1882 QPR

SM's match report: (thanks to SM for allowing us to re-publish it)


Well having got back home unusually early from Loftus Road, I’ve found myself with a little bit of free time so I thought I would use it to write a report on today’s game (It’s been a while, so apologies if I am a little rusty!). 

I have to say that obviously on the whole this season has proved to be a big disappointment, and certainly isn’t one that will live long in the memory… And while the players have at times let us down, I think the same can be said of certain supporters as well. I’ll come back to that later in the report, but it has yet again left me with a bitter taste in my mouth after what was on the whole a pretty decent Ranger’s performance. 

The starting line up pretty much picked itself with Cerny in goal, and a defence made up of Leigertwood, Ramage, Gorkss and Tosic at left back. In midfield we had Hogan on the left, with Faurlin and Buzsaky in the middle and Priskin on the right. Upfront it was Taarabt playing just behind Simpson. 

We created our first chance of the game within literally the first 30 seconds. Leigertwood brought the ball forward from right back, and drilled it into the centre of the box. It seemed to flick up off a couple of players, and eventually found its way to Simpson who was now around 10 yards or so out. After creating just a little bit of space, we watched on as his shot flew wide of the right hand post. 

Taarabt was looking fairly sharp, and while he never had a chance to really run at the Cardiff backline, he had shown some nice touches and movement. I think there was around 8 minutes or so on the clock when he had his first chance to really get at their backline, and after Ephraim had played the ball through to Simpson, he in turn knocked it onto the left hand side of the box to the feet of Taarabt. After doing a couple of stepovers, he threw his body both right then left and the Cardiff defender was all at sea as he got to the by line… With that he flashed the ball across the face of goal with Priskin literally a couple of feet away from making contact with the ball. 

We were by far looking the more composed of the two sides, and it was again Taarabt that was looking the danger man. After Faurlin won back possession in the middle of the pitch, he managed to find Taarabt who was unmarked just inside our own half. After spinning away from the defender, he turned at goal and unleashed a curling effort on goal which smashed against the post and was booted clear. The keeper was well beaten, and had it been another inch or so more central no doubt we would be talking about another moment of magic from him. He looked to be enjoying himself, and we were by far looking the better side. 

Cardiff did muster their first ‘effort’ on goal shortly after through Jay Boothroyd. After a long ball up field managed to evade Ramage, Boothroyd found himself with space on the left hand side and drilled the ball right across the goalmouth. Cerny was alert to the danger though, and flew out in front of the on waiting striker to claim back possession. 

We did have a major let off shortly after, and the physical presence of Boothroyd was again causing us problems. It was again down that left hand side that they were looking to hurt us, and after smashing the ball across the goal again – this time it fell to Burke with literally just the keeper to beat. Fortunately, while he did hit the ball well it flew over the crossbar for a goal kick… Needless to say a whole host of sheep noises and abuse followed shortly after from the QPR fans. In truth, it was a terrible attempt and he should at very least have tested Cerny here. 

As the clock ticked down towards half time, both sides were cancelling each other out in truth. Ephraim cut in from the left hand side, and struck a shot from about 25 yards which was easily held by Marshall in the Cardiff goal. 

Aside from that we had one other effort literally on the brink of half time. Taarabt was again the architect, and after again putting a cross in from the left hand side it flew over Simpson’s head and Priskin couldn’t muster any reasonable effort on goal. As I’ve said in the past – I’m no huge admirer of Priskin, but I can’t comment on whether or not it was a decent chance as I didn’t have the best view of it. I’ll wait for the replays on that one! 

As the referee blew time on the first half, I was actually very satisfied with how we had played. The lack of any physical presence upfront was again apparent, but we had played some nice football, and definitely looked like we may have a goal in us. To be blunt though, the only player that looked like scoring was again Adel Taarabt. Simpson looked pretty off the pace, and I’ll choose not to comment on Priskin at this stage - because my keyboard probably won’t make it through the second half if I do. 

Aside from Taarabt, the one other player that really stood out was Peter Ramage. I think most are in agreement that while he is a lovely guy etc, he probably isn’t quite good enough to start week in week out for us. But on this performance in his preferred position of centre back, you just couldn’t fault him. His reading of the game certainly raised my eyebrows on a couple of occasions, it was very encouraging indeed. 

