History will be kind to me because I intend to write it

QPR VICE-CHAIRMAN - CREDIT CRUNCH IS BITING

Queens Park Rangers vice-chairman Amit Bhatia claims the credit crunch is hampering the club's Premier League ambitions.

When Formula One supremos Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone teamed up with steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal - Bhatia's father-in-law - to buy QPR 18 months ago, the West London outfit were hailed as the richest club in the world.

Briatore said at the time that QPR would be challenging the likes of AC Milan in Europe within four years but it seems the goalposts have moved because of the global financial crisis.

QPR are currently 10th in the Championship, and have, in Paulo Sousa, their fifth manager since the takeover.

"When we got involved with the club we were last, [and] we finished 14th [at the end of the season]," said Bhatia. "That was success. We were 14th last season so if we finish seventh [one place outside the play-offs] this season we've definitely shown improvement.

"We are heading in the right direction but, just the same as any other supporter, I wish we could do better than seventh - I wish we could make the play-offs.

"We've shown progressive success and as long as we continue to do well there's no reason we shouldn't be playing Premiership football soon, and I hope that we will happen."

Bhatia explained that the downturn in the global economy has changed football, and predicts substantial problems for even the biggest clubs.

He continued: "A lot of the top clubs are sponsored by financial institutions - Manchester United and AIG, Northern Rock and Newcastle.

"And as we find ourselves in a crisis I think not only will the clubs lose sponsors, which means they'll have less money to spend, but they'll be less money spent on players.

"In other aspects, also, I think clubs have been over-leveraged in the past and that's one of the things that we came in and tried to fix at QPR. But these are tough times and the industry is definitely being affected by what's happening."

Labels: Amit Bhatia, Championship, Queens Park Rangers

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 1:24 pm | Permalink | Comments

QPR SAVED BY BLACKSTOCK'S LATE HEADER

Dexter Blackstock saved Queens Park Rangers’ blushes with an equalising goal only three minutes from time against ten-man Coventry at Loftus Road. The away side thought they had nicked the winning goal when Danny Fox fired in a free-kick against the run of play with 17 minutes remaining, following team-mate Steven Wright's first-half dismissal. But leading scorer Blackstock bravely chased a through ball and rose above the onrushing goalkeeper, Keiren Westwood, to nod home.

QPR had the better of the first half, though while they enjoyed the majority of the possession they found little end product. After seven minutes Icelandic international striker Heidar Helguson, whose loan deal from Bolton Wanderers was made permanent in the week, swiveled and shot in the Coventry area, though his stike was weak and easily gathered by Westwood in the away goal.

Helguson had another chance nine minutes later when the ball dropped to him on the area’s edge, though the 31-year-old was wasteful again and laced his half-volley high over the bar.

Wayne Routledge, the former England Under-21 winger, soon began to show why QPR shelled out £600,000 in the week, as he menaced Coventry down the left flank. He gave right-back Aron Gunarsson a torrid time. When Routledge, who turned 24 on Wednesday, skipped past him after 25 minutes, centre back Wright had to come across and foul him on the edge of the area.

Though QPR failed to make the free-kick count, a booking was dished out, and that should have calmed Wright down. But, nine minutes later, his challenge on Helguson – a studs-first assault that reached Helguson’s stomach – warranted a straight red card from referee Keith Stroud, and should have changed the game’s complexion.

In injury time before the interval QPR, with their tails up, managed their first meaningful shot on Westwood’s goal – left-back Damian Delaney fizzed a shot that the goalkeeper did well to parry.

After the break QPR huffed and puffed but still found Coventry hard to break down, missing the influence of creative midfielder Lee Cook who was sidelined with injury. Ten minutes in to the half Mikele Leigertwood looped over a pass that beat the away side’s offside trap and, with the goal gaping, Blackstock could only scuff his shot wide left.

With Routledge now on the right, QPR tried to change the angle of attack, but the home crowd were getting restless at the lack of real chances. With just over 20 minutes remaining Helguson was profligate once again, when he failed to poke in Deleney’s driven cross.

