QPR REPORT

-
Always a dangerous thing to do: "QPR Official Site - Peter Ramage tells QPR World that the R's believe they can take nine points from their next three matches" QPR

Dave McIntyre/BBC 606 - Humble Cerny out to change minds
Radek Cerny is well aware he isn’t popular with a section of QPR supporters.
He couldn’t fail to hear Lee Camp’s name being chanted just minutes into the Czech keeper’s Rangers debut on the opening day of the season.
Many believe Camp should not have been dropped and some early errors by the new man did not help his cause.
But Cerny enjoyed his best moment for the club so far when he produced a fine late save to help secure a point at Bristol City on Saturday.
He is humble about his lukewarm reception, saying: “I understand. The supporters know Lee but don’t know me.
“I will do my best to change the minds of supporters to be nice to me. I think if we do okay and win lots of games the supporters will like me. If we are winning I don’t think they will mind who is in goal.â€
Camp himself is proof of this. He initially arrived as cover for the injured Chris Day, who was also well liked after a number of fine performances and crucial saves.
But there were few grumbles when Day spent the latter part of Rangers’ promotion season on the bench, with Camp having quickly established himself as the fans’ choice.
It remains to be seen whether Cerny can follow the same path. He certainly took a step in the right direction with that save at the weekend. " BBC606

BBC - Striker Baidoo makes Lewes move
Baidoo (left) scored four goals in 33 games for QPR (Getty)
Lewes have signed former QPR striker Shabazz Baidoo, having already had him at the club on trial during pre-season.
The 20-year-old, who was released by Dagenham & Redbridge this summer, has agreed a month-to-month deal.
Manager Kevin Keehan told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "He's quick and tenacious and has played at Championship level.
"He is not frightened to work and put people under pressure, so he will bring a lot to the team." BBC

QPR Official Site VIP BOX LAUNCH
Running the length of the South Africa Road Stand, our re-designed hospitality suites offer the very best in luxury entertainment.
The viewing galleries are unrivalled in their proximity to the pitch and can seat up to 12 guests.
Teamed with food from London's famous Cipriani restaurant, plus a dedicated hostess and team of serving staff, you can be sure that the facilities will impress friends, family, colleagues and customers alike.
To celebrate the launch of our executive VIP boxes we are offering you and your business the chance to entertain clients and colleagues in the best corporate hospitality has to offer.
For a chance to win a complimentary box for you and 11 guests at the Southampton game on Sunday 14th September 2008, please send your business details and a contact name and number to commercial@qpr.co.uk
Included in the package is:
*Three course meal catered for by Ciprianis
*Complimentary drinks
*Half and Full-Time refreshments
*Individual match hostess
*Matchday programme
*Private parking (subject to request and availability)

*Please note, the closing date for the competition is Monday 8th September at midday." QPR
For further information on both seasonal and match day hospitality, please contact the Commercial Department: commercial@qpr.co.uk or call Julie, Kelly or Jemma on 020 8740 2588.

-
Damien Delaney reportedly not in the Republic of Ireland's starting lineup against Georgia...Shabbaz Baidoo is set to link up with Danny Cullip at Lewes..Jake Cole Injury

No Delaney: BBC: "Hunt and Whelan in Republic team WORLD CUP ...GEORGIA V REP OF IRELAND - Venue: Bruchweg Stadium, Mainz Date: Saturday, 6" The Republic of Ireland's reported team: Given, Finnan, O'Shea, Dunne, Kilbane, McGeady, S Reid, Whelan, Hunt, Keane, Doyle. BBC

London Informer - Led's red costs a week's wages
Emmanuel Ledesma has paid the price for a rush of blood to the head that saw the young QPR winger sent off at Bristol City.
The exciting new find on loan from Genoa has been fined a week's wages - around £4,000 - as well as the one-match ban ruling him out of the home tie against Southampton on September 14.
Rangers held out for 40 minutes with 10 men for a deserved 1-1 draw at City. But it needed a one-handed wonder save from keeper Radek Cerny in the dying seconds to preserve a point.
Ledesma saw his second yellow card of the match after a rash challenge on Jamie McAllister, after he had earlier been booked for throwing the ball away.
Boss Iain Dowie was unhappy with the first booking, but admitted the decisive second had been deserved.
He said: "Their player deliberately jumped out of the way of the ball to make it look worse than it was.
"After that, Emmanuel showed his inexperience with a silly tackle to get himself sent off."
The 20-year-old now has as many bookings as goals since he arrived in the summer. He's hit the back of the net four times, including a hat-trick, and been booked four times as well. London Informer

The Argus/Howard Griggs - Rooks poised to sign new striker
Lewes expect to have a new striker in their line-up at home to Barrow tomorrow.
The Rooks are trying to complete the signing of former Queens Park Rangers and Dagenham frontman Shabazz Baidoo.
Baidoo played in the final pre-season friendly against Havant and Waterlooville but budget constraints meant he was not offered terms.
However, manager Kevin Keehan has returned to the 21-year-old who scored three goals in 28 League appearances for QPR before being released last January.
Baidoo, a free agent, could play up front alongside Scott Taylor if Keehan decided to switch to a 4-4-2 formation or at right-midfield if he retained the 4-5-1 line-up he fielded at Woking on Tuesday.
Stefan Cox came into the side for that game on the left-hand side of midfield and his pace gave Lewes an extra dimension going forward.
Keehan is hoping Baidoo can make a similar impact to a Rooks side who are without a win after seven games....
Lewes will again be without skipper Danny Cullip (hamstring) and Chris Breach (shoulder) while Danny Davis is also ruled out with a back injury..."
. The Argus

Oxford Mail/Jon Murray - Hinchliffe's big chance
Young keeper Ben Hinchliffe has been given a big vote of confidence by Oxford United boss Darren Patterson.
The 20-year-old, who at the start of this week signed a new one-year deal with the club, has been thrown in at the deep end because of the injuries to Billy Turley and Jake Cole.
Cole could be out for up to six weeks after the results of his scan showed two small tears in his groin....
"Cole is being treated at QPR rather than travel to Oxford each day. He might have played his last game for United, with his short-term deal set to end after three months, though Patterson doesn't feel that will be the case.
"Jake's response after the first match has been magnificent, he's got a great attitude, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him back with us.
"His injury has thrown us a bit because it means Ben's going to get the experience earlier than we thought. But he played well at Northwich and has come back very strong after Barrow." Oxford Mail

Tony Thorpe Released by Woking: "...Ex-Luton and QPR forward Tony Thorpe, meanwhile, has been released after just one match having failed to impress against Lewes." The Press Woking Official Site "...Also confirmed is the departure of Tony Thorpe after one match by mutual consent. The Club wishes both players the very best of luck." Woking

-
There is a (boring!) break this weekend for International games and then five league games during Septembe, at the end of which, QPR fans will have a better idea of how the team may do this season.

September Games:
QPR play Southampton on (Sunday) September 14. Followed by Norwich and Coventry away. Then comes Derby and Blackpool at Loftus Road. Throw in an away cup game at Aston Villa. With QPR's luck, Derby will either finally have won a game before coming to QPR (some 32 League Games without a win) - or will break their duck at Loftus Road. And Nardiello - if he's fit- and Rehman will be with Blackpool. QPR Fixtures

For the Southampton game, QPR will be without the suspended Emmanuel Ledesma sent off at Bristol City. Dexter Blackstock hopefully will score against his old club...At Norwich, face ex-QPR Jamie Cureton....Coventry (see below)and the Blackpool game may have a certain 'needle' because of the Gorkss issue.

Southampton - Results and Playing squad -- Two Teams Past head-to-head Results

Norwich Results and Playing squad -- Two Teams Past head-to-head Results [And of course, THE result that will forever stick in the craw of QPR fans: The 1976 League Champion losing result!

Coventry Results and Playing squad -- Two Teams Past head-to-head Results

Derby - Results and Playing squad -- Two Teams Past head-to-head Results

Blackpool - Results and Playing squad -- Two Teams Past head-to-head Results

QPR at Coventry
Queens Park Rangers (QPR) head to Chris Coleman Coventry on September 20. Coventry lost 1-0 at newly-promoted Doncaster. QPR currently have 7 points from 4 games. Charlton currently have 6 points from 4 games. Current Table --Coventry opened the season with a 2-0 win against Norwich and then had a 0-3 loss at home to Bristol City. Away from home: 2-1 win at Barnsley and last week's Doncaster loss. Coventry Results . (QPR of course lost 0-3 at Sheffield United and drew 1-1 at Bristol City.) From 1966/1967, starting with Jimmy Hill, Coventry spent almost four decades in the Premiership and then-called First Division, and time after time, escaped relegation almost with near miracle results.

Coventry's First Team Squad. Coventry have - released-from-Crystal Palace, Clint Morrison in the team - a player some thought QPR might try and sign. A player with a record of scoring against QPR. They also have Leon Best who spent a brief time on loan at QPR.

