Post by Macmoish on May 7, 2013 12:11:34 GMT
6 years ago today, as noted on the QPR Report blog at the time
Dave McIntyre
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
QPR Double Act Continues - "De Canio and Paladini defy predictions of their demise "
-
Dave McIntyre - BBC QPR double act continues
Luigi De Canio will continue to rely heavily on chairman Gianni Paladini as QPR attempt to build a promotion-winning squad.
Italian De Canio is preparing for his first full season in English football having been installed as first-team coach last October.
And Paladini, who presided over the signings of nine players during the January transfer window, is set to keep what is effectively a director of football role at Loftus Road.
"I am not in a position to know everything there is to know about English players but that is not a problem when you work with someone with the expertise of Gianni Paladini," insisted De Canio.
"It would be presumptuous of me to come here and believe I can do everything, especially when there is someone here in Gianni Paladini with over 40 years of experience in English football."
That experience came largely as a representative for a number of high-profile players, including Benito Carbone and Fabrizio Ravanelli, before the Naples-born Paladini joined QPR's board in 2004.
Paladini became club chairman the following year after winning a battle for control of the west London club and he retained that title following last year's takeover by a group fronted by Formula One magnates Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone.
Many expected Paladini to be axed, or at least sidelined, by the new regime.
But an initial restructuring of the club did not go entirely to plan and Franco Ceravolo, formerly of Juventus, left only three months after being handed the job of chief scout.
That left Paladini in charge of Rangers' recruitment and transfer dealings as they looked to pull away from the relegation zone.
He sealed the signings of Rowan Vine and Hogan Ephraim, who had been on loan with QPR prior to De Canio's arrival.
Rangers' financial muscle also enabled them to sign defender Matthew Connolly - who had been targeted by several clubs when on loan at Colchester from Arsenal - and seize an opportunity to sign Hungarian playmaker Akos Buzsaky from Plymouth.
Paladini then signed defenders Fitz Hall and Damien Delaney as well as striker Patrick Agyemang, while Gavin Mahon and Kieran Lee were brought in on loan from Watford and Manchester United respectively.
The new arrivals all played a part in turning QPR's season around and Paladini has therefore been left to oversee further rebuilding of the squad during the summer.
"The way it works is that if I or any of my staff know of a player, we tell Gianni and if he knows of a player, he can suggest them to us," explained De Canio.
"It is also about telling Gianni about the type of player I think we need and then seeing what we can come up with. We work as a team."
It is common in parts of Europe for a coach not to have a major role in transfers.
But De Canio knows that English fans associate new signings with their team's manager, meaning he will be judged by how Rangers fare in the transfer market, regardless of his job description.
"I understand that people will judge me by the signings. That is part of being a manager," conceded the former Napoli, Udinese, Genoa and Siena boss.
"It has always been that way. If a player is signed and does well, he's a great player. If he doesn't do well, it's the manager's fault."
And Paladini accepts he will need to continue improving the squad in order to satisfy the club's ambitious owners.
Paladini said: "We have to get it right again this summer - I know that.
"I work closely with 'Gigi' and I love doing that. We brought some good players here in January and we have to do it again.
"It's a very important summer for the club and we must get the right players. We will be judged on that."
Rangers expect to seal the signings of Tottenham goalkeeper Radek Cerny and Newcastle defender Peter Ramage on Bosman free transfers.
They are also desperate to re-sign former Hoops winger Lee Cook following his injury-plagued year at neighbours Fulham.
Numerous other possible targets have been discussed, with a striker high on their list of priorities.
Few managers will start the new season under as much pressure as De Canio, whose team are expected to be among the promotion challengers.
Speculation about his future has already been rife, with a variety of big names linked with the Rangers hot-seat.
But having come through a spell last season when his position was under review, a marked improvement has given De Canio some job security - for the time being at least.
He also has dismissed suggestions he is unhappy in London and may seek a return to Italy.
"I really have no idea where that speculation comes from," he stated.
"There was one occasion, when I missed a game after my father died and I had to return to Italy and it was suggested I might be leaving.
"That was never my intention. I'm happy here and am looking forward to next season."