And those wasted chances cost QPR dearly as, when a frustrated Helguson fouled Michael Misfud after losing possession, he conceded a free-kick 30-yards out, slightly to the right. Danny Fox, the left-back who is a set-piece specialist, stepped up and coolly placed his effort inside the right-hand post of Radek Cerny’s goal.

Helguson, anxious to make amends, proceeded to miss two more gilt-edged opportunities – one which sliced out for a throw in. Luckily his strike partner, Blackstock, was more fortunate, and put his head in bravely in the 87th minute while chasing substitute Emmanuel Ledesma’s hopeful punt. He headed in the leveler and the relief was palpable for the home side. While they took their unbeaten run at home to six games, question marks will remain over their potency up front.

Labels: Champions League, Coventry, Dexter Blackstock, Paulo Sousa, Queens Park Rangers

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 6:46 pm | Permalink | Comments

LEE COOKING A STORM AT QPR

Lee Cook believes Queens Park Rangers should rush to secure the services of on-loan striker Heidar Helguson, who scored twice in the London side’s 3-2 win over Preston North End on Saturday.

Dextor Blackstock came off the QPR bench with nine minutes to go and headed the winner after Chris Sedgwick and Callum Davidson had earlier equalised for the visitors.

Helguson opened the scoring with a powerful header from Cook’s cross and claimed his side’s second – but Cook is positive that he had the last touch.

“I told him he could claim it because he is a goalscorer,” grinned the 26-year-old. “But I know it was my goal and he owes me one, definitely. He kicked my foot and then ran away celebrating!

“Heidar gives us something different. He is great in the air for his height and he gets in the right places to score goals – that is what he is all about. We have lacked that kind of player. I hope he is here for the long haul, and the club sort it out and get him in.”

Like the 31-year-old Icelandic international, midfielder Cook is on loan until January, but is hoping to re-join the Hoops, a club he “loves”. He added: “Hopefully my deal is going to be tied up this week.

“We can get it done and dusted and then we can relax more. I love this place and I want to sign and ensure my future is here and I’m glad the club is showing faith again.

“The team spirit is great at the minute – we are all enjoying playing under the new boss. He has completely changed our style – we are trying to play more football. With his coaching and his ideas I think we are going to be successful.”

Labels: Campio, Lee Cook, Paulo Sousa, Queens Park Rangers

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 9:00 pm | Permalink | Comments

BLACKSTOCK LATE SHOW LEAVES SOUSA PROUD AND PRESTON BITTER

Dexter Blackstock came off the bench and headed the winning goal four minutes from time in Queens Park Rangers’ 3-2 victory over Preston North End at Loftus Road to keep alive their hopes of promotion from the Championship. Heidar Helguson had scored twice in the first half for Paulo Sousa’s side but Preston twice equalised – however the Portuguese’s late gamble paid off.

“We needed to take a risk as we wanted to get the three points,” said the 38-year-old who has won all three of his home games since taking charge last month. “It was very important – we had planned for these occasions in training. It was fantastic when Dexter scored and I am proud of my players for getting the three points.”

The Portuguese’s team started the brighter and first tested Andy Lonergan in the Preston goal after only two minutes. Lee Cook, handed a free role behind strikers Helguson and Patrick Agyemang, fizzed a shot from the edge of the area that Lonergan could only parry. First to the rebound was Agyemang, who, having not scored since September, would love to have netted against the club he left last January. But Lonergan was quick to charge down the Walthamstow-born forward and his shot was turned wide of the post.

QPR had their tails up, and with Cook pulling the strings, it was no surprise when they took the lead after 16 minutes. The 26-year-old Cook, whose loan deal from Fulham is set to become permanent in January, was the provider. His delicious cross from the left flank was met by Helguson’s head at the far post, and the Icelandic international cleverly nodded back to the left of the goal, giving Lonergan no chance.

