Ian Holloway TURNING 60
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Holloway
Holloway's 2001 Speech (Text) - qprreport.proboards.com/post/410359
Flashback
Flashback - QPR OFFICIAL SITE February 26, 2001
NEW BOSS NAMED TODAYA press conference takes place today at 12 noon where Queens Park Rangers will announce their new manager.
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
HOLLOWAY CONFIRMED AS BOSSIAN HOLLOWAY was this afternoon unveiled as the new manager of Queens Park Rangers at a press conference at Loftus Road.
The 37-year-old who managed Bristol Rovers for four and a half seasons left the Memeorial Ground earlier this season and returns to Loftus Road where he spent five years as a player. Further details and quotes from the new boss will appear here later.
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
HOLLOWAY - I AM MY OWN MANNEW RANGERS boss Ian Holloway insists his return to Loftus Road is a challenge he is cannot wait to undertake.
Holloway, who spent five years as the club in the mid '90s takes over the reins at Loftus Road less than a month after leaving his post as boss of Bristol Rovers, and follows the path of Rangers' Director of Football Gerry Francis, who also swapped the West Country for a return to West London in 1991.
Subsequently Holloway's respect for Francis, who he served under as a player for ten years, is very high, but the 37-year-old insists that he is very much his own man.
The new boss has signed a contract until the end of the season with a view to another year and he is very glad to be back at Loftus Road.
"I was lucky enough to work with Gerry for over ten years at two different clubs and when I met him I thought I knew a lot about football," he said.
"After I met him I realised I knew nothing. What he doesn't know about the game you can write on the back of a postage stamp and the affect that he had on my overall career was so strong that I think without him I wouldn't be say here right now.
"However, I am my own person, I have my own ideas and I motivate players in a different way to Gerry and I want to rub off on these players here and if I need anybody watched or any guidance then I can talk to Gerry.
"I am one of life's optimists but my policy is to be honest and open with our fans. They are the ones who pay the money to come in. Anyone who knows me will tell you I am a wholehearted, passionate person and I was brought here before to rub off on the other players.
"I am hoping I can do that here with the players at the club and I am desperately looking forward to meeting them tomorrow morning and getting down to work." "I am absolutely delighted to be taking this on this challenge and I believe that by all pulling in the right direction we can get out of the position we are in."
More comprehensive quotes and a closer look at the new Rangers boss will appear here this afternoon.
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN ON HOLLOWAY APPOINTMENTDEPUTY-CHAIRMAN Nick Blackburn believes the Rangers board have appointed the right man in Ian Holloway to take over as manager from Gerry Francis.
"We set a certain criteria in appointing a new manager; we wanted someone the ability to motivate, coach well, had experience of management but also someone who was on their way up in the game, someone to help re-structure the club in terms of the academy and the youth system and finally a man who knows players at a lower level in the game or people from Academy league clubs," he said.
"We also knew that Ian made a lot of money in the transfer market with Bristol Rovers which is something we have failed to do in recent years and also his ability to spot and develop players which he has done with the likes of Barry Hayles, Jason Roberts and Bobby Zamora in his time there.
"I know he brings a lot of passion in the way he works and has a lot of passion for this football club and after last Saturday's performance at Wimbledon, I hope some of that passion transmits to the players.
"Ian has signed a contract until the end of this season with another year with options and he is very heavily incentivised especially if he can keep us in the First Division this year which is absolutley crucial to the future of this club.
"He is also heavily incentivised in terms of league positions so I hope he is going to be here for another few years because if he is it will be because he has been able to bring success to the football club.
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
HOLLOWAY READY FOR RANGERS CHALLENGETHE appointment of Ian Holloway as the new manager of Queens Park Rangers was not a huge surprise considering the 37-year old's links with the club and speculation which had linked him with a move back to west London.
'Olly' spent five years as a player at Loftus Road in the mid '90s, being brought to the club by Gerry Francis from Bristol Rovers as one of his first signings to play the role of a combative midfielder who, along with Simon Barker and Ray Wilkins, formed an midfield engine room which more than held their own with the Premiership's finest. .
Holloway, by his own admission was not a player who was up there with the likes of Ferdinand, Wilson, Sinclair and Wilkins, in terms of ability, but his whole-hearted, determined style made him a warm favourite with the Loftus Road faithful. .
"It was a huge part of my playing career and I was so proud playing here, anyone who watched me in my time here could see what I was about; wholehearted, determined and I was delighted to work for Gerry. Without doubt this was the biggest club I ever played for and for me to be sat here today is fantastic," said Ian today after being unveiled as the new incumbent in the Loftus Road hotseat.
Holloway's family life has been well-documented with two of his children being profoundly deaf and his wife having bravely beaten Cancer during his time at Brentford over a decade ago, but Holloway's positive attitude in times of adversity made him a hugely popular figure with his team mates in his first spell in west London.