He added: "I know there will be high expectations because we have high-profile owners but it has been stressed before, and I must stress it again, that QPR are not rich - the owners are.
"We are trying to do things the right way and build properly without simply spending money.
"There will be other strong teams in the Championship next season and those that come down from the Premiership will have money to spend and besides, money does not guarantee success.
"It is worth remembering that some teams spent a lot of money this season but finished near us in the table." BBC
----------
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
De Canio Signing Intentions and an Assessment of QPR Player Needs
-
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Not taking the Mike
QPR boss Luigi De Canio has hinted that he will not attempt to sign Michael Mancienne on a permanent deal this summer.
The Chelsea defender has spent the best part of two years on loan at Loftus Road, but Rangers appear to be looking elsewhere to strengthen their defence ahead of next season.
Asked about the prospects of signing Mancienne, De Canio told the Times: "The whole situation doesn't depend on us, it depends on what Chelsea want to do.
"If we know Michael is a player who can stay with us, that's one matter. If he's someone who has to go back to his original club, we have to adjust our objectives.
"What is true is that we do have more than one alternative and we can see which option is realistic. I have seen a few players who I would like to bring to the club.
"But there are many things to take into consideration - whether the player himself wants to come, whether his team will let him go - so these are just thoughts at the moment."
Mancienne, along with Matthew Connolly and Dexter Blackstock, is a current member of the England under-21 squad, but he is not thought to be rated by Chelsea as a potential first-team player.
De Canio has no plans to move for Manchester United's Kieran Lee either - the youngster, who will return to Old Trafford, started just two games after joining on loan in January.
And the Rs manager has begun clearing the decks already by releasing a number of younger fringe players, as well as American goalkeeper Matt Pickens.
Midfielder Stefan Bailey, who made his debut as a 17-year-old, played 26 times for the first team, but had not been involved since Rangers' Carling Cup defeat by Leyton Orient at the start of the campaign.
Defenders Andrew Howell, whose single first-team appearance was also in the Carling Cup in 2006, and Aaron Goode spent the latter part of the season on loan to Ryman League side Wealdstone.
Pickens, meanwhile, failed to break into the first team during his three months at Loftus Road, and his exit paves the way for the arrival of Tottenham goalkeeper Radek Cerny in June.
The 34-year-old Czech international has been unable to oust Paul Robinson as Spurs' number one and confirmed this week that he will sign a two-year contract with QPR.
Cerny is unlikely to be satisfied with a role as back-up to Lee Camp, but De Canio has made it clear that nobody will be guaranteed a starting place next season.
"Every player wearing the QPR shirt next season will have to understand that there aren't 11 set starters," said the manager.
"Everyone needs to demonstrate their total commitment to the cause, whether they are on the pitch, the bench or in the stands. It is possible for this to work as long as the motivation behind it is clear to everybody.
"When a player doesn't feel that he is important to the coach and the team, he'll never be ready to give 100 per cent when he is used. At the same time, a player who is sure to start every week will never have the motivation to give 100 per cent."
QPR's final position of 14th was an improvement of four places on 2007, but De Canio knows he must fashion a squad capable of featuring much higher up the Championship table next time.
The manager plans to stick to a policy of signing players with experience of domestic competition, adding: "Especially in this league, it's very important to have a team with an English identity.
"If there is a good player from another country who has what we're looking for, then it's something we can look to do.
"But I will be watching the European Championship finals this summer because I'm a football enthusiast, not because I'm hoping to see a player for QPR. Kilburn Times
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - A shopping list for Gigi
WHEN teenage striker Romone Rose came on for his senior debut on Sunday, he brought the total of players to represent QPR's first-team this season to an astonishing 37.
Manager Luigi de Canio has made it clear that Rangers' playing roster will be much less unwieldy next August, with a maximum of 22 names the preferred number for his squad.
The core of that squad will comprise players already contracted to QPR - so how many fresh faces should we expect this summer and what roles do they need to fill?
The Times gives its verdict on how Gigi's shopping list should look...
GOALKEEPERS
Despite his recent off day at Norwich, Lee Camp has been one of the Rs' most consistent players - a superb shot-stopper who, at 23, has plenty of time to improve other aspects of his game.
