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Post by terryloftus on Jun 11, 2011 21:28:21 GMT
HI Hoops, I have just come off of the phone after a great 1 hour long chat with QPR legend Don Masson. First, please understand, I do know a lot of ex- legends BUT there's also a hell of a lot that I don't!! Point being, As we are all members of the QPR family, I think (rightly or wrongly?), that I should share any QPR news with you, as fellow Hoops..... NOT, a name dropping, self serving, ego- maniac!! If it irritates you, please just let me know and I swear I will understand (I sometimes think ' do they think i'm a know it all idiot!, so i'm aware of that side of it and have mentioned this to some of the mods. If I were like that, be sure I would of told you I was Mick Jaggers favourite relative.... BUT, I don't know him! ) Trust me when I say, I don't share it with you to look like ' Jack the Biscuit!', especially when those players have asked me to pass things on to you! I hope you understand? Anyway, I can't tell you how much I admire Don's outlook on life. This is slightly edited. " Dear Tel, Hope you are well my friend. Tel, would you please send my best wishes and appreciation to all true QPR supporters and let them know how over the moon I am, that we are back were we belong- in the top flight! It gives me a real buzz, as I have never fallen out of love with QPR or the true fans. I remember the supporters well, and they were worth at least two top flight signings!! In our fantastic stadium, which had the greatest, most electric , intimate, mood lifting atmosphere than any stadium, the supporters won us many a game where we were struggling. I had a fantastic life playing for QPR, meeting lots of great players, managers and of course, the supporters, who I consider part of the team! It's a real shame that QPR have taken all this for granted, and don't have an ex- players association like at Notts County. We have regular great re-unions, where all the players of the past get together. Everyone comes, if possible because they are great events! It's a shame that QPR, don't seem to have the genuine association, for all the right reasons. It's seems like another money maker, with hardly any of the players advertised actually going or wanting to go. And the prices for faith full, genuine supporters- which should be a thank you for their loyalty and hard earned money are well... you know!, it's a shame when supporters who are part of the team, have to be fleeced for their loyalty- how long until they have had enough, everyone has their limit! ON STAN I was shocked to find out how often Stan was bad mouthing myself and Rodney, he never said anything to me while I was there and I don't understand it. I thought I got on with Stan, there were no problems while at QPR, I think it's just sad. He could of done much more, as he was a great player and has no need for bitterness. It's just a shame, especially as he said nothing to me at the time! That aside, the things he would do in training were unreal. What's so sad is, he feels he has to stoop that low for no reason, when he was one of the most skillful players I ever saw. I played with Kenny Dalglish, and Stan was a better player. I don't know what his problem with me, Rodney - who was a genius, is but all I will say is, hand on heart, Stan was the most skillful player I shared a pitch with! (I never played with or against Rodney or George Best- at his best.) I wish Stan the best for the future and hope he can use that great talent in a more positive way. DON TODAY. Today, I enjoy running my B & B with my wife in Nottingham, the place is lovely. What with the enjoyment I got from football, the people I have met, I feel like the luckiest man alive, as I have fulfilled all my ambitions. And what tops it off, is my friend Tel Currie, telling me that I am not forgotten by QPR fans- which i'm sure I was. I have always loved them. Thank you so much folks, Don Masson " Tel Don's web address- www.thegrangebedandbreakfastnotts.co.ukAttachments:
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Post by Macmoish on Jun 11, 2011 21:43:01 GMT
Very nice... Obviously the place to stay if in the area
Re how our club treats/keep in contact with ex-players. That's something we've discussed before. It's a major shame. Ex-Player Dave Thomas commented on this last year or the year before.
Keep hoping it will change. But so far it doesnt seem to.
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Post by Hogan on Jun 11, 2011 22:09:24 GMT
Thanks, always good to hear how our great ex players are and their feelings towards our club and us the fans.
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Post by terryloftus on Jun 11, 2011 22:12:43 GMT
I was thinking of a get to together for us lot, at Don's place? The standard is £45 a room for the night + breakfast. We could invite all the ex-players we all know, for a bit of a knees -up (I know Rodney is back in September) It's a damn site cheaper than a QPR re-union at £90 just to sit on a table & be ignored, while done up like a ploughmans lunch, only to find out only about 5 ' not exactly legends' have turned to talk to their old mates! I can tell you, Don thinks the world of us, he will set up a proper QPR do by a proper QPR legend, in a wonderful place, NOT over looking White City! Why pay them £90, are we not perfectly capable of making a much better & intimate venue, chatting on a sofa etc with Legends, not just being plonked on a table with Mark Hately!!!!?? We have the venue, where Don Masson is in charge, NOT robbers without masks! A legend, who looks up to fans not down, and will know what QPR fans want! Even the host is a legend! It could be the springboard for quality ' fans & legends' nights...... Can you think of a better get together? ANYONE UP FOR IT? ? Attachments:
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Post by klr on Jun 11, 2011 22:23:24 GMT
Didnt see Stan Bowles play, but as a person ? Not my cup of tea to put it mildly.