Such positivity is something he is desperate to bring back to the club and Holloway insisted today that there will be no room for negative vibes in his dressing room despite the fact that he is taking over a side which has just experienced conceding five goals or more in a game for the third time in a month.
"I fully aware and realistic of what we have to do but I am fed up with pessimists, I am an eternal optimist and I am so looking forward to this challenge.
"The players will get from me honesty and enthusiasm. I sincerely feel in my heart of hearts that I can keep this club up. We've had some cruel luck with injuries but all I am saying is that with determination, belief it is amazing what you can achieve. .
"I look for people who give me a positive when there is a negative and there are a few negatives at the moment but I know we can turn these things around."
Ian comes into the club with no fewer than 18 players out of contract in the summer and the new boss today warned that those who want to stay with the club would have to earn the right to be a Queens Park Rangers player.
"It is amazing what a new face can do there are an awful lot of players at this club out of contract and if they want to prove to me with hard work and determination that they want to be here next season by showing pride and passion for the club then they will have every chance for me to deal with them fairly.
"I won't criticise people before I start as the players don't know me I don't know them, it was a bad result on Saturday at Wimbledon but the two previous ones give me hope. As long as it is mathematically possible to remain in this division then we are in with a shout. I am a people person and I cannot wait to work with these people."
Prior to his arrival in Shepherds Bush Holloway has spent four and half seasons trying to get his home town club Bristol Rovers into Division One and he narrowly missed out in two heartbreaking occasions in 1999 and last season.
However, in his spell at the Memorial Ground he did add over £5 million into the club's coffers with the sales of Barry Hayles, Jason Roberts, Jamie Cureton and Bobby Zamora and his eye for a player is something what enhanced his reputation as a bright managerial prospect.
Last season was a heartbreaking one for everyone concerned with the Pirates as their promotion dream ended in disaster when a final day of the season defeat to Cardiff saw them drop out of the top six for the first time all season and miss out on the play-offs completely. .
"It was disastrous time for the club especially Olly who very much built that team and in the summer things went from bad to worse when Roberts and Cureton had to be sold," said Chris Swift, the Rovers Football Correspondent for the Bristol Evening Post.
"In his time here he did produce a team which liked to get the ball down and play but a combination of some of the bigger players being tapped up by agents for moves to larger clubs and injuries they missed out at the final hurdle twice.
"It was rotten luck for the whole team really last season as coming into the last eight games he lost his whole midfield with season-ending injuries and he simply didn't have the squad to cover the cracks.
"It was a horrible feeling for everyone concerned as a year earlier they missed out on a Wembley appearance after losing in the play offs to Northampton 3-0 after winning the first leg 2-0 at home and this season the team hasn't really recovered from the loss of two players who bagged 50 goals between them in a season," said Swift.
Holloway left the Memorial Ground a month ago after struggling start to the season but says his enthusiasm for the game has not been diluted one little bit.
"I am very proud of the fact that I have only been out of work for four weeks which has given me a chance to spend with my family something which you can't do too much as a manager, but once you are bitten in the neck you are a vampire and I can't wait to get back in there and start work with the lads here.
"When you go into a new job you never know what other people think of you. However, I know what some of the lads that I have taken from a lesser standard and worked with have done and I am very proud of them and I know what they think of me.
"My relationship with Jason Roberts was fantastic and it broke my heart when I had to sell him to West Brom, but I have faith in my ability and I am determined to succeed here with these players.
"If they want to work with me morning, noon and night to improve themselves then I am willing to do that. I will work with them as much as I can and I can't stress enough just how excited I am to get this opportunity and I honestly cannot wait to get started." .
Deputy chairman Nick Blackburn admitted at this afternoon's gathering that he was unsure as to how assistant manager Iain Dowie would react to the news of Holloway's appointment after he failed to get the job, and Holloway said he was unsure of Dowie's position in the new set-up.
"I am convinced that Iain Dowie will have a great career as a manager. I have not spoken to him since the appointment but it is up to the two Ians to decide what they will do for the future," he said.
Holloway did not rule out the likelihood of Dowie remaining at the club, but insisted that until he had spoken to the staff and the players at the club he wasn't prepared to comment.
"Until I have spoken to everyone here I cannot comment on what will happen but I have my own ideas which I want done my way. I know football is notorious for managers bringing their own people in, but until I have assessed the whole set-up I cannot say what will happen." .
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
GAVIN HAPPY WITH OLLY'S FIRST DAYTHE RANGERS PLAYERS have enjoyed a first day's training under new manager Ian Holloway.
Captain Gavin Peacock said: "The first session went well. A few of us have played against Ian before and a few of the lads played with him here at Rangers. They know him to be a very honest, straightforward type of person.
"Obviously Ian has got to get to know us and we've got to get to know him over the next few days before Saturday's game against Sheffield United.
