Post by QPR Report on May 31, 2010 7:48:33 GMT
Edit: SEVEN YEARS AGO; (Also going on at that time, was THE TRIAL, with the defendants now testifying.)
Paladini on Watford Bid for shitetu...No offers for Cook...Hope to sign Ward and at least one striker (Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times)-
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - May 31, 2006
shitetu bid: Wat's the idea?
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini has dismissed a bid by Premiership new boys Watford for Danny shitetu as 'embarrassing'.Paladini has made it clear that he will not allow Rangers' star defender to leave Loftus Road this summer for less than �3m.And Watford, promoted to the top flight via the play-offs just 10 days ago, have been told that their offer for shiteetu - thought to be less than half of the asking price - would not be considered."
I respect what Watford have done - they brought in the right players without paying a fortune, now they're in the Premiership," Paladini told the Times."When I watched them winning the play-offs on TV, I felt like changing channels because I was so jealous! But their offer for Danny was a ridiculous one - I felt it was embarrassing."We certainly won't sell him for that. I told them we want �3m and then another �500,000 if they stay up and we won't take less than the asking price." Danny's under contract - he knows the situation and he knows we are building a team. He's one of our most important players and we want to keep those players at the club."
Relegated pair Birmingham and West Brom have been eyeing the QPR centre-back for some time, with the Blues having a bid turned down in January.On that occasion, Sheffield United and Norwich were also rebuffed in their approaches for shiteetu, who signed a three-year contract with the Rs last summer.
Paladini also confirmed that he has so far received no offers for winger Lee Cook, whose excellent form since the turn of the year has seen a �2.5m price tag placed on his head.The former Watford wide man has been offered a two-year extension to his contract, which runs out in 2007 and Paladini added: "We want him to extend his contract and I'm hoping that should be done next week."
The club are also in discussions with the Australian Football Federation to finalise the transfer of 21-year-old midfielder Nick Ward from Perth Glory." We've agreed terms with the boy, he's happy to come here and, if we can sort things out with the Australian federation, I think he will make a tremendous difference next season," said Paladini.
Rangers, who have already signed Jamaican defender Damion Stewart and Cameroon midfielder Armel Tchakounte so far this summer, are also hoping to bring in a right-back and at least one forward.They had initially expressed an interest in signing Tottenham's Dutch striker Mounir El-Hamdaoui on a season's loan, but will now turn their attention elsewhere.
Caretaker manager Gary Waddock admitted recently that he planned to bring in at least one more striker irrespective of whether Shabazz Baidoo decided to stay at Loftus Road.And, although the teenager - who had been mulling over a contract offer for the past three months - has now chosen to stay, Waddock stressed that he will face stiff competition for first team football."There's no guarantee he will be involved in the first team - he's got to earn that right and hopefully he'll put in the kind of performances that will push him into the side," stated Waddock."Everything's been agreed with Shabazz, which is good news. He wanted everything done properly, so did we and sometimes it takes time to ensure that happens.
SIX Years Ago: John Spencer visits the White House
www1.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=gls====276363&nbc1=2
FIVE YEARS AGO
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Not Coming to QPR? - Middlesbrough's Adam Johnson
-
Hopefully Gareth Southgate is just saying this!
Goal.com/Peter Staunton - Southgate: Johnson Staying Put
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has dismissed any rumours linking winger Adam Johnson with a move away from the Riverside Stadium.
The 20-year old has appeared only 44 times for Boro since 2004 and has found himself loaned out over the past two seasons, to Leeds United and Watford respectively.
Johnson enjoyed a degree of success at Vicarage Road this term; he scored five times in only 12 appearances.
He had this week been linked with a transfer to UEFA Cup finalists Rangers and Championship side QPR, however, Southgate sees the wide-man as a part of his plans for next season.
He said: �Despite what has appeared in some papers we have not had a single approach from any club about Adam Johnson, we have had absolutely no contact about Adam from either Rangers or QPR, nor do we expect to have any.