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Post by Lonegunmen on Jun 11, 2011 22:39:41 GMT
Great idea tel. Don Masson was one of the very best midfielders we have had. I'm sure he could pass the ball through the eye of a needle at 40 yards. He might not have scored many goals but those he did were pretty damn good. I have a couple on DVD here somewhere. For sure he is definately not forgotten by those of us around at the time.
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Post by superckat on Jun 12, 2011 0:14:23 GMT
Tel, Thanks for that. That's a real good read. It is good to know that he respects the fans so much. It's a shame the current players don't feel the same. Also what did Stan say about Don. I hadn't heard anything.
Also that's a damn good idea about staying at the hotel. Right now funds are tight at the moment, as I struggle to scrape the pennies together to see if I can afford a season ticket. But at some time I don't know when. I want to get to that bed and breakfast.
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Post by jayrigg on Jun 12, 2011 0:16:10 GMT
Good effort Tel, As i said in an earlier thread, i was well looked after when i was staying there in 2005(although i never properly recognised him for a couple of days!).We had some great conversations about "that team". I think an ex-players association is a great idea, is there anything we with other sites can do to bring this to the clubs attention? I say this, because it is nice when players remember their clubs, and looking at Andys(Lonegunman)website, and it was great that Andy Impey and Simon Stainrod (another big hero of mine) commented on us and i still believe they are fans of the club.I wonder in todays age of multi-millionaires who actually gives a xxxx about the club they play for.
cheers,
Jay
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Post by Lonegunmen on Jun 12, 2011 11:18:53 GMT
I too believe players of the last geeneration held fans in much higher appreciation than the money grabbers we have today. Although I think Ramage will be good towards fans and Mackie too.
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QPRAirdrie
Ian Holloway
Queen's Park Rangers Football Club.
Posts: 317
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Post by QPRAirdrie on Jun 12, 2011 13:35:46 GMT
Get onto his website and give your appreciation via the guestbook, I'm sure he would staggered by how much he was thought of at QPR by the fans.
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Post by thearmy on Jun 12, 2011 15:52:20 GMT
One of the saddest days of my QPR life was watching loads of Rangers fans booing Don Masson as he took a corner for Notts County against us in the early 80's. Don simply shrugged I imagine finding it hard to imagine after his sterling service that fans could be so small minded and sad.
He was a great player and deserved so much better
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Post by terryloftus on Jun 12, 2011 21:02:26 GMT
That's a great idea about leaving appreciation messages on Don's site. Your spot on, he would be staggered!!! I actually said " Don, if I advertise your site, you me be overwhelmed by autograph requests from QPR fans and no bookings!" His reply- " Tel, that doesn't bother me at all. The true fans gave me great joy and allowed me to open my B & B, and gave me a life after football. They are my friends and I don't mind if they send things to be signed. .. But I doubt they would!" That's my kind of ex-legend, I will say again- NO FANS- NO CLUB!! Don understands that perfectly. He didn't have to talk to me on the phone at all!!! Try and get that from Stan. I'm afraid he feels we have a duty to worship him! (Stan has always aimed that one at Rodney..... I CAN ASSURE YOU, it's the reverse!) The facts are, Stan is an addict- gambling, booze (and if you watch the interview in the Big Match part 2, you may have noticed the constant sniffing & nose rubbing. I have seen it a hundred times and it means one thing. He has always said he was cool & calm before matches. Well, in his own book he admits he had a heavy valium habit and would neck them before a game.. that would relax a horse! But, the worse thing he did was actually NAME who was selling them to him in his book!!!! Stan is a plastic gangster, they guy he GRASSED isn't plastic!, he goes back to the 50's and we all know him, my Dad knew him well. He was in the nick with Freddie Foreman!.... YOU DON'T NAME NAME"S!!!! And " mixing with the mob" gangsters" etc, was actually the ' Quality Street Gang'. Men like Jimmy Swords of the original lot were ok (I know what names are ok to mention!), but Stan only ran bets for them.. a ' lackey'. If you google the name Paul Massey, he is a very good friend of all of us, and for some reason is called 'MR BIG', I don't know why, he's a good guy, but it stuck and Manchester is Paul!) But then Stan wrote in an article " Rodney better look over his shoulder- I know people!" What REAL one of the Chaps would say that?, if something did happen to Rod, Stan's already grassed himself up!!! It actually made me cringe. Stan was one of my first idols, and it is sad that he thinks the Chaps in London even know who he is( I can tell you they don't, but they know Rodney & Bobby Keetch), apart from a couple of fringe members- let alone be scared of him!! But i'm sure, like the idiots who buy