But Camp has had no real competition for his place this season and the club must sign an experienced keeper - probably Tottenham's Radek Cerny - to challenge Camp rather than replace him.
Long-serving reserve Jake Cole has made it clear he wants a loan move and Matt Pickens has not been offered a new contract, so Reece Crowther could fill the number three slot.
DEFENDERS
A new right-back must be one of De Canio's priorities - but it is unlikely to be Michael Mancienne, or Kieran Lee, whose loan from Manchester United seemed fairly pointless for all parties.
Recent team selections have made it clear the manager does not rate Chris Barker, so a new left-sided player to compete with Damien Delaney may also be in the offing.
Fitz Hall and Matthew Connolly have shown signs of forming a solid partnership in the centre - yet Hall's injury has exposed the paucity of cover available.
Martin Cranie, who caught the eye on loan earlier in the season, would be a good signing if he is fully recovered from injury, but I would caution against the idea of a return for Danny shiteeetu.
Damion Stewart is a more than adequate squad player - and Rangers also have options such as Simon Walton and Mikele Leigertwood, who can drop into central defence if required.
MIDFIELDERS
De Canio only needs one signing in this area - either Lee Cook or a player like him, an orthodox winger who can beat opponents and deliver damaging crosses.
Hogan Ephraim has shown plenty of promise, but he is more dangerous in an attacking role - perhaps playing behind an out-and-out striker like Patrick Agyemang.
With Walton returning from his loan at Hull, Rangers have plenty of competition in the centre of the park and can afford to release former captain Adam Bolder.
One of the challenges facing De Canio is how to incorporate Akos Buzsaky into a central role more often rather than letting him drift in and out of the game on the right flank.
STRIKERS
Agyemang's purple patch in January and February was the best by any QPR striker in four decades, but there is no doubt that the club require another goal poacher.
Since Les Ferdinand, only Andy Thomson has broken the 20-goal mark in a season - and Rowan Vine, once he returns from injury, will create many more than he scores.
Dexter Blackstock finally regained last season's form during the closing weeks of the campaign but, like Ephraim and Angelo Balanta, might be at his best in a deeper role.
With Danny Nardiello certain to sever his ill-fated ties with the club in the summer, that should still provide sufficient cover for Agyemang, Vine and AN Other. Kilburn Times
-------
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Gareth Ainsworth Looks Back and Looks Forward!
-
Gareth Ainsworth - Kilburn Times Step on the Gaz
IT feels like we've had a very long season, but maybe it's ended at just the right time.
Another game would have killed us - we'd have been missing Rowly and Damion as well as the other four key players who are injured and I don't think we can replace so many at the moment.
That's why we need five or six quality players before next season, people who are experienced at this level or higher and I know the gaffer is working hard on that.
Sunday's game was a bit like Norwich - it turned on a sending-off and it was always going to be hard for 10 men against the best team in the league.
Up to then, we'd had the better chances. I was right next to the referee when he sent Rowly off and he had the yellow card in his hand, then the linesman persuaded him to change it for a red.
I don't think it was ever a straight red, but there wasn't any point in appealing it - and maybe the way to look at it is that we got hammered by West Brom with 11 men earlier in the season, so that shows how far we've come.
The vibe around QPR is so different now. There always used to be talk about 'this could be our season', but I think people firmly believe we have a chance when it all starts again in August.
It was great to see a full house at Loftus Road for the West Brom game - and I felt very proud to be a QPR player when I saw the way our fans were applauding West Brom at the end.
It was a gesture that they reciprocated when we did our lap of honour and that's good to see because there are a few clubs where fans aren't anything like that.
We need our supporters to keep filling the ground next season. If they turn up in droves it'll help us get results and I'm sure if we win games they'll come back for more - it works both ways.
Finally I'd just like to say well done to Rowly for his Player of the Year awards - he's my best friend at the club and the recognition he's had this season is thoroughly deserved.
And again - thank you to the fans. Their support has been unbelievable ever since I joined the club.
I'm doing my UEFA B coaching course during the summer, but I've still got plenty of playing to do.
There's more to come from Gareth Ainsworth - and much more from QPR. Kilburn Times
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Updates re Steffan Moore,.Danny Nardiello, Kevin Gallen and Simon Royce
-
Walsall - SADDLERS ANNOUNCE DEPARTURES
WALSALL Football Club have today announced that they will not be offering new contracts to the following first-team players....