Both Warnock and Jones decided not to make any changes at half time, so with the sun beaming down on us the second half started. 

As was the case in the first half, we created our first effort on goal within the first minute. Tosic had been having a fairly solid (if unspectacular) game so far, but he sent a delightful cross into the box which found Priskin on the far post… As has been the case for the majority of loan spell the actual effort on goal was week and Marshall again collected it with ease. 

Next up, probably one of the biggest moments of the half. Taarabt picked up possession on the left hand side, and with Tosic bombing past him he feinted to pass then bursted down the left hand side leaving the midfielder standing. He got level with the edge of the box, and after some nifty footwork he delivered a glorious ball right into Hogan Ephraim who was located around the penalty spot. The defence were at sixes and sevens, and while Hogan had the time to bring the ball down, he opted to head the ball at goal and left Marshall again with a standard save to make. 

Continuing with our attacking play, Taarabt had yet another attempt on goal shortly after. This time after being fed possession by Buzsaky, he turned and ran central towards goal. With the Cardiff defence continuing to back off, he slid the ball onto his left foot and saw a venomous drive flash wide of the post. I noticed on the replays that the keeper stood rooted to the spot – he was well beaten and it would have been some goal. 

As had been the case for the majority of the game, we were by far looking the better side but we were nearly punished around the 60th minute mark. Cardiff found themselves with a freekick around 25 yards out with Whittingham stood over the ball. After waiting for the referee to blow his whistle, he struck the ball goalwards and it bounced up and hit Cerny in the face (?!) and with a flurry of Cardiff players waiting to pounce – Ramage flew in front of them all and scrapped the ball out for a corner. Going back to the original shot though, it really should have been a routine save for Cerny. But it was a reminder that despite being by far the better side, Cardiff were certainly no pushovers and still a threat going forward. 

Up the other end, and it was Ephraim that was this time guilty of missing another guilt edged chance. After coming deep for possession, Taarabt played a long ball into the box which was expertly plucked out of the air and controlled by Simpson, he delicately played a superb layoff for Hogan – but he blazed the ball over the bar and out for a goal kick. He couldn’t have been more than around 8 yards out, and no doubt will be kicking himself tonight that he didn’t give us a 1-0 lead at this stage. 

Gorkss nearly made up for the miss shortly after. We were awarded a corner after tireless running by Simpson pushed the defender into scuffing the ball out. Adel Taarabt came over to take the corner in front of the Q, P & R blocks, and received an ENORMOUS reception by the home supporters. I was keen to catch the emotion on his face, and while responding to us with a clap… he absolutely loved the hearty reception he got by this area of the ground – that was clear as daylight. With what felt like the whole area of this part of the ground all leaning forward bellowing “Sign him up, sign him up, sign him up!” he delivered a marvellous cross into the box, which Gorkss connected well with but it went just over the bar. Despite what was proving a frustrating afternoon, I was delighted to see him receive such an ovation. Funnily enough, the man stood next to me said that it was fully deserved with his recent performances and I couldn’t have agreed more with him. 

In typical Rangers fashion (pretty much a cliché with most QPR related games isn’t it?), we were made to pay for the missed chances a matter of minutes later. Faurlin was guilty of giving away possession cheaply when his pass central was picked out by one of their centre midfielders, and after playing the ball out wide – we watched as the cross somehow got past both Gorkss and Ramage and was met by Ledley at the back post. It send the Cardiff fans into a frenzy, and in all seriousness I was disappointed just to be drawing at this stage of the game with all the chances created… but to be losing was a real choker! 

My mood was further dampened a few minutes later. I think it was Tosic that played the ball through to Taarabt, and after managing to bustle past one defender he advanced on goal and saw what was a wild attempt on goal fly over the crossbar from outside the area. After looking towards the floor, I looked up to bizarrely see a small number of “fans” in the Upper Loft waving their fists shouting at him. He responded by giving his fair share of fists towards them, and signalled to Warnock that he wanted to be substituted! 

Warnock forced him to continue on the pitch though, and shortly after both Simpson and Ephraim were substituted for Cook & Parker. In the final minute the helpless Priskin was also bought off for German. We had two further chances with virtually no time left on the clock. 