�As I have made it clear, he remains a big part in my plans for the club. Adam is a fantastic talent and I do not want to see him leave. He could be very, very special and I would not want to see him play for another club.� - Goal.com
FIVE EARS Ago -QPR Fan/Club Meeting and Ex-QPR Snippets-
UPDATE: Turns out, reportedly due to a misunderstanding, Ali Russell did not meet with the fans groups. But a number of fans groups reps did meet with each other. Obviously the gist of what RUssell would have said remains what he told told QPR1st last week at its AGM.
Fan-Club Meeting: Today is the day of the joint fan groups representatives meeting with the club's Ali Russell, regarding the recently-announced new season ticket prices. A couple of weeks ago, various fan groups sent this joint letter to the club
qprreport.blogspot.com/2008/05/qpr-fans-groups-make-joint-appeal-to.html
. Earlier this week, one group, QPR1st heard from Ali Russell at its AGM. QPR1st Report. See also QPR Fans Condemn QPR Ticket Price Increases
BBC -Bankole lands Colchester position
Colchester have named much-travelled goalkeeper Ademola Bankole as their new permanent keeping coach.
FOUR Years Ago - Best of luck to former QPR Gavin Peacock:
The Times/Tony Cascarino - Gavin Peacock convinced God is on his side
FIVE YEARS AGO
Friday, May 30, 2008
Season Tickets Selling Well
-
QPR Official Site - PLATINUM AREAS SOLD OUT
As the countdown continues to the 2008/09 Coca Cola Championship campaign, the Club is pleased to announce that the Platinum areas of the ground have sold out to new Season Ticket holders.
Due to the unprecedented demand for Season Tickets, the Club has extended the opening hours in the Box Office tomorrow (Saturday) from 9.00am-5.00pm.
Alternatively, to renew your Season Ticket, simply call 08444 777 007 - 24 hours a day.
R's fans are also encouraged to take advantage of the option to renew online.
By booking online, you can also pre-order the new R's home shirt, as well as subscribe to QPR World ahead of what is sure to be a season to remember....
QPR Reportedly Bid for Crystal Palace Ben Watson - And Are Rejected-
According to some messageboard posts, Ben Watson to QPR was virtually a done deal. This article implies otherwise.
SkySport/Peter O'Rourke - Palace reject Watson bid
Midfielder wanted by former manager Dowie
Skysports.com understands Crystal Palace have turned down a bid from Queens Park Rangers for Ben Watson.
The midfielder is reported to be a target for new QPR boss Iain Dowie, who worked with Watson at Selhurst Park.
Watson came through the ranks at Palace, but only has 12 months remaining on his current contract.
QPR are understood to have made an offer in the region of �1.25million, but the bid has been knocked back by their Championship rivals.
During the January transfer window, the 22-year-old was linked with moves to both Reading and Norwich City.
Palace boss Neil Warnock admitted at the time that the right offer could have led to Watson leaving the club.
Warnock will now have to wait to see if his Loftus Road counterpart Dowie elects to make an improved attempt to sign Watson" Skysports
QPR Fans Condemn QPR Ticket Price Increases
-
Ealing Gazette/Yann Tear- Owners blasted over 'contemptuous' hikes
SEASON ticket holders who are faced with forking out 50 per cent more to watch QPR from next August have accused the club of taking their loyalty for granted.
One supporters' group website has branded the move "an absolute disgrace," saying that ordinary fans were now going to be priced out of renewing tickets.
At a time when even many Premier League clubs like Chelsea have decided to freeze tickets or peg prices to inflation, Rangers fans are being asked to pay far more.
A seat in the upper Loft End last season cost �398. Next season, it will cost �599 and some supporters are threatening to end long associations with the club rather than pay up to keep watching their team.
Rangers' price rise is the biggest in London and comes despite calls from the Government and supporters' groups to address the soaring cost of watching football.
t
One 40-year-old fan, who has been a season ticket holder for 13 years, told the Gazette: "I haven't renewed my ticket yet and I honestly don't know that I will.
