8 Year Flashback:- QPR CHAMPIONS

WATFORD OFFICIAL SITE

VISITORS Queens Park Rangers eventually came on top this afternoon (Saturday) as the Hornets were beaten by two second-half strikes at Vicarage Road.

It was a tense affair and certainly a close one until Adel Taarabt opened the scoring after 77 minutes.

After press reports over the forthcoming FA enquiry concerning Rangers, the visitors looked nervy during the early exchanges.

Both sides had chances before half-time but the R's late strikes clinched it as firstly Taarabt netted before former Hornet Smith before the game beyond doubt.

The Hornets made two changes for the visitors of the promotion chasers with Will Buckley and Marvin Sordell coming into the starting XI.

Scott Loach started in goal for the hosts, with the usual back four of Lee Hodson, Adrian Mariappa, Martin Taylor and Lloyd Doyley.

Skipper John Eustace and Don Cowie were joined by Will Buckley in midfield, while Danny Graham and Troy Deeney were assisted by Marvin Sordell in attack.

QPR had made just the one change for the game with Clint Hill missing out and Matt Connolly coming into the team, although boss Neil Warnock was forced into a further change when regular stopper Paddy Kenny picked up an injury during the warm-up.

Radek Cerny therefore started in goal with Petter Vaagan Moen joining the other subs on the bench.

Warnock included ex-Watford boys Heidar Helguson and Tommy Smith, while Dan Shittu was on the bench.

It was another glorious day in Hertfordshire for the final home clash of the season - the crowd warmly receiving the news that Danny Graham had collected the Player of the Season award prior to kick-off.

It was an open start to the affair with chances at both ends. Ex-Hornet Smith crossed for Helguson at the far post, but he couldn't steer his effort towards goal.

Helguson also got on the end of Connolly's cross after four minutes and Loach was forced to turn the ball behind for a corner kick.

At the other end Deeney looked lively early on and drilled wide after eight minutes.

Doyley thought he had struck gold again in the 13 minute, again against Rangers, after he burst free down the left flank and cut inside heading for goal. The full-back's eventual effort narrowly went wide - much to the disappointment of the Vicarage Road crowd.

QPR won a free-kick after 20 minutes and Taarabt tried his luck - Loach spilled the initial effort and it was put behind for a corner, but he firmly grasped the following corner kick deep into the six-yard box.

A minute later and Faurlin blasted over Loach's bar after Taarbat's square ball.

Watford created an excellent chance after 27 minutes when Deeney put in a great ball from the right and Graham peeled away from his marker - unfortunately for the 'Orns he planted his header the wrong side of Cerny's post.

Hall had been forced off after 22 minutes and was replaced by Shittu in the heart of the R's defence.

The big defender gave the ball away with nine minutes of the half remaining and Sordell was quick to finish but lucky for the ex-Charlton centre-half the flag had already been raised on Sordell.

Rangers reacted almost immediately and Orr had put the ball in the back of the net after Taarabt's ball over, but once again the player was deemed offside.

Faurlin made a great challenge on Sordell as he burst into the box with the ball - putting the ball behind for a corner kick, just as the striker looked set to shoot at goal.

From the resulting corner Taylor headed at goal at Cerny had it covered and easily collected the ball.

It had been an open half with chances for both sides - but despite opportunities at both ends, the score remained goalless at the interval.

Loach was the first keeper called into action at the start of the second half as he made a great reaction save from Faurlin's great effort after Taarabt's corner kick.

Deeney's close-range shot on 58 minutes was blocked by the Hoops in the box after Buckley's flick-on from Cowie's corner kick.

Taylor was forced off for the 'Orns on 55 minutes and replaced by Dale Bennett - while Sordell also looked like he had picked up an injury after 73 minutes when the striker hobbled off, he place was taken by Whichelow came on.

The pace on the game had certainly dipped with fewer chances for both sides, however the game exploded to life when the visitors took the lead after 77 minutes.

Former Golden Boy Smith wriggled free down the left flank and crossed for Taarabt and he planted a strike past Loach to put the R's 1-0 up.

Malky immediately replied by sending on first-year scholar Sean Murray for Buckley with 12 minutes left.

With three minutes left Loach dived to his left to deny sub Akos Buzsaky's free-kick from 25 yards out.

In time added on Helguson blasted over after Rangers broke away - then in time added on Smith drove the ball past Loach from outside the box and the R's confirmed the three points.

HORNETS: Loach; Hodson, Mariappa, Taylor, (Bennett 55) Doyley; Cowie, Eustace, Buckley (Murray 78); Deeney, Graham, Sordell (Whichelow 73). Subs not used: Gilmartin (gk), Mingoia, Drinkwater, Assombalonga.