Firstly after beating his man on the left hand side, Taarabt expertly crossed into the area and Cook came in with a flying volley that seemed to just smash into Marshall from little more than 5 yards out. It would have been a sweet moment, especially with the buoyant Cardiff fans now in full voice in anticipation of clinching their playoff spot. 

Next up, it was Parker that provided the trickery on the right hand side. After fooling the left back into thinking he would cut in, he darted down the right hand side and played a cushioned ball into the area that was just screaming out to be thumped home. Unfortunately Cook was just not quite on his wavelength and the ball was smashed clear. With that our final chance at nicking a draw went up in smoke, and the referee blew time on the game shortly after. 

In summary, I wasn’t anywhere near as disappointed with the result as I was with a number of our supporters today. On the positive, I actually thought the performance was very good, we played good neat attacking football but just lacked that cutting edge in the final third. 

On another day we would have ran out comfortable victors, had Adel’s shot hit the post and gone in, had Priskin had taken either of his 2 chances, had Hogan scored from either of his 3 (!), there was the Gorkss header… I really could go on. Obviously it was frustrating to not register any points after a performance like that, but let’s take nothing away from the opposition, Cardiff are a good side and rightly find themselves in with a great shot of gaining promotion to the Premier League – and we completely outplayed them today. Certainly not bad in my eyes. 

Now onto the negative bit… some of our supporters. Where once I was proud of the tremendous noise and backing found at Loftus Road, yet again I sit here completely ashamed of the fickle, childish and downright embarrassing behaviour of certain fans. Their treatment of some of our player’s just beggars belief at times, and I am truly astounded at the way in which they choose to act at times. 

Putting the whole “I pay good money / I have a right to boo” etc, let’s just look at the situation as a whole. 

On the day: Our most creative player – Adel Taarabt. Our biggest goal threat – Adel Taarabt. The man our new manager has publicly stated he wants to build his team around – Adel Taarabt. 

Since Warnock’s arrival: Our most creative player – Adel Taarabt. Our biggest goal threat – Adel Taarabt. 

Our number ONE transfer target – Adel Taarabt. 

I really do wonder what exactly I am missing here. Since Warnock’s arrival his form has been absolutely outstanding, just a delight to watch - completely unplayable at CCC level. For me, if (it’s a massive IF) we could manage to sign him, I think it would be a truly stunning coup for the club. Had his shot flown into the roof of the net today, the message boards would go into meltdown at what a marvellous player and how we would be stupid not to sign him etc, yet because he missed (and reacted immaturely) to supporters no doubt many will be calling for his head. 

I wasn’t fortunate enough to witness the likes of Stan Bowles play for our club (I am in now way trying to put Adel in the same bracket as him). But many older generations of QPR fans have told me about him, and they use almost the same words for him every single time. “It could be a rubbish game, neither side doing anything at all, Stan does absolutely nothing, then suddenly he will turn on a piece of magic and we get the 3 points!” 

Like I said, whilst I’m not putting Adel in the same league as Bowles, the comparison is very much the same. It only takes on moment of magic from him to turn a game on it’s head, sadly I fear that with the attitude of some supporters we will only be able to enjoy him for another 3 games. What a crying shame. 

Player Ratings – 

Cerny – Didn’t have an awful lot to do in honesty. Looked comfortable enough when tested on the rare occasions throughout the afternoon. He still insists on walking the ball past oncoming opposition (and I still insist I would rather see him blast it into row Z). Not sure he had much chance with the goal, so fairly good game from him. 

Tosic – I was keen to get a good look at him today, and I thought he again showed he’s a fairly decent player. On a couple of occasions his passes were slightly over hit and misplaced, but I would put that down to lack of games as opposed to ability. Certainly didn’t look the liability at left back as Hill has been, and I thought on the whole looked impressive. Good coming forward too. 

Gorkss – Little bit more like the composed Gorkss from earlier in the season. I have to say his form has been edgy recently, but I thought he had a good game. Shame to see his header go over the bar in the second half. 