the Kray, Lenny Mclean etc books- believe it AL!!! Stan, is constantly putting Don & Rodney down especially, most people in general. The reason is, he has no life and is trying to be like George Best (So many players have told me that!) He lives the life of an addict. Poncing and re- writing history to up his value (There's so many- like when he kicked the ball at the FA Cup at Roker Park- it wasn't - it was Tony Hazell who did that, now he is mentioning Tony in the story because to many know the truth!) " I had never heard of Rodney Marsh." " I learned to trip myself up in the penalty area from Marsh" ha? Don Masson, he throws abuse at in loads of interviews, his book, DVD'S etc, but he obviously never faced these people.... because they had no idea! (And don't care!) I hate the fact that this is the truth about Stan, how great would it be if all our legends were mates & had regular nights out? But the split in the team, is largely down to Stan. QPR will tell you they have no contact with our legends. But they have when it suits them, just not for us. You only to need to read a programme or our magazine - there are interviews with EVERYONE, even those abroad, and the hardest to contact is Terry Venables. But they managed to contact him for a long interview in QPR magazine? ? Try this, send a letter for Stan to QPR (Who lives 2 miles away in Brentford.) ask for a reply & say you are willing to drive loads of miles just for an autograph & photo...... see if anything comes back!!! I hate slagging Stan, but Don Masson said what I always said " Club football is harder than playing for your country, because international matches, you are surrounded by the best. Stan had great players all around him...... Rodney really had nobody, but compare what they did!" It wasn't a put down, but an observation- look at Stan's club record before and after QPR- he won NOTHING!!! So, all he had left was to become an addict and change the truth! I REALLY don't understand how anyone can even say Stan was better. And all this lower league stuff. Remember, Rodney was top scorer in a star studded Fulham team in the first division, until he had enough and followed his best mate Bobby Keetch to QPR. But how long did we stay there?, straight out of div 3, 2 into 1 for the first time- and winning the league Cup- were they a lower division Club?? But, they didn't strengthen the team, so when Rod was injured - we had had it! It was then a third div team, in the first without it's one first division player!!! Stan, never made it at Man City (And Rod became a cult hero there, that must have been an ouch for Stan.), Crewe, Bury, Carlisle, surrounded by the top players in Britain at QPR (Won nothing and Don Givens was top goal scorer!), this showed when he went to Forest, Orient and I saw most of his games at Brentford and he wasn't that great (or old there!!)- Then spent the rest of his life slagging everyone else! When I was a kid, it was actually Dave Thomas & Don Givens & Gerry that I loved to watch, and ask anyone, Tony Currie at Sheffield was one the best English midfielders in the country! (One of our biggest mistakes, not signing Tony and letting him go to Watford. Imagine a - Marsh and Currie link up!!!!) I have an article (which I will try and upload below, but i'm having problems.) That say's " Apart from George Best, Rodney Marsh is the most skillful entertainer in Britain.", as George was Irish, that means the article is saying the number 1 England player. At this time, he was at City (I love it when Stan say's how Rodney f**ked up at City in his first season!) Franny Lee etc, blame that on Malcolm Allison. But after, he became a City icon & Captain (And treated a lot better now than at QPR!)... What did Stan do at Man City, in his home town? Good old Stan, not the sharpest tool in the box!! In my opinion- Rodney made one vital mistake.... He went to Tampa too young & stayed there! He should of stuck with big English Clubs and had longer over here, nobody cared about the NASL.... and I think that stopped what could of been an amazing legacy! Everything I say, is from the heart and fact.... it's not out of venom for Stan or anyone else. But for some reason, QPR fans think Stan is God, so they believe the lies & crap he comes out with about Don Masson- who deserves better, but just finds Stan "Sad". AS for Rodney, PLEASE trust me.... He does NOT give a s**t about Stan or anyone else (Those he hated- like Mike Doyle, he fronted them at the time!) Stan means NOTHING to me, his told me so many times, he doesn't care. He lives in Florida & is rich.. why would he? And I don't think people realize how big Rodney is- 6ft 2" & 16 stone with no fat and trains everyday! If you meet him you will be shocked, How was he so graceful on the ball?? Don Masson, Roger Morgan & Rod are the most genuine guys from QPR I have met. Stan will agree to meet you on his doorstep, after you have done 200 miles.... and he won't bother being there! (That happened to me, I wasn't happy!!!) Sorry to go on, but who the hell wants their number one icon to be a player who won NOTHING... doesn't that make us look a bit sad? What did QPR achieve before March 1966?- when they signed Marsh??? It's a fact, and many people have said it because it's right in your face!! - QPR wasn't formed in 1882 but 1966... NOW THAT'S A FACT! Not many up for a party at Don's then? Tel Attachments:
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Post by klr on Jun 12, 2011 22:00:08 GMT
Well Terry, I certainly think it is walking a tightrope to discuss someone who like you say is clearly an addict, fact is Stan Bowles is a QPR Icon & whom many QPR fans say is our greatest ever player, so a certain amount of respect is due, My Dad's favourite was / is Rodney like most if not all of my Dad's generation, its Rodney not Stan, I'm too young to have seen either of them play but grew up seeing the great "Classic FM" team of 1992 / 93, team play so I am old enough to have my own great QPR memories from my youth that I can look back on fondly. I've had the "pleasure" of Stan Bowles company in the alcohol type enviroment & I can state quite clearly that he is not my cup of tea, I have met other footballers, Bryan Robson, Jimmy Greaves, Neville Southall, who were nice guys & gave me the time of day, Stan wasnt rude or insulting, but I think theres a certain "unsavoury" air about him if you know what I mean, my Dad has met Rodney on many occassions & says he always gives him the time of day & is more than happy to talk about Rangers & that whole sixties period in general, to my old man, Rod is God, in the footballing sense. I cant remember a QPR player back in the early nineties that was an ars£hole back when I was collecting autographs & all that, maybe a little bit of rose tinted specs, but they were all perfectly happy to give you their times, none of this headphones b&llocks you get from footballers nowadays.
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Post by maudesfishnchips on Jun 12, 2011 22:49:51 GMT
i like all QPR players, and don masson was certainly one of them.
i like stan bowles when he was on the pitch and when he is off it.
not sure why this thread is delving into his character.
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Post by terryloftus on Jun 12, 2011 23:18:12 GMT
I have never walked a tight rope mate, do you mean I may offend people who have never met him, seen him play & believe all the crap he comes out with? GOOD! Everyone knows he's in addict, he wears it like a badge of honour (As he does the gangster rubbish), I don't get what you mean mate. After talking to people who played in the same team as Stan, made for great watching and were a team ahead of their time, I think it's just typical Stan to slag off his own team mates!! And the fact they had no idea and didn't give it to them at the time, also shows a coward- does it not? I agree mate most of the teams of the 90's (I call our last golden era.. until now.) were fantastic! Wegerle, Ferdinand, Sinclair, Sinton, Wilkins, Bailey, Wilson, Parker... Oh yes! I have great memories of those day's as well mate (And why were all our best kits in that era, one after another?) But the players who came after, didn't take every chance they had to make new fans think that Roy Wegerle was cr*p!! In that era, one of my best pals and drinking, Saturday night out mates was called Michael Meaker (Some may remember him?), he played a good few first team games & scored a few goals (He was in our London Masters team), but he was a winger and we already had one called Andy Sinton, so he was mostly in the reserves. Me and our little mob used just wonder around the ground, and some first team players would join us for a kick about on me & Mikes local field. Imagine that now! (I remember, I Cruyff turned him once on the touch line- CLASSIC! But, nobody slagged anyone off, and they ALL loved Gerry Francis when he came back as Manager.) If you slagged one of them off, they would all be on you. This happened a lot in the reserve games, when superstars like Gazza would be playing, coming back from injury. But Mike has never slagged Sinton, for keeping him out of the team, they would all be there cheering their mates on!!! (And none of them cared about Stan etc, because most of them supported Spurs!, Chris Waddle was the hero!!) That's why I don't get the hatred between the '67 team & '76 team. That's why they never go to these £90 re-unions, and it is mainly Stan who starts the abuse over nothing. Can he not see the benefit of an audience with Rodney? But the fact is, Stan has driven everyone away by talking rubbish while off his nut! I have seen it, and people always ask him about Rodney and he starts getting nasty, where Rodney say's " He was a great player"- But Stan takes the bait. How good would Stan have been without- Dave Thomas, Gerry Francis, Don Givens, Don Masson , Dave Clement etc??? Now compare them to the team Rodney took to division 1. How does Stan come out on top. Could he have taken us from 3rd to 1st + a league cup with the players of Rodney's era- not ONE international? That's a genuine question? Fact is, whether you love Stan or not, he doesn't have the right to slag off Don Masson? Anyone disagree? And I still don't understand while i'm walking a tight rope, because he's an addict- And a f**king grass!!!!!!! Tel
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Post by Lonegunmen on Jun 12, 2011 23:57:14 GMT
One of the most interesting points you raised earlier and I would like to touch on, Why is there no player association at QPR? Former players from the very distant past to current players. Nearly every other club has some sort of get togethers for them. Guest of the dasy etc. Thomas gets them at Everton yet his best years were with us.