Past Results between QPR and Coventry - Past Results
Last Season: QPR at Coventry - It was in last season's game at Coventry, November 6, that QPR's then loanee, Martin Cranie broke his fibula - thus ending what was a great loan period for both player and club. Scott Sinclair made his QPR debut. In that game, Coventry, then managed by Iain Dowie. "stole" it with an injury-time goal from Kevin Kyle.
QPR and Coventry's team when they met last season QPR: Camp, Barker, Stewart, Mancienne, Buzsaky, Rowlands, Vine, Nygaard (Nardiello 44), Leigertwood (Bolder 39), Cranie (Timoska 20), Sinclair. Subs: Cole, Ainsworth.
Scorers: Buzsaky 50
Coventry City: Konstantopoulos, De Zeeuw, Hall, Doyle, Adebola, Osbourne, Mifsud, McNamee (Hughes 91), Tabb, Best (Kyle 75), Turner. Subs: Marshall, Ward, Cair. Scorers: Mifsud 60, Kyle 91 - Coventry 2 QPR 1 Match Reports and Comments

QPR-Coventry Connection: Not that many players have switched clubs: Off hand can think of John O'Rourke joining QPR from Coventry in 1971...The other way: John Beck, Gerry Francis and Gary Bannister went from QPR to Coventry. Leon Best was briefly on loan at QPR And of course, former QPR Manager, Dave Sexton managed Coventry a few years after he left QPR (spending a few years at Manchester United in between!). And QPR's current manager, Iain Dowie was Coventry's last manager.

-
London Informer/Paul Warburton - It's going to hap-Ben
QPR will play the waiting game over Ben Watson - and eventually laugh all the way to the bank.
Renewed speculation over the weekend predicted Rangers would splash out £2m for the Crystal Palace midfielder, who turned down a late bid from Nottingham Forest, having set his heart on a move across London to Loftus Road.
But Rangers were never going to pay over the odds for a player they hope to get in January for a knockdown fee or next summer for nothing - providing they wait until July 9.
On that day, the former England U21 player turns 24, and Palace will lose the right to ask a Football League tribunal to decide any kind of payment.
Eagles' chairman Simon Jordan was unwilling to do business with Rangers before the transfer window closed on Monday night because of Rs boss Iain Dowie.
The discontent between the two runs deep after Jordan took his former Palace manager to the High Court last year over Dowie's defection to fierce rivals Charlton in 2006.
But current Palace manager Neil Warnock has already resigned himself to losing Watson, especially as he now has a disgruntled player on his hands.
He said: "Ben and his agent have made it clear he wants to go to QPR so I don't know where that leaves us."
Rangers may need to go back in January, depending on injuries and suspensions for Watson - but even then they have no intention of offering more than £500,000 to reunite him with his former manager at Selhurst Park. London Informer

South London Press/John Stanton - 'Watson to QPR? They never called'
Ben Watson's move to QPR never materialised
BEN Watson’s hopes of a move to QPR fell through this week - but Eagles chief Neil Warnock says the Loftus Road outfit never made a bid for the wantaway midfielder.
Watson turned down the chance to join Nottingham Forest on deadline day after City Ground boss Colin Calderwood had an offer accepted by Palace.
Watson rejected the move, apparently telling Calderwood he had been promised a better deal by Hoops manager Iain Dowie.
“Ben’s agent turned down Forest, saying he wanted the type of package that he had been offered by QPR,†Warnock told the South London Press.
“But we never had any contact from them, so I don’t know what’s gone on there.â€
For the full story and all the latest Eagles news, see Friday's South London Press South London Press

Kilburn Times/Dave McIntyre- Akos is back in the frame
QPR playmaker Akos Buzsaky has returned to action following an ankle injury and played 45 minutes for Rangers' reserves against Charlton on Tuesday.
Buzsaky, who missed the end of last season and had surgery in the summer, played 45 minutes for Rangers' reserves against Charlton on Tuesday.
The Hungarian, who missed the end of last season and had surgery in the summer, is now in contention for a first-team place - as is Hogan Ephraim, who recovered from shin splints to score in a 1-1 draw against the Addicks' second string. Both players hope to feature against Southampton on Sunday week.
"I could be match fit by then," said Buzsaky. "We have a lot of good players now and if I were on the bench against Southampton I'd be delighted.
"It feels great to be back. It's two weeks since I started full training and by the Southampton game it will be four weeks, so I am getting there.
"My ankle feels right and now it's up to me to get my fitness back and play some first-team football.
"It was an awkward injury," he added. "It was a split in the ligament that settled down but wasn't 100 per cent, so it needed an operation. But that's in the past now and I want to look forward."
Buzsaky was the jewel in Rangers' crown during the second half of last season but he now faces competition for places following the arrivals of Daniel Parejo and Emmanuel Ledesma as well as Lee Cook's return.
Ephraim probably faces an even bigger challenge, but is bullish about his chances of making an impact under Iain Dowie.
"I'm glad to be playing again. The shin feels fine and now I'm looking to try and get into the team," said Ephraim.
"The manager doesn't want to rush me but I feel I'm ready. I've got a couple of reserve games behind me and feel I've got my fitness up to the same level as the rest of the lads.
"The football we've been playing is great to watch and it looks enjoyable to play in. I want to be involved and the sooner I can do that the better."
Buzsaky and Ephraim can play in a number of attacking positions, meaning both are likely to have a role to play even if they are initially unable to hold down a regular place.
Buzsaky, who played his best football operating behind the striker last season but can also play on either flank, said: "It's the manager's job to pick the team and I'll always give my best.
"Of course there are positions a player prefers but - especially now there are so many good players here - sometimes you may have to play in a position that is not the best for you.
"Sometimes you have to play left and sometimes right, but it is good if you're a player who feels you can play anywhere."
And Ephraim added: "We've got a lot of players now who are flexible and very creative. There's a lot of what you'd call 'on the ball' players and I just want to play my part.
"The manager knows I can play in two or three different roles and it's up to him to decide which one is best for me.
"Last season this club made the worst start in England. Now there's a good feeling around the place and I want to be a part of it. Kilburn Times

Gareth Ainsworth/Kilburn Times - Step on the Gaz
GETTING drawn against Aston Villa is a fantastic tie for the club, particularly as this is only the second time in my time at QPR that we've been in the hat for the third round.
On that occasion we went out against Manchester City and we've got Premier League opponents again, but I feel we're much better equipped to progress and we'll be going to Villa Park to win.
They'll certainly put a strong side out because winning the competition means European qualification, but it's really exciting and the club deserves it.
Hopefully this is a sign of things of come and will be the first of many trips up to Villa in the not too distant future.
It would have been nice to be drawn at home, partly for the fans, but also because our new signings have settled in really well at Loftus Road and we would have fancied our chances even more.
Emmanuel Ledesma can only blame himself for getting sent off on Saturday because we told him at half-time to watch himself on his yellow card, and five minutes later he was off.
It's a steep learning curve and part of adapting to the English game is getting used to the referees and understanding that they're maybe not as lenient as they are in Italy.
Emmanuel's got that Latino, South American flair about him but with that comes a bit of temperament. We don't want to take away any of his exuberance because then we'd lose something from his game.
In a strange way it was probably a good thing that it happened on Saturday, getting it in early so he can learn from it and move on.
Emmanuel's got a huge amount of talent, he's going to be a target from now on and he'll probably upset a lot more referees, but as long as he keeps banging in the goals we won't mind too much.
It's a sign of how strong our squad is now that we have three players going off on international duty this weekend.
Damien Delaney has been called up by Ireland, Kaspars Gorkss will represent Latvia and Daniel Parejo has been making waves back home and has been selected for Spain's under-21s after playing for us.
The worry is that they'll come back injured but that's the price you pay for having top-class players at the club.
We've got two weeks until our next league game but then they come thick and fast with three games in a week.
It's for exactly that reason that we've got a squad of 24 players and we'll be looking to make full use of that by making some changes for each game.
I'm delighted to see Akos Buzsaky back in action after his ankle injury. He did well in the reserves on Tuesday and could be in contention to play against Southampton a week on Sunday. Kilburn Times

Also: Ramage on the official site, speaking primarily about Newcastle

-
As noted earlier, QPR Chairman Flavio Briatore spoke about QPR last night on Radio London.

BBC - Briatore will control QPR funds
Briatore is also the owner of the Renault Formula One team (Getty)
QPR owner Flavio Briatore has told BBC London that he will decide where the club's money is spent.
"I don't trust anyone with my money. Sometimes I will ask the manager of the bank but not the coach," he said.
"This is our money which we want to spend in our direction. We will use the knowledge of the coach but I believe everybody needs to do their own job.
"I want everyone to take the responsibility for one sector. I don't want a one-man band."
Briatore's consortium took over at Loftus Road in September 2007.
Since then he has changed managers twice and spent money on improving the ground and strengthening the squad.
"We have a vision. We want to motivate people for the project. It is not only a question of money but its a question of complicity between management and players," he said. BBC

Also: Goal.com/Mark Hinton - Briatore Will Decide Where QPR Spend Money

-
Marking one year since the takeover, QPR Chairman Flavio Briatore was the guest last night on BBC Radio London. It was an interesting interview in which Briatore came across very "grounded" and that QPR wouldn't be repeating some of the financial mistakes it made in years past; but certainly not one in which QPR sounded like it was "The Richest Club in the World" or would be spending big any time soon. Presumably the interview can be heard (soon) on the Radio London/QPR portion soon.