"He started off with a nice, bright session today. He was quite bubbly and enthusiastic. Also, he was very, very positive that he is going to take the club forward and out of the situation that we are in and look ahead to the future. So it was a nice, positive day.
"Gerry Francis made his decision, which again I thought was very straight and honest to everyone concerned. It gave the club the chance to look around and bring someone in who could then make decisions on players' futures.
"Ian Holloway will be here next season as well so he can decide players' contracts for who he wants to be with him for next season. And it is good to see Gerry staying on as director of football until the end of the season, because obviously he has been a big influence on Ian Holloway's career as well."
Read more:
qprreport.proboards.com/thread/2145/birthday-ian-holloway#ixzz59VwWsqUoFlashback to the Axing (Gardening Leave)qprreport.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=10621
February 6, 2006 - Official: Holloway on "Gardening Leave" ...Waddock Caretaker ManagerIn the words of Gianni: "My feeling was that if you are happily married why would you look for another woman?"
- And the team for Holloway's last game in charge, away to Leeds: Barnes 7, Kus 5 (Langley 86min, 6), Lowe 6, shiteeeeeeetu 6, Taylor 7, Ainsworth 5 (Youssouf 66min, 6), Bignot 6, Lomas 6, Cook 7 (Nygaard 66min, 7), Moore 5, Clarke 5
OFFICIAL SITE CLUB STATEMENT - February 6, 2006- QPR have announced that Ian Holloway has been placed on 'gardening leave.'
Gary Waddock has been appointed as caretaker manager and will be taking first team training as of today.
- Waddock is currently being consulted about a potential caretaker assistant manager to join him in the next few days.
The move follows speculation about Holloway joining Leicester City as their new manager.
The club is keen to avoid any distraction to the playing side and to move forward with the rest of the season as speedily as possible.
It has therefore put Ian Holloway and his managerial staff, Gary Penrice and Tim Breacker, on gardening leave with immediate effect.
- Gary Waddock started at work on Monday morning in training with the players and in preparation for next Saturday's derby game against Millwall.
Gianni Paladini said: "QPR has not sacked Ian, but we are concerned about recent performances and the effect the speculation about Ian joining Leicester City might have on the players.
- "I hope we can sort something out with Ian as soon as possible. QPR will always be enormously grateful for the contribution he has made over the past five years, in particular gaining promotion for us in 2004.
- "However, it is crucial the team are focussed and able to move forward, which is why we have appointed Gary as Caretaker Manager. I hope the fans will get behind Gary for the home derby against Millwall on Saturday."
BBC - QPR suspend Foxes target Holloway- Ian Holloway could now take over at Leicester City
Queens Park Rangers have suspended manager Ian Holloway because of speculation linking him with the vacant manager's job at Leicester City.
Holloway has been placed on "gardening leave" with recent bad results also contributing to his downfall.
"QPR has not sacked Ian," chairman Gianni Paladini told the club website.
"But we are concerned about recent performances and the effect speculation about Ian joining Leicester City might have on the players."
Rangers have slumped to 15th in the Championship table and Holloway has faced mounting criticism from fans.
- He was told by Paladini on Sunday night that he was being relieved of his duties at Loftus Road whether or not he lands the Foxes job.
Rangers will now try to work out a compensation package with the ex-Bristol Rovers chief, who signed an improved contract last year.
- And, with Holloway facing competition for the Leicester job from caretaker boss Rob Kelly and Luton's Mike Newell, the west London club have suspended him on full pay along with coaches Tim Breacker and Gary Penrice. BBC
QPR coach Gary Waddock has been placed in temporary charge.
Paladini added: "I hope we can sort something out with Ian as soon as possible.
"QPR will always be enormously grateful for the contribution he has made for the past five years, in particular gaining promotion for us in 2004.
"However, it is crucial the team are focused and able to move forward, which is why we have appointed Gary as caretaker manager."
Waddock was a hugely popular figure in his playing days at QPR and is credited with improving the club¿s youth system in recent years.
The former Republic of Ireland midfielder is likely to be assisted by youth coach Joe Gallen - brother of club captain Kevin - for this Saturday's game against Millwall.
Paladini is also keen to install ex-Rs boss Jim Smith as director of football.
Smith led QPR between 1985 and 1988 and has since managed Newcastle, Portsmouth and Derby.
Monday, February 06, 2006 Waddock Talks about What he Expects from his Team
OFFICIAL SITE - WADDOCK SPEAKS- Gary Waddock took charge of his first training session on Monday morning and was happy to get it out of the way.
"It's been a hectic morning, I spoke to the players regarding the situation then we split the lads into two groups. The guys who played on Saturday did a cool down and then a weights session with Scott Rushton. The other group played in a football session overseen by myself and Joe Gallen."
"I also spoke to many of the senior players on a one to one basis to get my points across."
Waddock is known around the club as a nice guy but he knows he will have to get tough to fulfil his role.