"It's ironic that at a time when we have the richest owners we have ever had, we are now being asked to pay this huge increase - and there was not even an 'early bird' option this year to keep the cost down.
"I think we are now not far off the average cost of a Premier League season ticket and I don't think fans of any other club in the Championship are being asked to meet such an increase on demand."
Paul Finney of indyrs.co.uk, one of the club's independently-run web messageboards told the Gazette: "When the new owners talked in terms of getting to the Premier League, they didn't mention that the fans would be the ones paying for it.
"Are we there to fulfil their dreams or are they there to realise ours? Frankly, it's an absolute disgrace because they are pricing ordinary fans out of it. Our loyalty is being taken for granted and we are being treated with contempt."
Finney continued: "They have classified the ground into gold, silver and platinum areas but they have to sort out the standard of the ground if they want to justify that - not just the directors' box so Naomi Campbell and the other celebrities can watch in comfort."
Rangers say they are sensitive to the views of their fans but claim the ticket prices are in line with the club's ambitions and the top clubs in the division.
A club spokesman said: "It is the club's aim to achieve promotion to the Premier League and as such we have to generate further income to assist us in our pursuit of that goal.
"Whilst these decisions are never easy or straightforward, the club does need the continued support of the fans to help achieve that.
"It is certainly not our intention to drive away loyal fans who have supported the club through some very difficult times.
"However, whilst the new owners have invested heavily in the squad, as well as improving particular areas of the stadium, the club itself must endeavour to run more cost effectively. As a result, it is necessary for prices to increase.
"We do feel, however, that the new pricing structure has been designed to accommodate the needs of each and every QPR fan."
It is not clear yet whether season ticket sales have been affected by the price rise. Last year, 8,100 tickets were sold but the club have not disclosed how many have been sold so far.
Prices range from �450 to �699 and considering a typical price at Stamford Bridge is �790, Rangers appear close to embracing Premier League status before they are even there.
* Give us your views:Sende-mails to sport@ealinggazette.co.uk Ealing Gazette
Paladini on Watford Bid for shitetu...No offers for Cook...Hope to sign Ward and at least one striker (Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times)-
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - May 31, 2006
shitetu bid: Wat's the idea?
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini has dismissed a bid by Premiership new boys Watford for Danny shitetu as 'embarrassing'.Paladini has made it clear that he will not allow Rangers' star defender to leave Loftus Road this summer for less than �3m.And Watford, promoted to the top flight via the play-offs just 10 days ago, have been told that their offer for shiteetu - thought to be less than half of the asking price - would not be considered."
I respect what Watford have done - they brought in the right players without paying a fortune, now they're in the Premiership," Paladini told the Times."When I watched them winning the play-offs on TV, I felt like changing channels because I was so jealous! But their offer for Danny was a ridiculous one - I felt it was embarrassing."We certainly won't sell him for that. I told them we want �3m and then another �500,000 if they stay up and we won't take less than the asking price." Danny's under contract - he knows the situation and he knows we are building a team. He's one of our most important players and we want to keep those players at the club."
Relegated pair Birmingham and West Brom have been eyeing the QPR centre-back for some time, with the Blues having a bid turned down in January.On that occasion, Sheffield United and Norwich were also rebuffed in their approaches for shiteetu, who signed a three-year contract with the Rs last summer.
Paladini also confirmed that he has so far received no offers for winger Lee Cook, whose excellent form since the turn of the year has seen a �2.5m price tag placed on his head.The former Watford wide man has been offered a two-year extension to his contract, which runs out in 2007 and Paladini added: "We want him to extend his contract and I'm hoping that should be done next week."
The club are also in discussions with the Australian Football Federation to finalise the transfer of 21-year-old midfielder Nick Ward from Perth Glory." We've agreed terms with the boy, he's happy to come here and, if we can sort things out with the Australian federation, I think he will make a tremendous difference next season," said Paladini.
