 66 33 50 40
Sheffield Wednesday 40 50 50 40 80 40 50 66
Blackpool 66 100 66 66 100 80 100 80
Barnsley 66 100 50 66 125 66 100 80
Best Bets
It's interesting, but not sure QPR fans would be so sanguine. It also puts the "moneybags" team under pressure; makes other teams raise their game against QPR. It will be easier to evaluate odds, when see the type of signings made by various teams. And bottom line, at the start of the season, the odds of Hull being promoted (or Bristol City) or Cardiff reaching the FA Cup Final, were not perceived as high. [Flashback: What QPR's odds were before the start of 2007-2008]
Casino Beacon - 26 May 2008 - QPR Favourites For Championship
In Football Betting, newly promoted Doncaster are 4/1 to be relegated, 40/1 to win the Championship and 14/1 to be promoted to the Premiership.
Bookies William Hill offer betting odds of 6/4 that Leeds will gain promotion next year.
QPR and their moneybags are the hot favourites to win the Championship, but we expect Doncaster to struggle." said William Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams.
Championship Betting Odds 08/09: 6/1 QPR, 15/2 Birmingham, 8/1 Reading, 10/1 Sheff Utd, 11/1 C Palace, 12/1 Ipswich, 14/1 Derby, 14/1 Wolves, 14/1 Charlton, 16/1 Watford, 20/1 Cardiff, 25/1 Bristol, 25/1 Nottm Forest, 25/1 Coventry, 33/1 Southampton, 33/1 Norwich, 33/1 Preston, 33/1 Swansea, 40/1 Doncaster, 40/1 Plymouth, 40/1 Burnley, 66/1 Sheff Wed, 80/1 Barnsley, 80/1 Blackpool. Casino Beacon
See Also other Championship Odds
- Odds Checker
-
Best Betting Championship 2008-2009 Odds
[Prior to Leeds-Doncaster Final putting up Doncaster)
* Best Odds - * All Odds - * Historic Odds * Info
Compare Coca-Cola Championship 08/09 betting odds from all the leading Internet bookmakers and betting exchanges and always bet at the best odds! To place a bet, click on the (bold) best Coca-Cola Championship 08/09 odds of the outcome you want to bet on in the Best Odds, All Odds or Exchanges tab. For other betting events, browse the menu on the left.
Birmingham City 6 6 7 6 13/2 6 6 15/2
QPR 7 8 13/2 7 6 8 6
Reading 10 8 8 10 8 6 8 8
Crystal Palace 11 10 12 11 12 9 14 11
Derby County 14 14 16 14 16 16 9 14
Sheffield Utd 11 10 9 11 16 12 14 10
Watford 12 14 16 12 14 14 14 16
Wolves 10 16 14 10 14 14 9 14
Charlton Athletic 12 20 16 12 16 18 20 14
Ipswich Town 18 16 16 18 20 20 14 12
Cardiff City 22 20 20 22 22 18 25 20
Nottingham Forest 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25
Norwich City 40 33 33 40 40 40 33 33
Southampton 33 33 40 33 33 33 33 33
Swansea 33 40 25 33 28 33 25 33
Coventry City 33 33 33 33 33 50 50 25
Preston North End 40 33 40 40 50 25 33 33
Burnley 33 66 33 33 50 66 25 40
Plymouth Argyle 33 40 40 33 66 33 50 40
Sheffield Wednesday 40 50 50 40 80 40 50 66
Blackpool 66 100 66 66 100 80 100 80
Barnsley 66 100 50 66 125 66 100 80
Best Bets
Another Billionaire Linking Up With QPR?
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Daily Mail/Charles Sale - Indian Formula One high roller joins Ecclestone and Briatore's party at Queens Park Rangers
26th May 2008
The Formula One consortium who own Queens Park Rangers are understood to have the most free-spending billionaire in the F1 Monaco paddock as one of their members, confirming the Championship club's status as the richest in the country.
High roller: Vijay Mallya (right) and his partner entertain actress Kate Hudson (second left) and former cyclist Lance Armstrong at the Kingfisher boat party before the Monaco Grand Prix
Vijay Mallya, the Indian Kingfisher lager and airline mogul, paid into the QPR pot, according to insiders in his Force India F1 team, as part of the wheeler-dealing that guaranteed him permission to change his GP outfit's name for the fourth time in four years, when regulations allow one alteration in five.
Force India were previously known as Jordan, Midland, and Spyker before Mallya paid £44million for ownership. Certainly the Indian tycoon has his boat moored in the plushest part of the Monaco harbour, in the Loftus Road enclave together with fellow QPR stakeholders Flavio Briatore and Lakshmi Mittal, and Bernie Ecclestone stayed on Briatore's boat.
Mallya has more football experience than his F1 colleagues, owning two Indian teams as well as his GP interest and the £50m Bangalore cricket franchise. In Monaco, he hosted two massive parties on his boat and also splashed out £80,000 on a Chopard watch and £175,000 on a piano owned by Elton John at a charity auction. Mail
Daily Mail/Charles Sale - Indian Formula One high roller joins Ecclestone and Briatore's party at Queens Park Rangers
26th May 2008
The Formula One consortium who own Queens Park Rangers are understood to have the most free-spending billionaire in the F1 Monaco paddock as one of their members, confirming the Championship club's status as the richest in the country.
High roller: Vijay Mallya (right) and his partner entertain actress Kate Hudson (second left) and former cyclist Lance Armstrong at the Kingfisher boat party before the Monaco Grand Prix
Vijay Mallya, the Indian Kingfisher lager and airline mogul, paid into the QPR pot, according to insiders in his Force India F1 team, as part of the wheeler-dealing that guaranteed him permission to change his GP outfit's name for the fourth time in four years, when regulations allow one alteration in five.
Force India were previously known as Jordan, Midland, and Spyker before Mallya paid £44million for ownership. Certainly the Indian tycoon has his boat moored in the plushest part of the Monaco harbour, in the Loftus Road enclave together with fellow QPR stakeholders Flavio Briatore and Lakshmi Mittal, and Bernie Ecclestone stayed on Briatore's boat.
Mallya has more football experience than his F1 colleagues, owning two Indian teams as well as his GP interest and the £50m Bangalore cricket franchise. In Monaco, he hosted two massive parties on his boat and also splashed out £80,000 on a Chopard watch and £175,000 on a piano owned by Elton John at a charity auction. Mail
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Snippets: Dichio's Brace...Delaney's Debut...Waddock's No Bull ...Becks's Birthday...Cardiff +5
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Update:
Condolences to Manager Iain Dowie on the death of his mother - Official Statement
Two goals for Danny Dichio for Toronto against DC United. Unfortunately for Dichio, DC United came back to win 3-2. Washington Post Match report.
MLS "Toronto FC has defended exceptionally well all season except at RFK Stadium. Despite a late surge, D.C. United came from behind to defeat Toronto FC at RFK Stadium, snapping their four-game losing streak. Conversely, the loss ended Toronto's six-game unbeaten streak....
Danny Dichio scored on TFC's only two shots on the first half but they could not hold onto the lead as United converted on a penalty kick and a rebound after spending the better part of the match in the Toronto's end of the field.
Dichio converted his third goal of the season on Toronto's first opportunity, in just the 13th minute. Dichio slipped behind United center back Gonzalo Peralta, nodding home a Jim Brennan cross. Laurent Robert sprung Brennan with a smart ball behind Bryan Namoff down the left flank.....
Equality did not last long however as Dichio quieted the suddenly hopeful United crowd with a clinical finish just seconds before the whistle for the break. Dichio won the ball some 30 yards from goal with a header directly to Amado Guevara and headed straight for the top of the penalty area. Guevara cut inside and easily slotted the ball to the unmarked Dichio whose shot from outside the box slipped just inside the left post.
Of the seven shots that Dichio has taken all season, the four that have been on goal have scored and three of his four goals on the year have come against United, all this week....MLS
Damion Delaney mde his first international appearance for Ireland against Serbia (while also apparently winning a promotion medal with Hull). "
Eleven a Side: "Damien Delaney: The lanky QPR man has been waiting years for his big chance and he was in no mood to let it pass. Left his mark with a few early challenges and decent in possession. Unlucky that McShane’s rash decision-making left him playing the Serbs onside for the goal. 8 " _ Eleven a Side
BBC - Bull parts company with Aldershot
Aldershot veteran goalkeeper Nikki Bull is leaving the club after six seasons.
Bull helped secure their return to the Football league in April, and was recently named both goalkeeper and Non-league player of the year.
Chairman John McGinty told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "I offered him a substantial increase on last year's contract, but it wasn't enough.
"He rated himself at a height we couldn't and wouldn't reach. If I mess up this club, I'll not forgive myself."
"All the other people have signed, why hasn't Nikki Bull? We are not Chelsea or Liverpool. We're a working man's club. No-one is bigger than the club. There is no other way. If there is another way, there's no club".
McGinty admits Bull was tremendous for them: "Magnificent. Quite simply, a really good goalkeeper. We thank him for his services and wish him luck for the future".
BBC
John Beck Turns 54: - Born May 25, 1954.
Former QPR Midfielder John Beck, who made his QPR debut under Gordon Jago in December 1972. Was the Gerry Francis backup for 2-3 years before being sold to Coventry. Became famous/notorious as a manager. See John Beck/Wikipedia --- Beck
Perspective of Paul Parker on the New QPR - Paul Parker
MILLENIUM STADIUM, FIVE YEARS AGO:
BBC - "...1724: Tommy Williams makes a dazzling run from midway inside his own half, but when he finds himself in the Cardiff penalty the defender fluffs his moment of glory and shoots wide of the near post." bbc
May 25, 2003: Cardiff 1 QPR 0
QPR - Day, Kelly, Shittu, Carlisle, Padula (Williams 79), Gallen, Bircham, Palmer, McLeod, Pacquette (Thomson 60), Furlong. Subs not used: Culkin, Angell, Forbes.
Manager: Ian Holloway. Coach: Kenny Jackett: Board's Nigel Blackburn and Ross Jones. CEO: David Davies.
Every single one of the above named is no longer at Loftus Road: Players, Manager and coach and Board! In fact the only person currently at the club, was Cardiff's not-playing Gareth Ainsworth.
BBC Match Report Cardiff seal promotion
Substitute Andy Campbell came off the bench to guide Cardiff past Queens Park Rangers in a nerve-wracking Division Two play-off final.