"I'm a nice guy and I'm an honest guy and I know I'll only keep eleven players happy. I'm here to do a job, I'm a professional person and I will get the players and the team ready that will win the next match for the club. Yes I will have to make hard decisions but I am not frightened or afraid to make them."
Waddock played in a Rangers side with plenty of flair and would like to continue that with his own side.
"The style of play will change overnight. Everyone has their own football philosophy and I have mine."
"I want the players to be able to express themselves and enjoy the style of play. We will pass it and there will be lots of movement."
"I want them to be creative and express themselves as well .I will encourage them to play out from the back but I'm not naive, I know we also need to get results - but with a certain brand of football.
Having been in charge of the reserve team Waddock knows about most of the players but no-one will get into his side on reputation only.
"Everyone starts from scratch today. Some senior players will play play for the reserves tomorrow in order to help with their fitness ahead of Saturday's game."
"I will need the crowds help and support. I want my team to excite them and get the noise back to Loftus Road. When it's in full voice it makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and I want it to be our fortress." QPR
Jim Smith Returning to QPR - Guardian - February 7, 2006- Jim Smith may make an unlikely return to Queens Park Rangers as director of football, more than 20 years after he first took over at the west London club as manager. The 65-year-old is understood to have been lined up to take on an advisory role at Loftus Road as Rangers prepare for the inevitable departure of Ian Holloway, who was yesterday suspended from his duties.
Smith, who managed at Loftus Road between 1985 and 1988, is known to be a close friend of the QPR chairman Gianni Paladini and although the Championship club would not comment on his possible arrival yesterday they refused to rule out a move for the former Derby County manager, whose last employment was alongside Harry Redknapp at Southampton.
Holloway has been sent on "gardening leave" for an indefinite period after he was linked with the vacant managerial post at Leicester City at the weekend. Leicester have denied reports that an appointment is imminent but even if Holloway does not replace Craig Levein, who was dismissed two weeks ago, it appears unlikely that he will return to QPR.
The former Bristol Rovers manager signed a three-year contract extension 12 months ago but his relationship with Paladini has been strained for some time. Paladini, though, will be keen to avoid any financial settlement with Holloway because it is believed the manager has a rolling one-year deal which would entail a 12-month pay-off if he were sacked.
Holloway, who has been in charge at Rangers for five years, learned that he would no longer be in charge of team affairs on Sunday night. Paladini said that the combination of a poor run of results and the Leicester rumours had prompted his decision to seek a change. Gary Waddock, previously the first-team coach, has been appointed as caretaker manager.
"QPR have not sacked Ian but we are concerned about recent performances and the effect the speculation about Ian joining Leicester might have on the players," said Paladini. "QPR will always be enormously grateful for the contribution he has made over the past five years, in particular gaining promotion for us in 2004."
Waddock is likely to be assisted by the Rangers youth coach Joe Gallen for Saturday's match against Millwall. However two other members of Holloway's backroom staff, Tim Breacker and Gary Penrice, have been temporarily relieved of their responsibilities Guardian
Telegraph - QPR suspend Holloway over Leicester link - By Tom CaryQueens Park Rangers have suspended manager Ian Holloway on full pay, ostensibly because of speculation linking him with the vacant manager's post at Leicester.
But a series of bad results and behind-the-scenes problems have undoubtedly contributed to the decision of chairman Gianni Paladini to place the eccentric Holloway on "gardening leave" along with coaches Tim Breacker and Gary Penrice. Coach Gary Waddock has been installed as temporary manager.
A statement from Paladini read: "QPR have not sacked Ian but we are concerned about recent performances and the effect the speculation about Ian joining Leicester might have on the players.
"QPR will always be grateful to the contribution he has made over the past five years, in particular gaining promotion in 2004.
"However, it is crucial the team are focused and moving forward, which is why we have appointed Gary as caretaker manager. I hope the fans get behind Gary for the home derby against Millwall on Saturday."
Waddock, a popular figure in his playing days at QPR, is credited with improving the club's youth system in recent years. The former Republic of Ireland midfielder is likely to be assisted by youth coach Joe Gallen, brother of club captain Kevin, for the clash with Millwall.
Paladini is also keen to install former manager Jim Smith as director of football. Smith led QPR between 1985 and 1988 and has since managed Newcastle, Portsmouth and Derby.
Cash-strapped QPR will now try to work out a compensation package with Holloway, who signed an improved contract last year. Meanwhile, Leicester, who dismissed Craig Levein last month and are in danger of dropping out of the top two divisions for the first time in their history, denied any agreement had been reached with Holloway.
A spokesman said: "The process of finding a new manager is still taking place. We won't be commenting on speculation."... Telegraph
Waddock - QPR OFFICIAL SITE - WADDO'S WORDSRangers' Caretaker Manager Gary Waddock met the national press for the first time this afternoon.Flanked by Chairman Gianni Paladini and Club Captain Kevin Gallen, Waddock expressed his delight at being handed the reigns while Ian Holloway is on 'gardening leave.'