One Year Ago...The Telegraph reported the club's confirmation of Assistant Manager Richard Hill for his role in "The China Brawl" (Where is Hill now?)
"..QPR have also confirmed the departure of former assistant manager Richard Hill following his part in the brawl that erupted during a friendly match against the Chinese Olympic team earlier this year.
Rangers dismissed Hill during the summer but have only just stated it publicly, a club spokesman saying: "Richard Hill's contract was terminated in mid-July." Hill was found guilty of violent conduct by the FA, who banned him from football for three months. He has appealed against the verdict.
QPR were fined £40,000 for their involvement in the incident, £20,000 of which has suspended until May 31, 2008.
The China team were seven days into a two-week visit to England when the brawl, which was alleged to have erupted when China's striker Gao Lin aimed a punch at defender Patrick Kanyuka, took place at QPR's training ground in West Drayton.
Both the police and the London ambulance service had to be called to the scene. Defender Zheng Tao suffered a broken jaw in the melée which involved about 30 players, including QPR first-team regulars. Telegraph

Flashback Four Years ago today:... - "QPR line up Argentinian Manager" - Ramon Diaz-
The Guardian/Jon Brodkin - September 4, 2004 "QPR line up Argentinian manager"
Queens Park Rangers are ready to make an extraordinary managerial appointment, replacing Ian Holloway with Ramón Díaz, a former Argentina striker who has coached River Plate to several trophies in his homeland.
The struggling Football League Championship club are preparing to dismiss Holloway and turn to Díaz, who played with Diego Maradona, Ossie Ardiles and others in the 1982 World Cup, scoring during the team's defeat by Brazil.
Holloway could be sacked as early as next week, although QPR - 20th in the table - may wait for another defeat or two before removing their popular manager.
Díaz has connections with a Monaco-based consortium, Barnaby Holdings, which recently acquired a stake in QPR. The consortium, headed by the former Brazil captain Dunga, has bought 10% of the club's shares and plans to purchase another 19.9% in the near future.
Díaz has an impressive CV as both player and coach. He turned out for Napoli, Internazionale, Fiorentina and Monaco among other teams before moving into coaching. The 45-year-old has had more than one spell in charge of River Plate, winning the Libertadores Cup in 1996 and several domestic championships.
He has not worked for two years after falling out with River over his salary and, after spending time with his family, has been looking for work outside Argentina. Having failed to secure employment in France, Spain or Italy he has happily accepted the overtures of QPR.
He watched the team two weeks ago at Loftus Road against Derby County and is understood to have spoken to Gino Padula, the club's left-back who was born in Argentina and played under him at River in the mid-90s.
QPR said last night that "at no stage have negotiations taken place between the club and Mr Díaz regarding managerial or coaching positions at QPR".
They stated that the club "wants nothing more than success for both Ian and the team". However, time seems to be running out for Holloway, who led QPR to promotion last season. Guardian

Twelve Years ago today, the departure of QPR manager Ray Wilkins was announced. QPR never looked back! Ray Wilkins Talking to QPRnet about his time at QPR, including re his departure
Wilkins talking to QPRnet: "....Things behind the scenes were extremely difficult, we’d started the season strongly,.... If I’m honest I think we would have bounced straight back up, Kevin of course had injured his knee at Portsmouth and we would have missed him immensely but we had enough players to get ourselves back in there. I’ve got to say that when that day came about I was absolutely devastated.
QPRnet.com: Do you think it was just down to the new owner wanting his own man in?
Wilkins "I don’t think it was entirely down to Chris, I think there were people behind him who probably wanted someone different in."

Then QPR Director and subsequent Chairman Nigel Blackburn had a different perspective - AKUTRs/Dave Thomas Interview
"... It’s a complete myth that he was sacked. He resigned. What happened was, we asked Ray to come to the board meeting. We were nearly all new directors, and we asked him to set out how he worked, how many scouts he had, was he watching games, did he prefer playing, how could he play and keep himself fit and watch players, all this kind of thing. It was fine.
At the end of the meeting, when Ray had gone, Clive Berlin said, “I don’t think Ray will make a managerâ€. We all said, “Look, come on, let’s give him a chance.†Next morning, Ray rang up and resigned. He’d booked a flight that day to go and see a midfield player in Scotland called Dave Bowman, who played for Dundee United. But Ray cancelled the flight and resigned. We think one of the directors rang him up and told him about those comments. I know for certain it wasn’t one of the new directors. We were new to it. We didn’t really know the inside of football that well and however much you think you know about it, nothing really prepares you for it. When Ray resigned, he then went out and told people he had been sacked. Frank Sibley said he would go with him, Billy Bonds went too because they all believed that he had been sacked and they all said they wanted to remain loyal to him.
"Why would he say that he had been sacked?
Blackburn: "I don’t know. I’ve never known that. I’ve seen Ray since and we have not discussed it. But he was not sacked." AKUTRs/Dave Thomas Interview

So Wilkins left and instead appointed Stuart Houston and Bruce Rioch (instead of Venables, George Graham or Alan Curbishly who were three names that were strongly touted.) And over the next year, Houston spent lavishly )approaching 8 million pounds + high wages) on John Spencer, Gavin Peacock, Steve Morrow, Lee Harper, Matt Rose, and finally....Mike Sheron. After Houston came Harford followed by Francis followed by Holloway...Waddock...Gregory...Di Canio...and Iain Dowie.

The Independent/Mark Burton - September 9, 1996 - Rangers searching for their Mr Right
It would be harsh to be too critical of this young QPR side, but much of their running was more in hoops than expectation.
What they desperately needed was an experienced mentor in their midst, perhaps a former international who has honed his game over years of playing at the highest level, who knows how and when to change the pace and angle of approach, and when to put his foot on the ball.
Where was Ray Wilkins? Gone west to Wycombe, gone from Ranger to Wanderer, but how Wilkins the stroller was missed in this tetchy battle at Loftus Road. Chris Wright, the club's new owner, and his board do not like to see their manager on the field, so, apparently, faced with confining himself to the part of his job he liked least, Wilkins went.
Rangers have lost a lot, and injuries have deprived them of Gallen, Bardsley, Impey and Barker. Consequently, their midfield on Saturday included an 18-year-old, two 20-year-olds and a 23-year-old (the club's prized possession, Trevor Sinclair). He bore the brunt of creating opportunities for a strike force who number only 41 years between them. Once Paul Peschisolido had cut through the more established ranks of QPR's defence with alarming ease after only nine minutes, a second successive home defeat was almost inevitable.
Not to belittle the ability of Wilkins' temporary replacement, Frank Sibley, but a clever tactician like Alan Buckley was just the man to exploit the situation, especially after his side had been stung by Colchester in the Coca-Cola Cup. Having said in the match programme there was no rush to appoint a new manager, after the defeat Mr Wright was explaining the need to find Mr Right quickly.
There is no shortage of possibilities - Steve Coppell, Alan Curbishley, Bruce Rioch, Joe Kinnear, Ray Harford, Terry Venables etc - but the etc does not, according to Wright, include George Graham or Chris Waddle. Goals: Peschisolido (9) 0-1; Taylor (88) 0-2. Queen's Park Rangers (4-4-2): Sommer; Jackson, McDonald (Maddix, 68), Yates, Brevett; Sinclair, Quashie, Murray (Charles, 68), Challis; Slade, Dichio. Substitute not used: Roberts (gk). West Bromwich Albion (3-5-2): Spink; Mardon, Burgess (Smith, 59), Raven; Holmes, Hamilton, Sneekes, Groves, Nicholson; Peschisolido (Taylor, 80), Hunt. Substitute not used: Donovan. Referee: S Baines (Chesterfield). Bookings: Queen's Park Rangers: Brevett, Challis, Quashie, Dichio; West Bromwich Albion: Raven, Mardon. Man of the match: Raven. Attendance: 12,886. Independent

Flashback "Venables rules out a return to QPR
"Queen's Park Rangers must continue their search for a new manager, after Terry Venables pledged his future to Ports- mouth to end speculation that he could make a dramatic return to Loftus Road.
Venables had been touted as a possible successor to Ray Wilkins, but admitted he is happy with his new post as director of football at Fratton Park. The former England coach, who took QPR to an FA Cup final in 1982 and the Second Division title the following season, said: "You won't be seeing me turn up at Loftus Road in the next couple of days. As far as I am concerned, it is business as normal - and business as usual for me is Portsmouth Football Club.
Venables in the frame at QPR "I am happy doing what I am doing with them. It's a nice club, a nice area and there are a lot of nice people." Portsmouth's chairman, Martin Gregory, who asked Venables to take on an advisory role to assist the Portsmouth manager, Terry Fenwick, last month, is the son of the former QPR chairman Jim Gregory - who appointed Venables as manager at Loftus Road in 1980. Venables' decision leaves the QPR owner, Chris Wright, still searching for the right man to try and take the London club back into the Premiership at the first time of asking. Wright said: "We have seen one or two people, but the current managerial merry-go-round has changed the picture. Someone we thought might be available isn't and someone we thought wasn't available is. I'd like to have someone in place before the weekend, but I don't think we'll get there. We are working as swiftly as we possibly can, but we've got to make sure we get the right person." With Venables counting himself out of the running and Ray Harford continuing to fight for his job at Blackburn, the QPR spotlight has fallen on Charlton's manager, Alan Curbishley. However, QPR's London First Division rivals warned that it will prove expensive if they try to recruit Curbishley. Charlton's executive director Jonathan Fuller said yesterday: "We have had no approach from QPR and would not welcome one. Alan has three years left on his contract with us and we also have him still registered as a player. So if he went, we would demand a considerable fee as compensation." But Fuller admitted: "We wouldn't stand in his way if he made it clear he wanted to go, but that has not happened and, hopefully, it won't." Charlton's vice-chairman and managing director, Richard Murray, who has held the financial power at The Valley since Roger Alwen stepped down as chairman, said: "I have heard the speculation that Alan is on QPR's short-list, but if they approached us for him I would strenuously resist it." Murray refused to put a price on Curbishley's services but the figure could be as much as pounds 1m and he confirmed: "If QPR want him and he wants to go it will cost a considerable amount." Curbishley, the former West Ham and Birmingham midfielder, is not commenting on the possibility of a move to Loftus Road. After taking Charlton off the bottom of the table with a 2-0 win at home to Southend on Tuesday night, he said: "It is not a fair question to put to me, although I have been flattered to be linked in the newspapers with the vacancies at both QPR and Manchester City." Meanwhile, coaches Frank Sibley and John Hollins, the former Chelsea manager, remained in caretaker-charge of Rangers for last night's game at Norwich. "

-
Kilburn Times/Noam Friedlander - Dexter relishing Villa challenge

Having secured a rare passage through to the third round of the Carling Cup last week, QPR have been given the chance to test their mettle against Premier League outfit Aston Villa later this month.