Ramage – Really impressed me at centre back. Like I mentioned earlier in the report, he is a player that I don’t always feel completely comfortable with, but you just couldn’t fault him. Read the game spectacularly, and more than filled in for Stewart. Actually hoping that he continues this form throughout our remaining games, looked far more at home here. Arguably our man of the match. 

Leigertwood – Obviously the goal came from down his side, but I think it would be harsh to point the finger at him. Like Gorkss, his recent form hasn’t really impressed me at all. But broke up possession a number of times, although did also get caught out on a couple of occasions. 

Hogan – Really should have done better with the chances he was provided with. Well up for the fight, and full of endeavour and effort. Looked gutted at the end. 
Faurlin – Not his best game for us in honesty. Didn’t quite run the midfield as he has done over the last few weeks, but he was LONG LONG overdue a slightly below par game. By no means had a poor performance. No doubt will be disappointed with the goal, but as ever his work rate was top notch. 

Buzsaky – Tough one to judge from him today. Displayed a couple of nice touches and passes, but far too defensive for my liking. Couldn’t really influence that game coming forward as he can do, but nice to see him given a run out in the middle! 

Faurlin – Not his best game for us in honesty. Didn’t quite run the midfield as he has done over the last few weeks, but he was LONG LONG overdue a slightly below par game. By no means had a poor performance. No doubt will be disappointed with the goal, but as ever his work rate was top notch.

Priskin – Think he was a lucky man that he was virtually next to the board when he was eventually substituted, what a shocking performance! I have looked at him from every possible perspective, and after seeing him since his arrival I have come to the conclusion that he is lazy, completely disinterested, sloppy and… well… rubbish! When people talk of not wanting to see a player in a QPR shirt again, this is the man that those kind of comments should be associated with. A complete waste of space. No chance in the world Warnock will sign him. Think he has had one decent game since being here. 

Simpson – Not sure what has happened with Simpson. Full of energy and running, certainly looked fitter than he has done in recent weeks, but its just not happening for him. Thought he actually held the ball up quite well at times today, but just isn’t getting the chances at the moment. Possibly lacking a little confidence? 

Taarabt – Shouldn’t have responded to the idiots that decided to lay into him, and certainly shouldn’t have signalled that he wanted to be substituted! That side of him was very disappointing. On the whole though he was hands down our best player going forward. Yes he was maybe a little greedy at times, but I would rather see that spark then for him to strut round the pitch looking dis-interested ala Priskin. If anything I would say he tried too hard. Would love to see him score another wonder goal on Tuesday and silence those critics. 

Substitutes – 

Cook – Unlucky with his effort on goal, but didn’t have much time to make an impact. 

Parker – Nice couple of runs down the right hand side, and cracking ball into the box right at the death. Hope to see abit more of him. 

German – No time to make any impact. 

Thanks for taking the time to read this, sorry it maybe wasn’t the nicest of reports… But I left today more frustrated with a game than I have been for a long time. 

Let’s hope for a similar performance against Watford. 

U R’ssss!!! 

Could a non league giant in Buckingham Town FC be the next football club to go out of buisness?

Buckingham Town was formed in 1883 and has had much success on the non league circuit.  This includes:

FA Vase record Buckingham Town have had a lot of success in the past in the FA Vase. They are rated in 2000 as having the 4th best record in the competition by the “Non-League Club Directory”  having entered for 22 seasons and reaching the 6th round on two occasions in 1990-91 and 1992-1993 seasons. FA Vase record at the archive index.

FA Cup record Their best run in the FA Cup was to the first round in 1984-85 where they played Leyton Orient, losing in front of their record attendance of 2,451.