But having scored and dominated the first 20 minutes Sousa’s team relaxed and the travelling side took advantage of their complacency in the 28th minute. Paul McKenna cleverly clipped over a pass from the left that found Chris Sedgwick, who had sneaked in from his right wing. The 28-year-old stole in and skillfully steered his header past Radek Cerny, into the bottom right-hand corner – it was his first goal of the season.

QPR hit back with 10 minutes of the first half remaining. At the far post the hard-working Agyemang headed Martin Rowlands’s corner back across goal where Cook and Helguson were the first to react. From three yards out the pair managed to bundle the ball into the net, though the goal was attributed to Helguson, who scored his first goal for his loan club last weekend in the 1-1 draw with Plymouth and looks to have found his touch.

QPR had chances to put the game to bed, but Preston were handed a lifeline in the second half when referee Alan Wiley deemed that Cerny had felled Sean St Ledger in the area. Callum Davidson stepped up and cracked the ball straight to net his second spot kick of the season.

Sousa threw on leading scorer Blackstock with nine minutes remaining and it proved just the tonic. Cook was awarded a free kick on the left and Rowland’s kick was nodded in powerfully by Blackstock, who scored his tenth goal of the campaign.

Sousa’s opposite man, Alan Irvine, felt hard done by, and said: “In the first half QPR were the better team. I was praying for the whistle to go before any more damage was done. But in the second half we were the better team and I expected us to win the game.

“We deserved something. I thought it was a good game of football but it was disappointing to lose to a late goal. It was harsh to come away with nothing.”

Sousa, whose team are now only three points off a play-off place, picked out Cook, who is due to return to Fulham in January, for special praise. He said of the 26-year-old: “Lee came to us with an injury but is getting better and physically stronger. We need players of Lee’s quality to help us achieve the success that we strive.”

He will hope to extend Cook’s deal, but remained tight-lipped when asked if he would be doing more business in the upcoming transfer window. “I believe a lot in my players. With them I’m sure – I don’t have doubts – my team can get better and better and be more consistent. We can be competitive until the end.”

Man-of-the-match: Lee Cook
The midfielder was behind all that was good about QPR, particularly in the first half.

QPR: 4-4-2
Paulo Sousa 9/10
Cerny 5; Ramage 6 (Blackstock 6 81), Gorkss 6, Stewart 6, Delaney 6 (Hall 6 81); Ephraim 6, Mahon 6 (Leigertwood 6), Rowlands 6, Cook 8; Agyemang 7, Helguson 8.
Subs: Hall, Leigertwood, Blackstock, Ledesma, Di Carmine.

Preston: 4-4-2
Alan Irvine 5/10
Lonergan 6; Nolan 6, Mawene 7, St. Ledger 7, Davidson 6; Sedgwick 7 (Whaley 90), Nicholson 6, McKenna 6, Wallace 5; Parkin 7, Chris Brown 6.
Subs: Neal, Hawley, Carter, Simon Whaley, Jones.

MATCH RATING: 8/10

REFEREE WATCH: Alan Wiley 7/10

Labels: Championship, Dexter Blackstock, Paulo Sousa, Preston North End, Queens Park Rangers

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 7:53 pm | Permalink | Comments

HELGUSON DEAL OVER?

Gareth Ainsworth, the Queens Park Rangers caretaker manager, will not be able to call upon the services of Heidar Helguson for Saturday's Championship match at Loftus Road against Burnley.

The London club, seventh in the table, had been trying to speed up the loan deal for the Bolton forward having learned that Akos Buzsaky is likely to be out for the rest of the season with cruciate ligament damage following the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.

QPR had targeted the out-of-favour Icelandic international, 31, but Ainsworth, who cannot suggest possible targets himself, has revealed that the deal could be scuppered.

"It's something that I'm not really dealing with - people above me are trying to sort things out out with Heidar," said the 35-year-old of Helguson, who had a medical at the club on Thursday afternoon. "But I think they have hit a couple of stumbling blocks. The squad I have at the moment is the squad I have to select from against fifth-placed Burnley, who defeated Chelsea on penalties on Wednesday.