"I'm here as a Caretaker and just to be given the opportunity to manage this wonderful club is fantastic. I'm here to do the job asked of me by the Chairman and I'll do it to the best of my ability."My job is to coach and I'm focusing entirely on Millwall at the weekend. I'm really looking forward to Saturday and I'm sure the players will put on a performance that will excite the crowd."Anybody who has played the game or has coached at any level would love to be a full time manager. My strengths are out on the training ground - training and coaching players.
"The players look hungry and everyone has an opportunity to prove their worth."The staff at QPR have been fantastic with me. Everyone has been a great help and we've all mucked in together. We all want to get a positive result and performance on Saturday.''
Waddock also revealed he is looking at bringing in another coach and an experienced advisor to assist him in his quest to push the Hoops up the table."We spoke about Jim Smith coming in; he has the type of experience and list of contacts I'm after. But that's finished now and I'll look at other avenues."We need another coach and an experienced man and I'm working on it.''
The new man at the helm also took time to spare a thought for Ian Holloway."Ollie's done a fantastic job here and I've learnt a lot off him, but unfortunately it's the nature of the business. His loss is my gain and I've been given a great opportunity to prove my worth. I'm only looking at it on a game-to-game basis and getting the team prepared for Millwall on Saturday.''
Waddock also revealed he is determined to alter the style of football Rangers will play - starting with the visit of Millwall on Saturday."The players know the style of football I want to play. My footballing philosophy is to get the ball down and play; be creative. It's all about passing and movement and getting into the final third; having an end product in terms of shots on goal. I want to change the style of play and hopefully that will start on Saturday.''
Paladini on Holloway, Waddock & Smith - Reports of Today's Press ConferenceClubcall Paladini on Holloway departure07 Feb 2006 16:23
Queens Park Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini has spoken of his reasons behind placing Ian Holloway on gardening leave and revealed the decision was taken after an approach from the Foxes for Holloway to take over at the Walkers Stadium.
Paladini was speaking at a press conference on Tuesday where he confirmed that caretaker boss Gary Waddock is likely to remain in charge until the end of the season at Loftus Road and that the former Rangers player is a serious consider for the job on a full-time
Waddock has taken over from Holloway after the Rangers boss was the subject of an approach from Leicester last week and Paladini felt it was affecting the team: "I had a phonecall from Leicester the day after we played them last week asking for permission to speak to Ian," said Paladini.
"I told Ian and his agent and they wanted to speak to Leicester, so they did. It was very difficult because Ian has been fantastic for QPR over the last five years and it has been a privilege to work with him
"My feeling was that if you are happily married why whould you look for another woman? I felt that it was better for us to move in a different direction and for him to maybe move on after a long time here. But I have nothing but praise for the man."
Jim Smith has been linked with a role of Loftus Road but Paladini revealed he was only spoken to about the possibility of coming in to help out Waddock: "The idea was for Jim to come in on a consultancy basis. What we asked him to do for us he couldn't do it because he job was never offered to him as the manager," said Paladini.
"We felt he could come and help Gary but we could not offer him what he wanted and he has moved on. We wanted him to come in without a contract and to help it but things never happened." Clubcall
PA Sport/Sporting Life - HOLLOWAY WILL NOT BE SACKED
By Andy Sims, PA SportQPR chairman Gianni Paladini has admitted there is no way back for Ian Holloway at Loftus Road as he unveiled reserve-team coach Gary Waddock as the club's new caretaker manager.
Holloway was put on 'gardening leave' by Paladini after asking permission to speak to Coca-Cola Championship rivals Leicester, who are in search of a new manager after sacking Craig Levein.
Paladini also revealed he will not sack Holloway even if he is not offered the manager's role at Leicester, and if necessary would continue to pay the 42-year-old for the duration of his two-year contract.
"If a man is happily married why would he look for another woman?" said Paladini.
"If you get the opportunity to speak to someone it's your choice whether to go, or to stay.
"But maybe it's better for him to move, maybe he's been here too long. I don't blame him for looking.
"Once he applied for the job at Leicester we felt he couldn't concentrate on our team. Ian has had a rollercoaster time here under very difficult circumstances. He's done a tremendous job.
"But I spoke to Leicester on Wednesday, then spoke to his agent, and he went to see them.
"But he hasn't been sacked. We will honour his contract until the end."
Paladini also revealed that Jim Smith had been offered a role at the club, but only in a consultancy capacity.
Smith, who led Rangers to the Milk Cup final in 1986, turned down a position at Loftus Road, claiming it would be "politically incorrect".
"Gary is caretaker manager and knows Jim well," Paladini added. "It was mainly consultancy that we asked him to do, we never asked him to be manager.