The Hoops were drawn against Martin O'Neill's side in Saturday's draw and, according to striker Dexter Blackstock, they might even surprise their top flight opponents at Villa Park on Wednesday September 24.

"Villa have done really well," says the former England under-21 hitman, "Martin O'Neill's brought in some good, young, English players and I like the way they play. I hope I'm involved and hopefully we can get a result. I don't see why not."

Unlike previous managers at QPR, Iain Dowie is one of the few recent incumbents at Loftus Road who has had some successful cup runs.

While at Coventry, his side managed to dump Manchester United out of the Carling Cup with a 2-0 win at Old Trafford back in September 2007.

But QPR have their own history in the League Cup, and it reads thus - not a single appearance in the fourth round since November 1995, when they were knocked out by... Aston Villa.

The Midlands side also ushered the Rs out through the tournament's exit door at the second round stage in 2004, but Blackstock is certain that the club will benefit from being pitted against one of the country's top sides.

"It's a good draw for us to test where we're at," says Blackstock. "We're moving in the right direction but we need to see where we're really at so going to Villa Park and giving it our best shot, that's a test for us."

Since the woeful 3-0 defeat against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane earlier this season, Blackstock has been moved into the lone striker position with two auxiliary attackers and three midfielders behind him.
Would he prefer more support up front? The forward is diplomatic in his answer.
"I don't mind," he says. "As long as I'm playing and scoring and picking up points, I don't mind being the lone striker up front.
"It's not about me, it's about the team and if the manager thinks that's best for the team, then that's it."
Considering the Rangers midfield is flooded with talent, with loan players Lee Cook, Emmanuel Ledesma and Daniel Parejo joining Martin Rowlands, Hogan Ephraim, Akos Buzsaky, Gavin Mahon and Mikele Leigertwood, being recognised as an out and out striker probably suits Blackstock.
"I'm happy playing," he says, "and there's a lot of competition for places. If you want to get promoted you've got to get a good squad and that's what we've got and what we're building."
Blackstock believes that the Rs have a real shot at promotion this season, but with nearly 40 games left to play it's early days yet.
His goal at Bristol City helped Dowie's side put more points on the board in the fledgling Championship campaign, and the unorthodox 18th minute strike was also a first for the 22-year-old frontman.
"I've never scored on the floor before," says Blackstock, after he fell in front of goal but managed to flick the ball over the keeper and into the net.
"It was a weird goal, a bit scruffy but a goal's a goal. We really battled when we went down to 10 men, and we were down to 10 men for quite some time so we were all happy to be going back to west London with a point. Kilburn Times

Teamtalk - Blackstock keen to repay R's fans
Dexter Blackstock is desperate to reach the Premier League to repay the QPR faithful for their support through the lean times at the club.
Blackstock, who played in the top flight four years ago with Southampton, was part of the Rangers side which struggled against relegation for two seasons before the investment of Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone propelled them to promotion favourites this term.
"It would be massive for me personally to get back in the Premier League, but mainly for QPR as well," he said.
"The fans here have been through some tough years, and they are some of the best f ans I've seen. They always supported us and never booed, even when we were struggling, so hopefully the good times will come back for them." Teamtalk

Sportsbox - Buzsaky eyes R's comeback
QPR midfielder Akos Buzsaky has set his sights on a first appearance of the season following his return from ankle surgery.
The Hungary playmaker has been out of action since April, but believes he could make the squad for the visit of Southampton on September 14.
"I could be match-fit by then," he told the club's official website.
"We have a lot of good players here now and if I were on the bench against Southampton I'd be delighted.
"It's two weeks since I started full training and by the Southampton game it will be four weeks, so I am getting there." Meanwhile, midfielder Hogan Ephraim has also returned to full-fitness following a lay-off with shin splints. Sportsbox

-
QPR Chairman, Flavio Briatore will supposedly be on Radio London this evening (7:00 pm)talking about QPR.

Ex-QPR Birthday: John Curtis turns 30 - Record -- Wikipedia/Curtis Profile

Further Takeover Comments and Assessments from one year ago today. In the words of incoming Chairman, Flavio Briatore: "Gianni, Bernie and I are all determined to see the Club return to the Premiership within the next four years" Takeover Comments

Ex-QPR Holdings' Chairman Antonio Caliendo Golden Foot Awards were held on Monday. The 2008 winner of the Golden Foot was Brazilian, Roberto Carlos. Winners -- Photos of the Golden Foot Awards - Other Golden Foot Releases

A look at how QPR Director/Investor Bernie Ecclestone Transformed the Business Side of the Racing World
- Will be interesting to see whether any of this is transferrable to the world of QPR...

The Financial Times - The Business of Sport: Formula One
Entertaining race By Christian Sylt and Caroline Reid
In the 1980s, the Formula One corporate hospitality outfit amounted to little more than giving warm beer and packets of crisps to punters. Who would have thought that just 20 years later it would be an industry with annual revenues of some $140m? Bernie Ecclestone and Paddy McNally, that’s who.
Corporate hospitality is not a frivolous extra. The teams sparingly supply sponsors with their share of passes for entry to the exclusive Paddock Club that is set up at all events. In turn, sponsors use the opportunity to indulge their own clients.
Keeping sponsors happy increases the chances that they will renew their deals. In short, corporate hospitality keeps F1’s wheels turning. In fact, in the wake of private equity firm CVC’s takeover of the sport, it is quite easy to put a value on it.
In May 2006, CVC’s UK investment vehicle Beta Prema acquired Allsport Management, the Switzerland-based operator of the Paddock Club. The deal followed CVC’s purchase of F1’s commercial rights-holder and, along with the acquisition of the trackside advertising business, it brought all the sport’s revenue generators under one roof for the first time, so the teams could take a 50 per cent share in their profits. The financial results of Beta Holdings, Beta Prema’s UK-based parent, reveal just how much they get.
The accounts show that from the start of 2006 and CVC’s acquisition on May 31, Allsport had a turnover of $52m. The revenues for the remainder of the year can be taken to be about $91m, since this is the turnover of Beta Holdings whose key business is Allsport. That put the total revenue from the Paddock Club in 2006 at some $143m.
It is down to some expensive tickets. The average price for a three-day Paddock Club pass this year is $4,176 and it is believed some 2,000 guests are wined and dined at each of the 18 races peaking at Monaco, Monza and Silverstone.
Allsport directly handles the corporate hospitality at 15 of the races. Australia, Brazil and Singapore, however, take it inhouse and are believed to pay a fee to Allsport for doing so. The revenue from 15 races translates into $125m, with a fee from the other three bringing it up to $143m.
The profit, however, is a different story. According to Beta Holdings’ accounts, Allsport made an after-tax profit of just $1.2m in 2005 and there is good reason for this. Its biggest overhead is thought to be a fee to F1’s commercial rights-holder, amounting to approximately 40 per cent of turnover, but it also has hefty running costs. The organisers transport 40,000 glasses, 30,000 plates, 10,000 cut flowers, 5,500 magnums of champagne, and 200 tonnes of tent material to each race. It is a far cry from the early days.
The Paddock Club concept was created in 1984 by entrepreneur McNally, previously a trackside advertising salesman. He was led by Ecclestone’s vision for the future of F1, which involved big-spending companies that would sponsor the sport because of its extraordinary exposure. McNally set up Allsport to run the Paddock Club and Ecclestone granted it exclusive rights to hospitality at the F1 circuits.
But it wasn’t until the 1990s that the Paddock Club concept took off as F1’s popularity accelerated. “The Paddock Club is an extraordinarily effective business tool to set against the dramatic backdrop of the world’s most thrilling spectator sport,†says Isabelle Kaufmann, the venue’s manager.
With such great importance attached to the Paddock Club, preserving its exclusivity is essential. “The world’s finest racing must be served by the highest standards of corporate hospitality,†she says.
Tents are adorned with fresh flowers and even the lawns on which the marquees are built must make the grade. Fresh turf is often flown in from England and rolled out on-site.
The Paddock Club is split into three areas and all have levels of luxury akin to a five-star hotel. The Village is a group of marquees surrounding an open garden, each with a patio seating area and buffet tent. Separate marquees house the champagne bar and entertainments in the garden area.
For a unique chance to support the drivers, the Pit Building Lounges are the place to be. They are a collection of individual lounges above the pits with a privileged view of the main start/finish straight and the pit lane. The Pit Building Terrace is a collection of suites covered by a purpose-built marquee. They are above the pits, often one storey higher than the Pit Building Lounges and afford panoramic views of the race.
With billionaires being almost as common as fuel in F1, the Paddock Club plays host to some who require even more intimacy for their business dealings. Suites in the three areas hold the most swish and private Paddock Club parties.
Guests of the Paddock Club are offered far more than motor racing. Every Paddock Club pass includes access to an open bar with champagne and a gourmet banquet with fine wines. There are boutiques run by TAG Heuer and men’s fashion brand Hackett, as well as a masseur, beautician and hairdresser. A caricaturist and a card-trick artist are also on hand to provide entertainment.
The entertainment creates a relaxed but business-like atmosphere, making it even easier for sponsors to schmooze their customers and network with their F1 counterparts.
The top sponsors are believed to have annual F1 hospitality budgets of up to $20m, but some get into F1 just for the entertainment opportunities. For example, according to industry analyst Formula Money, media company Reuters pays the Williams team $4m for small logos on the side of the car and the drivers’ sleeves, but hospitality is one of the key purposes of its sponsorship.
Reuters aims to make its hospitality programme feel exclusive and intimate, so it invites only between 10 and 20 key senior executives from client companies to each race. The small numbers maximise the opportunity for communication and although the weekend is centred around the race, Reuters makes sure guests don’t feel obliged to attend.
Clients are invited to bring spouses or partners and the company makes the most of the local environment wherever possible, with optional excursions to areas of local cultural interest or spas.
However, the Paddock Club remains the key constant, with an almost identical set-up no matter where it is. “There are hundreds of people involved at each race – chefs, catering staff, electricians, security agents, maintenance staff, drivers, entertainers, florists, therapists and cleaners,†says Kaufmann.
However, only 10 per cent are local workers. Security, logistics, construction and catering tend to be handled by the same contractors throughout the season.
“The level of service and hospitality provided in the Paddock Club is exceptional as well as reliable. You know what to expect wherever the race is taking place and there are no surprises,†says one sponsorship manager.
Getting it right at one race is tough enough, but the Paddock Club travels to 17 countries over eight months, sometimes in different countries on consecutive weekends. So, once the dust has settled at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, the structure will be off to Italy for the race there next week. Two weeks later it will be in Singapore. The Financial Times

