Post by QPR Report on Nov 8, 2009 10:11:48 GMT
Flashback: Stewart Houston's Last Game in Charge of QPR,
-
November 8, 1997:
QPR, in their second season in Division One, lost 0-3 at Middlesbrough. A couple of days later, Stewart Houston and Bruce Rioch were out. (Houston's initial replacement was John Hollins. A few weeks later, WBA's Ray Harford had been appointed...and QPR plummeted down the table and ended the season staying up with one points and with Vinnie Jones and Ian Dowie, ensconsed at the club.
Houston had just won "Manager of the Month" a few weeks prior to being sacked.
At the time of his sacking, QPR's record was 22 points from 16 games (6 wins, 4 draws and 6 defeats)
In hindsight - and actually by the end of that same season, that record doesn't look that bad!. QPR ended the season staying up by one point with 49 points from 46 games (taking 27 points from the 30 games after Houston and Rioch were axed).
Houston's final team against Middlesbrough:
Harper
Brazier Maddix Ready Rose
Barker Morrow Quashie Sinclair
Sheron Peacock
Sub: Slade
Match Report - Sporting Life
Middlesbrough 3 QPR 0
Middlesbrough gained a brilliant win over QPR in the most entertaining game at the Riverside Stadium this season.
England international Paul Merson, Danish international Mikkel Beck and substitute Anthony Ormerod were on the mark as Boro bounced back from a disappointing midweek home draw with Portsmouth.
QPR contributed to an action-packed game played at a tremendous pace but lacked penetration.
Boro were without international full-backs Curtis Fleming and Vladimir Kinder through hamstring injuries.
But they looked the more dangerous side from the early stages, and Beck gave them a deserved lead after 23 minutes.
From a Neil Maddison free-kick, captain Nigel Pearson headed the ball down for Beck to score his seventh goal of the season.
Merson then celebrated his England call-up to draw level again with Beck as the club's joint leading scorer.
From an accurate Craig Hignett right-wing cross, the ex-Arsenal man brought the ball quickly under control and shot into the net.
Rangers began the second half in determined mood in a bid to save the game.
But Boro defended strongly, and Emerson came close to increasing their lead after 61 minutes.
The game continued at a fast pace, and QPR were desperately unlucky when Trevor Sinclair crashed a 25-yard free-kick against the crossbar.
Boro refused to defend in depth and went out to make certain of the three points.
Two brilliant saves by Lee Harper prevented goals, but the goalkeeper had no chance when Ormerod scored in the 90th minute.
Boro manager Bryan Robson would have been impressed with this performance, after his team lost ground in the promotion race in midweek.
The scoreline didn't do justice to poor Rangers though.
Teams:
Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Maddison, Whyte, Festa, Pearson, Emerson, Hignett, Townsend, Beck, Merson, Campbell (Ormerod 65).
Subs Not Used: Baker, Summerbell.
Booked: Whyte.
Goals: Beck 22, Merson 37, Ormerod 90.
QPR: Harper, Rose, Brazier, Ready, Maddix, Morrow, Barker (Slade 58), Peacock, Quashie, Sheron, Sinclair.
Subs Not Used: Perry, Yates.
Booked: Ready, Morrow.
Att: 30,067 Ref: J P Robinson (Hull).
www.sportinglife.com/football/cc_championship/qpr/reports/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/97/11/08/SOCCER_Middlesbrough_Lead.html&TEAMHD=qpr&DIV=nat1&TEAM=QPR&RH=QPR&PREV_SEASON=1996
QPR Official Site - BOSS AT LOSS IN DEFEAT
BOSS Stewart Houston was unhappy with the 3-0 defeat at Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Rangers started the game with confidence, but the opening goal gave Middlesbrough control. And the home side went on to produce clinical finishes for their subsequent goals.
Stewart said:"Early on, we set our stall out quite well. I was pleased with the attitude and the way we started. But we were disappointed with their first goal, and then their second, five minutes before half-time, gave us an uphill task for the second half."
"After the break, I changed the system to try and get a few more attacking options and we did have a few chances. But at the end, Boro came back into the game and my keeper had to make some good saves late on before they actually scored again. So we're obviously disappointed to lose the match."