FA Trophy record They also competed in the FA Trophy from 1994 for three seasons In 2005 they even managed to sign Ex Arsenal player Christopher Wreh cousain of Footballing legend George Weah. Buckingham Town have witnessed many good times in their long 127 year history.  But now the club has gone into deep financial trouble.  They have been given a deadline of July 2010 to pay a £6,000 debt or they will be forced to lock the gates for ever.  The financial problems have led to the playing staff being told their wages will have to stop (which led to a mass exodus of players leaving), & The ladlord locking the gates to the stadium leading to matches being postponed. HELP NEEDED Buckingham Town and the local community for the past 4 weeks have launched a campaign called 'SAVE OUR FOOTBALL CLUB' Queens Park Rangers FC from the Coca Cola Championship have offered help.  BTFC first team captain Chris Robson met with QPR chairman Gianni Paladini and Media Manager Paul Morrissey and came up with a plan to help BTFC.  QPR's generosity has seen them help BTFC by donating; *  2 signed shirts & 2 signed footballs for BTFC to auction at a fund raising event. *  A donation from the club to help with the financial problems *  A advert in a home programme and on www.qpr.co.uk to make the QPR fanbase aware of the help and a link to donate if they wish. If any QPR fans would like follow QPR's lead and help with donations please visit www.bt-fc.co.uk and scroll down to the 'SAVE THE ROBINS' campaign. Buckingham Town FC to the local community is the same as QPR to you fans.  Imagine a Saturday without QPR or no QPR at all?  It is a nightmare that could be a relaity to the good people of Buckingham. SAVE BUCKINGHAM TOWN FC!!!! www.bt-fc.co.uk Offiicial Website www.twitter.com/BuckinghamTown Follow the Robins on Twitter

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It's the dream of every football-loving dad to one day see his child play for the team he loves. For me it's a case of when, not if.

It's not that little Lois is being touted as the next Wayne Rooney (even Arsenal don't take on under-2s - yet) but having Down's syndrome, she qualifies to play for the QPR Tiger Cubs - a side made up entirely of children born with the condition.

Of course, Lois has to learn to walk first (at 23 months she has perfected the fine art of bum-shuffling) but when she reaches the magical age of seven, she'll be turning up at Tiger Cubs HQ decked out in the blue and white hoops - whether she wants to or not.

QPR are one of six football clubs in England who run teams for children with Down's syndrome - Fulham, Charlton, Manchester United, Hereford and West Ham make up the rest - and supporters of the scheme are confident these numbers will continue to grow.

Patricia James, corporate fundraising officer for the Down's Syndrome Association, said: "It all started when a colleague of mine spoke to Fulham in 2006 about disability football. A pilot scheme for the Fulham Badgers was launched later that year, and it got a fantastic response.

 

"We had been getting feedback from parents of children with Down's syndrome who couldn't find any sporting activity for them to do. Eighty five per cent of these children are enrolled in mainstream primary schools, but when it comes to physical activity they often get left on the sidelines because their oxygen intake is up to 40% less.

"With this initiative, the children are becoming more active and gaining confidence. It's also very important for their emotional and social development. Unlike sport in the mainstream schools, it's a level playing field for everyone and they can take what they learn on the training pitches into the classroom and everyday life."

QPR Community Trust chief executive Andy Evans, who oversees the Tiger Cubs, concurs. "It's been phenomenal," he said. "The kids get an incredible amount of satisfaction, a sense of belonging, and it provides a support network for the parents where they can share common experiences.

"I've heard stories of children in mainstream education being called up in assembly wearing their QPR kit and the whole school giving them a round of applause because they're playing for the Tiger Cubs."

Training sessions are held every Monday night and the most difficult task facing the coaches is getting the children to leave the pitch at the end.

Head coach Adam Finch explained: "We try to keep the sessions as energetic as we can and we also have a fundamental group where we concentrate more on the motor skills - running, skipping, jumping, that sort of stuff.

"It's fantastic, always good fun. Some football sessions can get a bit stale, but never with the Tiger Cubs. It's always new, fresh and exciting - and if the kids are excited, you can't help but get excited as well."

The scheme first came to my attention last year, when the team showed off their skills during a half-time display at Loftus Road. The crowd were right behind them, cheering every goal that went in, and the kids milked the applause that came their way.

I'd be lying if I said it didn't bring a tear to my eye, but it also made me realise that any preconceptions I had about Lois not being able to do the things other children took for granted were misplaced. Let's face it, after coming through major heart surgery at three months old and having to be fed through a tube for a year, kicking a football around should be a doddle.

We didn't know Lois (pictured right) was going to be born with Down's syndrome - in fact after the 12-week scan, the nurse confidently predicted there was a one in 8,000 chance - so when we found out it was a shock to say the least. But you learn to adapt and nearly two years on, I can honestly say I wouldn't have her any other way.