"It's a big job for Gary to take on, so getting Jim to come in might have been the right thing to do but we never discussed a position.
"But this is an opportunity for Gary to take charge. Hopefully he will do well."
Waddock admitted he would like the role on a permanent basis and will be looking to make an instant impact.
"My immediate thoughts and focus are Saturday's game with Millwall," said Waddock, who made 240 appearances for Rangers in the 1980s.
"I've been put in charge on a caretaker basis and I'll get on with the job in hand.
"The players know my style of play and they know my coaching methods."
Waddock is still on the lookout for a "Jim Smith-type character" to oversee the daily matters at the club, although he and Paladini refused to confirm or deny that former Aston Villa boss John Gregory was being considered.
"If someone like Jim Smith were to come in, with their experience, knowledge and contacts, then that would help because the phone hasn't stopped ringing and my strength is coaching," he added.
"Olly (Holloway) has done a fantastic job here, and he gave me the chance to coach, but it's the nature of the business."
www.sportinglife.com/football/new...._Nightlead.htmlBBC - QPR chief says no Holloway returnHolloway has two years left on his contract at QPRQPR chairman Gianni Paladini says there is no way back for former manager Ian Holloway at Loftus Road, but is adamant he will not sack him.
Holloway was suspended on Monday for asking to speak to Leicester City about their vacant manager's job.
"Once he applied for the Leicester job we felt he could not concentrate on our team," Paladini said.
Paladini added that Holloway will be paid for the rest of his two-year QPR contract if he does not get a new job.
He added: "He hasn't been sacked. We will honour his contract until the end."
Paladini felt Holloway's mind was no longer on the job at Loftus Road, saying: "If a man is happily married why would he look for another woman?
"If you get the opportunity to speak to someone it's your choice whether to go, or to stay.
"Maybe it's better for him to move, maybe he's been here too long. I don't blame him for looking."
Holloway cannot speak about his departure from QPR for legal reasons, but BBC Sport has tried unsuccessfully to contact his agent. BBC
SKY - Paladini: No way back for OllieBy Andy Clarke - Created on 7 Feb 2006
...And he says he is prepared to pay Holloway for the remainder of his contract if necessary and will not be sacking the former Bristol Rovers manager, even if Leicester do not offer him the job.
"If a man is happily married why would he look for another woman?" said Paladini.
"If you get the opportunity to speak to someone it's your choice whether to go, or to stay. But maybe it's better for him to move, maybe he's been here too long. I don't blame him for looking.
"Once he applied for the job at Leicester we felt he couldn't concentrate on our team. Ian has had a rollercoaster time here under very difficult circumstances. He's done a tremendous job.
"I spoke to Leicester on Wednesday, then spoke to his agent, and he went to see them. But he hasn't been sacked. We will honour his contract until the end."
Smith has turned down Paladini's approach, at least for the time being, but could yet be back at the club he managed for three years in the 80s.
"Gary is caretaker manager and knows Jim well," Paladini said. "It was mainly consultancy that we asked him to do, we never asked him to be manager.
"It's a big job for Gary to take on, so getting Jim to come in might have been the right thing to do but we never discussed a position."
Holloway's Last Match Independent - Leeds Utd 2 QPR 0:Sunday Times
"...This was a workmanlike victory over a Queens Park Rangers side depleted by injuries. QPR manager Ian Holloway solved a goalkeeping crisis by registering Phil Barnes’s loan from Sheffield United less than four hours before kick-off. Both goals came from headers and both came from passes from the left foot of Eddie Lewis, the United States international who had a terrific game on the left wing. His skill enlivened a drab, listless opening as he tormented QPR’s new Polish full-back Marcin Kus and after 27 minutes he beat the defender to the byline and forced Barnes into a save.
But Barnes was at fault for Leeds’s opener. Lewis swung over a free kick, the keeper called for the ball but could not reach it before Cresswell, whose back header looped into the empty net.
Neil Sullivan was not called on to make a save until nine minutes into the second half when Keith Lowe, another QPR debutant, won the ball in the air but headed straight at him. At the other end Liam Miller struck a stinging shot from 20 yards that brought a fine save from Barnes before Cresswell had an opportunity to score Leeds’s second. Lewis’s cross found the former Preston man unmarked, but he headed wide.
With Lewis unstoppable and Shaun Derry an anchor in midfield, Leeds were dominant. After 77 minutes Lewis did well to reach a Cresswell cross but when he pulled the ball back, no attacker followed up.
Six minutes from time Leeds put the result beyond doubt. Lewis sent over another perfectly weighted cross and Butler dived to head the ball powerfully past Barnes.
