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Post by QPR Report on Mar 19, 2010 8:34:39 GMT
(Today would have been Mike Keen's seventieth Birthday) This is Local London - Football stars Keen to pay tribute to Mike 8:00am Friday 19th March 2010 By Dave Peters » FORMER Premiership stars Gianfranco Zola and Teddy Sheringham are among the big names lined up to play in a tribute match to remember Wycombe’s Mike Keen who died last year after a short illness. The Kevin Keen All Star Team, managed by Mike’s son Kevin, will take on an all-time Wycombe Wanderers Legends Team at Adams Park on Thursday, April 15. Kevin, now the first team coach at West Ham, said: “I can’t think of a better tribute to my dad. “He was my hero.” Mike Keen was born and bred in Wycombe and played for and managed Wycombe Wanderers. But he was more famous as the captain of double winners Queens Park Rangers when they won the 1967 League Cup Final at Wembley as a third division club and the Division Three championship in the same year. In his decade at Loftus Road, he also helped Rangers to promotion to the old First Division before being sold to Luton, where he played 144 times. He then signed for Watford in 1972 and was appointed player/manager the following year. He also served Northampton. But Wycombe was where his heart was and he lived in the area all his life. He attended Hatters Lane School and also ran a sports shop in the town for 20 years. He was also involved in local football, coaching thousands of youngsters and he was still playing Sunday Combination football well into his fifties. Kevin said: “I can’t walk through Wycombe without someone coming up to me and telling me they were coached by my dad. “It is a fantastic legacy to have and this match is just what he would have wanted. “It is as close as we could have got to being a year to the day that he died. “We could have done something at QPR or one of his other clubs but it had to be Wycombe. This was his home town. “He never left it and he would’ve just wanted people to come along and enjoy watching the football and some seeing great players.” Kevin, who became Wanderers youngest ever player when his dad gave him his debut at the age of 15, has assembled a formidable team for the match with Zola and Sheringham the headline acts along with former Chelsea stars Gus Poyett and Steve Clarke. He has also persuaded the three Allen brothers, Clive, Paul and Martin, to don their boots while Watford manager Malky Mackay has also agreed to play. Another current manager, Southampton’s ex-QPR legend Alan Pardew, has also pledged to play for the Kevin Keen side who are hoping to play in a replica of the all-white kit QPR wore at Wembley when they came from two goals down to beat West Brom 3-2 in the League Cup Final. The Wanderers All Star team will be managed by Keith Scott who is now pulling up the trees as the gaffer at Windsor and Eton. He is expected to call on the services of former Blues favourites such as Steve Brown and Keith Ryan. Tickets for the match are now on sale at Wycombe Wanderers priced £10 for adults and just a pound for concessions. All proceeds from the game will go to Cancer Research. To buy tickets call 01494 441118 or visit www.wwfc.com www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/sport/5070993.Football_stars_Keen_to_pay_tribute_to_Mike/ |
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Post by QPR Report on Mar 19, 2010 8:37:44 GMT
Wycombe Official Site ZOLA TO STAR AT ADAMS PARK Posted on: Fri 19 Mar 2010 Gianfranco Zola and Teddy Sheringham are among the stars due to appear at Wycombe next month when a team of Premier League legends takes on an ex-Wanderers X1 in a charity match in memory of former Blues boss Mike Keen. To mark the first anniversary of Mike's death at the age of 69, his son Kevin has brought together some of the top names of the Premier league era to face Wycombe legends from the days of Martin O'Neill. The game - the Mike Keen Charity Cup - will be played at Adams Park on Thursday, April 15th (k.o.7.45pm) and all proceeds will be donated to Cancer Research UK. The game is being played in memory of Mike Keen Kevin, who made history as Wycombe's youngest ever player on his debut at the age of 15, told wwfc.com: "My dad was very proud of his roots in High Wycombe. He was born and bred in the town, got married there and lived in the area all his life. "A lot of people will remember him for his coaching involvement with local schools and youth football and for the friendly welcome he gave when he was running his sports shop in the town. I hope to see as many of them as possible on April 15th." Now a respected member of the coaching staff at West Ham, Kevin has used his extensive contacts to pull together a star studded X1 who will play a team of ex-Wanderers' legends managed by Keith Scott. Said Kevin: "I'd like to thank Steve Hayes and the board of Wycombe Wanderers for their help in arranging this game. My dad always wanted football to be fun, skilful and entertaining and I hope that the game on April 15th will be all of those things." Mike never severed his links with the town in a playing career that saw him make over 700 appearances for Queens Park Rangers, Watford and Luton Town. He was captain of the Q.P.R. team that won the League Cup and the old Third Division title in the mid-1960's. When his playing career ended, Mike enjoyed success in his four years as manager of Wanderers, winning the Isthmian League title and guiding the club to the semi-finals of the F.A. Trophy. He also had spells as manager of Watford, Northampton Town and Marlow. We're hoping that there'll be a big turn out in honour of such a wonderful man and in aid of such a good cause so make a note in your diaries for April 15th. www.wycombewanderers.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0,,10430~1997836,00.html |
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Post by Lonegunmen on Mar 19, 2010 8:57:25 GMT
kevin keen wasn't too bad a player himself at the Hammers. Like father, like son.