Read more: qprreport.proboards.com/thread/edit/8018#ixzz5WFOl5omG
And then came -
QPR Managerial Arrival and Departure Statements
qprreport.proboards.com/thread/34099/qprmanager-arrival-exit-announcements-houston
STUART HOUSTON (AND BRUCE RIOCH)
QPR Official Site - November 10, 1997 - BOARD RELEASE HOUSTON AND RIOCH
BOSS Stewart Houston and Assistant Manager Bruce Rioch have parted company with Queens Park Rangers, after a board meeting at Loftus Road on Monday night.
A statement issued by the club read:
"Following a meeting of the Board of QPR, at which Stuart Houston was present, the club has reluctantly decided to release both Stuart Houston and Bruce Rioch.
A caretaker manager will be appointed in the interim period."
Chairman Chris Wright will issue a full statement following the AGM of Loftus Road plc tomorrow afternoon. The excusive interview will be available on this site from around 6pm GMT.
QPR Official Site - November 11, 1997 - THE WRIGHT WAY FORWARD
CHRIS WRIGHT revealed today that fan power had necessitated the removal of Stewart Houston and Bruce Rioch as the managerial team at Loftus Road
As John Hollins was installed as caretaker boss, the chairman insisted he would not be rushed into finding immediate replacements.
" I did feel it was important that Stewart carried the body of the fans with him, we had taken six points from 24 and the feeling was we were not moving in the right direction."
" I know that Stewart never really endeared himself to the fans, he didn't see that as part of his job and I felt Stewart was struggling to carry support with him."
" I wanted to give him until the end of the year, but I felt it was better to make a clean break."
Turning his attention to the fuure and the installation of the new man at the helm, Wright revealed.
" I don't want to lurch from one manager to another. I want to go into this feeling, this is the best man, rather than getting in someone tomorrow afternoon."
" It could be days, weeks, months or even the end of the season."
" Twelve months ago we felt we were a Premiership Club who would be promoted. We gave players contracts thinking we would be back in 12 months time. The reality is now we are a Division One club. To get out of this division is now a priority and we're looking for a manager capable of getting us well equipped to survive and then getting us out of the division."
" We want someone who knows about the Nationwide League and its players, who will bring the best ones to QPR to get us into the Premier League."
As the Rangers supremo laid out his plans, he apologised to Bruce Rioch over the way he had found out about his dismissal, on Ceefax rather than having been informed directly.
" Stewart was to inform Bruce. I don't know why Stewart took a little longer than we anticipated to contact him. I'm genuinely sorry Bruce found out the way he did."
Having aligned himself with popular opinion in making the managerial change, Chris made a personal plea to R's supporters to get back and stand full square behind John Hollins and the team saying.
" This is your club. It's up to you to get behind your team. You've been quiet at home, now show everybody how much you feel for the club. I know your opinions, we've acted on them, now get behind us again."
[JOHN HOLLINS]
QPR Official Site - November 18 - JOHN WANTS TOP JOB
CARETAKER boss John Hollins has expressed a keen interest in becoming the next manager of Queens Park Rangers.
John is in charge on a temporary basis, starting with Saturday's home game against Stoke. But he'd like the job permanently.
Hollins says:"It would be an honour and I'd be very pleased. First things first, though, and we've got one match on Saturday. Let's take each game as it comes and look for a Rangers victory."
"We have some great guys to work with. I want Rangers a happy place to play. Football is an enjoyable game and I enjoy working with the squad. I want these guys to have a smile on their faces, but with grit and determination in matches to make sure we win.
[Note: The Wilkins departure/Houston appointment announcement yet to be found!]]
Followed by
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - December 1997 - RAY IS OUR MAN
QPR CHAIRMAN CHRIS WRIGHT tonight confirmed the widest known secret in football that Ray Harford was to be appointed the new manager at Loftus Road.
The QPR supremo revealed that negotiations for Harford's signature were almost complete and that he expected the former West Brom boss to be at the helm before the weekend.
" I can tell all Rangers fans that we have agreed the basic terms for Ray Harford to become the new manager of QPR."
" He has resigned from his position at WBA, who are refusing to accept he is out of contract. As far as we and our lawyers are concerned he is not in contract and we hope to conclude the agreement sometime tomorrow morning in time for him to take training."
The Chairman then indicated the reasons for Ray's selection and the role of John Hollins who has been acting as caretaker manager since the dismissal of Stewart Houston.