RANGERS: Cerny; Connolly, Hall (Shittu 22), Taarabt, Orr; Faurlin, Derry, Routledge (Buzsaky 85), Taarabt (Ramage 90+5), Smith; Helguson. Subs not used: Agyemang, Hulse, Ephraim, Vaagan Moen.

GOALS: WATFORD; none. QPR; Taarabt (77).; Smith (90+3).

ATTENDANCE: 15538 (2,171 R's).

REFEREE: N Swarbrick.

www.watfordfc.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10400~52509,00.html

1 QPR 45 40 88
2 Norwich 44 24 80
3 Cardiff 44 25 79
4 Swansea 45 23 77
5 Reading 45 25 74
6 Nott'm F 45 16 72
7 Leeds 45 10 69
8 Millwall 45 15 67
9 Burnley 45 4 67
10 Hull 45 4 65
11 Leicester 45 3 64
12 Ipswich 45 -4 62
13 Watford 45 8 61
14 Bristol C 45 -6 57
15 Portsmth 44 -6 57
16 Middlesbh 44 -6 56
17 Coventry 45 -4 54
18 Barnsley 45 -12 53
19 Derby 45 -12 49
20 Crystal P 45 -22 48
21 Doncaster 45 -23 48
22 Sheff U 45 -31 42
23 Sc**trpe 45 -44 41
24 Preston 45 -27 39

news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/table/default.stm

QPR OFFICIAL SITE

WARNOCK: 'MY FINEST MOMENT'

Neil Warnock saw his QPR side clinch the npower Championship title - and dubbed it his 'finest moment' in football management.

In a match of very few clear-cut chances, a stalemate beckoned with Watford before goals from Adel Taarabt and Tommy Smith ensured the Championship trophy will now head to Loftus Road.

Moments after the final whistle, an emotional Warnock told http://www.qpr.co.uk: "I'm elated. It's a wonderful feeling to finish as Champions. We've deserved it.

"We've had such a turnaround in 13 months and I'm so proud of my players.

"I told them at half-time that we're 45 minutes away from remembering something for the rest of our lives.

"I thought it epitomised our whole season today.

"We lost Paddy Kenny in the warm-up, Fitz Hall went off injured and Clint Hill's ankle was in pieces so he couldn't make it.

"But other lads came in and you saw how much of a group we were today.

"We've been a great group and have got some character - the bread and butter players and then we've got some quality as well.

"We've been magnificent. That's 25 clean sheets. It takes some beating.

"We came under a bit of pressure in the second half but instead of being negative, we decided to leave Adel Taarabt on.

"It's always a difficult game at Watford. But we were superb. We had to hang on in there but then took the opportunities to win the match."

Warnock added: "It's been a fantastic season for me. I've never enjoyed myself as much in my life.

"It's my finest moment. There's no comparison with the other promotions that I've won in my managerial career.

"I thought I'd be retired by now. Instead, I've got the best team that I've ever had and I've loved it.

"I've always wanted to manage a team that can go anywhere and win. That's why I've always envied people like Sir Alex Ferguson.

"The fans and everyone behind the scenes at the Club have been fantastic.

"Everyone has been really supportive and it's nice to repay that by getting them to where they want to be.

"Times like this don't happen very often in football and you have to savour every minute."

www.qpr.co.uk/page/TheGaffer/0,,10373~2350336,00.html

THE GUARDIAN

Adel Taarabt breaks Watford's resistance to leave QPR champions

Sachin Nakrani

From a truly forgettable encounter came a golden memory for Queens Park Rangers. Denied promotion by Norwich's late, late goal on Monday, they finally got the win they so keenly wanted here, one that sees them back in the Premier League for the first time since 1996 and also secures them the Championship title. Their performance was far from convincing but all that was forgotten the moment Adel Taarabt and then Tommy Smith scored late on to send those in blue and white into ecstasy.

But there remains a dark cloud for QPR. In two days time, the FA's hearing into the clubs purchase of the Argentinian midfielder Alejandro Faurlín will begin and, if weekend reports are to believed, could result in a 15-point deduction for the newly crowned champions over a breach of third-party ownership, plunging them into the play-offs and a likely legal challenge. Uncertainty over QPR's future remains, then, but today their players, staff and fans could feel nothing but joy.

The visitors began brightly and could have taken the lead after only 23 seconds when Heidar Helguson found himself unmarked at the back post, but could only hit a side-footed shot from Tommy Smith's cross into the side-netting. The same player then forced Scott Loach into a save eight minutes later after reacting first to Matt Connolly's looping cross.