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Post by The Scooter on Mar 19, 2010 9:24:55 GMT
"QPR Legend Alan Pardew"  In all seriousness, I do hope we send some official recognition up for this game. Perhaps be nice for Kevin Keen to parade the League Cup? |
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Post by martin63 on Mar 21, 2010 16:06:48 GMT
I'm absolutely gutted at the date. I'm in the US so cannot make it. I bought my first pair of football boot's from Mike's sports shop in High Wycombe in 1974. Should be a good night.
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Post by cpr on Mar 21, 2010 16:13:41 GMT
"QPR Legend Alan Pardew" Exactly what I thought.  |
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Post by QPR Report on Mar 22, 2010 7:04:10 GMT
There has to be QPR involvement in this. Mike Keen WAS QPR
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Post by Lonegunmen on Mar 22, 2010 7:10:59 GMT
Not if our new puppet chairman has anything to do with it.
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Post by QPR Report on Mar 24, 2010 12:21:23 GMT
Would be churlish to note Martin Allen/Clive Allen are not brothers! It's great that they're playing - and giving some kind of QPR connection to this event Watford Observer Watford boss to join Zola, Sheringham and Allen brothers in charity game for Mike Keen Wednesday 24th March 2010 By Frank Smith » Watford manager Malky Mackay is set to play alongside the likes of Gianfranco Zola in a charity match to be held in memory of former Hornets boss Mike Keen. Keen, who played more than 100 times for Watford and managed the club between 1973 and 1977, died in April after a short illness at the age of 69. Although he spent most of his playing career at Queens Park Rangers, Keen was born in High Wycombe, lived in the area most of his life and ran two shops in the town following retirement. So it was decided to hold the charity match in his home town and a Wycombe Wanderers Legends line-up with take on the Kevin Keen All Star Team on Thursday, April 17. Mike’s son Kevin is first team coach at West Ham United and Hammers manager Zola, his assistant and former Chelsea defender Steve Clarke and ex-England international Teddy Sheringham are all set to play in the match at Wycombe’s stadium, Adams Park. Former Uruguay star Gus Poyet and the three Allen brothers, Clive, Paul and Martin, will also be featuring alongside Watford boss Mackay. All proceeds from the game will go to Cancer Research. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £1 for concessions and can be purchased by calling 01494 441118. www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/localsport/5080295.Mackay_to_join_Zola_in_charity_game/ |
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Post by QPR Report on Mar 31, 2010 8:00:45 GMT
QPR Official Site MIKE KEEN CHARITY CUP Posted on: Wed 31 Mar 2010 R's fans are being encouraged to show their support for the 'Mike Keen Charity Cup' event, which is being held at Adams Park - the home of Wycombe Wanderers - on Thursday 15th April, 7.45pm kick-off. The fundraiser has been arranged by Kevin Keen and will see an 'All Star Team' lock horns with a Wycombe Wanderers old boys side. Tickets are £10 for adults, with concessions available from £1. You can buy your tickets in advance by logging on to www.wwfc.com or calling 01494 441118. The 'All Star Team' will include ex-Rangers Clive Allen, Martin Allen and Gary Waddock, along with ex-Premier League stars Teddy Sheringham, Gianfranco Zola and Gus Poyet. All money raised on the night will be donated to Cancer Research UK. www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2010484,00.html |
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Post by terryloftus on Apr 2, 2010 2:41:49 GMT
Folks. All they had for Mike Keen was an interview from about 6 years ago in the programme, a standard match against WBA and a minutes applause at half time... That was it! I was thinking of something a little more grand and permanent! You have to remember, when I started shouting & screaming about having a stand & statue..... they (The dictators who don't even watch 'Soccer') didn't even know who he was!!!! Mark Lazarus, Tony Hazel, The Morgan Twins & Frank Sibley were there, and everyone including the crowd had been told that Rodney would be there. When I rang Rodney, he knew NOTHING about it and actually had not been invited!! They made it look like a snub on Rodney's part, but I know he never knew! I spoke to Mark Lazarus just over a week before, and they had said they had sent Rodney an invite. Below, is Rodney's response to me. sorry mate, I haven't got a clue what they are talking about.............. your good pal Rod He would never of just snubbed the Club, his old team mates, but especially the fans and the family and memory of his mate Mike Keen. Rodney has played a principal