QPR's defensive partnership of Danny Shittu and Clark Carlisle had managed to shackle Cardiff's 35-goal striker Rob Earnshaw.
But with six minutes to go of extra-time, Campbell proved more elusive.
The former Middlesbrough striker, who had replaced Earnshaw in the second half, shrugged off Shittu and then calmly lobbed Chris Day, to ensure Cardiff returned to Division One after an 18-year absence.
Chances had been few and far between in normal time, but as both sets of players tired, the game opened up in those nail-biting final 30 minutes.
No more so than when Day made a superb one-handed save from a Spencer Prior header after Graham Kavanagh's in-swinging free-kick.
While Cardiff favoured a more patient build-up, QPR were keen to get the ball quickly forward to strikers Paul Furlong and Richard Pacquette.
Key moments
79 mins: Lawrence replaces Earnshaw with Campbell
104 mins: Day superbly saves Prior's header
114 mins: Campbell cleverly lobs Day to score the game's only goal
The experienced Furlong proved a handful for the Cardiff defence, holding up the ball well, though reflecting the tenseness of the occasion, his finishing was too hurried.
Notably after the restart, when the 34-year-old striker found some space in the Cardiff area, but having done the hard work, he blazed over the bar.
Furlong also had the best chance of the first half when he pounced on Danny Gabbidon's error, only to then rush his attempted lob over Neil Alexander.
On the flanks, Kevin McLeod and Kevin Gallen also provided plenty of impetus for QPR.
On 47 minutes Gallen ran on to a loose ball inside the box, but his low eight-yard shot flew straight at Alexander.
Gallen then unleashed a volley, which flew just over the bar.
Despite having plenty of the ball, Cardiff's attacks foundered against QPR's impressive central defensive partnership of Shittu and Carlisle.
Shittu made a superb defensive tackle to stop Gareth Whalley, when the former Bradford midfielder had a clear sight of goal on the edge of the box in the first-half.
As the game wore on, Carlisle's reading of the game time and again came to QPR's rescue.
With 10 minutes to go, Carlisle made a well-timed tackle to thwart Kavanagh on the edge of the penalty area and then produced an even better challenge to deny Andy Campbell.
The England Under-21 defender even found time to saunter forward to out jumped Prior, only to guide his header wide of Alexander's right-hand post.
So indomitable were those two QPR central defenders that in the closing stages of the game, Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence withdraw the club's leading scorer Rob Earnshaw.
But as the game headed towards penalties, Carlisle conceded possession and as the ball broke forward, Campbell got the better of Shittu to send Cardiff into Division One. BBC
Also: BBC - Minute by Minute Report
The Guardian - Bluebirds soar towards top flight
Cardiff City 1 - 0 Queens Park Rangers
Jon Brodkin at the Millennium Stadium
Never one to set his sights low, Sam Hammam spoke last night of his determination to reach the Champions League. The Cardiff City owner has a long way to go to achieve that ambition but yesterday his club at least moved to within striking distance of the top flight. It is just as well today is a bank holiday because few in the Welsh capital will be in a fit state to work.
The Andy Campbell goal which took Cardiff to a level they last played at 18 years ago was greeted with unrestrained joy in their home city. A forgettable game seemed certain to be heading for penalties after 114 scoreless minutes until Campbell, a second-half substitute, scored with a touch of quality which was out of keeping with most of the match.
The party in Cardiff will continue for days, probably months, but it was impossible not to feel sorry for QPR, who were the more thoughtful side and had the better of the few openings over the initial 90 minutes. The manner of defeat was particularly unfortunate for Clarke Carlisle, who had been excellent at centre-half until his poor pass was cut out for Campbell's strike.
Cardiff will care little about the way victory was achieved. For the most part they were one dimensional, playing too many unsuccessful long balls towards the head of Peter Thorne, and lacked cutting edge until extra-time. Yet, having failed in last season's play-offs, perhaps they were due a change of luck.
Hammam was thrown in the bath afterwards and emerged sounding like he had forgotten the promotion is to the First Division and not the Premiership. The former Wimbledon owner has big hopes for Cardiff and is desperate to get permission for a new 30,000-seat stadium. With that he believes progress up the league could be fast.
"Our aim is not to be in the Premier League but to be in the top echelons of the Premier League and in the Champions League," he said. "That's the only thing that Welsh people will accept. The thing we need is a vehicle and for that we need the stadium.
"If we have [planning permission for] the stadium we can go aggressively and then we would like to take a step forward as quickly as possible. It's in the hands of the politicians but also we have to solve the technical problems of planning.
"With the stadium in place we will expect to give any club in the First Division a run for their money. Once we have the planning for the stadium then the money the financial institutions will give us will be far different. Already we have an excellent nucleus of players. We could augment that with new blood."
Cardiff's manager Lennie Lawrence is not thinking about Real Madrid for the time being, though his mind is set on another promotion. Having reached the top flight with Middlesbrough and Charlton, he said his one remaining ambition was to join the elite band who have guided three clubs to that height.
Lawrence gambled by bringing on Campbell for his leading scorer Robert Earnshaw after 80 minutes. Earnshaw shook his head but Lawrence's instincts were right. Campbell, hardly a prolific scorer, notched his seventh of the campaign at a perfect moment.
Earnshaw had been quiet, a reflection of Cardiff's failure to make much headway. QPR's central defenders, Carlisle and Danny Shittu, were outstanding and Lawrence's players lacked the variety required. After a first half which was nervy and dominated by long balls, QPR found better passing movements. They wasted openings during the 90 minutes and in extra-time but their manager Ian Holloway was rightly proud of what has been achieved on a tight budget.
"When I arrived not that long ago I had no staff and nine players, two of whom had long-term injuries," he said. "We have come a long way. Sadly not far enough and we have to do that next year. We have to keep this feeling in our hearts and get stronger."
QPR's preparations had hardly been helped by the fact that they were woken at about 4.15am after Cardiff fans apparently set off a fire alarm at their hotel. Their goalkeeper Chris Day was still alert enough in extra-time to make a brilliant save from Spencer Prior's header but was powerless when Campbell struck. Not long after QPR's Tommy Williams had shot when he ought to have squared to Paul Furlong, Carlisle's pass was intercepted by Gareth Whalley and Campbell sprinted clear of Shittu and lifted a shot into the net.
"It wasn't a classic match," Lawrence said, "but no one connected with Cardiff will ever forget it." That is certain and, if Hammam has his way, there will be far more to come. Guardian
Update:
Condolences to Manager Iain Dowie on the death of his mother - Official Statement
Two goals for Danny Dichio for Toronto against DC United. Unfortunately for Dichio, DC United came back to win 3-2. Washington Post Match report.
MLS "Toronto FC has defended exceptionally well all season except at RFK Stadium. Despite a late surge, D.C. United came from behind to defeat Toronto FC at RFK Stadium, snapping their four-game losing streak. Conversely, the loss ended Toronto's six-game unbeaten streak....
Danny Dichio scored on TFC's only two shots on the first half but they could not hold onto the lead as United converted on a penalty kick and a rebound after spending the better part of the match in the Toronto's end of the field.
Dichio converted his third goal of the season on Toronto's first opportunity, in just the 13th minute. Dichio slipped behind United center back Gonzalo Peralta, nodding home a Jim Brennan cross. Laurent Robert sprung Brennan with a smart ball behind Bryan Namoff down the left flank.....
Equality did not last long however as Dichio quieted the suddenly hopeful United crowd with a clinical finish just seconds before the whistle for the break. Dichio won the ball some 30 yards from goal with a header directly to Amado Guevara and headed straight for the top of the penalty area. Guevara cut inside and easily slotted the ball to the unmarked Dichio whose shot from outside the box slipped just inside the left post.
Of the seven shots that Dichio has taken all season, the four that have been on goal have scored and three of his four goals on the year have come against United, all this week....MLS
Damion Delaney mde his first international appearance for Ireland against Serbia (while also apparently winning a promotion medal with Hull). "
Eleven a Side: "Damien Delaney: The lanky QPR man has been waiting years for his big chance and he was in no mood to let it pass. Left his mark with a few early challenges and decent in possession. Unlucky that McShane’s rash decision-making left him playing the Serbs onside for the goal. 8 " _ Eleven a Side
BBC - Bull parts company with Aldershot
Aldershot veteran goalkeeper Nikki Bull is leaving the club after six seasons.
Bull helped secure their return to the Football league in April, and was recently named both goalkeeper and Non-league player of the year.
Chairman John McGinty told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "I offered him a substantial increase on last year's contract, but it wasn't enough.
"He rated himself at a height we couldn't and wouldn't reach. If I mess up this club, I'll not forgive myself."
"All the other people have signed, why hasn't Nikki Bull? We are not Chelsea or Liverpool. We're a working man's club. No-one is bigger than the club. There is no other way. If there is another way, there's no club".
McGinty admits Bull was tremendous for them: "Magnificent. Quite simply, a really good goalkeeper. We thank him for his services and wish him luck for the future".
BBC
John Beck Turns 54: - Born May 25, 1954.
Former QPR Midfielder John Beck, who made his QPR debut under Gordon Jago in December 1972. Was the Gerry Francis backup for 2-3 years before being sold to Coventry. Became famous/notorious as a manager. See John Beck/Wikipedia --- Beck
Perspective of Paul Parker on the New QPR - Paul Parker
MILLENIUM STADIUM, FIVE YEARS AGO:
BBC - "...1724: Tommy Williams makes a dazzling run from midway inside his own half, but when he finds himself in the Cardiff penalty the defender fluffs his moment of glory and shoots wide of the near post." bbc
May 25, 2003: Cardiff 1 QPR 0
QPR - Day, Kelly, Shittu, Carlisle, Padula (Williams 79), Gallen, Bircham, Palmer, McLeod, Pacquette (Thomson 60), Furlong. Subs not used: Culkin, Angell, Forbes.
Manager: Ian Holloway. Coach: Kenny Jackett: Board's Nigel Blackburn and Ross Jones. CEO: David Davies.
Every single one of the above named is no longer at Loftus Road: Players, Manager and coach and Board! In fact the only person currently at the club, was Cardiff's not-playing Gareth Ainsworth.
BBC Match Report Cardiff seal promotion
Substitute Andy Campbell came off the bench to guide Cardiff past Queens Park Rangers in a nerve-wracking Division Two play-off final.