- Ian Roper - Darren Wrack - Michael Dobson - Tommy Mooney
- Edrissa Sonko - Bertrand Bossu - David McDermott - Alassane N'Dour
- Stefan Moore
"We would like to thank each and every player for their hard work and effort," explained Chief Executive, Roy Whalley. "We would especially like to thank Darren Wrack and Ian Roper for their service to the football club.
Walsall
Barnsley Official Site - NARDIELLO LEAVES OAKWELL
STRIKER Daniel Nardiello has now returned to Queens Park Rangers after his loan spell with the Club ended following Sunday's defeat at Cardiff City.
Daniel returned to Oakwell on loan from Loftus Road in late January 2008 and has hit one goal in 13 games for the Reds. Barnsley
MK Dons Injury Update: Kevin Gallen (toe)
Kev has been struggling with an injured toe in his right foot since the start of April and got through most of the games in that month with injections.
Towards the end of April we decided enough was enough and it was time to rest the injury. It's responding well to rest, is starting to settle down and we'll continue with his rehab over the summer. MK Dons
Gillingham Official Site - ROYCE PUTS PEN TO PAPER
Gillingham goalkeeper and current player of the year Simon Royce has signed a new one-year deal at Priestfield, keeping him at the club for the Gills crucial 2008-09 season.
Gills Manager Mark Stimson could not hide his delight at the news that the vastly experienced keeper had put pen to paper: "I'm delighted with Simon's decision. He's going to be a vital player for us next season and one that we will need to help get this club back to where we want to be".
The Gills gaffer held what he described as "very positive talks" with the Gillingham squad at Priestfield yesterday. Stimson confirmed "the players all want to get on board" and was keen to reassure supporters that Gills team captain Andrew Crofts and highly rated defender Simon King have both committed themselves to the challenge of getting the club back to where it belongs".
Stimson reveale
Stimson revealed that he is already finding the close season a struggle to cope with and that he "Can't wait to get the players back in to training in June and get on with the job" Gillingham
Dave McIntyre
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
QPR Double Act Continues - "De Canio and Paladini defy predictions of their demise "
-
Dave McIntyre - BBC QPR double act continues
Luigi De Canio will continue to rely heavily on chairman Gianni Paladini as QPR attempt to build a promotion-winning squad.
Italian De Canio is preparing for his first full season in English football having been installed as first-team coach last October.
And Paladini, who presided over the signings of nine players during the January transfer window, is set to keep what is effectively a director of football role at Loftus Road.
"I am not in a position to know everything there is to know about English players but that is not a problem when you work with someone with the expertise of Gianni Paladini," insisted De Canio.
"It would be presumptuous of me to come here and believe I can do everything, especially when there is someone here in Gianni Paladini with over 40 years of experience in English football."
That experience came largely as a representative for a number of high-profile players, including Benito Carbone and Fabrizio Ravanelli, before the Naples-born Paladini joined QPR's board in 2004.
Paladini became club chairman the following year after winning a battle for control of the west London club and he retained that title following last year's takeover by a group fronted by Formula One magnates Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone.
Many expected Paladini to be axed, or at least sidelined, by the new regime.
But an initial restructuring of the club did not go entirely to plan and Franco Ceravolo, formerly of Juventus, left only three months after being handed the job of chief scout.
That left Paladini in charge of Rangers' recruitment and transfer dealings as they looked to pull away from the relegation zone.
He sealed the signings of Rowan Vine and Hogan Ephraim, who had been on loan with QPR prior to De Canio's arrival.
Rangers' financial muscle also enabled them to sign defender Matthew Connolly - who had been targeted by several clubs when on loan at Colchester from Arsenal - and seize an opportunity to sign Hungarian playmaker Akos Buzsaky from Plymouth.
Paladini then signed defenders Fitz Hall and Damien Delaney as well as striker Patrick Agyemang, while Gavin Mahon and Kieran Lee were brought in on loan from Watford and Manchester United respectively.
The new arrivals all played a part in turning QPR's season around and Paladini has therefore been left to oversee further rebuilding of the squad during the summer.