The visitors' dominance continued, with Watford playing with the lack of assurance of a team that has won only one of its past seven matches and, after Monday's 4-2 defeat at Leicester, can no longer make the play-offs. The hosts did, however, spring into life on 15 minutes when Lloyd Doyley, having collected an accurate through pass from Martin Taylor, surged past Bradley Orr and delivered a cross into the area which only lacked a finish.

There was now a desire from Watford to be more resolute, which saw all but one player shift into their own half whenever QPR had possession. In order to open up space, the league leaders' creative trio of Wayne Routledge, Smith and Taarabt began to roam and it was from the left wing that Taarabt was able to carve an a further opportunity for the hosts on 23 minutes, rolling a low cross into the centre of the area which was collected by Faurlín but saw the Argentinian hit his resulting drive well over the bar. QPR were immediately forced into making another change, with Fitz Hall, who came into his game suffering with a hamstring strain, being replaced by Danny Shittu, making it three former Watford players in the QPR line-up, alongside Helguson and Smith.

Watford used the moment to attack again and from Troy Deeney's cross, Danny Graham headed wide of goal from an unmarked position. It was uncharacteristic wastefulness from a player who has scored 24 goals this season, a division high. That miss summed up a half in which both sides lacked genuine conviction. In fairness, they were not helped by a cut-up, uneven pitch. A moment of splendour did, however, arrive soon after the interval when Faurlín hit a wicked, curling left-footed drive from the edge of the area that looked set to go in until Scott Loach sprang off his heels to make a fine save.

Watford then threatened, with Graham again coming close to scoring. The striker, though, was unable to properly connect with a flick-on from Don Cowie's left-sided corner. It was only right that the hosts should play with some confidence, given they beat QPR 3-1 at Loftus Road in December, the only time the league leaders have lost at home this season.

Stalemate looked the likely outcome of his repeat fixture until the 76th minute when Smith's left-wing cross was flicked beyond Loach by Taarabt. Jubilation filled the QPR supporters stood behind the goal, as well as Neil Warnock, the QPR manager on the touchline. This was undoubtedly the moment promotion and the title was secured and how apt that it should be delivered by the team's outstanding performer of the season. Into stoppage time, Smith then doubled the visitors lead with another close-range shot.

www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/apr/30/watford-qpr-championship

And audio of Warnock's comments - news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/9471984.stm

NOTE THE FINAL TEN SECONDS

TELEGRAPH/John Ley

Championship

Queens Park Rangers are promoted to the Premier League after win at Watford

It is 15 years since Queens Park Rangers last graced the top flight, and most fans will be glad to see the return of one of English football’s most quixotic clubs.

One thing is for sure, Queens Park Rangers supporters could never be accused of gloryhunting. One trophy since their foundation in 1882 – the 1967 League Cup – led to a joke centring on the thieves who broke into Loftus Road’s trophy room and were apprehended carrying a large blue and white striped carpet.

Talent-spotting

If Chelsea are the club of the Surrey stockbrokers and Crystal Palace the favoured retreat of comedians in search of material, QPR can at least claim to be the preferred haunt of eminent musicians.

Mick Jones, the guitarist with The Clash, The Cure’s Robert Smith, Nick Cave and, er, Phil Collins are all Hoops. Pete Doherty, meanwhile, used to edit a club fanzine.

Don't mention the...

Plastic pitch. Introduced by Rangers in 1981, the experiment provoked a storm of criticism, and seven years later artificial turf had been banned by the Football Association.

Do mention the...

Club’s reputation for enjoyably salacious stories. In recent years, there have been tales of guns brandished in the boardroom, controversial buy-outs by billionaire playboys and a former manager receiving 'playful’ death threats from his chairman.

www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/championship/8485760/Queens-Park-Rangers-are-promoted-to-the-Premier-League-after-win-at-Watford.html

Warnock hopes FA probe won't ruin QPR's promotion

By Steve Griffiths (AFP) – 3 hours ago

LONDON — QPR manager Neil Warnock is keeping his fingers crossed that the FA hearing into allegations the club breached rules on third-party ownership doesn't cost his side promotion to the Premier League.

Warnock's side returned to the top-flight after a 15-year absence, and secured the Championship title in the process, thanks to a 2-0 win over Watford on Saturday.

Second half goals from Adel Taarabt and Tommy Smith at Vicarage Road sparked wild celebrations among QPR's players and travelling fans.

But QPR now face a nervous wait for the results of a disciplinary hearing due to be held next week.

A report in The Sun newspaper on Friday quoting an unnamed FA source said the club could be docked 15 points in connection with the signing of Argentinian midfielder Alejandro Faurlin.

A 15-point penalty would leave QPR having to secure promotion all over again via the play-offs.

Warnock was furious at the claims they would be punished with a points deduction and admitted his players were also affected, but he remains confident the ruling will allow his side to continue their celebrations.