QPR's defensive partnership of Danny Shittu and Clark Carlisle had managed to shackle Cardiff's 35-goal striker Rob Earnshaw.
But with six minutes to go of extra-time, Campbell proved more elusive.
The former Middlesbrough striker, who had replaced Earnshaw in the second half, shrugged off Shittu and then calmly lobbed Chris Day, to ensure Cardiff returned to Division One after an 18-year absence.
Chances had been few and far between in normal time, but as both sets of players tired, the game opened up in those nail-biting final 30 minutes.
No more so than when Day made a superb one-handed save from a Spencer Prior header after Graham Kavanagh's in-swinging free-kick.
While Cardiff favoured a more patient build-up, QPR were keen to get the ball quickly forward to strikers Paul Furlong and Richard Pacquette.
Key moments
79 mins: Lawrence replaces Earnshaw with Campbell
104 mins: Day superbly saves Prior's header
114 mins: Campbell cleverly lobs Day to score the game's only goal
The experienced Furlong proved a handful for the Cardiff defence, holding up the ball well, though reflecting the tenseness of the occasion, his finishing was too hurried.
Notably after the restart, when the 34-year-old striker found some space in the Cardiff area, but having done the hard work, he blazed over the bar.
Furlong also had the best chance of the first half when he pounced on Danny Gabbidon's error, only to then rush his attempted lob over Neil Alexander.
On the flanks, Kevin McLeod and Kevin Gallen also provided plenty of impetus for QPR.
On 47 minutes Gallen ran on to a loose ball inside the box, but his low eight-yard shot flew straight at Alexander.
Gallen then unleashed a volley, which flew just over the bar.
Despite having plenty of the ball, Cardiff's attacks foundered against QPR's impressive central defensive partnership of Shittu and Carlisle.
Shittu made a superb defensive tackle to stop Gareth Whalley, when the former Bradford midfielder had a clear sight of goal on the edge of the box in the first-half.
As the game wore on, Carlisle's reading of the game time and again came to QPR's rescue.
With 10 minutes to go, Carlisle made a well-timed tackle to thwart Kavanagh on the edge of the penalty area and then produced an even better challenge to deny Andy Campbell.
The England Under-21 defender even found time to saunter forward to out jumped Prior, only to guide his header wide of Alexander's right-hand post.
So indomitable were those two QPR central defenders that in the closing stages of the game, Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence withdraw the club's leading scorer Rob Earnshaw.
But as the game headed towards penalties, Carlisle conceded possession and as the ball broke forward, Campbell got the better of Shittu to send Cardiff into Division One. BBC
Also: BBC - Minute by Minute Report
The Guardian - Bluebirds soar towards top flight
Cardiff City 1 - 0 Queens Park Rangers
Jon Brodkin at the Millennium Stadium
Never one to set his sights low, Sam Hammam spoke last night of his determination to reach the Champions League. The Cardiff City owner has a long way to go to achieve that ambition but yesterday his club at least moved to within striking distance of the top flight. It is just as well today is a bank holiday because few in the Welsh capital will be in a fit state to work.
The Andy Campbell goal which took Cardiff to a level they last played at 18 years ago was greeted with unrestrained joy in their home city. A forgettable game seemed certain to be heading for penalties after 114 scoreless minutes until Campbell, a second-half substitute, scored with a touch of quality which was out of keeping with most of the match.
The party in Cardiff will continue for days, probably months, but it was impossible not to feel sorry for QPR, who were the more thoughtful side and had the better of the few openings over the initial 90 minutes. The manner of defeat was particularly unfortunate for Clarke Carlisle, who had been excellent at centre-half until his poor pass was cut out for Campbell's strike.
Cardiff will care little about the way victory was achieved. For the most part they were one dimensional, playing too many unsuccessful long balls towards the head of Peter Thorne, and lacked cutting edge until extra-time. Yet, having failed in last season's play-offs, perhaps they were due a change of luck.
Hammam was thrown in the bath afterwards and emerged sounding like he had forgotten the promotion is to the First Division and not the Premiership. The former Wimbledon owner has big hopes for Cardiff and is desperate to get permission for a new 30,000-seat stadium. With that he believes progress up the league could be fast.
"Our aim is not to be in the Premier League but to be in the top echelons of the Premier League and in the Champions League," he said. "That's the only thing that Welsh people will accept. The thing we need is a vehicle and for that we need the stadium.
"If we have [planning permission for] the stadium we can go aggressively and then we would like to take a step forward as quickly as possible. It's in the hands of the politicians but also we have to solve the technical problems of planning.
"With the stadium in place we will expect to give any club in the First Division a run for their money. Once we have the planning for the stadium then the money the financial institutions will give us will be far different. Already we have an excellent nucleus of players. We could augment that with new blood."
Cardiff's manager Lennie Lawrence is not thinking about Real Madrid for the time being, though his mind is set on another promotion. Having reached the top flight with Middlesbrough and Charlton, he said his one remaining ambition was to join the elite band who have guided three clubs to that height.
Lawrence gambled by bringing on Campbell for his leading scorer Robert Earnshaw after 80 minutes. Earnshaw shook his head but Lawrence's instincts were right. Campbell, hardly a prolific scorer, notched his seventh of the campaign at a perfect moment.
Earnshaw had been quiet, a reflection of Cardiff's failure to make much headway. QPR's central defenders, Carlisle and Danny Shittu, were outstanding and Lawrence's players lacked the variety required. After a first half which was nervy and dominated by long balls, QPR found better passing movements. They wasted openings during the 90 minutes and in extra-time but their manager Ian Holloway was rightly proud of what has been achieved on a tight budget.
"When I arrived not that long ago I had no staff and nine players, two of whom had long-term injuries," he said. "We have come a long way. Sadly not far enough and we have to do that next year. We have to keep this feeling in our hearts and get stronger."
QPR's preparations had hardly been helped by the fact that they were woken at about 4.15am after Cardiff fans apparently set off a fire alarm at their hotel. Their goalkeeper Chris Day was still alert enough in extra-time to make a brilliant save from Spencer Prior's header but was powerless when Campbell struck. Not long after QPR's Tommy Williams had shot when he ought to have squared to Paul Furlong, Carlisle's pass was intercepted by Gareth Whalley and Campbell sprinted clear of Shittu and lifted a shot into the net.
"It wasn't a classic match," Lawrence said, "but no one connected with Cardiff will ever forget it." That is certain and, if Hammam has his way, there will be far more to come. Guardian
Saturday, May 24, 2008
A Kick Up The Rs (AKUTRs) Wins Fanzine Award
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It's being reported on the various messageboards that Dave Thomas' Fanzine, A Kick Up The Rs (AKUTRs) has won the Championship Fanzine of the Year Award. Presumably this award was this Fanzine Award for which AKUTRs was on the shortlist for the price. Mazel Tov/Congratulations!
AKUTRs is not currently online - but some old AKUTRs articles from almost a decade ago, can be read online - Old AKUTRS and various "archived" AKUTRs articles
To Contact or purchase a subscription for Dave Thomas/AKUTRS - Contact Dave Thomas
Also: AKUTRs Anthology "But First An Apology"
It's being reported on the various messageboards that Dave Thomas' Fanzine, A Kick Up The Rs (AKUTRs) has won the Championship Fanzine of the Year Award. Presumably this award was this Fanzine Award for which AKUTRs was on the shortlist for the price. Mazel Tov/Congratulations!
AKUTRs is not currently online - but some old AKUTRs articles from almost a decade ago, can be read online - Old AKUTRS and various "archived" AKUTRs articles
To Contact or purchase a subscription for Dave Thomas/AKUTRS - Contact Dave Thomas
Also: AKUTRs Anthology "But First An Apology"
Snippets: More TV Money...Bosnich Comeback?
-
Hopefully this won't impact on QPR! More TV Money in 2009-2010. If per chance it does apply to QPR, then hopefully people in the USA will finally get to see how football should be played by a team wearing blue and white hoops!
Football League: LEAGUE CLUBS GET SIGNIFICANT OVERSEAS TV BOOST
The Football League has agreed groundbreaking overseas broadcasting contracts, worth £24m over three seasons, beginning in 2009/10.
The new agreements represent an increase in revenue of almost 300% on existing arrangements and follow the £264m deal, announced earlier this season, with Sky Sports and BBC Sport for domestic broadcasting rights.
For the first time, The League has split its worldwide rights across a number of different partners. The new agreements will see four different broadcasters and agencies holding the rights to show League and Carling Cup matches in Africa and the Middle East, whilst IMG will market The League's rights to the rest of the globe.
In total, The Football League will have 6 overseas broadcasting partners from August 2009. They are:
IMG Worldwide (excluding Africa and Middle East)
Pitch International Middle East
Hi TV Nigeria (part)
Supersport South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa (part), Nigeria (part)
GTV Sub Saharan Africa (part)
In announcing The League's new overseas broadcasting arrangements Football League Chairman Lord Mawhinney said:
"The Football League prides itself on producing some of the most competitive and exciting league and cup football in the world game.
"These arrangements, which reflect a huge increase in resources for our clubs, demonstrate that the global football audience is increasingly recognising this too.
"I would like to welcome all our new broadcasting partners to working with The League and its clubs." Football League
A possible Australian comeback for goalkeeper Mark Bosnich who spent much of 2007-2008 training with QPR.
Fox Sports/Marco Moterverde - Bosnich return linked to Roar
May 24, 2008 FORMER Australia goalkeeper and self-confessed cocaine addict Mark Bosnich could re-launch his career with Queensland Roar.
Southern sources have confirmed the A-League club has been in discussions with 36-year-old Bosnich about a guest player stint during the upcoming season.
The Roar has denied it has been in discussions.
The career of Bosnich, whose former clubs include Manchester United and Aston Villa, nosedived in 2002 when he was sacked by Chelsea for failing a drugs test.
He later admitted to having a cocaine problem and revealed he was at one stage snorting 10g of white powder each day.
But Roar coach Frank Farina has been a long-time admirer of Bosnich, who played 17 times for the Socceroos.
"There is no question that Mark was one of the best goalkeepers Australia has produced - maybe even the best," the former Socceroos mentor said in his exclusive Courier-Mail column last year.
Farina and Roar chief executive Lawrence Oudendyk denied the club was in negotiations with Bosnich, who has also been linked with a move to Central Coast Mariners.