"We have asked Ray to take John Hollins as his assistant and at the moment John is considering all his options, but we very much hope the two of them will be managing the first team."
"Ray's record speaks for itself. He has managed at all levels, both in the lower divisions and in the Premier League. He was coach at Blackburn with Kenny Dalglish and then took over. He has done an excellent job at WBA, taking a team last season who were close to relegation and turning them into promotion candidates."
" He comes with more experience than virtually any manager in the country, he has an excellent record in the transfer market and is an expert at bringing players on. He lives in London and he is welcoming the chance to work at QPR believing we have the potential to get back into the Premier League."
" I believe Ray will prove to be an excellent choice to take QPR into the Premiership and stay there."
Chris Wright complimented John Hollins on the job he had done over the last few weeks and complimented him for restoring spirit at the club and with the fans.
" John has been brilliant. Spirit is excellent between the players and the fans think they have reclaimed their club."
"I'm looking forward to working with Ray and I am sure he will do an excellent job."
QPR Official Site - HARFORD FREE FOR RANGERS
RANGERS and West Brom reached an agreement over Ray Harford on Friday morning, leaving the way clear for the former Hawthornes boss to take over this afternoon at Loftus Road.
West Brom had tried to prevent Harford, who resigned from his Hawthorns post on Thursday morning, from taking up the Rangers post without them receiving any compensation and were believed to be seeking a sum in the region of £500,000 for the loss their boss.
Harford is now free to resume as manager and is expected to take over training this afternoon. A decision as to whether John Hollins will accept the appointment as assistant manager is expected in the near future.
Speaking after the agreement between the two clubs had reached its faviourable conclusion, Ray revealed his relief at the outcome.
" I'm very excited about the opportunity and can't wait to get my feet under the table."
" I think the next few games are vitally important as given the right results they could put us right in amongst the chasing pack."
Ray will not be in charge for Saturday's game against Sunderland, but will be watching from the stands. John Hollins will be in the dugout and will select the side.
Read more: qprreport.proboards.com/thread/34099/qprmanager-arrival-exit-announcements-houston#ixzz4PP1Kpx5t
Read more: qprreport.proboards.com/thread/8018/years-houston-rioch-last-charge#ixzz5WFOemeFf
-
November 8, 1997:
QPR, in their second season in Division One, lost 0-3 at Middlesbrough. A couple of days later, Stewart Houston and Bruce Rioch were out. (Houston's initial replacement was John Hollins. A few weeks later, WBA's Ray Harford had been appointed...and QPR plummeted down the table and ended the season staying up with one points and with Vinnie Jones and Ian Dowie, ensconsed at the club.
Houston had just won "Manager of the Month" a few weeks prior to being sacked.
At the time of his sacking, QPR's record was 22 points from 16 games (6 wins, 4 draws and 6 defeats)
In hindsight - and actually by the end of that same season, that record doesn't look that bad!. QPR ended the season staying up by one point with 49 points from 46 games (taking 27 points from the 30 games after Houston and Rioch were axed).
Houston's final team against Middlesbrough:
Harper
Brazier Maddix Ready Rose
Barker Morrow Quashie Sinclair
Sheron Peacock
Sub: Slade
Match Report - Sporting Life
Middlesbrough 3 QPR 0
Middlesbrough gained a brilliant win over QPR in the most entertaining game at the Riverside Stadium this season.
England international Paul Merson, Danish international Mikkel Beck and substitute Anthony Ormerod were on the mark as Boro bounced back from a disappointing midweek home draw with Portsmouth.
QPR contributed to an action-packed game played at a tremendous pace but lacked penetration.
Boro were without international full-backs Curtis Fleming and Vladimir Kinder through hamstring injuries.
But they looked the more dangerous side from the early stages, and Beck gave them a deserved lead after 23 minutes.
From a Neil Maddison free-kick, captain Nigel Pearson headed the ball down for Beck to score his seventh goal of the season.
Merson then celebrated his England call-up to draw level again with Beck as the club's joint leading scorer.
From an accurate Craig Hignett right-wing cross, the ex-Arsenal man brought the ball quickly under control and shot into the net.
Rangers began the second half in determined mood in a bid to save the game.
But Boro defended strongly, and Emerson came close to increasing their lead after 61 minutes.