STAR MAN: Eddie Lewis (Leeds)
Player ratings. Leeds: Sullivan 7, Kelly 7, Butler 7, Gregan 6, Crainey 6, Douglas 6, Miller 7, Derry 7, Lewis 8, Healy 6 (Blake 71min, 6), Cresswell 7 (Hulse 77min, 7)
QPR: Barnes 7, Kus 5 (Langley 86min, 6), Lowe 6, shiteeeeeeetu 6, Taylor 7, Ainsworth 5 (Youssouf 66min, 6), Bignot 6, Lomas 6, Cook 7 (Nygaard 66min, 7), Moore 5, Clarke 5
www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2093-2025426,00.html
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Feb 6, 200
Holloway's 'Gardening Leave' in part due to recent performances...Coaches Breaker & Penrice also on Gardening Leave
-BBC
QPR suspend Foxes target Holloway
I an Holloway could now take over at Leicester CityQueens Park Rangers have suspended manager Ian Holloway because of speculation linking him with the vacant manager's job at Leicester City.
Holloway has been placed on "gardening leave" with recent bad results also contributing to his downfall.
"QPR has not sacked Ian," chairman Gianni Paladini told the club website.
"But we are concerned about recent performances and the effect speculation about Ian joining Leicester City might have on the players."
Rangers have slumped to 15th in the Championship table and Holloway has faced mounting criticism from fans.
He was told by Paladini on Sunday night that he was being relieved of his duties at Loftus Road whether or not he lands the Foxes job.
Rangers will now try to work out a compensation package with the ex-Bristol Rovers chief, who signed an improved contract last year.
And, with Holloway facing competition for the Leicester job from caretaker boss Rob Kelly and Luton's Mike Newell, the west London club have suspended him on full pay along with coaches Tim Breacker and Gary Penrice.
newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/4685138.stmQPR coach Gary Waddock has been placed in temporary charge.
Paladini added: "I hope we can sort something out with Ian as soon as possible.
"QPR will always be enormously grateful for the contribution he has made for the past five years, in particular gaining promotion for us in 2004.
"However, it is crucial the team are focused and able to move forward, which is why we have appointed Gary as caretaker manager."
Waddock was a hugely popular figure in his playing days at QPR and is credited with improving the club¿s youth system in recent years.
The former Republic of Ireland midfielder is likely to be assisted by youth coach Joe Gallen - brother of club captain Kevin - for this Saturday's game against Millwall.
Paladini is also keen to install ex-Rs boss Jim Smith as director of football.
Smith led QPR between 1985 and 1988 and has since managed Newcastle, Portsmouth and Derby.
SKY SPORT - Smith says no for now By Simon Fudge
- Created on 7 Feb 2006Jim Smith has turned down the chance to return to former club Queens Park Rangers 'for the time being'.
Smith, who managed the West London outfit for a for a spell between 1985 and 1988, spoke with QPR chairman Gianni Paladini on Monday regarding a role whereby he would assist caretaker boss Gary Waddock.
The Championship club placed Waddock in charge after putting manager Ian Holloway and his assistants Gary Penrice and Tim Breaker on gardening leave.
Growing speculation that Holloway is set to succeed Craig Levein as Leicester City manager prompted Paladini to place the former Bristol Rovers boss on leave in order to steady the ship at QPR.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Smith felt now was not the right time to return to Loftus Road, but he hinted that a move back may be on the horizon.
"With the situation at the club and the management problems, it wasn't the time for me to go because it was politically not correct, I don't think," Smith said.
"It's a shame because it's a great club. Mr Paladini is a personal friend and I feel as if I've let him down a little bit.
"I met Gary Waddock yesterday (Monday), who is going to take charge, and I was very impressed with him.
"I just felt that for me, with the situation, it just wasn't politically correct for me."
Smith stated his confidence that he will return to football in the near future, though he ruled out any possibility of succeeding Phil Brown as Derby County manager.
"This is the longest period I've ever been out of football in my life," he added.
"In about 27 to 30 years, I've only done a year all told (out of football), and this is about half of it at this moment in time.
"I have turned opportunities down in that period, to be honest, but there are a couple of opportunities that are coming up now.
"I think, in the very near future, I'll be back in serious full-time football."
Smith feels the Leicester speculation will make it difficult for Holloway to return to his QPR post. "Looking at it - whatever the circumstances regarding Leicester is - to me, he's not going back," Smith said.
"I don't know how long it will take for him to do the garden and how big his garden is, but I don't think there is any going back (for Holloway now)." SkySports
BBC - Smith decides against QPR return By Andrew McKenzieSmith spent over three years as boss at QPR
Jim Smith has held talks with QPR but will not be making an emotional return to the club as manager.
QPR suspended manager Ian Holloway on Monday after a poor run of results and following links with the Leicester job.
Smith, 65, was widely reported to be making a return as director of football to Loftus Road - where he was manager for three years in the 1980s.
"There have been talks and I've decided things are not right for me there at the moment," he told BBC Sport.
"It's been a very hard decision for me. I more or less said 'yes' to QPR and then I've had to say 'no' - it's that close and I feel a bit sad about it but I just felt it wasn't right.