An overweight Bosnich returned to football last year, training with English lower division club Queens Park Rangers. He quickly lost 15kg and later indicated his desire to again play professionally.
"I think I'm ready to play now, but whether or not staying here (England) or going somewhere else or not playing at all, I haven't really looked that far ahead. That's in others' hands," he told Fox Sports's Total Football. Football
Hopefully this won't impact on QPR! More TV Money in 2009-2010. If per chance it does apply to QPR, then hopefully people in the USA will finally get to see how football should be played by a team wearing blue and white hoops!
Football League: LEAGUE CLUBS GET SIGNIFICANT OVERSEAS TV BOOST
The Football League has agreed groundbreaking overseas broadcasting contracts, worth £24m over three seasons, beginning in 2009/10.
The new agreements represent an increase in revenue of almost 300% on existing arrangements and follow the £264m deal, announced earlier this season, with Sky Sports and BBC Sport for domestic broadcasting rights.
For the first time, The League has split its worldwide rights across a number of different partners. The new agreements will see four different broadcasters and agencies holding the rights to show League and Carling Cup matches in Africa and the Middle East, whilst IMG will market The League's rights to the rest of the globe.
In total, The Football League will have 6 overseas broadcasting partners from August 2009. They are:
IMG Worldwide (excluding Africa and Middle East)
Pitch International Middle East
Hi TV Nigeria (part)
Supersport South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa (part), Nigeria (part)
GTV Sub Saharan Africa (part)
In announcing The League's new overseas broadcasting arrangements Football League Chairman Lord Mawhinney said:
"The Football League prides itself on producing some of the most competitive and exciting league and cup football in the world game.
"These arrangements, which reflect a huge increase in resources for our clubs, demonstrate that the global football audience is increasingly recognising this too.
"I would like to welcome all our new broadcasting partners to working with The League and its clubs." Football League
A possible Australian comeback for goalkeeper Mark Bosnich who spent much of 2007-2008 training with QPR.
Fox Sports/Marco Moterverde - Bosnich return linked to Roar
May 24, 2008 FORMER Australia goalkeeper and self-confessed cocaine addict Mark Bosnich could re-launch his career with Queensland Roar.
Southern sources have confirmed the A-League club has been in discussions with 36-year-old Bosnich about a guest player stint during the upcoming season.
The Roar has denied it has been in discussions.
The career of Bosnich, whose former clubs include Manchester United and Aston Villa, nosedived in 2002 when he was sacked by Chelsea for failing a drugs test.
He later admitted to having a cocaine problem and revealed he was at one stage snorting 10g of white powder each day.
But Roar coach Frank Farina has been a long-time admirer of Bosnich, who played 17 times for the Socceroos.
"There is no question that Mark was one of the best goalkeepers Australia has produced - maybe even the best," the former Socceroos mentor said in his exclusive Courier-Mail column last year.
Farina and Roar chief executive Lawrence Oudendyk denied the club was in negotiations with Bosnich, who has also been linked with a move to Central Coast Mariners.
An overweight Bosnich returned to football last year, training with English lower division club Queens Park Rangers. He quickly lost 15kg and later indicated his desire to again play professionally.
"I think I'm ready to play now, but whether or not staying here (England) or going somewhere else or not playing at all, I haven't really looked that far ahead. That's in others' hands," he told Fox Sports's Total Football. Football
Five Years Ago Tonight...Fire Alarms Rang Over Cardiff on Eve of QPR's Millenium Final
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Perhaps slightly hyperbolic! Anyway this will be the last "Fire Alarm" Commemoration for a while as a certain sense of outrage has cooled and given where QPR are now, it really is a historical footnote.!
Five Years ago Tonight:
The tale is familiar to all QPR fans: Twas the night before QPR's playoff final against Cardiff City....QPR Players were sleeping at the Celtic Mannor hotel...Thn in the middle of the night, the fire alarm went off...All the guests were awoken, including the QPR player...It subsequently transpired that it literally was a false alarm, as the alarm had been set off by one Neil MacNamara, previously a "Security Guard" with Cardiff City (also described as "former minder of Cardiff City Football Club owner Sam Hammam." MacNamara was also in the press described as a "former bodyguard" of Sam Hammam)
Given that QPR (unluckily) lost to Cardiff in extra time, in a game played in Cardiff, there always should be an metaphyiscal asteric paced next to the result!
Subsequently:
"QPR Hotel Alarm - Man Charged"
"Ex-soccer minder admits hoax"
"Fan says he set off alarm in hotel of rival team"
"Ex Minder Gets Five Year Soccer Ban"
Pre-Fire Alarm Story "Key test for war on hooligans" and Story
Hammam minder sent to jail
And later, unrelated to the Fire Alarm incident: From 2006 - "Ex-minder is jailed for tax dodge"
The eve of QPR's Playoff Final against Cardiff at the Millenium Stadium
See QPR Report
And the actual game Defeat: -May 25, 2003: Cardiff 1 QPR 0
QPR Team on that day:
Day, Kelly, Shittu, Carlisle, Padula (Williams 79), Gallen, Bircham, Palmer, McLeod, Pacquette (Thomson 60), Furlong. Subs not used: Culkin, Angell, Forbes.
Manager: Ian Holloway. Coach: Kenny Jackett: Board's Nigel Blackburn and Ross Jones. CEO: David Davies.
Every single one of the above named is no longer at Loftus Road: Players, Manager and coach and Board! In fact the only person currently at the club, was Cardiff's not-playing Gareth Ainsworth.
BBC Match Report Cardiff seal promotion
Substitute Andy Campbell came off the bench to guide Cardiff past Queens Park Rangers in a nerve-wracking Division Two play-off final.
QPR's defensive partnership of Danny Shittu and Clark Carlisle had managed to shackle Cardiff's 35-goal striker Rob Earnshaw.
But with six minutes to go of extra-time, Campbell proved more elusive.
The former Middlesbrough striker, who had replaced Earnshaw in the second half, shrugged off Shittu and then calmly lobbed Chris Day, to ensure Cardiff returned to Division One after an 18-year absence.
Chances had been few and far between in normal time, but as both sets of players tired, the game opened up in those nail-biting final 30 minutes.
No more so than when Day made a superb one-handed save from a Spencer Prior header after Graham Kavanagh's in-swinging free-kick.
While Cardiff favoured a more patient build-up, QPR were keen to get the ball quickly forward to strikers Paul Furlong and Richard Pacquette.
Key moments
79 mins: Lawrence replaces Earnshaw with Campbell
104 mins: Day superbly saves Prior's header
114 mins: Campbell cleverly lobs Day to score the game's only goal
The experienced Furlong proved a handful for the Cardiff defence, holding up the ball well, though reflecting the tenseness of the occasion, his finishing was too hurried.
Notably after the restart, when the 34-year-old striker found some space in the Cardiff area, but having done the hard work, he blazed over the bar.
Furlong also had the best chance of the first half when he pounced on Danny Gabbidon's error, only to then rush his attempted lob over Neil Alexander.
On the flanks, Kevin McLeod and Kevin Gallen also provided plenty of impetus for QPR.
On 47 minutes Gallen ran on to a loose ball inside the box, but his low eight-yard shot flew straight at Alexander.
Gallen then unleashed a volley, which flew just over the bar.
Despite having plenty of the ball, Cardiff's attacks foundered against QPR's impressive central defensive partnership of Shittu and Carlisle.
Shittu made a superb defensive tackle to stop Gareth Whalley, when the former Bradford midfielder had a clear sight of goal on the edge of the box in the first-half.
As the game wore on, Carlisle's reading of the game time and again came to QPR's rescue.
With 10 minutes to go, Carlisle made a well-timed tackle to thwart Kavanagh on the edge of the penalty area and then produced an even better challenge to deny Andy Campbell.
The England Under-21 defender even found time to saunter forward to out jumped Prior, only to guide his header wide of Alexander's right-hand post.
So indomitable were those two QPR central defenders that in the closing stages of the game, Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence withdraw the club's leading scorer Rob Earnshaw.
But as the game headed towards penalties, Carlisle conceded possession and as the ball broke forward, Campbell got the better of Shittu to send Cardiff into Division One.
BBC
Also: BBC - Minute by Minute Report
The Guardian - Bluebirds soar towards top flight
Cardiff City 1 - 0 Queens Park Rangers
Jon Brodkin at the Millennium Stadium
Never one to set his sights low, Sam Hammam spoke last night of his determination to reach the Champions League. The Cardiff City owner has a long way to go to achieve that ambition but yesterday his club at least moved to within striking distance of the top flight. It is just as well today is a bank holiday because few in the Welsh capital will be in a fit state to work.
The Andy Campbell goal which took Cardiff to a level they last played at 18 years ago was greeted with unrestrained joy in their home city. A forgettable game seemed certain to be heading for penalties after 114 scoreless minutes until Campbell, a second-half substitute, scored with a touch of quality which was out of keeping with most of the match.
The party in Cardiff will continue for days, probably months, but it was impossible not to feel sorry for QPR, who were the more thoughtful side and had the better of the few openings over the initial 90 minutes. The manner of defeat was particularly unfortunate for Clarke Carlisle, who had been excellent at centre-half until his poor pass was cut out for Campbell's strike.
Cardiff will care little about the way victory was achieved. For the most part they were one dimensional, playing too many unsuccessful long balls towards the head of Peter Thorne, and lacked cutting edge until extra-time. Yet, having failed in last season's play-offs, perhaps they were due a change of luck.
Hammam was thrown in the bath afterwards and emerged sounding like he had forgotten the promotion is to the First Division and not the Premiership. The former Wimbledon owner has big hopes for Cardiff and is desperate to get permission for a new 30,000-seat stadium. With that he believes progress up the league could be fast.
"Our aim is not to be in the Premier League but to be in the top echelons of the Premier League and in the Champions League," he said. "That's the only thing that Welsh people will accept. The thing we need is a vehicle and for that we need the stadium.
"If we have [planning permission for] the stadium we can go aggressively and then we would like to take a step forward as quickly as possible. It's in the hands of the politicians but also we have to solve the technical problems of planning.
"With the stadium in place we will expect to give any club in the First Division a run for their money. Once we have the planning for the stadium then the money the financial institutions will give us will be far different. Already we have an excellent nucleus of players. We could augment that with new blood."