Rangers, who have already signed Jamaican defender Damion Stewart and Cameroon midfielder Armel Tchakounte so far this summer, are also hoping to bring in a right-back and at least one forward.They had initially expressed an interest in signing Tottenham's Dutch striker Mounir El-Hamdaoui on a season's loan, but will now turn their attention elsewhere.
Caretaker manager Gary Waddock admitted recently that he planned to bring in at least one more striker irrespective of whether Shabazz Baidoo decided to stay at Loftus Road.And, although the teenager - who had been mulling over a contract offer for the past three months - has now chosen to stay, Waddock stressed that he will face stiff competition for first team football."There's no guarantee he will be involved in the first team - he's got to earn that right and hopefully he'll put in the kind of performances that will push him into the side," stated Waddock."Everything's been agreed with Shabazz, which is good news. He wanted everything done properly, so did we and sometimes it takes time to ensure that happens.
SIX Years Ago: John Spencer visits the White House
www1.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=gls====276363&nbc1=2
FIVE YEARS AGO
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Not Coming to QPR? - Middlesbrough's Adam Johnson
-
Hopefully Gareth Southgate is just saying this!
Goal.com/Peter Staunton - Southgate: Johnson Staying Put
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has dismissed any rumours linking winger Adam Johnson with a move away from the Riverside Stadium.
The 20-year old has appeared only 44 times for Boro since 2004 and has found himself loaned out over the past two seasons, to Leeds United and Watford respectively.
Johnson enjoyed a degree of success at Vicarage Road this term; he scored five times in only 12 appearances.
He had this week been linked with a transfer to UEFA Cup finalists Rangers and Championship side QPR, however, Southgate sees the wide-man as a part of his plans for next season.
He said: �Despite what has appeared in some papers we have not had a single approach from any club about Adam Johnson, we have had absolutely no contact about Adam from either Rangers or QPR, nor do we expect to have any.
�As I have made it clear, he remains a big part in my plans for the club. Adam is a fantastic talent and I do not want to see him leave. He could be very, very special and I would not want to see him play for another club.� - Goal.com
FIVE EARS Ago -QPR Fan/Club Meeting and Ex-QPR Snippets-
UPDATE: Turns out, reportedly due to a misunderstanding, Ali Russell did not meet with the fans groups. But a number of fans groups reps did meet with each other. Obviously the gist of what RUssell would have said remains what he told told QPR1st last week at its AGM.
Fan-Club Meeting: Today is the day of the joint fan groups representatives meeting with the club's Ali Russell, regarding the recently-announced new season ticket prices. A couple of weeks ago, various fan groups sent this joint letter to the club
qprreport.blogspot.com/2008/05/qpr-fans-groups-make-joint-appeal-to.html
. Earlier this week, one group, QPR1st heard from Ali Russell at its AGM. QPR1st Report. See also QPR Fans Condemn QPR Ticket Price Increases
BBC -Bankole lands Colchester position
Colchester have named much-travelled goalkeeper Ademola Bankole as their new permanent keeping coach.
FOUR Years Ago - Best of luck to former QPR Gavin Peacock:
The Times/Tony Cascarino - Gavin Peacock convinced God is on his side
FIVE YEARS AGO
Friday, May 30, 2008
Season Tickets Selling Well
-
QPR Official Site - PLATINUM AREAS SOLD OUT
As the countdown continues to the 2008/09 Coca Cola Championship campaign, the Club is pleased to announce that the Platinum areas of the ground have sold out to new Season Ticket holders.
Due to the unprecedented demand for Season Tickets, the Club has extended the opening hours in the Box Office tomorrow (Saturday) from 9.00am-5.00pm.
Alternatively, to renew your Season Ticket, simply call 08444 777 007 - 24 hours a day.
R's fans are also encouraged to take advantage of the option to renew online.
By booking online, you can also pre-order the new R's home shirt, as well as subscribe to QPR World ahead of what is sure to be a season to remember....