Spreading QPR Through the Gulf - Gulf Weekly Prize!
Gulf Weekly - COME JOIN US! THREE lucky soccer-loving GulfWeekly readers have the chance to win a FREE fabulous trip to London to watch Gulf Air-sponsored Queens Park Rangers play a crucial fixture in the club's bid to win promotion to the Premier League. All YOU have to do is predict the score of QPR's forthcoming game against Southampton on Sunday, September 14, which will be broadcast live at 6pm Bahrain time on Showtime's Show Sports 2 channel.
To celebrate this important Championship fixture Gulf Air is offering three GulfWeekly readers the chance to win a trip to London to watch the QPR v Burnley game on November 15 in the Gulf Air VIP box at Loftus Road.
Each lucky winner will be flown to the UK and provided with hotel accommodation and a special VIP pass that will allow them entry to the Gulf Air box where they can soak up the atmosphere and enjoy all the excitement of the game in executive comfort.
To have a chance of winning all you need to do is correctly guess the score of the earlier QPR v Southampton TV special. You can make as many predictions as you wish.
Everyone who predicts the score correctly will be entered into a draw and the first three names out of the hat will win the prizes.
Simply send an email to score@gulfweekly.com with your prediction in the subject line and make sure it follows the following example with 'X' being your prediction: QPR X Southampton X.
Please also give us your full name, age and mobile phone number.
Deadline for submitting your entry is 9am on Sunday, September 14.
Good luck with the competition and don't forget to tune in to Show Sports 2 on the 14th to help roar QPR towards another memorable victory. Who knows, you may win the opportunity to see them in person!
The competition is not open to full time Gulf Air or GulfWeekly employees.
Tickets are non-transferrable and are for the match against Burnley on November 15 only.
Any winner requiring a visa for entry to the UK will have to secure it themselves.
Entries not adhering to the above terms and conditions will be discounted. The Editor's decision is final.
GulfWeekly will accompany the lucky readers to London and record their special sporting adventure with the kingdom's number one airline in our pages. Gulf Weekly

-
Dave McIntyre/BBC606 - Buzsaky is back
Akos Buzsaky is back and hoping to feature against Southampton on Sunday week.
Buzsaky played the second half of a reserve game against Charlton on Tuesday afternoon and looked encouragingly sharp for a player who had been out since since April.
Surgery on an ankle injury appears to have done the trick and Buzsaky is now back in contention for a first-team place.
Akos is playing down his chances of returning against Southampton and everyone knows the squad is much stronger than when he was very much Rangers’ main man during the second half of last season.
But in many people’s opinion – including mine – Buzsaky is still the main man even with the arrival of Dani Parejo and the justified excitement surrounding Emmanuel Ledesma.
The question is: where does he now fit in? This is likely to be the subject of much discussion among Rangers fans.
Ledesma’s suspension after his sending off at Bristol City creates an immediate opening on the right flank, which either Buzsaky or Martin Rowlands could fill.
In the longer term I would simply restore Akos to his best position, just behind the striker, with Parejo dropping back into an out-and-out central midfield role.
The idea of having Parejo playing further forward has some merit and it’s a position he can do well in.
But he is a central midfielder, and despite the obvious problems he could have adjusting to the cut and thrust of the English game, he ought to have enough about him and enough protection from someone like Mikele Leigertwood to play in that position.
And what of Hogan Ephraim?
In January his signing was welcomed by fans but the arrival of other players, particularly Lee Cook, could make it difficult for him to force his way into the side.
But he remains a good prospect who shouldn’t be written off.
He scored a fine goal and played well against Charlton’s second string and looks in good shape after recovering from shin splints.
It’s obvious from speaking to Hogan that he is desperate to prove he can make an impact despite the strong competition for places.
He also has the advantage of being able to play in a few different positions and could well make an important contribution this season. BBC606

-
Eurosport - Dexter happy with lone role
Dexter Blackstock insists he is happy to play the solitary striker role this term if it helps QPR gain promotion from the Championship.The former Derby and Southampton frontman has ploughed a lone furrow up front to good effect at times this season, allowing the likes of Emmanuel Ledesma, Daniel Parejo and Lee Cook to get forward from midfield.
"It's a hard shift on your own but if I can do two players' jobs then we'll have a spare man in midfield to get on the ball and dictate the game," said Blackstock.
"You do it for the team. If we can win games while I'm playing up front on my own then so be it.
"I get great support from Lee Cook, Emmanuel Ledesma and Daniel Parejo so at times there are three of us up front - it's not like I'm isolated." Eurosport

QPR Official Site - QPR Reserves 1 Charlton Reserves 1 - "HOGAN SENDS TIMELY REMINDER

Hogan Ephraim gave Iain Dowie a timely reminder of what he's capable of, as QPR Reserves were held to a 1-1 draw by Charlton Athletic in their maiden Football Combination Invitation Cup tie of the new campaign.

Returning to action following a shin injury, Ephraim notched the R's equaliser at Loftus Road, as Gareth Ainsworth's start to managerial life with the second string began with a competitive draw against the Addicks.

Darren Ambrose gave Charlton the lead early in the second half, but - inspired by the introduction of the fit-again Akos Buzsaky - Rangers stepped up a level, with Ephraim pulling the hosts level with a well-taken goal on the hour.

In a free flowing opening, Samuel Di Carmine went closest to breaking the deadlock as early as the seventh minute.

A looping ball out of defence totally deceived Linvoy Primus, who having made a hash of his attempted clearance, allowed the Italian to fire a shot on target, which Robert Elliott tipped wide at full stretch.

Charlton's first effort arrived eight minutes later, following some neat link-up play involving Ambrose.

His threaded pass found Svetoslav Todorov, who miscued his effort wide of Reece Crowther's right hand upright.

Gareth Ainsworth sent a stinging drive over midway through the half, before Stuart Fleetwood fired inches past the post at the other end moments later.

Angelo Balanta was oozing class for the R's and when he shimmied past Primus in the 29th minute, only a superb last ditch tackle prevented the Rangers winger from putting the hosts in front.

Patrick Agyemang was the next to try his luck, leaving three defenders trailing in his wake with a terrific turn of pace, only to see low drive tipped to safety by Elliott.

Having orchestrated proceedings for much of the half, it was Rangers who ended the first period in the ascendancy, with Di Carmine poking the ball on target on the stroke of half-time, following a mazy run and dribble from Ephraim.

The 500-plus crowd gave Buzsaky - returning from a long term ankle injury - a rousing ovation as he entered the fray upon the resumption, but it was Charlton who were soon celebrating.

Ambrose was the beneficiary as Rangers failed to clear their lines, poking the ball past the exposed Crowther from six yards out.

Undeterred, Rangers went straight back on the attack, with Ephraim curling the ball high and wide from the edge of the 18-yard box.

Ephraim wasn't to be denied the goal his second half display deserved though, as the R's drew levelon the hour.

Fine interplay involving Matteo Alberti and Di Carmine eventually resulted in Adam Bolder spraying the ball out wide to the former West Ham winger.

Faced one on one with Sam Long, Ephraim mesmerised the young full-back, jinking one way and then the other before curling the ball into the far corner of the net.

Buoyed by their equaliser, Rangers continued to pose the greater attacking threat.

Di Carmine fired wide after Balanta shrugged off Primus with ease, before Buzsaky's stinging drive flew over from distance.

It was all one-way traffic as the clock ticked down. Elliott denied Ephraim with a stunning save in the 70th minute, before the impressive Balanta skewed the ball wide from eight yards out after Alberti played provider from the right wing.

Buzsaky nearly marked his return with a goal five minutes from time, but the overworked Elliott stood strong once again, tipping the ball to safety.

QPR Res: Crowther, Ainsworth, Ilesanmi, Bolder, Harris, Oastler, Alberti, Ephraim, Agyemang (Buzsaky 46), Di Carmine, Balanta.