Cardiff's manager Lennie Lawrence is not thinking about Real Madrid for the time being, though his mind is set on another promotion. Having reached the top flight with Middlesbrough and Charlton, he said his one remaining ambition was to join the elite band who have guided three clubs to that height.
Lawrence gambled by bringing on Campbell for his leading scorer Robert Earnshaw after 80 minutes. Earnshaw shook his head but Lawrence's instincts were right. Campbell, hardly a prolific scorer, notched his seventh of the campaign at a perfect moment.
Earnshaw had been quiet, a reflection of Cardiff's failure to make much headway. QPR's central defenders, Carlisle and Danny Shittu, were outstanding and Lawrence's players lacked the variety required. After a first half which was nervy and dominated by long balls, QPR found better passing movements. They wasted openings during the 90 minutes and in extra-time but their manager Ian Holloway was rightly proud of what has been achieved on a tight budget.
"When I arrived not that long ago I had no staff and nine players, two of whom had long-term injuries," he said. "We have come a long way. Sadly not far enough and we have to do that next year. We have to keep this feeling in our hearts and get stronger."
QPR's preparations had hardly been helped by the fact that they were woken at about 4.15am after Cardiff fans apparently set off a fire alarm at their hotel. Their goalkeeper Chris Day was still alert enough in extra-time to make a brilliant save from Spencer Prior's header but was powerless when Campbell struck. Not long after QPR's Tommy Williams had shot when he ought to have squared to Paul Furlong, Carlisle's pass was intercepted by Gareth Whalley and Campbell sprinted clear of Shittu and lifted a shot into the net.
"It wasn't a classic match," Lawrence said, "but no one connected with Cardiff will ever forget it." That is certain and, if Hammam has his way, there will be far more to come. Guardian
Perhaps slightly hyperbolic! Anyway this will be the last "Fire Alarm" Commemoration for a while as a certain sense of outrage has cooled and given where QPR are now, it really is a historical footnote.!
Five Years ago Tonight:
The tale is familiar to all QPR fans: Twas the night before QPR's playoff final against Cardiff City....QPR Players were sleeping at the Celtic Mannor hotel...Thn in the middle of the night, the fire alarm went off...All the guests were awoken, including the QPR player...It subsequently transpired that it literally was a false alarm, as the alarm had been set off by one Neil MacNamara, previously a "Security Guard" with Cardiff City (also described as "former minder of Cardiff City Football Club owner Sam Hammam." MacNamara was also in the press described as a "former bodyguard" of Sam Hammam)
Given that QPR (unluckily) lost to Cardiff in extra time, in a game played in Cardiff, there always should be an metaphyiscal asteric paced next to the result!
Subsequently:
"QPR Hotel Alarm - Man Charged"
"Ex-soccer minder admits hoax"
"Fan says he set off alarm in hotel of rival team"
"Ex Minder Gets Five Year Soccer Ban"
Pre-Fire Alarm Story "Key test for war on hooligans" and Story
Hammam minder sent to jail
And later, unrelated to the Fire Alarm incident: From 2006 - "Ex-minder is jailed for tax dodge"
The eve of QPR's Playoff Final against Cardiff at the Millenium Stadium
See QPR Report
And the actual game Defeat: -May 25, 2003: Cardiff 1 QPR 0
QPR Team on that day:
Day, Kelly, Shittu, Carlisle, Padula (Williams 79), Gallen, Bircham, Palmer, McLeod, Pacquette (Thomson 60), Furlong. Subs not used: Culkin, Angell, Forbes.
Manager: Ian Holloway. Coach: Kenny Jackett: Board's Nigel Blackburn and Ross Jones. CEO: David Davies.
Every single one of the above named is no longer at Loftus Road: Players, Manager and coach and Board! In fact the only person currently at the club, was Cardiff's not-playing Gareth Ainsworth.
BBC Match Report Cardiff seal promotion
Substitute Andy Campbell came off the bench to guide Cardiff past Queens Park Rangers in a nerve-wracking Division Two play-off final.
QPR's defensive partnership of Danny Shittu and Clark Carlisle had managed to shackle Cardiff's 35-goal striker Rob Earnshaw.
But with six minutes to go of extra-time, Campbell proved more elusive.
The former Middlesbrough striker, who had replaced Earnshaw in the second half, shrugged off Shittu and then calmly lobbed Chris Day, to ensure Cardiff returned to Division One after an 18-year absence.
Chances had been few and far between in normal time, but as both sets of players tired, the game opened up in those nail-biting final 30 minutes.
No more so than when Day made a superb one-handed save from a Spencer Prior header after Graham Kavanagh's in-swinging free-kick.
While Cardiff favoured a more patient build-up, QPR were keen to get the ball quickly forward to strikers Paul Furlong and Richard Pacquette.
Key moments
79 mins: Lawrence replaces Earnshaw with Campbell
104 mins: Day superbly saves Prior's header
114 mins: Campbell cleverly lobs Day to score the game's only goal
The experienced Furlong proved a handful for the Cardiff defence, holding up the ball well, though reflecting the tenseness of the occasion, his finishing was too hurried.
Notably after the restart, when the 34-year-old striker found some space in the Cardiff area, but having done the hard work, he blazed over the bar.
Furlong also had the best chance of the first half when he pounced on Danny Gabbidon's error, only to then rush his attempted lob over Neil Alexander.
On the flanks, Kevin McLeod and Kevin Gallen also provided plenty of impetus for QPR.
On 47 minutes Gallen ran on to a loose ball inside the box, but his low eight-yard shot flew straight at Alexander.
Gallen then unleashed a volley, which flew just over the bar.
Despite having plenty of the ball, Cardiff's attacks foundered against QPR's impressive central defensive partnership of Shittu and Carlisle.
Shittu made a superb defensive tackle to stop Gareth Whalley, when the former Bradford midfielder had a clear sight of goal on the edge of the box in the first-half.
As the game wore on, Carlisle's reading of the game time and again came to QPR's rescue.
With 10 minutes to go, Carlisle made a well-timed tackle to thwart Kavanagh on the edge of the penalty area and then produced an even better challenge to deny Andy Campbell.
The England Under-21 defender even found time to saunter forward to out jumped Prior, only to guide his header wide of Alexander's right-hand post.
So indomitable were those two QPR central defenders that in the closing stages of the game, Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence withdraw the club's leading scorer Rob Earnshaw.
But as the game headed towards penalties, Carlisle conceded possession and as the ball broke forward, Campbell got the better of Shittu to send Cardiff into Division One.
BBC
Also: BBC - Minute by Minute Report
The Guardian - Bluebirds soar towards top flight
Cardiff City 1 - 0 Queens Park Rangers
Jon Brodkin at the Millennium Stadium
Never one to set his sights low, Sam Hammam spoke last night of his determination to reach the Champions League. The Cardiff City owner has a long way to go to achieve that ambition but yesterday his club at least moved to within striking distance of the top flight. It is just as well today is a bank holiday because few in the Welsh capital will be in a fit state to work.
The Andy Campbell goal which took Cardiff to a level they last played at 18 years ago was greeted with unrestrained joy in their home city. A forgettable game seemed certain to be heading for penalties after 114 scoreless minutes until Campbell, a second-half substitute, scored with a touch of quality which was out of keeping with most of the match.
The party in Cardiff will continue for days, probably months, but it was impossible not to feel sorry for QPR, who were the more thoughtful side and had the better of the few openings over the initial 90 minutes. The manner of defeat was particularly unfortunate for Clarke Carlisle, who had been excellent at centre-half until his poor pass was cut out for Campbell's strike.
Cardiff will care little about the way victory was achieved. For the most part they were one dimensional, playing too many unsuccessful long balls towards the head of Peter Thorne, and lacked cutting edge until extra-time. Yet, having failed in last season's play-offs, perhaps they were due a change of luck.
Hammam was thrown in the bath afterwards and emerged sounding like he had forgotten the promotion is to the First Division and not the Premiership. The former Wimbledon owner has big hopes for Cardiff and is desperate to get permission for a new 30,000-seat stadium. With that he believes progress up the league could be fast.
"Our aim is not to be in the Premier League but to be in the top echelons of the Premier League and in the Champions League," he said. "That's the only thing that Welsh people will accept. The thing we need is a vehicle and for that we need the stadium.
"If we have [planning permission for] the stadium we can go aggressively and then we would like to take a step forward as quickly as possible. It's in the hands of the politicians but also we have to solve the technical problems of planning.
"With the stadium in place we will expect to give any club in the First Division a run for their money. Once we have the planning for the stadium then the money the financial institutions will give us will be far different. Already we have an excellent nucleus of players. We could augment that with new blood."
Cardiff's manager Lennie Lawrence is not thinking about Real Madrid for the time being, though his mind is set on another promotion. Having reached the top flight with Middlesbrough and Charlton, he said his one remaining ambition was to join the elite band who have guided three clubs to that height.
Lawrence gambled by bringing on Campbell for his leading scorer Robert Earnshaw after 80 minutes. Earnshaw shook his head but Lawrence's instincts were right. Campbell, hardly a prolific scorer, notched his seventh of the campaign at a perfect moment.
Earnshaw had been quiet, a reflection of Cardiff's failure to make much headway. QPR's central defenders, Carlisle and Danny Shittu, were outstanding and Lawrence's players lacked the variety required. After a first half which was nervy and dominated by long balls, QPR found better passing movements. They wasted openings during the 90 minutes and in extra-time but their manager Ian Holloway was rightly proud of what has been achieved on a tight budget.
"When I arrived not that long ago I had no staff and nine players, two of whom had long-term injuries," he said. "We have come a long way. Sadly not far enough and we have to do that next year. We have to keep this feeling in our hearts and get stronger."
QPR's preparations had hardly been helped by the fact that they were woken at about 4.15am after Cardiff fans apparently set off a fire alarm at their hotel. Their goalkeeper Chris Day was still alert enough in extra-time to make a brilliant save from Spencer Prior's header but was powerless when Campbell struck. Not long after QPR's Tommy Williams had shot when he ought to have squared to Paul Furlong, Carlisle's pass was intercepted by Gareth Whalley and Campbell sprinted clear of Shittu and lifted a shot into the net.
"It wasn't a classic match," Lawrence said, "but no one connected with Cardiff will ever forget it." That is certain and, if Hammam has his way, there will be far more to come. Guardian
Friday, May 23, 2008
Former QPR Manager Ian Holloway Exits Leicester
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Very best of luck to Ian Holloway who did a lot for QPR as both player and manager. Holloway was QPR's longest-serving manager in almost 40 Years (since Alec Stock) All QPR fans should be grateful for what he did for us.