"Being caretaker manager it is very difficult to suggest players for the club. I have a lot to deal with at the moment. But at the moment I am very happy with the squad - it's very strong.

"We have a strong enough squad to defeat anyone in the league. So hopefully we can get a result against giant-killers Burnley at home."

On Buzsaky's absence Ainsworth added: "Akos has been one of our best players of late. He came back and has been opening defences up. He does magical things so he is going to be a huge loss."

Labels: Akos Buzsaky, Burnley, Championship, Gareth Ainsworth, Heidar Helguson, Queens Park Rangers

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 1:56 pm | Permalink | Comments

QPR CLOSE IN ON HELGUSON

Queens Park Rangers will step up their approach to sign out-of-favour Bolton striker Heidar Helguson following the news that Akos Buzsaky has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Hungarian attacker Buzsaky hopped off in the London club’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in the Carling Cup after 33 minutes. Scans have revealed that the 26-year-old suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage and he will undergo surgery later this week.

“Unfortunately, Akos will be sidelined for between six to nine months,” said the Championship club’s physio, Paul Hunter. “His studs got caught in the turf and his right knee twisted and regrettably he now faces a long period out.

“We've see the surgeon and he'll be going in for surgery in the coming days.”

QPR had been looking to loan a number of players to boost their attacking options, but manager Gareth Ainsworth has now contacted Gary Megson at Bolton about Icelandic striker Helgurson, 31. Sources suggest that the 31-year-old, who had a medical at the club on Thursday, will move on loan initially, with a view to a permanent move worth £1m.

“There was contact from QPR,” revealed the Bolton manager, “but I can't say at the moment what will or won't happen.”

QPR host giant-killers Burnley on Saturday as Ainsworth looks to continue his impressive start as caretaker manager – the Hoops have won seven points from four games since he took over from Iain Dowie.

Labels: Akos Buzsaky, Championship, Heidar Helguson, Queens Park Rangers

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 4:26 pm | Permalink | Comments

AINSWORTH HOPING FOR "UNBELIEVABLE" OLD TRAFFORD RESULT

Gareth Ainsworth hopes that an "unbelievable" result against reigning European and English champions Manchester United on Tuesday night in the Carling Cup Fourth Round will help convince Queens Park Rangers co-owner Flavio Briatore that he is the right man for the manager's job on a permanent basis.

The 35-year-old caretaker boss, who took over from Iain Dowie at the end of last month, is currently QPR's longest serving player and has impressed in his first few games in charge.

And he will put another superb entry on his short managerial CV if he can mastermind a famous Rangers victory at Old Trafford.

Ainsworth, who saw his team defeat Cardiff on Saturday, said: "I'm enjoying it a lot and at the moment I am taking it day by day. Flavio Briatore and the fans have given me their backing so far. As long as that is going on I am a happy man - I'm proud to be at the helm of QPR.

"I've been here a long time and I just want the club to do well. If Flavio does decide to put me in charge then fantastic. If he doesn't then I will stay in some capacity. I'm really enjoying pitting my wits against managers.

"I'm in at the deep end but when troubled times do come I can look back at this and say: 'We got through that OK. We can keep together and get through anything now.'

"It's been a real baptism of fire. We have moved into the top six in the Championship, defeated the top-of-the-table team Birmingham and now we have a trip to Old Trafford to play the European Champions in the Carling Cup."

Ainsworth added: "I've faced United twice as a player, in the 1999/2000 season when Wimbledon were relegated. But we drew twice, so perhaps that bodes well.

"Playing in the Premier League against sides like United was the highlight of my playing career. Some of the boys can have a taste of what that is like tonight. It will be a fantastic experience and opportunity for them.

"I don't need to get them up for it - what more motivation do they need when they are playing the European and Premier League champions at Old Trafford? If they can't get up for it then they shouldn't be in my squad.

"I'm a Blackburn Rovers fan through and through. I was a season-ticket holder and I did my apprenticeship there. I'm sure everyone in Blackburn will be very happy if we manage the unbelievable and get a result against Manchester United."