The game continued at a fast pace, and QPR were desperately unlucky when Trevor Sinclair crashed a 25-yard free-kick against the crossbar.
Boro refused to defend in depth and went out to make certain of the three points.
Two brilliant saves by Lee Harper prevented goals, but the goalkeeper had no chance when Ormerod scored in the 90th minute.
Boro manager Bryan Robson would have been impressed with this performance, after his team lost ground in the promotion race in midweek.
The scoreline didn't do justice to poor Rangers though.
Teams:
Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Maddison, Whyte, Festa, Pearson, Emerson, Hignett, Townsend, Beck, Merson, Campbell (Ormerod 65).
Subs Not Used: Baker, Summerbell.
Booked: Whyte.
Goals: Beck 22, Merson 37, Ormerod 90.
QPR: Harper, Rose, Brazier, Ready, Maddix, Morrow, Barker (Slade 58), Peacock, Quashie, Sheron, Sinclair.
Subs Not Used: Perry, Yates.
Booked: Ready, Morrow.
Att: 30,067 Ref: J P Robinson (Hull).
www.sportinglife.com/football/cc_championship/qpr/reports/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/97/11/08/SOCCER_Middlesbrough_Lead.html&TEAMHD=qpr&DIV=nat1&TEAM=QPR&RH=QPR&PREV_SEASON=1996
QPR Official Site - BOSS AT LOSS IN DEFEAT
BOSS Stewart Houston was unhappy with the 3-0 defeat at Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Rangers started the game with confidence, but the opening goal gave Middlesbrough control. And the home side went on to produce clinical finishes for their subsequent goals.
Stewart said:"Early on, we set our stall out quite well. I was pleased with the attitude and the way we started. But we were disappointed with their first goal, and then their second, five minutes before half-time, gave us an uphill task for the second half."
"After the break, I changed the system to try and get a few more attacking options and we did have a few chances. But at the end, Boro came back into the game and my keeper had to make some good saves late on before they actually scored again. So we're obviously disappointed to lose the match."
Read more: qprreport.proboards.com/thread/edit/8018#ixzz5WFOl5omG
And then came -
QPR Managerial Arrival and Departure Statements
qprreport.proboards.com/thread/34099/qprmanager-arrival-exit-announcements-houston
STUART HOUSTON (AND BRUCE RIOCH)
QPR Official Site - November 10, 1997 - BOARD RELEASE HOUSTON AND RIOCH
BOSS Stewart Houston and Assistant Manager Bruce Rioch have parted company with Queens Park Rangers, after a board meeting at Loftus Road on Monday night.
A statement issued by the club read:
"Following a meeting of the Board of QPR, at which Stuart Houston was present, the club has reluctantly decided to release both Stuart Houston and Bruce Rioch.
A caretaker manager will be appointed in the interim period."
Chairman Chris Wright will issue a full statement following the AGM of Loftus Road plc tomorrow afternoon. The excusive interview will be available on this site from around 6pm GMT.
QPR Official Site - November 11, 1997 - THE WRIGHT WAY FORWARD
CHRIS WRIGHT revealed today that fan power had necessitated the removal of Stewart Houston and Bruce Rioch as the managerial team at Loftus Road
As John Hollins was installed as caretaker boss, the chairman insisted he would not be rushed into finding immediate replacements.
" I did feel it was important that Stewart carried the body of the fans with him, we had taken six points from 24 and the feeling was we were not moving in the right direction."
" I know that Stewart never really endeared himself to the fans, he didn't see that as part of his job and I felt Stewart was struggling to carry support with him."
" I wanted to give him until the end of the year, but I felt it was better to make a clean break."
Turning his attention to the fuure and the installation of the new man at the helm, Wright revealed.
" I don't want to lurch from one manager to another. I want to go into this feeling, this is the best man, rather than getting in someone tomorrow afternoon."
" It could be days, weeks, months or even the end of the season."
" Twelve months ago we felt we were a Premiership Club who would be promoted. We gave players contracts thinking we would be back in 12 months time. The reality is now we are a Division One club. To get out of this division is now a priority and we're looking for a manager capable of getting us well equipped to survive and then getting us out of the division."
" We want someone who knows about the Nationwide League and its players, who will bring the best ones to QPR to get us into the Premier League."
As the Rangers supremo laid out his plans, he apologised to Bruce Rioch over the way he had found out about his dismissal, on Ceefax rather than having been informed directly.