"The way it works is that if I or any of my staff know of a player, we tell Gianni and if he knows of a player, he can suggest them to us," explained De Canio.
"It is also about telling Gianni about the type of player I think we need and then seeing what we can come up with. We work as a team."
It is common in parts of Europe for a coach not to have a major role in transfers.
But De Canio knows that English fans associate new signings with their team's manager, meaning he will be judged by how Rangers fare in the transfer market, regardless of his job description.
"I understand that people will judge me by the signings. That is part of being a manager," conceded the former Napoli, Udinese, Genoa and Siena boss.
"It has always been that way. If a player is signed and does well, he's a great player. If he doesn't do well, it's the manager's fault."
And Paladini accepts he will need to continue improving the squad in order to satisfy the club's ambitious owners.
Paladini said: "We have to get it right again this summer - I know that.
"I work closely with 'Gigi' and I love doing that. We brought some good players here in January and we have to do it again.
"It's a very important summer for the club and we must get the right players. We will be judged on that."
Rangers expect to seal the signings of Tottenham goalkeeper Radek Cerny and Newcastle defender Peter Ramage on Bosman free transfers.
They are also desperate to re-sign former Hoops winger Lee Cook following his injury-plagued year at neighbours Fulham.
Numerous other possible targets have been discussed, with a striker high on their list of priorities.
Few managers will start the new season under as much pressure as De Canio, whose team are expected to be among the promotion challengers.
Speculation about his future has already been rife, with a variety of big names linked with the Rangers hot-seat.
But having come through a spell last season when his position was under review, a marked improvement has given De Canio some job security - for the time being at least.
He also has dismissed suggestions he is unhappy in London and may seek a return to Italy.
"I really have no idea where that speculation comes from," he stated.
"There was one occasion, when I missed a game after my father died and I had to return to Italy and it was suggested I might be leaving.
"That was never my intention. I'm happy here and am looking forward to next season."
He added: "I know there will be high expectations because we have high-profile owners but it has been stressed before, and I must stress it again, that QPR are not rich - the owners are.
"We are trying to do things the right way and build properly without simply spending money.
"There will be other strong teams in the Championship next season and those that come down from the Premiership will have money to spend and besides, money does not guarantee success.
"It is worth remembering that some teams spent a lot of money this season but finished near us in the table." BBC
----------
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
De Canio Signing Intentions and an Assessment of QPR Player Needs
-
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Not taking the Mike
QPR boss Luigi De Canio has hinted that he will not attempt to sign Michael Mancienne on a permanent deal this summer.
The Chelsea defender has spent the best part of two years on loan at Loftus Road, but Rangers appear to be looking elsewhere to strengthen their defence ahead of next season.
Asked about the prospects of signing Mancienne, De Canio told the Times: "The whole situation doesn't depend on us, it depends on what Chelsea want to do.
"If we know Michael is a player who can stay with us, that's one matter. If he's someone who has to go back to his original club, we have to adjust our objectives.
"What is true is that we do have more than one alternative and we can see which option is realistic. I have seen a few players who I would like to bring to the club.
"But there are many things to take into consideration - whether the player himself wants to come, whether his team will let him go - so these are just thoughts at the moment."
Mancienne, along with Matthew Connolly and Dexter Blackstock, is a current member of the England under-21 squad, but he is not thought to be rated by Chelsea as a potential first-team player.
De Canio has no plans to move for Manchester United's Kieran Lee either - the youngster, who will return to Old Trafford, started just two games after joining on loan in January.
And the Rs manager has begun clearing the decks already by releasing a number of younger fringe players, as well as American goalkeeper Matt Pickens.
Midfielder Stefan Bailey, who made his debut as a 17-year-old, played 26 times for the first team, but had not been involved since Rangers' Carling Cup defeat by Leyton Orient at the start of the campaign.
Defenders Andrew Howell, whose single first-team appearance was also in the Carling Cup in 2006, and Aaron Goode spent the latter part of the season on loan to Ryman League side Wealdstone.
Pickens, meanwhile, failed to break into the first team during his three months at Loftus Road, and his exit paves the way for the arrival of Tottenham goalkeeper Radek Cerny in June.