Labels: Carling Cup, Championship, Gareth Ainsworth, Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 12:15 pm | Permalink | Comments

DOWIE DISMISSES RUMOURS AS "TITTLE TATTLE"

Iain Dowie has dismissed rumours linking Terry Venables and Kenny Jackett with his position as Queens Park Rangers manager as "tittle tattle". He has refused to let such unfounded negativity seep into the dressing room, feels he is doing "a decent job" and is positive he has the players' backing.

Stories had been circulating that the west London club's mega rich owners - F1 supremos Flavio Brigatore and Bernie Ecclestone, and steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal - were lining up a replacement for Dowie, and they would act if QPR were not on course for promotion to the Premier League.

The alleged candidates are former England manager Venables, who had a stint in charge of QPR in the early 1980s and last month spurned Newcastle United's advances, and Millwall's Jackett, the ex-Swansea manager.

QPR currently sit 11th in the Championship, and after hosting bottom-of-the-table Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Dowie's team have tricky away trips to high-flying Swansea and Reading.

But the 43-year-old has hit back, claiming that he feels no added pressure. "This season we have played 13 games and won seven of them and we are also in the last 16 of the Carling Cup," he said.

"I can't affect what these rumours will do to the players. All I can do is do my job, get my head down and work hard. Whoever wants to make mischief and start these stories, they can do that.

"But I'm not going to be involved in negativity - I don't believe in it. I will concentrate on doing what I am doing.

"This is whispering tittle-tattle, and until it comes to fruition I'm not going to worry about it. I know I am doing a decent job here and I think I have got the support of the players, which is the most important thing.

Labels: Championship, Iain Dowie, Queens Park Rangers, Terry Venables

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 4:24 pm | Permalink | Comments

DOWIE: QPR NEED TO GET STUCK IN

Queens Park Rangers manager Iain Dowie admits the next three games are vital in
his side's push for promotion. The Hoops host Nottingham Forest, who are currently rock bottom of the table and yet to gain an away point this season, at Loftus Road on Saturday. And QPR’s following two games are away days at high-flying Swansea and Reading.

Dowie, who this week played down reports linking Terry Venables with his job,
knows there can be no slip up this afternoon but is wary of Forest’s pacy
attack, which includes Welsh international Robert Earnshaw.

"It’s going to be a really tough game," said Dowie, whose team sit 11th in the
table.

"They have spent some money - £2.65m on Earnshaw and £1.4m on Joe Garner - and
they have Nathan Tyson. They have really good pace up front.

"They have also bought in midfielder Lee Martin on loan from Manchester United.
We have Reading and Swansea away afterwards - both will be tough games too.

"But this league is like that. We have to make sure we are right. We are
looking forward to it and the lads should be a bit refreshed and get stuck in."

Labels: Iain Dowie, Nottingham Forest, Queens Park Rangers

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 4:21 pm | Permalink | Comments

DERBY CORNER QPR IN LOFTUS LATE SHOW

Queens Park Rangers' 100 per cent home record was ended as Paul Jewell's Derby County earned their first away win in the league for 18 months thanks to two goals from corners in the last ten minutes. Defender Martin Albrechtsen struck home the first from eight yards when the ball rebounded kindly for him and eight minutes later substitute Emanuel Villa nodded in to ensure the result.

The travelling side, relegated so unceremoniously from the Premier League last season, have now earned eight points from their last four Championship games and look to be finally getting over their relegation hangover.

Iain Dowie's side had been in great form going into the game, having claimed the unlikely scalp of Aston Villa in the Carling Cup Third Round in midweek - a victory that has earned them a fixture against Premier League champions Manchester United at Old Trafford in mid November. But they were brought back down to earth with a bump after failing to deal with set pieces late a match that only took light in the second half.

The first 20 minutes were played at a high tempo without either team managing to engineer a clear-cut chance. QPR's solitary striker Dexter Blackstock, who had been rested for Wednesday's shock Carling Cup Third Round win at Villa Park, had few chances to test Roy Carroll in the visitors' goal.