Subs: Bulmer, Arthur, Maguire, Rose.

Charlton Athletic Res: Elliott, Solly (Long 46), Clark, Wright, Primus, Sinfield, Ambrose, Shelvey, Fleetwood, Todorov, Yussuf (Tuma 65).

Subs: Christie, Jensen, Tuma, Godfrey. QPR

Charlton Official Site - All square at the Loft
Darren Ambrose was on target and completed the full 90 minutes as Charlton reserves drew 1-1 at Queens Park Rangers in Group B of the new Football Combination Invitation Cup on Tuesday afternoon.

The Addicks, who included Linvoy Primus in their starting XI at Loftus Road, took the lead through Ambrose just after the break but were forced to settle for a point when former West Ham United youngster Hogan Ephraim levelled on the hour mark.

The paperwork on Primus' loan switch from Portsmouth is still being completed as discussions continue over the length of the move. Click here for more details.

But the 34-year-old turned out for the second string against the R's, adding experience to a young backline of Chris Solly, Taylor Sinfield and Jack Clark, with Rob Elliot in goal.

Darren Ambrose was on target and completed the full 90 minutes as Charlton reserves drew 1-1 at Queens Park Rangers in Group B of the new Football Combination Invitation Cup on Tuesday afternoonAmbrose was named on the right side of a midfield which included Josh Wright, Jonjo Shelvey and Rashid Yussuff.

And Svetoslav Todorov also got close to a full game under his belt as he continues his recuperation from a knee ligament injury, the Bulgarian starting up front alongside Stuart Fleetwood.

After some bright early play by both sides, Rangers almost broke the deadlock in the seventh minute when Samuel Di Carmine took advantage of a mistake by Primus but saw his shot tipped wide by Elliot.

Charlton's first effort arrived eight minutes later when Ambrose teed up Todorov, only for the striker to miscue his effort wide of Reece Crowther's right-hand post.

Fleetwood fired inches wide midway through the first half, before Patrick Agyemang was denied by another good stop by Elliot.

The Addicks went in front shortly after the restart when Ambrose poked home from close range after the Rangers defence had failed to clear a cross from second-half substitute Sam Long, who had replaced the injured Solly at the break.

But the hosts pulled level on the hour mark when Ephraim cut in from the left and curled the ball past Elliot, despite the close attentions of Long.

Elliot did brilliantly to deny Ephraim and Akos Buzsaky as Rangers searched for the winner but the Addicks held on to seal a point from their opening Group B clash.

Along with QPR, Charlton will also face Watford, Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace in Group B. After the meeting with Rangers, the Addicks are away at Watford on Monday, October 6th, before hosting Ipswich on Monday, November 3rd and the Eagles on Monday, November 17th.

The reserves are next in action when they host Aldershot Town in the league on Monday (7pm). Charlton

-
For better or worse, there were no deadline-day transfers (in or out) for QPR...The transfer window is now closed for the next four months. The option of signing players on loan remains (although the rumoured Frazier-Campbell from Manchester United went out the window, with his last minute signing for Spurs. BBC: Completed Transfers

QPR Reserves play Charlton reserves this afternoon at Loftus Road. As has been noted on the QPR messageboards, there is, for whatever reason, no Lee Camp in the squad. QPR Reserves (from): Crowther, Bulmer, Ainsworth, Oastler, Harris, Ilesanmi, Alberti, Buzsaky, Rose, Maguire, Arthur, Balanta, Bolder, Ephraim, Agyemang, Di Carmin.
QPR Official Site Charlton team to play QPR: Elliot, Solly, Clark, Sinfield, Primus, Ambrose, Wright, Shelvey, Yussuff, Todorov, Fleetwood. Charlton

And the announced team: BUZSAKY ON BENCH QPR: Crowther, Ainsworth, Oastler, Harris, Ilesanmi, Alberti, Balanta, Bolder, Ephraim, Agyemang, Di Canio [sic?]. Subs: Buzsaky, Rose, Maguire, Arthur, Bulmer. QPR

Transfer News re Some players with QPR 'connectionjavascript:void(0)
Publish Posts:'

Dougie Freedman, who started with QPR, Joins Southend on a Free Transfer - BBC "Southend complete Freedman swoop"

Chris Day signed for Stevenage.
Stevenage Official - "It has been an excellent transfer deadline day at Broadhall Way with the club confirming two important signings.
Former Spurs, Watford, QPR and Millwall goalkeeper Chris Day has signed a two-year contract with the Club. Day has already made two appearances for Borough, in the 1-1 draw with Weymouth and the 3-1 victory at Barrow. The experienced goalkeeper has made close on 200 Football League appearances and is a welcome addition to Borough’s squad...." Stevenage

Former QPR Tony Thorpe joined Woking.

One time almost-QPR signing Matt Hill joins Wolves from Preston
Preston Official Site - Hill Signs For Wolves
Matt Hill has completed his move to Wolverhampton Wanderers for an undisclosed fee.
The full-back has completed the move to Molineux after undergoing a medical on Monday evening.
Hill moved to Preston North End from hometown club Bristol City in January 2005 and went on to become a popular player with both the fans and the players winning the Club's Player of the Year award in the summer of 2006.
The 27-year-old made more than 100 appearances for North End but the return to fitness and form of Callum Davidson in the past two seasons severely limited his first team opportunities at Deepdale. Preston

Ex-loanee/and media-transfer target, Martin Cranie joined Charlton on a season-long loan from Portsmouth.

- Ex-QPR Defender Danny Shittu turns 28 - Record
-- Shittu/Wikipedia Profile

Meanwhile a "Where Are They Now" - Richard Pacquette - Maidenhead United

Richard Pacquette - Striker
Born: 28/01/83 Signed from Havant & Waterlooville on deadline day 2008, after achieving national fame in February when he scored for Havant at the Kop End to give the Hawks the lead against Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup Fourth Round. He started life as a trainee at Queens Park Rangers, making over 30 appearances for the Rs. While at Loftus Road he gained loan experience at Stevenage Borough, Dagenham & Redbridge and Mansfield Town, before moving on to MK Dons, Brentford and Farnborough. In January 2005 he returned to Stevenage before moving on to St Albans City, Thurrock and Worthing before arriving at Havant. His FA Cup exploits earned him a call up to the Dominican national side, where he scored on his debut in their World Cup qualifier against Barbados. Debut: 01/04/08 Appearances: 11 Sub: 0 Goals: 7 Maidenhead United

At Maidenhead United "...A first half Ashley Nicholls goal led to a hard fought win at Fisher and propelled Maidenhead to the top of the Blue Square South for the first time ever.... Pacquette worked tirelessly to defend from the front, hardly looking like a player who needed a fitness test prior to the game, typifying the never say die United attitude which successfully secured the three points and top slot for 24 hours at least." Match Report

Other Maidenhead United Match Reports from This Season

-
Guardian - Steve Claridge - Scouting Report: Emmanuel Ledesma
The Queens Park Rangers' midfielder is a versatile and entertaining talent although he has yet to adjust to the physical side of the game

The first thing that strikes you about Emmanuel Ledesma is that he is very much a reflection of the Queens Park Rangers team, in the way he plays the game and the positions he takes up. It is very difficult to identify the role he is playing: a mix between right wing, right midfield, tucked in right-sided or wide right in a front three.

The same could be said of QPR's team shape as they have one or two players who play just about anywhere. With this in mind it was no surprise that they beat Doncaster, a side who keep the ball on the ground, 2-0, yet lost 3-0 at Sheffield United, a more physical side. Revealingly, Ledesma was criticised in the defeat and praised in the win.

He is the type that is extremely easy on the eye for supporters but may on occasion need to put in more of a shift when QPR find the going tougher than against Carlisle, whom I watched them play last week.

On the night, Ledesma was fantastic, scoring a brilliant hat-trick and making each goal look ridiculously easy, when in reality they would have been little more than half-chances against different opposition. He is neat and tidy in possession, due to having two good feet. He is mainly left-footed, playing on the right, although he can look lightweight at times and will have to get used to the physical side of the game - because of the position he played when he received the ball, he was often tightly marked.

He tended to drift in and out of the game, and because of this sometimes his marker switched off. Ledesma was very quick to exploit this, once with a superbly-timed run in between the two centre-halves. He received the ball on the run and in one movement brought it down and was unlucky with a half-volley not to lob the onrushing keeper.

Occasionally Ledesma tracked back, although this seemed to be done more through personal choice than team orders. When he did this on the whole he stayed with his man to the end, seeing the danger out. Initially, I wondered why he wasn't involved in dead-balls: QPR had a free-kick and corner from the left and he stayed on the edge of the attacking box, but this was quickly rectified after a terrific run in which he showed real pace in possession, forcing a corner down the right from which he then whipped in a fantastic near-post ball for his centre-half to score.

It was then that he took centre stage with his goals, but at the same time it was good that he didn't try to do too much on the ball, keeping passes short and simple. But unless you give him possession with plenty of service, there is a danger he could be a little peripheral without the ball.

QPR and Ledesma are both a work in progress - his sending-off for two yellow cards on Saturday at Bristol City showed that - and while I'm sure both the team and the player will provide the fans with plenty of entertainment, whether the balance within his game and QPR's as a team is the right one to get success at this stage I'm not entirely convinced.