Leicester Official Statement
Posted on: Fri 23 May 2008
Leicester City and manager Ian Holloway have today parted company by mutual consent.
Discussions have been on-going between the two parties since the club were relegated to the third tier of English football for the first time in their history earlier this month.
However, Chairman Milan Mandaric today confirmed that the Foxes and Holloway had opted to go their separate ways ahead of the 2008/09 campaign.
He said: "This has been a very difficult decision for all parties but, after taking stock and holding several constructive meetings, we have agreed that the time is now right.
"I would like to place on record my thanks for the way in which Ian has worked tirelessly over the last seven months to try to bring success to this club.
"I could not fault either his commitment or effort to the cause but the last few weeks have been the most disappointing during my tenure within the game.
"That's why ultimately we both felt it would be in the best interests of Leicester City and its long-term future if we amicably parted company now.
"My energies will now be fully focused on getting the right man, firstly to stop the decline we have suffered in the last few years, and secondly, to take us forward in the future with that level of stability which we all crave."
Holloway took over the reins at the Walkers Stadium last November but was only able to guide the Foxes to nine victories from 32 matches, with their goalless draw at Stoke City on the final day of the season not being good enough to stave off the drop down to League One.
Holloway added: "Leicester City is a marvellous club and I am as devastated as anybody that this great club suffered relegation.
"I gave 100 per cent to the cause but unfortunately we ran out of time.
"The fans here are a different class and deserve a lot, lot better.
"I'd like to wish everyone connected with Leicester City well for the future - the club will always remain close to my heart."
No further comment will be made at this time. Leicester Official Site
Very best of luck to Ian Holloway who did a lot for QPR as both player and manager. Holloway was QPR's longest-serving manager in almost 40 Years (since Alec Stock) All QPR fans should be grateful for what he did for us.
Leicester Official Statement
Posted on: Fri 23 May 2008
Leicester City and manager Ian Holloway have today parted company by mutual consent.
Discussions have been on-going between the two parties since the club were relegated to the third tier of English football for the first time in their history earlier this month.
However, Chairman Milan Mandaric today confirmed that the Foxes and Holloway had opted to go their separate ways ahead of the 2008/09 campaign.
He said: "This has been a very difficult decision for all parties but, after taking stock and holding several constructive meetings, we have agreed that the time is now right.
"I would like to place on record my thanks for the way in which Ian has worked tirelessly over the last seven months to try to bring success to this club.
"I could not fault either his commitment or effort to the cause but the last few weeks have been the most disappointing during my tenure within the game.
"That's why ultimately we both felt it would be in the best interests of Leicester City and its long-term future if we amicably parted company now.
"My energies will now be fully focused on getting the right man, firstly to stop the decline we have suffered in the last few years, and secondly, to take us forward in the future with that level of stability which we all crave."
Holloway took over the reins at the Walkers Stadium last November but was only able to guide the Foxes to nine victories from 32 matches, with their goalless draw at Stoke City on the final day of the season not being good enough to stave off the drop down to League One.
Holloway added: "Leicester City is a marvellous club and I am as devastated as anybody that this great club suffered relegation.
"I gave 100 per cent to the cause but unfortunately we ran out of time.
"The fans here are a different class and deserve a lot, lot better.
"I'd like to wish everyone connected with Leicester City well for the future - the club will always remain close to my heart."
No further comment will be made at this time. Leicester Official Site
Buzsaky Staying at QPR
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Dave McIntyre/Ealing Gazette, May 23- Brilliant Akos is 'going nowhere'
GIANNI Paladini insists there is "absolutely no way" Akos Buzsaky will leave QPR this summer.
Buzsaky's brilliant performances since his move to Loftus Road from Plymouth last season have attracted the attention of a number of Premier League clubs.
West Ham are the latest top-flight club to show an interest, while Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is a keen admirer of the Hungarian playmaker.
Portsmouth enquired about Buzsaky, 25, last season and more recently suggested a deal that would see England striker David Nugent move to west London in exchange.
But Paladini said: "Akos is going nowhere. We don't want or need to sell and he has made it clear he is happy here.
There has been interest from some Premier League clubs but I can categorically say there is absolutely no way they will get him. It won't happen, I can assure you of that."
Paladini, who has a dual role of club chairman and sporting director, also dismissed reports Buzsaky has a clause in his contract enabling him to leave if a club bids £2.5million for him.
"There is no clause like that and I don't know where all that came from," Paladini said.
"Akos Buzsaky will play for QPR in the Premier League. In Iain Dowie we have a new manager who really likes him as a player and the player himself wants to play for us.
"Other clubs like him but he's staying here." Ealing Gazette
Dave McIntyre/Ealing Gazette, May 23- Brilliant Akos is 'going nowhere'
GIANNI Paladini insists there is "absolutely no way" Akos Buzsaky will leave QPR this summer.
Buzsaky's brilliant performances since his move to Loftus Road from Plymouth last season have attracted the attention of a number of Premier League clubs.
West Ham are the latest top-flight club to show an interest, while Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is a keen admirer of the Hungarian playmaker.
Portsmouth enquired about Buzsaky, 25, last season and more recently suggested a deal that would see England striker David Nugent move to west London in exchange.
But Paladini said: "Akos is going nowhere. We don't want or need to sell and he has made it clear he is happy here.
There has been interest from some Premier League clubs but I can categorically say there is absolutely no way they will get him. It won't happen, I can assure you of that."
Paladini, who has a dual role of club chairman and sporting director, also dismissed reports Buzsaky has a clause in his contract enabling him to leave if a club bids £2.5million for him.
"There is no clause like that and I don't know where all that came from," Paladini said.
"Akos Buzsaky will play for QPR in the Premier League. In Iain Dowie we have a new manager who really likes him as a player and the player himself wants to play for us.
"Other clubs like him but he's staying here." Ealing Gazette
Photos from Loftus Road For The Computer
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The Official Site lists a number of photos one can dowload for your computer. - Wallpaper options "NEW WALLPAPER - New QPR wallpaper is now available for your desktop, including images of Flavio Briatore and Amit Bhatia at the launch of our new crest, along with a number of other choices. Click on your required screen size underneath the wallpaper you wish to download. When the full size picture appears right click your mouse button and select 'Set as Background'. You should now have your desired picture as your wallpaper! Wallpaper options
Of the photo options offered, this photo of Stan Bowles celebrating should be everyone's selection!
The Official Site lists a number of photos one can dowload for your computer. - Wallpaper options "NEW WALLPAPER - New QPR wallpaper is now available for your desktop, including images of Flavio Briatore and Amit Bhatia at the launch of our new crest, along with a number of other choices. Click on your required screen size underneath the wallpaper you wish to download. When the full size picture appears right click your mouse button and select 'Set as Background'. You should now have your desired picture as your wallpaper! Wallpaper options
Of the photo options offered, this photo of Stan Bowles celebrating should be everyone's selection!
Season Ticket Sales: Gareth Ainsworth Urges Fans Get Season Tickets
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While there's some fan speculation that season tickets haven't yet sold that highly, today, the Official Site reports that: "Season Ticket sales continue to flourish." QPR Official On Wedneday, the club spoke of "the unprecedented demand for Season Tickets..." Wednesday's Season Ticket Appeal-- On Tuesday the club reported: "Season Tickets continue to sell at a growing rate." - QPR Official Site. And on the day the new season ticket prices were announced, the club announced: "RECORD SALES - Season Tickets for the forthcoming 2008/09 campaign went on sale this morning - and already the Queens Park Rangers Box Office is reporting unprecedented demand as Rangers fans embrace the new era in W12...
Deputy Managing Director, Ali Russell. "We're ecstatic with the response," he told www.qpr.co.uk...the reaction from the supporters has been exceptional." QPR -- Original Unveiling/Announcement of Season Ticket Prices
Gareth Ainsworth: QPR Official Site IT'S THE PLACE TO BE'
Newly appointed Player / Coach Gareth Ainsworth is adamant Loftus Road is the place to be next season - and is encouraging R's fans to snap up their Season Tickets early for the start of the new era in W12.
As Season Ticket sales continue to flourish, Ainsworth - who will be embarking on his sixth season as a QPR player - believes the current feel-good factor surrounding the start of the 2008/09 campaign surpasses anything he has previously encountered during his playing days.
"QPR is definitely the place to be," he told www.qpr.co.uk.
"I'm aware that the prices have gone up in certain areas of the ground, and that was to be expected. We've had massive investment and facilities will be drastically improved next season, but ultimately we want to make it worthwhile for the fans coming down.
"I appreciate it can be an expensive hobby following your team, home and away, but the players and staff want to make sure the fans come here and enjoy it.
"We'll be playing an exciting brand of football and hopefully scoring plenty of goals - and accumulating plenty of points in the process.
"We appreciate the support of the fans - and hopefully we can do the business for them next season."
To download Season Ticket Prices click here
To download a Season Ticket Price Band plan click here
To download an Application Form click here
To download a Zebra Finance Form click here
QPR
Season Ticket prices will "probably" be one of the issues when Ali Russell speaks to QPR1st at its AGM next week. Note: The location of the AGM has been moved from LoOftus Road: QPR1st Announcement of location change
While there's some fan speculation that season tickets haven't yet sold that highly, today, the Official Site reports that: "Season Ticket sales continue to flourish." QPR Official On Wedneday, the club spoke of "the unprecedented demand for Season Tickets..." Wednesday's Season Ticket Appeal-- On Tuesday the club reported: "Season Tickets continue to sell at a growing rate." - QPR Official Site. And on the day the new season ticket prices were announced, the club announced: "RECORD SALES - Season Tickets for the forthcoming 2008/09 campaign went on sale this morning - and already the Queens Park Rangers Box Office is reporting unprecedented demand as Rangers fans embrace the new era in W12...
Deputy Managing Director, Ali Russell. "We're ecstatic with the response," he told www.qpr.co.uk...the reaction from the supporters has been exceptional." QPR -- Original Unveiling/Announcement of Season Ticket Prices
Gareth Ainsworth: QPR Official Site IT'S THE PLACE TO BE'
Newly appointed Player / Coach Gareth Ainsworth is adamant Loftus Road is the place to be next season - and is encouraging R's fans to snap up their Season Tickets early for the start of the new era in W12.