But when he first did, after 22 minutes, Carroll's defence came to the rescue. Real Madrid loanee Daniel Parejo sprung the Derby offside trip on the right-hand side of the area, having been cleverly found by Emannuel Ledesma. The borrowed Genoa youngster squared to Blackstock, who slid in for what looked like a certain goal.

But Derby right-back Paul Connelly had other ideas and, having tracked back, managed to put his body between Blackstock and the goal-line. His goalkeeper thanked him with a ruffle of his hair.

Derby had their best chance of the half five minutes later, when full-back Jordan Stewart fed Stephen Pearson on the left wing and he hit a low cross towards attacker Rob Hulse, who could not quite step round the onrushing home goalkeeper Radek Cerny. Hulse's toe-poke was first blocked by the former Tottenham stopper and then booted out for a corner.

After the interval the game opened up more and both sides had good chances to score. Two minutes into the half, tricky Italian Ledesma weaved his way into the box on the right. His deflected shot had Carroll scrambling back across his goal, but it found the post and bounced behind. From the resulting corner the 20-year-old flashed a shot over the bar, and two minutes later he tried to chip Carroll but dragged it wide right.

Blackstock then hit a post when he cleverly turned his marker from six-yards out, but the away team soon hit back in this ding-dong battle. On 62 minutes Hulse should have scored when put clean though but he was brilliantly tackled by Damion Stewart.

Defender Miles Addison shaved Cerny's cross bar with a 35 yard screamer and winger Nacer Barazite, on loan from Arsenal, then blazed over from Jewell's side. But it was his corner from the left, with 10 minutes remaining that found its way to Albrechtsen, who cooly finished. Substitute Steven Davies then swung a corner in from the same position and Villa's header was too good for Cerny.

Labels: Aston Villa, Championship, Derby County, Iain Dowie, Queens Park Rangers

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 5:49 pm | Permalink | Comments

DOWIE FEARS DERBY WILL RECOVER FROM RELEGATION HANGOVER

Queens Park Rangers fear Derby County are about to come round from their relegation hangover - starting at Loftus Road on Saturday.

Rangers are fourth in the Championship with Derby struggling in 20th spot having been relegated last season with the worst ever top-flight record.

But QPR boss Iain Dowie has the utmost respect for his counterpart Paul Jewell.

The pair, both 43, locked horns five years ago when they managed Oldham and Wigan respectively down in League One.

And Dowie is full of praise for his under-fire old sparring partner.

"Paul is a very good manager and I have a lot of time for him," Dowie said. "He is a training ground manager like I am and he is a passionate man.

"We'll look to share a beer or a glass of wine after the game at Loftus Road, I'm sure."

Jewell has made wholesale changes at the County Ground, and Dowie believes that it is only a matter of time before things click for his former sparring partner.

"The supporters need to give him time to make his mark," Dowie added. "He is getting the staff he wants around him now, and Chris Hutchings is a good NO.2.

"Derby is a very big club with a very big fan base, so Paul doesn't need anyone to tell him about the expectations. They are starting to turn things around and they have posted five points from a possible nine on the board. We know it is going to be a very tough task for us.

"They have spent decent money and brought in decent players, like Rob Hulse. Their current position in the table belies the manager they have and the quality they have in their squad. At the end of the season they won't be far away from where they want to be."

Labels: Championship, Derby County, Queens Park Rangers

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 5:45 pm | Permalink | Comments

QPR MUST NOT UNDERESTIMATE DERBY THREAT

Gavin Mahon has warned his QPR team-mates that they must not underestimate Saturday's visitors, Derby County, as he believes that Paul Jewell's side are still suffering a "relegation hangover" from last season and will be in the play-offs at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old defensive midfielder took special delight in Wednesday's Carling Cup Third Round win over Premier League Aston Villa - he is a Birmingham fan and scored an own goal when he last visited Villa Park.

But he knows that the team must now refocus on gaining promotion from the Championship, starting with victory over 20th-placed Derby, who last season became the most unsuccessful club in top-flight history.