Birmingham City midfielder Lee Carsley, whose 11-year-old son, Connor, has Down's syndrome, agrees. "You can get burdened down with it or take it in your stride," he said. "Of course you still think about it every day but if you lay in bed worrying about it all night you'd never be able to get anything done.

"I treat all my kids the same - I'm no different to any other Dad. I love them all - although sometimes they can be a pain!"

Carsley is a tireless fundraiser in his role as patron of the Solihull Down's syndrome support group and is in talks with Birmingham's new owners about the possibility of setting up a team in the mould of the Tiger Cubs.

He said: "I think it's a really good thing for the kids and can only be beneficial. Connor goes on some football coaching classes but they're all at different levels and he sometimes gets left behind.

"He's proud of me and what I do but while my other kids understand my role, Connor's a bit of a glory hunter. He wants me to score a goal and that's it. It would break his heart if he knew I haven't scored many!"

Carsley's former Everton team-mate Kevin Kilbane is patron of the DSActive charity, encouraging children with Down's syndrome to get involved in sport, and is heavily involved in promoting teams like the Fulham Badgers and QPR Tiger Cubs.

The Hull midfielder, who won his 103rd cap for the Republic of Ireland against Brazil, has a five-year-old daughter, Elsie, with Down's syndrome, and handed out the medals when the Badgers and Cubs recently teamed up to play a visiting Hong Kong XI.

"It's a really important scheme and it's gaining momentum by the week," he said. "The work the team has put in has been phenomenal, but it would be great to get more kids involved. At the moment there's not that much competition for the children with Down's syndrome or any other disability and I'd love every club to one day have its own team."

As for Lois, she turns two on 9 April, meaning it will be a mere 1,825 days before I finally get the chance to see her in action for the Tiger Cubs. The first two years of her life have coincided with extraordinary goings-on at my club that have seen a succession of managers come and go, leaving a team tipped for promotion embroiled in a relegation battle.

The changing of the guard in the boardroom, coupled with the arrival of football's Mr Motivator, Neil Warnock, will hopefully steady the ship, although even Warnock would struggle to replicate the drive and enthusiasm shown by the Cubs.

Indeed some of the footballing prima donnas ticked off by England coach Fabio Capello last week could do worse than pop down to witness this unbridled passion first-hand. And not a WAG or a Ferrari in sight.

On 10 April, a few of us will be walking from QPR's Loftus Road ground to Crystal Palace's stadium at Selhurst Park - ahead of the game between the sides - to raise money for the Tiger Cubs. Find out more here.

this is something i have done as a season long review up to now as you will read, please let me know what you think as if there shyte i will stop =P

A piece by East paddok Nutta aka Chris (Co written EPN Senior)



** Pre season **


Which great manager are we going to get?

The list of names are endless! But surprisingly enough none of them inspire that unique feeling of optimism when you know you have wealth behind the scenes. You start to think there's something wrong here, the only guys putting there head above the parapet have failed dismally at there previous clubs? So we end up with Jim Magilton and yet again Flabio states what magnificent "Quedentials" he has for the job (meaning a young manager who will be my yes man) it leaves most rangers fans, even the most optimistic of rangers fans completely non plaused as we can not see any real improvement.

Why Magilton? Why was he the yes man? Why did Briatore want him? Why did any one want him?

In Magilton's first season in charge as a manager (06-07) he led Ipswich to a satisfactory 14th position. Then, in the 2007–08 Season, Magilton lead Town to an impressive 8th place finish, missing out on the play-offs by a single point. This position was obtained by virtue of Town's excellent home record despite their poor away form. However despite substantial investment in the squad the team failed to make the play-offs in the 2008-09 season.
Not exactly a glowing reference to say the least but magilton was our manager.



** Start of the season **

Mediocre

Pre season, to be honest i didn't attend any friendly's as i was not one bit interested in travelling to Oxford so on. Plus i was still hugely annoyed by allot of things that happened last season, i.e Sousa sacking, Blackstock loaning and camp going E.T.C.

Even at the very beginning of the season it felt like we were a joke by the way we were being run and who was running the club. The signing of Faurlin raised some eyebrows with Rangers breaking the bank to bring in the Argentine smashing the record of Mike Sherons transfer nearly 11 odd years ago.