As Season Ticket sales continue to flourish, Ainsworth - who will be embarking on his sixth season as a QPR player - believes the current feel-good factor surrounding the start of the 2008/09 campaign surpasses anything he has previously encountered during his playing days.
"QPR is definitely the place to be," he told www.qpr.co.uk.
"I'm aware that the prices have gone up in certain areas of the ground, and that was to be expected. We've had massive investment and facilities will be drastically improved next season, but ultimately we want to make it worthwhile for the fans coming down.
"I appreciate it can be an expensive hobby following your team, home and away, but the players and staff want to make sure the fans come here and enjoy it.
"We'll be playing an exciting brand of football and hopefully scoring plenty of goals - and accumulating plenty of points in the process.
"We appreciate the support of the fans - and hopefully we can do the business for them next season."
To download Season Ticket Prices click here
To download a Season Ticket Price Band plan click here
To download an Application Form click here
To download a Zebra Finance Form click here
QPR
Season Ticket prices will "probably" be one of the issues when Ali Russell speaks to QPR1st at its AGM next week. Note: The location of the AGM has been moved from LoOftus Road: QPR1st Announcement of location change
Rowlands Injury....Why Oxford-QPR Cancelled...Hudson NOT to QPR...Dave Sexton's Last QPR Game
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Pre-Season Planner: Pre-Season Schedule
UPDATED: Rowlands Withdraws from Ireland Squad and having Scan.
QPR Official Site - ROWLY WITHDRAWN
Martin Rowlands have been withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad after sustaining an ankle injury in training.
The R's midfield maestro, who was recalled to the squad by new boss Giovanni Trapattoni after a four-year absence, has undergone a routine scan and is on his way back to London from Portugal.
R's Head Physio Paul Hunter told www.qpr.co.uk: "I've spoken to Martin and obviously he is disappointed to be leaving the squad behind at their training camp in Portugal.
"He's had a scan on his ankle and we're awaiting the results from the Irish medical team." Fellow R's team-mate Damien Delaney remains with the squad, as Trapattoni and company prepare for forthcoming internationals against Serbia (Saturday) and Colombia (Thursday 29th May) at Croke Park and Craven Cottage respectively." QPR Official Site
Martin Rowlands Injury: Examiner: "...QPR’s Martin Rowlands went down with a heavy knock to the ankle in last night’s session and must now be rated doubtful for tomorrow’s game against Serbia." Examiner
Independent: "The Irish team will train at Croke Park this evening with just one major worry, QPR's Martin Rowlands, who went down with an ankle problem in yesterday's session." Independent
Why Oxford-QPR Cancelled Oxford Mail: "...The pre-season friendly Oxford United had pencilled in against QPR on July 19 has been called off because the Kassam Stadium is needed for another event that day.
United general manager Mick Brown said: "We came back with other dates, but they couldn't rearrange it...." Oxford Mail
UPDATE: NO. Hudson NOT to QPR! Hudson joins Charlton on a free - Announcement
Mark Hudson to QPR?: Strong press speculation (and messageboard rumours) that Crystal Palace defender and Captain, Mark Hudson could be joining QPR
South London Press-Richard Crawley - EXCLUSIVE: Hudson set to quit Eagles
CRYSTAL Palace captain Mark Hudson is set to quit the Eagles - with new QPR boss Iain Dowie leading the chase for his signature.
The former Fulham defender, 26, has rejected two contract offers from the South Londoners and will be free to join another team for nothing at the end of next month.
And Warnock appears to have conceded defeat in trying to keep hold of Hudson, nicknamed Rock, and is already looking for a replacement.
He told the South London Press: "I think Mark has already told people that he’ll not be signing a new contract and he’ll be leaving.
"He’s got one or two offers and money talks - that’s his entitlement being on a Bosman. I imagine it could be Dowie who has offered him the money." South London Press
SPORTING LIFE
Crystal Palace captain Mark Hudson looks set to snub the offer of a new contract at Selhurst Park and could be on his way across London to join QPR.
The 26-year-old centre-half will be a free agent at the end of June and Palace boss Neil Warnock believes ex-Eagles chief Iain Dowie, now in charge at Loftus Road, is leading the chase for his signature.
"I think Mark has already told people that he'll not be signing a new contract and he'll be leaving," Warnock told the South London Press.
"He's got one or two offers and money talks - that's his entitlement being on a Bosman. I imagine it could be Dowie who has offered him the money." Sporting Life
See Mark Hudson Profile - Mark Hudson Profiled
Flashback: 31 Years ago today, Dave Sexton Managed QPR for the last time
May 23rd 1977: QPR's last game of the 1976/1977 season (Season ended late by this season - or any season's standards!). QPR drew that final game 2-2 against Birmingham (Masson and Webb scoring for QPR. QPR's team: - Parkes - Gillard Webb McClintock Hollins - Kelly Leach Masson Thomas - Givens Eastoe - Sub Abbot
Thus ended the 2 1/2 Year Dave Sexton era, in which Sexton basically inherited the Gordon Jago team and first guided to safety; the following season guided QPR to the League Championship (except QPR were 'robbed' at the very end!). And the following season guided the team to the League Cup Semi-Finals and EUFA Cup Quarter-Finals (again robbed!)..
A few weeks later, Dave Sexton was appointed manager of Manchester United (after initially seeming set to coach at Arsenal. And Frank Sibley was QPR's new manager.
Opinions vary among QPR fans whether Sexton was QPR's "Greatest-ever" manager or just one of the top two or three; but he's certainly right up there, along with Alex Stock, Gordon Jago and Terry Venables.
1976-77 League Table
1975/76 League Table
1975-1976 Results
1974/75 League Table
See Also:Dave's Queens Park Rangers Profile of Dave Sexton - Dave Sexton
Dave Sexton's Bio - Wikipedia on Dave Sexton
FA on Sexton - Sexton
PLAYERS FROM THAT ERA INTERVIEWED
Ron Norris/QPR Net's Interview with Don Masson about Dave Sexton Don Masson Interview
Ron Norris/QPR Net Interview with Don Givens - Don Givens Interview
Ron Norris/QPR Net Interview with Frank Sibley - Frank Sibley Interview
Ron Norris/QPR Net Interview with John Hollins - John Hollins Interview
Dave Sexton
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Pre-Season Planner: Pre-Season Schedule
UPDATED: Rowlands Withdraws from Ireland Squad and having Scan.
QPR Official Site - ROWLY WITHDRAWN
Martin Rowlands have been withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad after sustaining an ankle injury in training.
The R's midfield maestro, who was recalled to the squad by new boss Giovanni Trapattoni after a four-year absence, has undergone a routine scan and is on his way back to London from Portugal.
R's Head Physio Paul Hunter told www.qpr.co.uk: "I've spoken to Martin and obviously he is disappointed to be leaving the squad behind at their training camp in Portugal.
"He's had a scan on his ankle and we're awaiting the results from the Irish medical team." Fellow R's team-mate Damien Delaney remains with the squad, as Trapattoni and company prepare for forthcoming internationals against Serbia (Saturday) and Colombia (Thursday 29th May) at Croke Park and Craven Cottage respectively." QPR Official Site
Martin Rowlands Injury: Examiner: "...QPR’s Martin Rowlands went down with a heavy knock to the ankle in last night’s session and must now be rated doubtful for tomorrow’s game against Serbia." Examiner
Independent: "The Irish team will train at Croke Park this evening with just one major worry, QPR's Martin Rowlands, who went down with an ankle problem in yesterday's session." Independent
Why Oxford-QPR Cancelled Oxford Mail: "...The pre-season friendly Oxford United had pencilled in against QPR on July 19 has been called off because the Kassam Stadium is needed for another event that day.
United general manager Mick Brown said: "We came back with other dates, but they couldn't rearrange it...." Oxford Mail
UPDATE: NO. Hudson NOT to QPR! Hudson joins Charlton on a free - Announcement
Mark Hudson to QPR?: Strong press speculation (and messageboard rumours) that Crystal Palace defender and Captain, Mark Hudson could be joining QPR
South London Press-Richard Crawley - EXCLUSIVE: Hudson set to quit Eagles
CRYSTAL Palace captain Mark Hudson is set to quit the Eagles - with new QPR boss Iain Dowie leading the chase for his signature.
The former Fulham defender, 26, has rejected two contract offers from the South Londoners and will be free to join another team for nothing at the end of next month.
And Warnock appears to have conceded defeat in trying to keep hold of Hudson, nicknamed Rock, and is already looking for a replacement.
He told the South London Press: "I think Mark has already told people that he’ll not be signing a new contract and he’ll be leaving.
"He’s got one or two offers and money talks - that’s his entitlement being on a Bosman. I imagine it could be Dowie who has offered him the money." South London Press
SPORTING LIFE
Crystal Palace captain Mark Hudson looks set to snub the offer of a new contract at Selhurst Park and could be on his way across London to join QPR.
The 26-year-old centre-half will be a free agent at the end of June and Palace boss Neil Warnock believes ex-Eagles chief Iain Dowie, now in charge at Loftus Road, is leading the chase for his signature.
"I think Mark has already told people that he'll not be signing a new contract and he'll be leaving," Warnock told the South London Press.
"He's got one or two offers and money talks - that's his entitlement being on a Bosman. I imagine it could be Dowie who has offered him the money." Sporting Life
See Mark Hudson Profile - Mark Hudson Profiled
Flashback: 31 Years ago today, Dave Sexton Managed QPR for the last time
May 23rd 1977: QPR's last game of the 1976/1977 season (Season ended late by this season - or any season's standards!). QPR drew that final game 2-2 against Birmingham (Masson and Webb scoring for QPR. QPR's team: - Parkes - Gillard Webb McClintock Hollins - Kelly Leach Masson Thomas - Givens Eastoe - Sub Abbot
Thus ended the 2 1/2 Year Dave Sexton era, in which Sexton basically inherited the Gordon Jago team and first guided to safety; the following season guided QPR to the League Championship (except QPR were 'robbed' at the very end!). And the following season guided the team to the League Cup Semi-Finals and EUFA Cup Quarter-Finals (again robbed!)..
A few weeks later, Dave Sexton was appointed manager of Manchester United (after initially seeming set to coach at Arsenal. And Frank Sibley was QPR's new manager.