" Stewart was to inform Bruce. I don't know why Stewart took a little longer than we anticipated to contact him. I'm genuinely sorry Bruce found out the way he did."
Having aligned himself with popular opinion in making the managerial change, Chris made a personal plea to R's supporters to get back and stand full square behind John Hollins and the team saying.
" This is your club. It's up to you to get behind your team. You've been quiet at home, now show everybody how much you feel for the club. I know your opinions, we've acted on them, now get behind us again."
[JOHN HOLLINS]
QPR Official Site - November 18 - JOHN WANTS TOP JOB
CARETAKER boss John Hollins has expressed a keen interest in becoming the next manager of Queens Park Rangers.
John is in charge on a temporary basis, starting with Saturday's home game against Stoke. But he'd like the job permanently.
Hollins says:"It would be an honour and I'd be very pleased. First things first, though, and we've got one match on Saturday. Let's take each game as it comes and look for a Rangers victory."
"We have some great guys to work with. I want Rangers a happy place to play. Football is an enjoyable game and I enjoy working with the squad. I want these guys to have a smile on their faces, but with grit and determination in matches to make sure we win.
[Note: The Wilkins departure/Houston appointment announcement yet to be found!]]
Followed by
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - December 1997 - RAY IS OUR MAN
QPR CHAIRMAN CHRIS WRIGHT tonight confirmed the widest known secret in football that Ray Harford was to be appointed the new manager at Loftus Road.
The QPR supremo revealed that negotiations for Harford's signature were almost complete and that he expected the former West Brom boss to be at the helm before the weekend.
" I can tell all Rangers fans that we have agreed the basic terms for Ray Harford to become the new manager of QPR."
" He has resigned from his position at WBA, who are refusing to accept he is out of contract. As far as we and our lawyers are concerned he is not in contract and we hope to conclude the agreement sometime tomorrow morning in time for him to take training."
The Chairman then indicated the reasons for Ray's selection and the role of John Hollins who has been acting as caretaker manager since the dismissal of Stewart Houston.
"We have asked Ray to take John Hollins as his assistant and at the moment John is considering all his options, but we very much hope the two of them will be managing the first team."
"Ray's record speaks for itself. He has managed at all levels, both in the lower divisions and in the Premier League. He was coach at Blackburn with Kenny Dalglish and then took over. He has done an excellent job at WBA, taking a team last season who were close to relegation and turning them into promotion candidates."
" He comes with more experience than virtually any manager in the country, he has an excellent record in the transfer market and is an expert at bringing players on. He lives in London and he is welcoming the chance to work at QPR believing we have the potential to get back into the Premier League."
" I believe Ray will prove to be an excellent choice to take QPR into the Premiership and stay there."
Chris Wright complimented John Hollins on the job he had done over the last few weeks and complimented him for restoring spirit at the club and with the fans.
" John has been brilliant. Spirit is excellent between the players and the fans think they have reclaimed their club."
"I'm looking forward to working with Ray and I am sure he will do an excellent job."
QPR Official Site - HARFORD FREE FOR RANGERS
RANGERS and West Brom reached an agreement over Ray Harford on Friday morning, leaving the way clear for the former Hawthornes boss to take over this afternoon at Loftus Road.
West Brom had tried to prevent Harford, who resigned from his Hawthorns post on Thursday morning, from taking up the Rangers post without them receiving any compensation and were believed to be seeking a sum in the region of £500,000 for the loss their boss.
Harford is now free to resume as manager and is expected to take over training this afternoon. A decision as to whether John Hollins will accept the appointment as assistant manager is expected in the near future.
Speaking after the agreement between the two clubs had reached its faviourable conclusion, Ray revealed his relief at the outcome.
" I'm very excited about the opportunity and can't wait to get my feet under the table."
" I think the next few games are vitally important as given the right results they could put us right in amongst the chasing pack."
Ray will not be in charge for Saturday's game against Sunderland, but will be watching from the stands. John Hollins will be in the dugout and will select the side.
Read more: qprreport.proboards.com/thread/34099/qprmanager-arrival-exit-announcements-houston#ixzz4PP1Kpx5t
Read more: qprreport.proboards.com/thread/8018/years-houston-rioch-last-charge#ixzz5WFOemeFf