Like your idea of the museum Tel, this club - and to be fair, even before Paladini - has never looked after it's former heros. I'd have to ask Ron Phillips about this of course to gegt a better background.
Perhaps a good time for all QPR fans over the various MB's to start asking questions as to wyy our former heroes are not recognised and looked after? A triumphant return to the big league, what an opportunity.
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Post by terryloftus on Jun 13, 2011 2:06:25 GMT
Mate, nobody needs to "Delve" into Stan's character, he comes out with the same s**t in every single interview!!! Most of it is lies and with Rodney, everyone with a brain knows it's pure envy! You just can't go on like he does and expect not to be questioned!!! He won nothing, was rubbish at every other club, wasn't our top goal scorer, never played in a Wembley final for his club, takes credit for things he never done, doesn't give a s**t for the fans (As our friend who met him confirmed), but claims to be second only to George Best!!!!!! But, for some reason, fans want him as the Club idol? what is there that's so confusing? Rodney Marsh made QPR, NOT the other way round, a Wembley winner (with one of the best goals ever seen there!) We signed him, suddenly we are div 3 champions - with Rodney scoring 44 goals in a season, out of div 2 and into the top flight for the first time in our history, before that he was top goal scorer at star studded Fulham, the number 10 shirt is iconic because of him and their goal ratio is MARSH- 242 appearances- 134 goals BOWLES- 315- 96 goals The lower league stuff doesn't matter if your just shooting through them,and as I said WBA were hardly low league- look at the goal he put past them!!! and had decent signings been made in div 1, who knows? Bowles- Great Player Marsh- Genius & great bloke. Where's the argument? there isn't one! I think this is typical 'Frank Bruno syndrome', a very English thing. I was a Lennox Lewis fan and boxing is more my game than football. Yet, (mostly the idiots who only knew what was on the back pages) loved 'our Frank', because he was a gallant LOSER, we don't like winners, they are to big for their boots, we love a loser who has a go! There are many more like it- Trevor Brooking & probably Beckham get knighted, but Bobby Moore and Martin Peters get nothing! We have always been the same. Rodney is just out of range as a legend, but good old Stan, he goes down the pub, we liked him (on the pitch), we don't care what he won! We have now been brainwashed with this ' love a cheeky chappy loser but tryer' crap! Look at the DVD'S, Read the old programmes, consider the players Rodney played with in '67 onward, and then those he has played with and against outside QPR, open your mind, there is no case to answer! Even George Best said Marsh was a genius.... was he wrong? Why are we not proud that we had such a legend and winner take us to the top & win our only Wembley trophy? He should be the pride of QPR, the foundations for QPR were laid by Rodney Marsh and he should be our Club hero!!! But no, lets get a statue of a bloke holding erm... nothing aloft instead! Tel Attachments:
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Post by superckat on Jun 13, 2011 13:12:27 GMT
Tel you put up a good case for the Marsh v Bowles debate. To be honest reading what you say and thinking about it in a logical and common sense way. I can't argue against what you're saying. However being a football fan is probably zero percent logic and 100% passion.