Age 20
Born Buenos Aires, Argentina
Position Midfield
Height 5ft 11in
Weight 12st 2lb
From Genoa
Pace 8/10
Shooting 9/10
Crossing 9/10
Heading 7/10
Team responsibility 7/10
Valuation £750,000 Guardian

QPR Official Site - INTERNATIONAL CALL
Daniel Parejo has been called up to the Spanish Under-21 squad.
The Real Madrid loanee has been selected to play against Kazakhstan and Russia in the Spaniards' UEFA Under 21 Championship fixtures on Friday 5th September and Tuesday 9th September respectively. QPR

-
Championship Nominations for Manager of the Month: Wolves' Mick McCarthy; Preston's Alan Irvine; Birmingham's Alex McCleish; Bristol City's Gary Johnson.

Football League - MANAGER OF THE MONTH NOMINATIONS

The nominations are in for the season's first Manager of the Month awards, which are due to be announced at 1.20pm on Thursday on Sky Sports News.

Following the weekend's games there is no team in the Championship with a 100% record but there are four who are still unbeaten and each club's manager is nominated.

Mick McCarthy's Wolverhampton Wanderers currently top the table on goal difference, their 5-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday certainly helping.

Alan Irvine's Preston North End sit in second place after winning three and drawing one of their matches, including a 2-1 home win over Charlton Athletic on Saturday after coming from a goal down.

Alex McLeish's Birmingham City are another side on 10 points from the 12 available, the only points dropped coming on Saturday, when they were held to a 1-1 draw away at Norwich.

Gary Johnson is the other manager nominated after his Bristol City side won two and drew two of their first four matches, carrying on the good form they showed last season.

In League 1 there are also four clubs unbeaten, once again though it's a close call with three clubs in joint first place.

Nigel Pearson's Leicester City currently top the table, having won three and drawn one game so far, conceding just one goal along the way.

They took top spot from John Sheridan's Oldham Athletic, whose 2-2 draw at Colchester on Saturday was their first points dropped this season.

Those two sides currently sandwich John Ward's Carlisle United in the League 1 table; his side have been in impressive form so far, particularly at home where they have scored eight goals in their last two matches.

Mickey Adams' Brighton and Hove Albion are also unbeaten so far winning two and drawing two, including an impressive 2-0 win away at Southend United.

In League 2 the table is even tighter and the job of Chris Kamara and the panel is even tougher, with all of the nominated managers having identical starts to the season with three wins and one draw each.

John Still's Dagenham and Redbridge currently top the table thanks to a plus nine goal difference, their 6-0 opening day win over Chester City helping.

Paul Simpson's Shrewsbury have also had an impressive start, only losing top spot due to a 2-2 draw at Notts County on Saturday, twice coming from behind to keep up their unbeaten start.

Alan Knill's Bury have also continued their good form since the former Rotherham United boss took over in February, winning their first three matches before being held to a 1-1 draw at Rochdale on Saturday.

Mark Robins in the other nominated manager after his Rotherham side cut their points deficit to just -7 after also wining three and drawing one of their opening four matches.

So don't forget the winners will be announced on Sky Sports News at 1.20pm on Thursday and right here on the official website of The Football League. Football League

-
Barnsley's Luke Steele being this week's goalie deemed the best: Championship Team of the Week

Also:
- League One Team of the Week

- League Two Team of the Week

-
QPR will play Aston Villa on Wednesday September 24 (at Aston Villa!) Kick off 7:45pm QPR

Aston Villa Official Site - Date Confirmed
Villa's Carling Cup game against QPR will be played on Wednesday September 24.
The third round match will kick-off at 7.45pm.
The claret and blue troops have faced the Hoops twice in the League Cup in recent seasons. Villa last played Rangers at home in the competition in September 2004, Darius Vassell, Juan Pablo Angel and Nobby Solano on target in a 3-1 win. And in November 1995, Andy Townsend was on target in a 1-0 Villa Park victory in round four. Aston Villa

QPR Official Site - DOWIE RELISHING VILLA SHOWDOWN
Iain Dowie can't wait to lock horns with Martin O'Neill, when Rangers travel to Villa Park in the third round of the Carling Cup.
Saturday's draw pitted the R's against the big-spending Midlands outfit, in what promises to be a stern test for the Hoops against the much-fancied Premiership outfit.
"I am a great admirer of Martin O'Neill. I know him from working as a TV pundit with him during the World Cup. He's a great football man, and a terrific Manager," Dowie told www.qpr.co.uk.
"We know it's going to be a tough test at Villa Park, but we'll be going there with a strong squad of players.
"The teams I have put out in the opening two rounds against Swindon and Carlisle is testament to how seriously I take this competition.
"I am really looking forward to this challenge. I am sure Martin won't be doing me any favours, but I can't wait to lock horns with him." QPR

QPR Official Site - MANU TO MISS SAINTS CLASH
Emmanuel Ledesma will serve a one-match suspension, owing to the red card he received against Bristol City on Saturday.
The Argentine midfielder was given his marching orders for two bookable offences, as Rangers held out for 40 minutes with ten men to claim a deserved point at Ashton Gate.
Ledesma will now miss the R's Sky Sports showdown against Southampton on Sunday 14th September.
Ledesman One Match Suspension

Out-on-Loan Goalie, Jake Cole having a Scan
Oxford United No Cole in Goal
Keeper Jake Cole will miss tomorrow night's Blue Square Premier game at Northwich Victoria
Jake, on loan from QPR, was United's star man at Ebbsfleet on Saturday and played through the pain after picking up a groin strain during the second half. However, the injury will definitely mean he misses the trip to Northwich and he will have a scan today at QPR to assess the full extent of the damage. Ben Hinchliffe is likely to replace Cole in goal against the Vics...." Oxford United

-
Transfer Deadline Day Speculation: Spurs Defender Paul Stalteri and Adel Taarabt? -- See any and all English Transfers Being Announced Today

Metro: "...Paul Stalteri will be sent to Crystal Palace or QPR for the rest of the season. Adel Taarabt could be joining him at Loftus Road. Metro

See:
- Paul Salteri Background

- Adel Taarabt

No Ben Watson? Crystal Palace's Ben Watson is supposedly set for Nottingham Forest...
SkySport: "...Birmingham have been mentioned as admirers, but appear to have cooled their interest, while Queens Park Rangers are expected to mount a bid a hijack Forest's hopes."
The Times quotes Crystal Palace Manager Warnock: "...Ben Watson, the influential midfield player. “He’s had a couple of offers,†Warnock said. “He turned down Nottingham Forest, after we accepted their offer for him, and he wanted to go to QPR, but they said they don’t want him. He’ll come in on Monday and we’ll wait to see what happens.†(Times)

South London Press/John Stanton - Exclusive: Watson snubs Forest Monday, 01 September 2008 - Ben Watson has turned down the chance to join Nottingham Forest
CRYSTAL Palace midfielder Ben Watson has turned down a move to Championship rivals Nottingham Forest.
The Eagles accepted a bid for the wantaway star over the weekend, but Watson has rejected the chance to join Colin Calderwood’s newly-promoted outfit.
“Ben’s turned Forest down,†Palace boss Neil Warnock told the South London Press.
“It’s not necessarily the case that he’ll be leaving before the transfer deadline.
“Ben and his agent have made it clear that he wants to go to QPR so I don’t know where that leaves us...†South London Press

Mail/Standard "Charlton boss Alan Pardew -... Pmissed out on signing defender Paul McShane, who opted for a switch to Hull, but he is expected to beat QPR boss Iain Dowie to the loan signing of Portsmouth defender Martin Crainie. Dowie - whose team drew 1-1 with Bristol City - might wait until January to make additions" Mail

No Martin Cranie? Portsmouth's Martin Cranie Set for Charlton rather than QPR (or Coventry)
- COventry Telegraph

No Frazier Campbell? - Hull reportedly have offered 7 million pounds...SPurs supposedly want him. "One newspaper also claimed cash rich QPR wanted the Huddersfield-born striker, but it is understood the player is determined to remain in the Premier League after netting 15 goals in the second tier for the Tigers last season." 0 Yorkshire Post

-
One year ago today, QPR's Takeover by Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone was completed and officially announced. [In the lengthy official document accompanying the announcement, it was said "QPR is one of the best supported football clubs in the Championship with attendance at home games averaging approximately 20,000, in the 2006/2007 season." (Actually, QPR ranked 19th in Championship Attendance Figures with average gate of 12,936.]