"Derby are going through a transitional period like us, and they have brought in a lot of new faces," Mahon said. "They still seem to be suffering from the relegation hangover from last season. Sometimes that bad form does carry over into the following season.

"But everyone knows that on paper they have got a really good, solid squad, with a good manager. It is no surprise that they have picked up in the last few weeks and I think they will be in the top six come May.

"But we know our home form is key to our success. Teams have come to Loftus Road and found it very hard to play us. We have got two home games in a row now, against Derby then Blackpool, and we are going for maximum points."

Labels: Championship, Derby County, Gavin Mahon, Queens Park Rangers

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 5:40 pm | Permalink | Comments

DOWIE TAKES ON MENTOR O'NEILL AND "CREAM OF BRITISH TALENT"

QPR managerIain Dowie will put friendship to one side on Wednesday when he attempts to defeat his mentor, Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa in the Carling Cup. The former Northern Ireland internationals became good pals two years ago, while at the World Cup in Germany.

And elder statesman O'Neill, who made 64 appearances for his country, has offered advice and hot drinks to 59-cap Dowie in his fledgling management career. The 43-year-old Dowie said: "Martin and I spent a lot of time together at the World Cup in Germany and we got to know each other very well and are good friends.

"I always keep track of him and of course there is the Northern Ireland connection too. I've been for a cup of tea in his office a few times. He is a very busy man but he has been very helpful."

Dowie, who scored in the 1994/95 FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park to force Manchester United to a replay against Crystal Palace, is envious of the firepower his opposite man can call upon, but tips his hat for O'Neill, 56, for building a young, British side. "Martin has put Gabriel Agbonlahor in, and bought in other English youngsters Nigel Reo-Coker, Ashley Young, Luke Young, Curtis Davies and Nicky Shorey," continued the former Coventry manager.

"They are all good young players and in Martin Laursen, Gareth Barry, John Carew, Brad Friedel and Stiliyan Petrov he has some experienced players too. Martin's side have a very good balance and it is refreshing what he is doing in regards to selecting young Englishmen, when these days teams are packed with foreigners.

"In Ashley Young, one of the best natural wingers in the game, and Agbonlahor you have the cream of British talent. I went to watch them on Sunday against West Bromwich and they were a real potent attacking threat. I don't think I need to get my players up for it. If you are not up for playing against the best young British players in the country then you should not be in the game."

On the prospect of QPR, who sit fourth in the Championship, progressing to the fourth round of the Carling Cup, Dowie added: "We have a very pacy defence but it is difficult when Agbonlahor drops off and even if you hold a high line he can get behind you. And John Carew is a big part of his game and a good foil for him, so we will have to be on our game.

"Martin has a history of wanting to do well in this tournament and we will be very strong. Will not shut up shop at Villa Park either, so it should be an interesting game."

Labels: Aston Villa, Carling Cup, Iain Dowie, Martin O'Neilll, Queens Park Rangers

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 4:28 pm | Permalink | Comments

BOSNICH OFFERED CONTRACT AT QPR

Mark Bosnich, the disgraced ex-Australian international goalkeeper who is angling for a move back to England, has revealed that he was offered a contract at Championship QPR at the end of last year.

But the former Manchester United, Aston Villa and Chelsea stopper's move was vetoed by a director who did not look favourably upon Bosnich's past.

The 36-year-old was exiled from football from 2002-07 after testing positive for cocaine while at Stamford Bridge. He was tempted out of retirement last summer and had impressed in reserve games at the Loftus Road club.

"I was offered a contract at QPR in December," he said, "but it was explained to me that there was somebody on the board who was dead-set against it because of my past.

"I totally understand that. My past is not Queens Park Rangers' past."

Bosnich, who currently plays for Central Coast Mariners in Australia, added: "Life in general interests me. For a long while I lost my passion for life. I did have to deal with depression. But now it's like a new dawn. What I'll do after football, I don't know.

"The answer comes to you, maybe when you're in nature somewhere, maybe in the outback. What I do know is that the world is an amazing place."