People determine who were there heroes based on how they feel when they watched them play. We can all watch the same players and feel differently about them. A lot of fans who idolised Bowles isn't going to care too much about his off field activities or that he may have lied in some of his stories or that he has rubbished some of his team mates. In their minds, he is a hero and always will be. Because when they think about him. They think about the things he did on the pitch and that he played in one of our greatest ever teams. Many will never meet him and so will not be able to form a lot of the opinions, that you and others that have met him have done. Even if they did, they may admit he is a waster outside the game. But will that taint what they think of him when he played for us. Doubt it. About 10 years ago I used to see Peter Hucker every Saturday as my son used to go to his soccer school. But very quickly I formed an opinion that as a person I thought he was a right w***er and had a few arguments with him(I wasn't the only one either). Thought he was arrogant and full of himself. However Still rated him as a good keeper. Never thought less of him as a player based on my personal experiences of him.
You also mention that he has not won anything and whereas Marsh has. A good point. Also gave the comparison with Bruno and Lewis. Personally I thought Bruno was a clown and Lewis a class act. Even though Bruno did eventually win a heavyweight title. However most fans will say that we deserved to win the league during that time and it wasn't our fault that we didn't. Looking back at it. Most fans even now will blame Wolves for collapsing against Liverpool in the last 15 minutes of that game. Some fans still dislike Wolves now based on that result.
As for me, well I don't idolise anyone outside of my family. As to my opinion of the Marsh v Bowles debate. I would go with Bowles and that would admittedly be because I had seen more of Bowles than I have of Marsh, because I got excited seeing Bowles and Dave Thomas and the rest tearing defences apart. It's the kind of excitement you get seeing something at the time that you can never get from just seeing someone on a video tape for the first time. You're right if you look at the both of them over there careers it's quite obviously who comes of better and who will get most credit from their peers. I know Stan was lieing re the story about kicking over the FA Cup, as many others do and I have no reason to doubt what you say as it seems consistent with stories I've heard of him. klr also backs up some of what you've said. But that has no effect on how I see him as a player, just as meeting Hucker had no affect either. But as I said before, I believe fans decisions are based on passion and their hearts rather than logic and their heads.
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Post by Lonegunmen on Jun 13, 2011 13:23:02 GMT
I'm one of those anti wolves fans. They bottled it, they were balless in folding like that.
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Post by terryloftus on Jun 13, 2011 15:00:46 GMT
supercat, I think that was a fantastic response! I have always known that people go with their emotions and instinct, as the most skillful player I ever saw was Roy Wegerle (not the best all round player, but certainly for pure skill, he was the perfect number 10. That means he could also be a liability like Rod & Stan, but the most dull thing in life is consistency.) Many would disagree with that, but that's where your theory comes in. They become part of your life sound track, along with songs, films, women etc. Wegers was doing his stuff, when we were all taking lots of naughty things and freaking out to The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays. There's also a few girls, lads holidays, fights etc, etc in there. So, for me, Wegers is ingrained in those memories forever, and nothing will move him! (Or have I completely missed the point?) Obviously, if all these memories come flooding back when you think of Stan you will always relate to him, if you knew him or not- he was what you WANTED him to be! (Am I on the right lines?). But, I have countless times said that Stan was my first football hero, and i haven't really had a go at him as a player. I just don't like anyone who slags people off to everyone except that person. I was outside Loftus Rd one day, on a non match day to meet Rod. He was bang on time as usual. Stan walked past, shook Rod's hand and wished him the best... couple of weeks later when Rod's back in America, he's done an interview saying " Marsh better look out when i'm around!!!" NOW, THAT'S what I hate!! And there's no need for it, especially as Rodney couldn't care less about Stan, he doesn't hate him. For Stan's benefit at Brentford in 1986, Rod got a call from one of Stan's mates while Rod was in New York. He said Stan had a benefit coming up. Rod wished him good luck with it, and the guy said " NO Rod, Stan really wants you to play!", Rod explained where he was and that it was impossible. In the end, Stan spoke to Rod himself, " and begged and begged until I agreed. I could catch up with Besty and some others." I was at that match, and the news that Stan was going to play one half with Rodney Marsh and QPR, and one half against- for Brentford made sure it was rammed, where they had been struggling to sell tickets. Rodney played and left without even a thank you (paying his own fare as well!), Stan snubbed him, so Rod went out on the town with his great mate George Best (Who was supposed to be playing, but couldn't be bothered!). Before he went, Stan insisted on a photo, the famous one where they are both tugging at a QPR 10 shirt, outside Griffin Park. They knew that a photo of them together with a 10 shirt (The only one that exists) would make a fortune itself. Next time Rod was over he signed thousands of them, as did Stan. This was going to be a 50/50 deal. Well, the posters went in no time and God knows how much Stan made from them, but Rod still hasn't seen a penny. I asked Rod, what the hell made him fly to England and do all this, for someone who had done nothing but slaughter him???