"I just get on with winning games," Warnock said. "When I looked at the coverage it destroyed us, the place was like a morgue.

"We're all guessing, we have to wait until Friday. I'm happy with what my barrister has told me.

"I don't fear anything, I was brought in to win promotion and that's what I've done.

"You can do without it as a manager but you've got to get on with it. I'll be glad when it's over and then I can talk about it."

After taking over at QPR late last season, Warnock saved the team from relegation and he described the achievement of turning that group into promotion winners as the best of his long career.

"It's a wonderful feeling. I think it's the best job I've ever done," Warnock said.

"I've got other promotions but not in such a short space of time, in 13 months from battling relegation to winning the Championship."

www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ieEgPLAcEbyhrQ4Ut9Z2dWiFNOIg?docId=CNG.1f40565b25e794cb96a05f2636922abc.d1

A BIG THANK YOU, NEIL! It's really meaningful when a manager of this caliber and character says something like this.

I intended to say 'thanks for looking this so easy' -- but that's not what I really want to say to this brilliant man.

What I really wanted to say is... Thanks for looking like Angus today in your shorts! ;D

Taarabt speaking

Yann Tear/Gazette

Taarabt thanks Warnock and his QPR team-mates


ADEL Taarabt's 19th goal of the season set Rangers on their way to a 2-0 win at Watford that clinched the title – but immediately deflected praise onto his team-mates.

The Moroccan also re-iterated the part boss Neil Warnock has played in his success this year as the Championship player of the year.

“Of course, it's not about one player,” he said. “Only one player never wins you the game. It's about the team, the squad and everyone at the club.

“Of course I do the last job, to score goals – that's why people think about me, but you have to give credit to the whole club.

“I don't mind the attention. I'm very happy always to score for my team and give them the winner and they can trust me. Every game, I try to do my best.

Speaking of his relationship with Warnock, Taarabt said: “If I make a season like this, it is a lot because of him [Neil Warnock].

“He gives me 100 per cent belief and trusts me a lot and if I've not been good in one or two games, he's still played me. He did a lot for me.

“I think in football, all the time you have to meet somebody who gives you a chance and for me, it's Neil. Nobody else came for me like him I hope it can continue like this.

“I hope QPR will do good. I hope with this manager, in fact I know, they can achieve something. I don't know what is the target for next season but now we just have to enjoy the moment.

"The manager will tell us in pre-season what the target is for next season.”

www.uxbridgegazette.co.uk/west-london-sport/qpr/2011/04/30/taarabt-thanks-warnock-and-his-qpr-team-mates-64767-28613312/

And not forgetting the inspired thought by Neil to replace Paddy Kenny with Radek Cerny, who bested Paddy with a 100% clean sheet.

I liked NW's post match comments on SSN about the gutter press repors on Friday.

Videos from Watford Celebrations
qprreport.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=22135

QPR OFFICIAL SITE

BUZSAKY: 'I'M LOST FOR WORDS'
Posted on: Sun 01 May 2011

Akos Buzsaky was 'lost for words' at the full-time whistle, as the realisation hit him that he is now a Premier League player!

The Magical Magyar - who entered the fray as a second half substitute at Vicarage Road - looked overawed with emotion as the R's players made their way to the away dressing room at the end of an amazing afternoon in Hertfordshire.

Speaking briefly to www.qpr.co.uk, Buzsaky said: "It's been an amazing season and now we're there - we're a Premier League Club!

"Everybody is so happy, it's amazing.

"I'm absolutely lost for words.

"This is an amazing feeling - the greatest I have ever felt."

www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2350475,00.html


QPR OFFICIAL SITE

DEL: 'IT'S UNBELIEVABLE'
Posted on: Sat 30 Apr 2011

R's talisman Adel Taarabt was all smiles, after his 19th goal of the season helped QPR clinch their place in the Premier League with a 2-0 victory at Watford.

The Rangers skipper opened the scoring at Vicarage Road, before Tommy Smith's late strike clinched a maximum return for the R's - and with it, a return to the top-flight of English football.

Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Taarabt said: "It's unbelievable.

"It's been only one year under Neil Warnock and we've made the Premier League, so we are all delighted.

"It was fantastic to score the goal that got us on our way.

"It was a nice ball from Tommy (Smith) and I managed to steer it past the keeper.

"It was a remarkable feeling to do it in front of the QPR fans - just unbelievable."

Taarabt added: "I can't wait for the Premier League.

"It's a dream for me. I can't wait for it.

"Next year I hope to prove to everyone that I can play in the Premier League."

www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2350464,00.html

Some nice photos from the Official Site
www.qpr.co.uk/page/Gallery/0,,10373~2350530,00.html

A few of them