Opinions vary among QPR fans whether Sexton was QPR's "Greatest-ever" manager or just one of the top two or three; but he's certainly right up there, along with Alex Stock, Gordon Jago and Terry Venables.
1976-77 League Table
1975/76 League Table
1975-1976 Results
1974/75 League Table
See Also:Dave's Queens Park Rangers Profile of Dave Sexton - Dave Sexton
Dave Sexton's Bio - Wikipedia on Dave Sexton
FA on Sexton - Sexton
PLAYERS FROM THAT ERA INTERVIEWED
Ron Norris/QPR Net's Interview with Don Masson about Dave Sexton Don Masson Interview
Ron Norris/QPR Net Interview with Don Givens - Don Givens Interview
Ron Norris/QPR Net Interview with Frank Sibley - Frank Sibley Interview
Ron Norris/QPR Net Interview with John Hollins - John Hollins Interview
Dave Sexton
Thursday, May 22, 2008
QPR's Recent Loanee Joins Oldham...Flashback: On This Day - QPR-Spurs FA Cup Final
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Kieran Lee joins Oldham from Manchester United on a free transfer. Without belittling Oldham, it's a little strange given that QPR's just-departed manager De Canio spoke in March about hoping to sign him (even though he scarcely played him). Lee joined QPR at the end of December on a Six month loan and made his debut in the FA Cup game against Chelsea. What was said when he signed
Oldham Official Site - LEE: OLDHAM ARE PERFECT FOR ME
Latics new boy Kieran Lee swapped Red Square for Sheepfoot Lane as he completed a free transfer from Manchester United earlier today.
The 19-year-old was due to join his team-mates to take in tonight's Champions League final, but canned the trip to pen a two-year deal with Athletic.
Instead of looking out over the Luzhniki Stadium, Lee was taking his first look at Boundary Park as an Athletic player.
But he didn't seem to mind.
"The club have taken a lot of the lads over to see the game - but I've come here to sign instead!" he laughed.
"It was definitely one of my aims to join a local team and when Oldham came along it was perfect for me."
Lee certainly has experience of Chelsea - he faced them for United on the final day of the 2006/07 season.
But a loan move to QPR would follow in January 2008 - a move which would eventually set him up for a switch a little closer to home.
"I got some good experience of first team football [at QPR] and it helped me adjust to life outside Manchester United, which is a totally different environment.
"Now I've come here and hopefully I can get plenty of games. I'm certainly happy with everything I've seen so far."
Lee - United's reserve team Player of the Season in 2006/07 - brings valuable versatility to John Sheridan's squad.
With the deal in the bag, Lee is looking forward to kicking off pre-season training ahead of the 2008/09 League One campaign.
He explained: "Mainly I'm a central midfielder but I have also played at full back. I'm a passing player who likes to get forward from midfield.
"A few goals would be nice, too - my best moment at United was scoring on my debut and I didn't really know what to do when it went in!
"This club is looking to progress and that's the reason I came here - hopefully that can happen next season and I want to be a part of that.
"I can't wait for the football. I'll go away and have a break now and then come back fresh for pre-season training."
Oldham
Twenty-Six Years ago today: May 22, 1982, QPR were playing Spurs in the FA Cup Final. (Game 1!)..... Could have. Should Have! The Programme
QPR: Hucker - Fenwick Hazell Roeder Gillard - Gregory Waddock Currie Flanagan
Allen Stainrod - Sub: Micklewhite
Spurs: Clemence - Hazard Hughton Miller Price - Perryman Roberts Galvin Hoddle - Crooks Archibald - Substitutes: Brooke FA Cup Details Recalled
Kieran Lee joins Oldham from Manchester United on a free transfer. Without belittling Oldham, it's a little strange given that QPR's just-departed manager De Canio spoke in March about hoping to sign him (even though he scarcely played him). Lee joined QPR at the end of December on a Six month loan and made his debut in the FA Cup game against Chelsea. What was said when he signed
Oldham Official Site - LEE: OLDHAM ARE PERFECT FOR ME
Latics new boy Kieran Lee swapped Red Square for Sheepfoot Lane as he completed a free transfer from Manchester United earlier today.
The 19-year-old was due to join his team-mates to take in tonight's Champions League final, but canned the trip to pen a two-year deal with Athletic.
Instead of looking out over the Luzhniki Stadium, Lee was taking his first look at Boundary Park as an Athletic player.
But he didn't seem to mind.
"The club have taken a lot of the lads over to see the game - but I've come here to sign instead!" he laughed.
"It was definitely one of my aims to join a local team and when Oldham came along it was perfect for me."
Lee certainly has experience of Chelsea - he faced them for United on the final day of the 2006/07 season.
But a loan move to QPR would follow in January 2008 - a move which would eventually set him up for a switch a little closer to home.
"I got some good experience of first team football [at QPR] and it helped me adjust to life outside Manchester United, which is a totally different environment.
"Now I've come here and hopefully I can get plenty of games. I'm certainly happy with everything I've seen so far."
Lee - United's reserve team Player of the Season in 2006/07 - brings valuable versatility to John Sheridan's squad.
With the deal in the bag, Lee is looking forward to kicking off pre-season training ahead of the 2008/09 League One campaign.
He explained: "Mainly I'm a central midfielder but I have also played at full back. I'm a passing player who likes to get forward from midfield.
"A few goals would be nice, too - my best moment at United was scoring on my debut and I didn't really know what to do when it went in!
"This club is looking to progress and that's the reason I came here - hopefully that can happen next season and I want to be a part of that.
"I can't wait for the football. I'll go away and have a break now and then come back fresh for pre-season training."
Oldham
Twenty-Six Years ago today: May 22, 1982, QPR were playing Spurs in the FA Cup Final. (Game 1!)..... Could have. Should Have! The Programme
QPR: Hucker - Fenwick Hazell Roeder Gillard - Gregory Waddock Currie Flanagan
Allen Stainrod - Sub: Micklewhite
Spurs: Clemence - Hazard Hughton Miller Price - Perryman Roberts Galvin Hoddle - Crooks Archibald - Substitutes: Brooke FA Cup Details Recalled
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Iain Dowie's Press Conference
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Iain Dowie Press Conference.
Clive Whittingham of QPR Loft For Words has produced and provided a full transcript of Iain Dowie's press conference. Iaon Dowie Transcript
Iain Dowie Press Conference.
Clive Whittingham of QPR Loft For Words has produced and provided a full transcript of Iain Dowie's press conference. Iaon Dowie Transcript
Shabbaz Baidoo Again Looking for a Club
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Released by Dagenham
Sporting Life - STILL LETS TRIO LEAVE DAGENHAM
Dagenham boss John Still has released strikers Chris Moore and Shabazz Baidoo along with defender Ross Smith as he continues to trim his squad.
Moore rejoined the Daggers from Brentford 18 months ago but managed only six goals in his second spell with the club, while Baidoo struggled to make an impact after signing a short-term deal in January following his release by QPR.
Canadian-born Smith has also been told his contract will not be renewed despite making 27 appearances since joining from Ebbsfleet last summer.
"I want to place on record my thanks to all three for the service they have given this club," said Still.
"Chris has made valuable contributions over two spells and Ross has been a popular member of the squad this season, while Shabazz picked up an injury in the first few days he was with us and never showed the form that we believed he was capable of..."
Sporting Life
Flashback: "From Hotly-Pursued to Not-Wanted: Shabbaz Baidoo Departs QPR (and Joins Dagenham)"
Released by Dagenham
Sporting Life - STILL LETS TRIO LEAVE DAGENHAM
Dagenham boss John Still has released strikers Chris Moore and Shabazz Baidoo along with defender Ross Smith as he continues to trim his squad.
Moore rejoined the Daggers from Brentford 18 months ago but managed only six goals in his second spell with the club, while Baidoo struggled to make an impact after signing a short-term deal in January following his release by QPR.
Canadian-born Smith has also been told his contract will not be renewed despite making 27 appearances since joining from Ebbsfleet last summer.
"I want to place on record my thanks to all three for the service they have given this club," said Still.
"Chris has made valuable contributions over two spells and Ross has been a popular member of the squad this season, while Shabazz picked up an injury in the first few days he was with us and never showed the form that we believed he was capable of..."
Sporting Life
Flashback: "From Hotly-Pursued to Not-Wanted: Shabbaz Baidoo Departs QPR (and Joins Dagenham)"
QPR Season Tickets: "Unprecedented Demand"
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And as the club said yesterday "As Season Tickets continue to sell at a growing rate..." QPR Official Site
QPR Official Site-May 21, RENEW YOUR SEASON TICKET - 24/7
Due to the unprecedented demand for Season Tickets for the 2008/09 Coca Cola Championship campaign, the Club have now set up a 24-hour call centre, which allows R's fans to renew their tickets around the clock!
To renew your Season Ticket, simply call 08444 777 007 - 24 hours a day.
R's fans are also encouraged to take advantage of the option to renew online.
By booking online, you can also pre-order the new R's home shirt, as well as subscribe to QPR World ahead of what is sure to be a season to remember.
If you would like to renew your Season Ticket now, simply log on to https://eticketing.co.uk/qpr
Alternatively, you can also renew by:
*Post - Loftus Road Stadium, South Africa Road, London, W12 7PJ.
*In person.
To download Season Ticket Prices click here
To download a Season Ticket Price Band plan click here
To download an Application Form click here
To download a Zebra Finance Form click here QPR
And as the club said yesterday "As Season Tickets continue to sell at a growing rate..." QPR Official Site
QPR Official Site-May 21, RENEW YOUR SEASON TICKET - 24/7
Due to the unprecedented demand for Season Tickets for the 2008/09 Coca Cola Championship campaign, the Club have now set up a 24-hour call centre, which allows R's fans to renew their tickets around the clock!
To renew your Season Ticket, simply call 08444 777 007 - 24 hours a day.
R's fans are also encouraged to take advantage of the option to renew online.
By booking online, you can also pre-order the new R's home shirt, as well as subscribe to QPR World ahead of what is sure to be a season to remember.
If you would like to renew your Season Ticket now, simply log on to https://eticketing.co.uk/qpr
Alternatively, you can also renew by:
*Post - Loftus Road Stadium, South Africa Road, London, W12 7PJ.
*In person.
To download Season Ticket Prices click here
To download a Season Ticket Price Band plan click here
To download an Application Form click here
To download a Zebra Finance Form click here QPR
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