- he was hardly a friend. Now, Rod admits he doesn't know why, just that that's what players did for each other! Stan was in trouble and Rodney helped (By the way, Rodney bumped into Kevin Keegan that same night in a Club. The benefit came up and Rod said " Well, that should get him out of trouble for a while." to which Keegan laughed and said " Your joking, I have just left Stan at the dogs, there's none left, he's done the lot!!!" So, that was really worth flying from America for!!) Just after this, Stan started slagging off Rodney again, in public!!!- NOW, THAT'S what i'm talking about, I don't know how the hell anyone could do that- and I know some real villains, they wouldn't dream of doing that. The spending is obviously the addictions, but to put the boot in public, for no reason- THAT, I don't get! That's not out of order, that's sick!! By the way, If you have that benefit programme, you will notice something interesting. Talking about QPR, an article say's " Stan was an icon at QPR..... second only to the great Rodney Marsh!!" (Anyone got that??) Stan seemed proud of that at the time. Now, doesn't it make sense that fans who had Rod above everyone in 1986, were more likely to have seen them both play??? Of course it does!!! Their opinion holds more value 25 years ago, than those now, as not many saw both, 25 years ago they would of, and that's in Stan's own programme! So, who are those now who rate Stan as number 1 & Rod as 2? ? Now, Stan would hit the roof reading that, but then he was proud of being second (And I know he's read it!) Nobody was running up to him and saying " Stan, look they have rated Rodney above you!!!" like they would now, it was accepted that way. So, who are this little mob now, who it's obvious never saw both to be in uproar, if Stan is anything but first? Isn't it obvious that more people saw both 25 years ago, and rated Rodney as number 1 by far?, were have this lot come from 25 years later? you can't disagree with me on that. In fact, it reminds me of the myth building, truth covering, re-written history of Ron & Reg Kray..... ALL those books are made up, and somehow the twins hit hero status!!!, that wasn't the truth when they were out or when they went away, that all came about years later, the same with Lenny Mclean. Stan was a great player (For QPR) and an icon at Loftus. But, as a man, I don't think he knows the truth anymore. And he only slags everyone else, because if you can't get to their level, you bring them down to yours! Lastly, where do these polls come from? I have never once in 40 years been asked anything.... have you? A couple of guys who work at the Club, told me that, they have to put Stan up as our greatest ever player. Why?, because they can't call Rodney as he lives in Florida, and they can't call Ferdy because he fronts Spurs, but Stan who is always after money and lives down the road is always around for dinners etc, that way the Club can always bring in their ' Greatest Ever Player' for official functions and money making events. Sounds like clever business to me, and that may be the answer to Stan now always being number one!! (Think about it) I have spoken and had a letter from Peter Hucker, but never met him, so I go with what you say. I thought I would like him as he speaks his mind. What he says about Alan Mullery (Who is a to**er- no doubt!) is so funny. This is from an official site. "I remember that we had an absolute, total W*nker of a manager in Alan Mullery. What else do you need to know?! He was a pratt, he was useless, he still is and always will be. He didn't know anything about management, he didn't know how to handle players, he didn't know how to handle the club and he was tactically naive so we were beaten before we started. Appointing him was the biggest mistake that Jim Gregory ever made." "Thinking back to that UEFA Cup tie where we went out to Belgrade, we had a great result at home to win six-two and if you can't protect a four goal lead in a second leg you want shooting - and Mullery wants shooting. I won't accept any excuse other than that result was 100% the manager's fault. It was an absolute nightmare and best forgotten." "I'll give you an idea about his football knowledge, at the end of that game having conceded four and gone out on away goals he chased us down the tunnel shouting "come back, come back it's extra time!" He didn't even know the rules of the game." NOW THAT'S SPEAKING YOUR MIND!!!! Tel Attachments:
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Post by klr on Jun 13, 2011 15:34:39 GMT
The most skilful player I've ever seen play for QPR was Ray Wilkins, the way he dictated our midfield in that "Classic FM" team was truly majestic, not too silly to suggest his name alongside some of those great Barcelona midfielders of today, I dont think thats a silly thing to say either, he was fantastic. I cant talk about Stan Bowles or Rodney even though my Dad educated me about Rodney, but I have seen a great QPR team in my lifetime & that was the Premiership "Classic FM" team, the best I've ever seen, every thing about it was quality, the way the fullbacks worked & overlapped with the wingers, the way Ray Wilkins dictated play in the midfield slowing the pace, speeding things up, brilliant utility players like Andy Impey, of course Les up front & other underated players like Gary Penrice chipping with more than their fair share of goals, we really used to go for the jugular at Loftus Road & put most teams to the sword with fantastic cavalier style attacking football that most teams just couldnt handle, dont think I'll see that again, but glad I did see it, my Dad feels this way about the late 60's, others mid 70's, for me its the early / mid nineties.