QPR Official Site- CLUB STATEMENT Sat 01 Sep 2007
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is delighted to announce Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone have made a recommended offer for the Club.
Mr Gianni Paladini will remain as Chairman of QPR and Mr Flavio Briatore, Mr Bruno Michel and Mr Alejandro Agag will be invited to join the Board.
Mr Antonio Caliendo and Mr Franco Zanotti have agreed to resign from the Board of QPR.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk today, Briatore said: "Bernie and I were delighted to receive a recommendation from the Board of QPR for our bid for the Club and we look forward to working alongside Gianni Paladini and his team.
"We are fully aware of the history of QPR and the loyal fan base that it has; we are therefore totally committed to bringing future success back to the Club.
"Gianni, Bernie and I are all determined to see the Club return to the Premiership as soon as possible."
Paladini added: "This Offer provides much needed investment and an excellent opportunity to move the Club forward, which in turn, we are sure, will be translated into positive results on the pitch.
"I am delighted that Flavio and Bernie have asked me to remain on the Board of the Club, and hope to play a large part in the future success of QPR Football Club."
*The Club will be making no further comment at this stage, as our focus today remains on celebrating the life and times of Ray Jones, who tragically died in a motor accident last weekend.
*Details of a press conference will follow in due course. QPR

The full (lengthy) announcement "THE DEAL: IN DETAIL
1 September 2007
RECOMMENDED CASH OFFER FOR QPR HOLDINGS LIMITED ("QPR" OR THE "CLUB")
BY SARITA CAPITAL INVESTMENT INC ("SARITA CAPITAL") Summary and Highlights....
Complete Official/Legal "The Deal in Detail"

AP -Ecclestone, Briatore set to buy Queens Park Rangers after board recommends bid
Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone and Renault team principal Flavio Briatore are set to buy Queens Park Rangers after the English soccer club's board recommended the pair's offer.
QPR, which plays in the second-tier League championship, announced the move Saturday.
The takeover has been mooted at 30 million pounds (US$60.5 million; ?44.4 million) by British papers and should mean the west London team can now plan without the threat of financial administration.
QPR has struggled since relegation from the Premier League in 1996, at one point dropping into the third tier for three seasons, and also owed tax to Britain's Inland Revenue.
Had the club entered financial administration - continuing operations without selling off assets to pay debts - it would have had 10 points automatically deducted from its league total under Football League rules.
Gianni Paladini will carry on as chairman, with Briatore, Bruno Michel and Alejandro Agag joining the board in place of Antonio Caliendo and Franco Zanotti.
"This offer provides much needed investment and an excellent opportunity to move the club forward, which in turn, we are sure, will be translated into positive results on the pitch,'' Paladini said.
QPR was a regular in English soccer's top division and was a founder member of the Premier League in 1992. Winner of the League Cup in 1967, the closest QPR ever came to winning the English championship was in 1976, when it came within one point of edging powerhouse Liverpool.
"We are fully aware of the history of QPR and the loyal fan base that it has,'' Briatore said. "We are therefore totally committed to bringing future success back to the club.''
Ecclestone had been linked with a move for Arsenal, but his chances of buying into the Premier League powerhouse seemed to end Thursday when former vice chairman David Dein sold his 14.58 percent stake to a consortium led by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov. AP

BBC - F1 magnates to take over at QPR
QPR have confirmed that Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone have made a recommended offer for the club.
Gianni Paladini will remain as chairman but Antonio Caliendo and Franco Zanotti have agreed to resign from the board.
Briatore told the club website: "Bernie and I were delighted to receive a recommendation from the QPR board for our bid for the club.
Paladini said: "This offer provides much needed investment and an excellent opportunity to move the club forward." BBC

Guardian - Ecclestone and Briatore take control of QPR
QPR have confirmed that Formula One magnates Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone have "made a recommended offer" for the Coca-Cola Championship club. Briatore, head of the Renault F1 team, and Ecclestone will now take control of the club although current chairman Gianni Paladini will remain in position.
Briatore told the club's official website http://www.qpr.co.uk: "Bernie and I were delighted to receive a recommendation from the board of QPR for our bid for the club and we look forward to working alongside Gianni Paladini and his team. We are fully aware of the history of QPR and the loyal fanbase that it has and are totally committed to bringing future success back to the club."
Paladini said: "This offer provides much needed investment and an excellent opportunity to move the club forward which will be translated into positive results on the pitch. I am delighted that Flavio and Bernie have asked me to remain on the board and I hope to play a large part in the future of QPR."
The news was announced prior to the Championship clash with Southampton at Loftus Road, where all 11 Rangers players donned shirts carrying Ray Jones' name on the back. The 18-year-old striker was killed last weekend in a car accident and the club confirmed that no further comment on the takeover would be made today.
A statement said: "The club will be making no further comment at this stage, as our focus today remains on celebrating the life and times of Ray Jones, who tragically died in a motor accident last weekend." Guardian

PA Sport, Tom Rostance - ECCLESTONE IN AT QPR
QPR have confirmed that Formula One magnates Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone have "made a recommended offer" for the Coca-Cola Championship club.
Briatore, head of the Renault F1 team, and Ecclestone will now take control of the club although current chairman Gianni Paladini will remain in position.
Briatore told the club's official website www.qpr.co.uk: "Bernie and I were delighted to receive a recommendation from the board of QPR for our bid for the club and we look forward to working alongside Gianni Paladini and his team.
"We are fully aware of the history of QPR and the loyal fanbase that it has and are totally committed to bringing future success back to the club."
Paladini said: "This offer provides much needed investment and an excellent opportunity to move the club forward which will be translated into positive results on the pitch.
"I am delighted that Flavio and Bernie have asked me to remain on the board and I hope to play a large part in the future of QPR."
The news was announced prior to the Championship clash with Southampton at Loftus Road, where all 11 Rangers players donned shirts shirts carrying Ray Jones' name on the back.
The 18-year-old striker was killed last weekend in a car accident and the club confirmed that no further comment on the takeover would be made today.
A statement said: "The club will be making no further comment at this stage, as our focus today remains on celebrating the life and times of Ray Jones, who tragically died in a motor accident last weekend." Sporting Life

SKY - F1 Bosses Take Over QPR
QPR have confirmed that Formula One magnates Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone have "made a recommended offer" for the club.
Briatore, head of the Renault F1 team, and Ecclestone, who runs Formula One, will now take control at Loftus Road.
Current chairman Gianni Paladini will remain in position.
Briatore said: "Bernie and I were delighted to receive a recommendation from the board of QPR for our bid for the club and we look forward to working alongside Gianni Paladini and his team.
"We are fully aware of the history of QPR and the loyal fanbase that it has and are totally committed to bringing future success back to the club."
Paladini said: "This offer provides much needed investment and an excellent opportunity to move the club forward which will be translated into positive results on the pitch.
"I am delighted that Flavio and Bernie have asked me to remain on the board and I hope to play a large part in the future of QPR." Skynews

Also one year ago, today, John Gregory's QPR lost 0-3 at home to Southampton: QPR's team: Camp, Curtis, Stewart, Mancienne (Cullip 84), Barker, Rowlands, Leigertwood, Bolder, Ephraim, Blackstock (Nygaard 69), Sahar (Nardiello 69). Subs Not Used: Cole, Bignot. - Match Reports After 3 games, QPR had one point.

On This Day...Nostalgia Flashback!-

September 1, 1981 - First Game on Plastic -
27 Years Ago, QPR Made English Football History: The First Game on Plastic!
RANGERS "CONTROVERSIAL" PLASTIC PITCH
September 1, 1981: Terry Venables QPR played Luton Town at Loftus Road, for their first home game of the season. (The previous Saturday, QPR won their season opener with a 3-1 win at Wrexham.) Andy King put QPR 1-0 before Luton scored twice to win it.
QPR's plastic was so controversial that originally the FA was not going to allow games to be played at Loftus Road. That never fortuitously didn't occur since that was the season that QPR went on to the FA Cup Final.
In ensuing seasons, following Rangers' example, Preston, Oldham and Luton itself followed suit. But the plastic fields were very controversial, with the claim that they gave an unfair advantage to the home teams, and supposedly players getting certain injuries. Also the bouncing ball off the surface, etc. And the term "controversial" came into almost newspaper match report of QPR games. Within a few years, the clubs had all given up their plastic.
QPR's Team for that opening game at home to Luton.
Burridge - Fenwick Hazell Roeder Gregory - Waddock Francis King - Allen Stainrod Flanagan
(A couple of years later, when QPR qualified for the UEFA Cup, their Plastic pitch was not permitted in Europe, so they had to play at Highbury.
Ironically, a few years earlier, Terry Venables had co-authored the book "They Used to Play on Grass"

Twelve Ago Today, Ray Wilkins Axed/"Resigned"
The Departure of Ray Wilkins
September 1, 1996: QPR having beaten Oxford and Portsmouth and drawn at Wolves; and lost Kevin Gallen through a terrible injury, played promotion-challenging Bolton at Loftus Road (and lost 2-1)
For newly-relegated QPR still under the managership (player manager) of Ray Wilkins and Frank Sibley and under the new ownership of Chris Wright...The QPR Board met with Wilkins, and ostensibly he left because he wanted to continue playing. But there were strong suggestions he was axed, even though Chris Wright and others denied that.
It was such a change from the less than two years previously, when Wilkins returned to QPR after Gerry Francis moved on to Spurs and in his first season, guided QPR to 8th. The following season, QPR sold Ferdinand and made some not-so great purchases: Zelic, Osbourne, Hately, Sommer.
And as a player, signed by Don Howe, in a deal arranged by axed Trevor Francis, Wilkins joined QPR on a free from Glasgow Rangers and made an immediate, brilliant impact on QPR. And for the next several seasons, was QPR's brilliant midfielder. There was a slight irony, since QPR under Dave Sexton in 1974/75 had tried to sign Wilkins as an 18 year old from Chelsea.
So Wilkins left and instead appointed Stuart Houston and Bruce Rioch (instead of Venables, George Graham or Alan Curbishly who were three names that were strongly touted.) And over the next year, Houston spent lavishly )approaching 8 million pounds + high wages) on John Spencer, Gavin Peacock, Steve Morrow, Lee Harper, Matt Rose, and finally....Mike Sheron. See QPRNet Q&A With Ray Wilkins

Bill Power's QPR Departure: Three Years Ago: QPR OFFICIAL SITE - SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 - BILL POWER
Today following advice from my doctor and after lengthy discussions with my family and each member of the board I am confirming my departure as chairman of QPR.
I am well aware of the feelings of supporters having received literally hundreds of goodwill messages. But I must be selfish and think of my own health and also the health of two family members, both lifelong R's - my beautiful mum and my lovely father-in-law, who are both in hospital and not in the best of health.
I have been in discussions for the last two months with