Labels: Chelsea, football, Manchester United, Mark Bosnich, Queens Park Rangers

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 4:24 pm | Permalink | Comments

DOWIE: DEFENCE KEY TO QPR SUCCESS

Iain Dowie, the QPR manager, is delighted with the way his team have responded since they were downed 3-0 against Sheffield United five games ago and believes that a watertight rearguard is the key to promotion to the Premier League.

Following that defeat at Bramall Lane he enforced a new defensive system which the players have adopted with great success, conceding twice and dropping only two points since.

The 43-year-old, whose team have moved up to fourth in the Championship and take on 17th-placed Norwich City on Wednesday, said: "I think a decent defence is the key to QPR's success this season and we have spent a lot of time on that.

"We have been working hard since the Sheffield United game - we have changed the system since that disappointing display. I am delighted with how the players have responded and we haven't looked like shipping a lot of goals since then.

"It has really made a difference to us. We look much more solid and we have big pace back there - we are not going to get run away from too many times."

Dowie hinted that his defensive midfielders Alan Mahon and Mikele Leigertwood's recent performances might even marginalise Italian international Damiano Tommasi, who signed as a free agent last Wednesday.

"[Alan] Mahon and [Mikele] Leigertwood deserve a lot of credit for the success of the new defensive system," Dowie added. "Damiano, who plays in the same position, is an established international and won't take long to get up to speed, but I have to be fair to the lads who are here and incumbent.

"However he is a very welcome addition to the squad and with when he is fully fit there will be good competition for places."

Dowie is wary of 17th-placed Norwich as they are a team packed with new faces including Premier League old boys Dejan Stefanovic, Antoine Sibierski, Arturo Lupoli and Elliot Omozusi.

Dowie continued: "There's been a big turnaround at Norwich - a sea change. They have had some sizable investment down there - it's a different team.

"Carrow Road is a difficult place to play - they get 25,000 fans every week. If we're not on our mettle we'll get burnt. We'll go there in good spirits, with great heart and that's very important."

QPR travel to Coventry, Dowie's former club, on Saturday and he knows these two away games are a tough challenge.

"There are two away games coming up but we're in good form, let's go there in good spirits but also be very respectful of two good opposition teams," he added. "It will be a good litmus test and indication of where we are."

Labels: Championship, Iain Dowie, Queens Park Rangers

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 11:46 am | Permalink | Comments

MONEYBAGS QPR SIGN ITALIAN PHILANTHROPIST

Queens Park Rangers, one of the richest clubs in the world, have signed experienced Italian international Damiano Tommasi, a player famed for playing on a youth player's wages.

The 34-year-old, who spent a decade at AS Roma and was one of the club’s top-earners, famously instigated the paltry one-year contract in 2005 at the Serie A club in the name of fairness, as he struggled to regain full fitness.

The defensive midfielder, capped 25 times for the Azzuri, was paid, at his own request, the minimum youth wage of just over £1,000-a-month.

Tommasi is also noted for channelling footballers’ disciplinary fines to charitable causes.

Tommasi has joined the London club on a one-year deal, having signed as a free agent. He was released from Spanish club Levante, who were in such financial trouble that they could not pay their staff - not that the Italian would have minded.

Manager Iain Dowie was delighted to sign the midfielder who made over 250 appearances for AS Roma alongside stars such as Francisco Totti and Cafu.

Dowie said: "The signing of Damiano adds great experience to the squad.

"He’ll compliment what Gavin Mahon and Martin Rowlands provide in that area. In the short term, he could prove to be very useful to us.

"He has played at the highest level for club and country and to have a player of that calibre available can only be good for QPR.

"We’ve got some fantastic young talent in the squad, such as (Emmanuel) Ledesma, (Angelo) Balanta, (Daniel) Parejo and (Hogan) Ephraim, and training with someone of Damiano’s stature will be of huge benefit to them I’m sure."

Labels: Championship, Damiano Tommasi, Queens Park Rangers

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 1:06 pm | Permalink | Comments