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Post by terryloftus on Jun 13, 2011 15:59:14 GMT
Ray Wilkins was one of the greatest players I have seen at QPR as well. His vision and all round generalship was amazing. He could volley, dribble, head, tackle and would hardly run because he could read a game so well, he would just be there! Another underrated great, and a fantastic bloke also.Maybe he's not thought of as a QPR player, because of his spells with Chelsea & Man Utd I don't know why Chelsea got rid of him.But it would be great if we had a role for him! Those players wore - Brooks, influence, view from compaq and a couple more. The classic fm shirts in the Club shop are nothing like the real ones. I have a real Classic FM & Brooks. They are lovely, pure silk with hundreds of our old badges, woven just below the surface. So depending on the light or how your standing, a different number of QPR badges can be seen all over the shirt. The Brooks is the same. The one in the shop is so badly made, that the (blue) badge is so high up it's on your bloody shoulder. There are no badges under the silk, just plain polyester, the Hoops are to light and forget the David Bardsley look.... the collars don't stand up!!!! Tel Attachments:
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Post by calders on Jun 13, 2011 19:46:50 GMT
I think this is definately an area the club have neglected for many years now. I would say since the days of Holloway as Boss we have lost the "family" tag. A new board have come in with no understanding or knowledge of this great working class club from West london. Instead they plan to turn it into a Boutique club with no thought or feelings for the fans and there wallets. As Tel mentioned in an earlier post no Fans-No club and his right. We have been through the up's and downs over the years but always remain loyal. Many supporters have been divided and brain washed and then the reality sets in. That there are people in position at the club that shouldnt be there and shouldnt be there. Amongst a lot of doom and Gloom it's hard to find or notice the positives? Off the top of my head there are not too may but ill give it a go.
- WE WON THE LEAGUE. {GP almost fuc@ed that up!}
- WE BROKE MANY CLUB RECORDS IN DOING SO. {Clean sheets etc} - U18 WON THE LEAGUE {Well done Stevie G and Birch}
- ST JUDES HALL PLAQUE UNVEILING TO MARK 125 YEARS AS QPR
- LEGENDS PHOTOS AND TOURS AROUND THE STADIUM {Well done Dave Robinson and his fans group on the above}
-QPR LEGENDS DINNER {I know it may not have been everyones cup of tea but at least it was a start. At least the cost went to the Trust. A good charity and one we can be proud of.}
- TIGER CUBS WITH THE COMMUNITY TRUST
-CLUB SHOP ITEMS {Good range of old and new but need more stock and in earlier} Francis Atkinson has done a good job with this but he may have his work cut out with Lotto. Never liked their stuff!}
As i said i cant think of too many positives but at least there are a few. I wont start a list of Negatives as i would be here all night!
;D
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Post by rousdonhoops on Jun 13, 2011 19:55:30 GMT
sad to hear stan coating rodney, said he did'nt get on with the two dons (masson and givens) either, I was lucky to see all of them and like to remember them for their performances on the pitch rather than the boll***s off it
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Post by Macmoish on Jun 13, 2011 21:44:12 GMT
I'm not getting into the Marsh vs Bowles debate right now.
Marsh was G-d.
But there's no denying that whatever character flaws, associations, post-QPR comments, etc, etc: For QPR Stan Bowles was a brilliant, brilliant player who proved himself for QPR at the very top level.
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Post by Lonegunmen on Jun 13, 2011 21:47:40 GMT
Roy Wegerley. I'd be interested why the club got rid of him. He, like Gary Bannister, should have been a QPR player for ten years. Both had amazing skill and the ability to find the net from nearly every angle possible or not.
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Post by thearmy on Jun 18, 2011 10:13:44 GMT
I am interested that Stan cannot slag off Don or Rodney
but Terry can slag off Stan big time.
Is this because Stan is Plastic or a Grass?
Who makes these rules and can I have a copy
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