The 34-year-old Czech international has been unable to oust Paul Robinson as Spurs' number one and confirmed this week that he will sign a two-year contract with QPR.
Cerny is unlikely to be satisfied with a role as back-up to Lee Camp, but De Canio has made it clear that nobody will be guaranteed a starting place next season.
"Every player wearing the QPR shirt next season will have to understand that there aren't 11 set starters," said the manager.
"Everyone needs to demonstrate their total commitment to the cause, whether they are on the pitch, the bench or in the stands. It is possible for this to work as long as the motivation behind it is clear to everybody.
"When a player doesn't feel that he is important to the coach and the team, he'll never be ready to give 100 per cent when he is used. At the same time, a player who is sure to start every week will never have the motivation to give 100 per cent."
QPR's final position of 14th was an improvement of four places on 2007, but De Canio knows he must fashion a squad capable of featuring much higher up the Championship table next time.
The manager plans to stick to a policy of signing players with experience of domestic competition, adding: "Especially in this league, it's very important to have a team with an English identity.
"If there is a good player from another country who has what we're looking for, then it's something we can look to do.
"But I will be watching the European Championship finals this summer because I'm a football enthusiast, not because I'm hoping to see a player for QPR. Kilburn Times
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - A shopping list for Gigi
WHEN teenage striker Romone Rose came on for his senior debut on Sunday, he brought the total of players to represent QPR's first-team this season to an astonishing 37.
Manager Luigi de Canio has made it clear that Rangers' playing roster will be much less unwieldy next August, with a maximum of 22 names the preferred number for his squad.
The core of that squad will comprise players already contracted to QPR - so how many fresh faces should we expect this summer and what roles do they need to fill?
The Times gives its verdict on how Gigi's shopping list should look...
GOALKEEPERS
Despite his recent off day at Norwich, Lee Camp has been one of the Rs' most consistent players - a superb shot-stopper who, at 23, has plenty of time to improve other aspects of his game.
But Camp has had no real competition for his place this season and the club must sign an experienced keeper - probably Tottenham's Radek Cerny - to challenge Camp rather than replace him.
Long-serving reserve Jake Cole has made it clear he wants a loan move and Matt Pickens has not been offered a new contract, so Reece Crowther could fill the number three slot.
DEFENDERS
A new right-back must be one of De Canio's priorities - but it is unlikely to be Michael Mancienne, or Kieran Lee, whose loan from Manchester United seemed fairly pointless for all parties.
Recent team selections have made it clear the manager does not rate Chris Barker, so a new left-sided player to compete with Damien Delaney may also be in the offing.
Fitz Hall and Matthew Connolly have shown signs of forming a solid partnership in the centre - yet Hall's injury has exposed the paucity of cover available.
Martin Cranie, who caught the eye on loan earlier in the season, would be a good signing if he is fully recovered from injury, but I would caution against the idea of a return for Danny shiteeetu.
Damion Stewart is a more than adequate squad player - and Rangers also have options such as Simon Walton and Mikele Leigertwood, who can drop into central defence if required.
MIDFIELDERS
De Canio only needs one signing in this area - either Lee Cook or a player like him, an orthodox winger who can beat opponents and deliver damaging crosses.
Hogan Ephraim has shown plenty of promise, but he is more dangerous in an attacking role - perhaps playing behind an out-and-out striker like Patrick Agyemang.
With Walton returning from his loan at Hull, Rangers have plenty of competition in the centre of the park and can afford to release former captain Adam Bolder.
One of the challenges facing De Canio is how to incorporate Akos Buzsaky into a central role more often rather than letting him drift in and out of the game on the right flank.
STRIKERS
Agyemang's purple patch in January and February was the best by any QPR striker in four decades, but there is no doubt that the club require another goal poacher.
Since Les Ferdinand, only Andy Thomson has broken the 20-goal mark in a season - and Rowan Vine, once he returns from injury, will create many more than he scores.
Dexter Blackstock finally regained last season's form during the closing weeks of the campaign but, like Ephraim and Angelo Balanta, might be at his best in a deeper role.