QPR Reportedly Bid for Crystal Palace Ben Watson - And Are Rejected-
According to some messageboard posts, Ben Watson to QPR was virtually a done deal. This article implies otherwise.
SkySport/Peter O'Rourke - Palace reject Watson bid
Midfielder wanted by former manager Dowie
Skysports.com understands Crystal Palace have turned down a bid from Queens Park Rangers for Ben Watson.
The midfielder is reported to be a target for new QPR boss Iain Dowie, who worked with Watson at Selhurst Park.
Watson came through the ranks at Palace, but only has 12 months remaining on his current contract.
QPR are understood to have made an offer in the region of �1.25million, but the bid has been knocked back by their Championship rivals.
During the January transfer window, the 22-year-old was linked with moves to both Reading and Norwich City.
Palace boss Neil Warnock admitted at the time that the right offer could have led to Watson leaving the club.
Warnock will now have to wait to see if his Loftus Road counterpart Dowie elects to make an improved attempt to sign Watson" Skysports
QPR Fans Condemn QPR Ticket Price Increases
-
Ealing Gazette/Yann Tear- Owners blasted over 'contemptuous' hikes
SEASON ticket holders who are faced with forking out 50 per cent more to watch QPR from next August have accused the club of taking their loyalty for granted.
One supporters' group website has branded the move "an absolute disgrace," saying that ordinary fans were now going to be priced out of renewing tickets.
At a time when even many Premier League clubs like Chelsea have decided to freeze tickets or peg prices to inflation, Rangers fans are being asked to pay far more.
A seat in the upper Loft End last season cost �398. Next season, it will cost �599 and some supporters are threatening to end long associations with the club rather than pay up to keep watching their team.
Rangers' price rise is the biggest in London and comes despite calls from the Government and supporters' groups to address the soaring cost of watching football.
t
One 40-year-old fan, who has been a season ticket holder for 13 years, told the Gazette: "I haven't renewed my ticket yet and I honestly don't know that I will.
"It's ironic that at a time when we have the richest owners we have ever had, we are now being asked to pay this huge increase - and there was not even an 'early bird' option this year to keep the cost down.
"I think we are now not far off the average cost of a Premier League season ticket and I don't think fans of any other club in the Championship are being asked to meet such an increase on demand."
Paul Finney of indyrs.co.uk, one of the club's independently-run web messageboards told the Gazette: "When the new owners talked in terms of getting to the Premier League, they didn't mention that the fans would be the ones paying for it.
"Are we there to fulfil their dreams or are they there to realise ours? Frankly, it's an absolute disgrace because they are pricing ordinary fans out of it. Our loyalty is being taken for granted and we are being treated with contempt."
Finney continued: "They have classified the ground into gold, silver and platinum areas but they have to sort out the standard of the ground if they want to justify that - not just the directors' box so Naomi Campbell and the other celebrities can watch in comfort."
Rangers say they are sensitive to the views of their fans but claim the ticket prices are in line with the club's ambitions and the top clubs in the division.
A club spokesman said: "It is the club's aim to achieve promotion to the Premier League and as such we have to generate further income to assist us in our pursuit of that goal.
"Whilst these decisions are never easy or straightforward, the club does need the continued support of the fans to help achieve that.
"It is certainly not our intention to drive away loyal fans who have supported the club through some very difficult times.
"However, whilst the new owners have invested heavily in the squad, as well as improving particular areas of the stadium, the club itself must endeavour to run more cost effectively. As a result, it is necessary for prices to increase.
"We do feel, however, that the new pricing structure has been designed to accommodate the needs of each and every QPR fan."
It is not clear yet whether season ticket sales have been affected by the price rise. Last year, 8,100 tickets were sold but the club have not disclosed how many have been sold so far.
Prices range from �450 to �699 and considering a typical price at Stamford Bridge is �790, Rangers appear close to embracing Premier League status before they are even there.
* Give us your views:Sende-mails to sport@ealinggazette.co.uk Ealing Gazette