part in having a permanent memorial for Mike. As you can see, the first he heard about it was when I told him!!! And whatever ANYONE say's, in public or private, he will ALWAYS tell you that QPR is his Club and the Club he loves! I once asked him, if he would have divided loyalties should QPR face MAN CITY in the Cup Final for example? He didn't even take a breath before saying "No way! QPR are my team, always have been Always will be, Loftus Rd is in my blood.. Simple as that!" But QPR had put his name on the web site like he had confirmed, Les Allen didn't go either due to illness, it was just the guys I mentioned. We were actually going to put out an official statement,saying that he hadn't been told about it until I told him.By then, he had been booked all that week.We didn't put the statement out because Rodney thought that it would look like he thought he was the 'Big Star' issuing a statement. He's actually the kind of guy who thinks people wouldn't care if he was there or not, so putting out a rock star like statement, is just not him. Roger Morgan got them going and Mark Lazarus scored the winner, and they were there, so that was great value. But it just shows you what snakes are at the Club now, because I just know they would of told people about 10mins after the start, that " Rodney has just canceled! Sorry, nothing the Club can do, he's dropped us in it!!!" That's the sort of move they would of made. They should never have listed his name, knowing perfectly well he didn't have a clue about it. I talk to the Club, nearly every day.... and nobody told me to tell him either!!!! Don't forget, this is the guy who flew in from New York for Stan Bowels testimonial, after Stan literally begged him. Rodney knew all the rubbish that Stan has said about him, but still flew in and played. George Best, who lived a mile away didn't show. I can assure you all 100% right now, if Rodney is doing a public appearance at the Club in future, I swear I will let you know!!!! As for the tribute..... what tribute? a half time clap! When Mike Keen walked up the Wembley steps, turned around and lifted that silver trophy to a roaring Wembley crowd high in the air....... Who could know, that when he passed away........ A polite half time round of applause would be his lot. Some of you at QPR Suits....... REALLY ARE BASTARDS!!!!! Tel Currie Attachments:
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Post by Lonegunmen on Apr 2, 2010 2:57:07 GMT
What can one say? I know I have a bad taste in my mouth now. Absolutely disgusting behaviour from the club. Must have been Paladinis last great act of defiance?
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Post by terryloftus on Apr 2, 2010 14:31:12 GMT
Just to add, Rodney flew from the States to attend Mike's funeral, one of the few who did! He also spent time with the family... Attachments:
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Post by toboboly on Apr 3, 2010 8:26:38 GMT
Just to add to this but it's not Mike Keen related, just another example at how crappy our 'family club' is;
I read in AKUTR's that a guy had been to 1000 consecutive matches without missing one. He's stint started in 1989 and his 1000th was at Reading at home this year. His wife secretly informed the club about this monumental achievement and the club said they would mention it in the program. She wasn't particularly impressed by this snub from the fcukers at QPR so contacted the FSF and a Sunderland fan who works there wrote an email to Ali Russell saying that it was a bit much to treat such a loyal fan in this way. The guy eventually got a signed shirt presented by Sir Les.
It shows though that this club is being run by a load of non-football scum and the only thing that will get their attention is money.
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Post by QPR Report on Apr 3, 2010 8:28:49 GMT
If accurate, that's quite a shame...What should have done is have contacted the messageboards...Publication/Dissemination of the fact would have probably have elicited a club response.
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Post by toboboly on Apr 3, 2010 8:47:53 GMT
It's in issue 239 Report.
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Post by terryloftus on Apr 3, 2010 18:22:17 GMT
I can assure you on the life of my loved ones... it's completely accurate! I speak to QPR EVERY SINGLE DAY as there is something we are working on, they know to get Rodney, you can contact me or Joanna...... I wasn't even told! Tel Currie Attachments:
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Post by cpr on Apr 3, 2010 18:25:07 GMT
Agree that it is a fact Rodney knew nothing as he said so when asked on facepaint.
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Post by terryloftus on Apr 3, 2010 20:49:46 GMT
You completely lost me Bruv? |
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