With Danny Nardiello certain to sever his ill-fated ties with the club in the summer, that should still provide sufficient cover for Agyemang, Vine and AN Other. Kilburn Times
-------
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Gareth Ainsworth Looks Back and Looks Forward!
-
Gareth Ainsworth - Kilburn Times Step on the Gaz
IT feels like we've had a very long season, but maybe it's ended at just the right time.
Another game would have killed us - we'd have been missing Rowly and Damion as well as the other four key players who are injured and I don't think we can replace so many at the moment.
That's why we need five or six quality players before next season, people who are experienced at this level or higher and I know the gaffer is working hard on that.
Sunday's game was a bit like Norwich - it turned on a sending-off and it was always going to be hard for 10 men against the best team in the league.
Up to then, we'd had the better chances. I was right next to the referee when he sent Rowly off and he had the yellow card in his hand, then the linesman persuaded him to change it for a red.
I don't think it was ever a straight red, but there wasn't any point in appealing it - and maybe the way to look at it is that we got hammered by West Brom with 11 men earlier in the season, so that shows how far we've come.
The vibe around QPR is so different now. There always used to be talk about 'this could be our season', but I think people firmly believe we have a chance when it all starts again in August.
It was great to see a full house at Loftus Road for the West Brom game - and I felt very proud to be a QPR player when I saw the way our fans were applauding West Brom at the end.
It was a gesture that they reciprocated when we did our lap of honour and that's good to see because there are a few clubs where fans aren't anything like that.
We need our supporters to keep filling the ground next season. If they turn up in droves it'll help us get results and I'm sure if we win games they'll come back for more - it works both ways.
Finally I'd just like to say well done to Rowly for his Player of the Year awards - he's my best friend at the club and the recognition he's had this season is thoroughly deserved.
And again - thank you to the fans. Their support has been unbelievable ever since I joined the club.
I'm doing my UEFA B coaching course during the summer, but I've still got plenty of playing to do.
There's more to come from Gareth Ainsworth - and much more from QPR. Kilburn Times
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Updates re Steffan Moore,.Danny Nardiello, Kevin Gallen and Simon Royce
-
Walsall - SADDLERS ANNOUNCE DEPARTURES
WALSALL Football Club have today announced that they will not be offering new contracts to the following first-team players....
- Ian Roper - Darren Wrack - Michael Dobson - Tommy Mooney
- Edrissa Sonko - Bertrand Bossu - David McDermott - Alassane N'Dour
- Stefan Moore
"We would like to thank each and every player for their hard work and effort," explained Chief Executive, Roy Whalley. "We would especially like to thank Darren Wrack and Ian Roper for their service to the football club.
Walsall
Barnsley Official Site - NARDIELLO LEAVES OAKWELL
STRIKER Daniel Nardiello has now returned to Queens Park Rangers after his loan spell with the Club ended following Sunday's defeat at Cardiff City.
Daniel returned to Oakwell on loan from Loftus Road in late January 2008 and has hit one goal in 13 games for the Reds. Barnsley
MK Dons Injury Update: Kevin Gallen (toe)
Kev has been struggling with an injured toe in his right foot since the start of April and got through most of the games in that month with injections.
Towards the end of April we decided enough was enough and it was time to rest the injury. It's responding well to rest, is starting to settle down and we'll continue with his rehab over the summer. MK Dons
Gillingham Official Site - ROYCE PUTS PEN TO PAPER
Gillingham goalkeeper and current player of the year Simon Royce has signed a new one-year deal at Priestfield, keeping him at the club for the Gills crucial 2008-09 season.
Gills Manager Mark Stimson could not hide his delight at the news that the vastly experienced keeper had put pen to paper: "I'm delighted with Simon's decision. He's going to be a vital player for us next season and one that we will need to help get this club back to where we want to be".
The Gills gaffer held what he described as "very positive talks" with the Gillingham squad at Priestfield yesterday. Stimson confirmed "the players all want to get on board" and was keen to reassure supporters that Gills team captain Andrew Crofts and highly rated defender Simon King have both committed themselves to the challenge of getting the club back to where it belongs".
Stimson reveale
Stimson revealed that he is already finding the close season a struggle to cope with and that he "Can't wait to get the players back in to training in June and get on with the job" Gillingham