With Taarabt returning to us for another season and the likes of Buzacky and Vine returning Magilton was going to have good selection of players available to him. Seeing players like Taarabt, Faurlin, Buzacky inspires optimism, them kind of flair players we all like to see wearing hooped shirts. An early season spanking of Exeter and only two defeats before we met the dreaded scum that is called "Chelsea" seemed OK, but was mostly mediocre. Agreed we competed better against Chelsea this time round than we was last time. We should of got a draw!



** Early to middle**

"The Chelsea Backlash"

Having felt a bit cheated at Stamford Bridge we started handing out spankings left right and centre on a regular basis, something we have not done for a long time (Sousa regime it was an accomplishment to score more than 2 goals, but that's an argument for watrb and pro sousa crew etc).

Barnsley you might of expect Rangers to get a decent result, but Preston 4-0 , Reading 4-1 and smashing Derby at there place 4-2 coming back from 2-0 down?!!??!! Am i still watching Queens Park Rangers??!!??!!
SOMEONE WAKE ME UP PLEASE!!??
I didnt go but i have been told by QPR and Newcastle fans that we put on a hell of a good show up there and should of won. Not many teams can say that this season. One defeat away to Paulo Sousas Swansea the spectre of a Sousa backlash. On the whole a very satisfying period sitting top half of the table looking like play off candidates something we could only dream of now.

But who was to take credit? Was it Magilton? Flabio? Gianni? Jude/sparky the cat? Im not sure now looking in heinseight if the staff at QPR were really sure but what was about to happen in the next few months was to show who thought they deserved the credit for that particular run.



** Middle to late Season **

Catastrophic! - Player Power = puppy power

Just when you think that Magilton (or any manager) is finally able to blend a collection of very talented individuals together as a team ( always suspecting that most of them had been hoisted upon him) the wheels fall well and truly off the wagon, starting with Leister coming to a head literally at Watford. Our suspicions are confirmed the players have more power than the manager and yet again the guy with all these fantastic quedentials, qualities E.T.C has actually let them down and is given the golden gag around his mouth and sent on his way, not Briatores fault of course and Paladini totally blameless as well. Akos (as much as i rate him and other do to) went about things in the wrong way too. But can you blame him? No one really knows whether to hate him or not, the only thing is it has certainly affected his performances.

How could we be in this position? A ship with no rudder or any form of control at all just wondering from one disaster to another in complete freefall. With gallen and Bircham taking charge we all are starting to think "its bottom of the barrel time again" but unbelievably we out play West Brom on there own turf and should of won if it Pellacori and Faurlin would of just hanged onto the ball! Instead given them the opportunity to equalise.

Behind the scenes whilst all this is going are backroom team decided to look for another outstanding candidate to take on the Queens Joke Rangers hot seat. They find someone again perfect for the job with all the right Quedentials. What did we do to deserve such a miserable looking pair as Paul Hart and Mick Harford? (biggest pair of losers ever!) Quite obviously the players yet again never like Hart and he didnt last long (there's nothing to write about it thats how much of a joke that managerial period was!).

The players were probably terrified by Mick Harford and Dot Cottons, sorry Nick Cottons Vinney Jones like management Style " DO AS WE TELL YA OR ELSE!!" type scenario. you had to question Mick Harfords evaluation of players when he brings in Quashie (whos legs have obviously gone) and a goal score in Marcus Bent who hasnt scored in a year, his confidence must be at an all time low!. The only thing Mick Harford said/ done was then he mentioned that QPR and the fans deserve a good manager- and that obviously was not him.



** Latter part of season **

"Complete optimism - The Warnock affect"

At last, At last, At last, At last, At last, At last, At last!!!!!! Briatore finally goes!!!!!! THANK THE FOOTBALL GODS!!!!!! HE HASNT TAKEN ALL OF HIS TOM, Putz AND ARRY'S WITH HIM AND LEFT US BANKRUPT EITHER!!!!! Instead we have a proper chairman in Ishan Saksena and a manager who clearly states he would have not come here if Briatore was still in W12, plus the news that is Colin will choose the players and what ones play. We now know that the team that goes on the pitch is the best equipped to get a result and we do so straight away with a very convincing win against West Brom and beating Plymouth too.

Up to playing preston we only had one defeat at Reading and we were cheated out of that game by a certain posters uncle from WATRB!! If we would of had 11 men on the field we would of for sure one that game. Its a certainty we we stay up mainly now because "the Paul Hart affect" has been influenced onto Palace now and they look like certs to go down IMO.

HERES LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT SEASON!

For who ever we get i'm sure that with Warnock in charge the team will all ways have a balanced performance and purpose, a team that plays for the manager and most importantly

us the QPR fans

U R'SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Scott Jones from We are the Rangers Boys shares his views with Vital QPR about the forthcoming Championship season.

How do you rate Rangers performance last season?

Disappointing, to say the very least. I honestly thought we should have been top 6 contenders and our early form demonstrated that we had the potential to be there or there abouts. There's a host of reasons why we finished as low as we did - injuries to key players, managers tinkering, owners tinkering even! but, I think it all boils down to one thing - consistency. 

Something a few players lacked and something the board obviously lacked with our firing of two managers. Albeit I suppose you could say that the board were consistent by booting the gaffer as soon as he cheesed them off.

What was your stand out moment?

It has to be the Birmingham game. I can't remember being so cold at a night game in my entire life, it was absolutely bloody freezing. I'm not sure where it came from but, the atmosphere at Loftus Road was electric that night, absolutely electric. 

Was it the poor refereeing, was it everyone being so damned cold we collectively subconsciously decided to stay alive we'd sing and clap our hearts out? Who knows? As Amit Bhatia said since then, at times the atmosphere created by us fans simply made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up...It was almost on a par with the Oldham game. Lets hope we can create that buzz at Loftus Road this season.

How do you feel about the appointment of Jim Magilton?

I won't lie - he certainly wasn't my first choice, indeed he wasn't even my second, third or fourth choice. I would have been ecstatic if De Canio had returned or we'd snapped someone up like Stuart Pearce.; but, I'm pleased as punch now. 

It looks like he wants to play the style of football that we all crave, one, two touch fast flowing attacking football, on the deck. I do think however that Gorman is as key as Madge is. From talking to them and a fair few other people it seems as if Magilton is the man motivator and that Gorman is the tactical brains of the pairing. 

As long as they're both left alone to get on with their jobs I think we may have snapped up a wonder team with these two.

Do you feel Rangers have strengthened adequately?

Yes, pretty much. Adel is a fantastic coup for us and, from reports, Faurlín is a player with the skill of Ledesma/Parejo BUT will track back and do the graft that was missing from those two (especially Parejo). 

I'd still like us to pick up some competition for the defence, someone young like Martin Cranie - although it seems Ramone Rose is being groomed for the right-back role. 

Finally, we may need another player up top, I suppose it all depends on how Piccalilli (or whatever his name is) gets on. Injuries are the key for us, if we can keep everyone fit for the campaign I think we have a great squad, much improved on last season.

Who will be the key player(s) for the R`s this season?

Yes he's young and no we shouldn't heap too much on him but, I reckon Balanta is a man to watch. Noises from the training ground and from the pre-season tour is that he is on absolute fire and looks more than ready to step up to the first team as a regular. He's earnt his stripes and now I hope Magilton gives him a run so we can see if he really can do the business. 

Then, rather than a player it's a complete unit - the defence. I think that our new signings and players returning from injury will sort out the business end of the pitch, we just need the defence to repeat their immense display from last season to round it all off.

Where do you expect the R`s to finish this season?

Play-offs -without a doubt.

Championship - Who will be…

Champions: I've a funny feeling that Ipswich will win it.

Overachievers: Forest. They had a torrid time last year and although I don't expect them to be challenging for the play-offs I certainly think they'll finish better than they did last season.

Underachievers: Newcastle. They've the shortest odds for promotion and are the hot favourites to win the league. I reckon they could end up not even making the play-ofs.

Young Player to Watch: Angelo Balanta

Top Goalscorer: Hmm, really not sure. Maybe Rob Hulse.

You can visit Scott at We are the Rangers Boys by Clicking Here >>>

Many thanks to Scott for taking the time to contribute

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