QPR suspend Foxes target Holloway "I'm not going to be involved there."
Smith guided the club to fifth in the old First Division in 1988 before leaving later that year for Newcastle.
He rejected suggestions he was set for a director of football role at the club, adding: "I've never wanted to be a director of football in my life. I don't even know what he does."
Smith has been out of work since his contract was not renewed at Southampton in May 2005 and has since had talks with Bristol Rovers and been part of a consortium trying to take over Oxford United.
But he said he was in talks with other clubs, adding: "It's a funny life. There are no buses then suddenly three come at once." BBC
SOCCERNET Feb. 7, 2006 - Smith turns down return to Loftus Road
Former QPR boss Jim Smith has rejected the chance to re-join the club - but did not rule out a return in the near future.
Rangers placed manager Ian Holloway on 'gardening leave' on Monday and chairman Gianni Paladini offered Smith - who managed Rangers from 1985-88 - a role alongside caretaker-boss Gary Waddock.
Smith revealed: 'I held talks with Gianni Paladini, but given the circumstances at the club I did not feel it would have been politically correct to go there right now.'
But when asked whether he would reconsider his decision if Holloway - who has been linked with managerless Leicester - was to leave the club definitively, Smith told Sky Sports News: 'That is always a possibility.
'I think I will be back in full-time football in the near future. I have turned down opportunities, and this is the longest I have been out of the game.'
Smith also believes 'there is no going back' for Holloway at Loftus Road. Soccernet
[
Earlier article Jim Smith Returning to QPR Guardian - February 7, 2006Smith, 94 [sic], is set to make an unlikely return to Loftus Road while Ian Holloway becomes acquainted with his garden
QPR line up Smith after Holloway is suspended Stuart James and
Arindam RejTuesday
Jim Smith may make an unlikely return to Queens Park Rangers as director of football, more than 20 years after he first took over at the west London club as manager. The 65-year-old is understood to have been lined up to take on an advisory role at Loftus Road as Rangers prepare for the inevitable departure of Ian Holloway, who was yesterday suspended from his duties.
Smith, who managed at Loftus Road between 1985 and 1988, is known to be a close friend of the QPR chairman Gianni Paladini and although the Championship club would not comment on his possible arrival yesterday they refused to rule out a move for the former Derby County manager, whose last employment was alongside Harry Redknapp at Southampton.
Holloway has been sent on "gardening leave" for an indefinite period after he was linked with the vacant managerial post at Leicester City at the weekend. Leicester have denied reports that an appointment is imminent but even if Holloway does not replace Craig Levein, who was dismissed two weeks ago, it appears unlikely that he will return to QPR.
The former Bristol Rovers manager signed a three-year contract extension 12 months ago but his relationship with Paladini has been strained for some time. Paladini, though, will be keen to avoid any financial settlement with Holloway because it is believed the manager has a rolling one-year deal which would entail a 12-month pay-off if he were sacked.
Holloway, who has been in charge at Rangers for five years, learned that he would no longer be in charge of team affairs on Sunday night. Paladini said that the combination of a poor run of results and the Leicester rumours had prompted his decision to seek a change. Gary Waddock, previously the first-team coach, has been appointed as caretaker manager.
"QPR have not sacked Ian but we are concerned about recent performances and the effect the speculation about Ian joining Leicester might have on the players," said Paladini. "QPR will always be enormously grateful for the contribution he has made over the past five years, in particular gaining promotion for us in 2004."
Waddock is likely to be assisted by the Rangers youth coach Joe Gallen for Saturday's match against Millwall. However two other members of Holloway's backroom staff, Tim Breacker and Gary Penrice, have been temporarily relieved of their responsibilities Guardian
Telegraph - QPR suspend Holloway over Leicester link
By Tom CaryQueens Park Rangers have suspended manager Ian Holloway on full pay, ostensibly because of speculation linking him with the vacant manager's post at Leicester.
But a series of bad results and behind-the-scenes problems have undoubtedly contributed to the decision of chairman Gianni Paladini to place the eccentric Holloway on "gardening leave" along with coaches Tim Breacker and Gary Penrice. Coach Gary Waddock has been installed as temporary manager.
A statement from Paladini read: "QPR have not sacked Ian but we are concerned about recent performances and the effect the speculation about Ian joining Leicester might have on the players.
"QPR will always be grateful to the contribution he has made over the past five years, in particular gaining promotion in 2004.
"However, it is crucial the team are focused and moving forward, which is why we have appointed Gary as caretaker manager. I hope the fans get behind Gary for the home derby against Millwall on Saturday."
Waddock, a popular figure in his playing days at QPR, is credited with improving the club's youth system in recent years. The former Republic of Ireland midfielder is likely to be assisted by youth coach Joe Gallen, brother of club captain Kevin, for the clash with Millwall.
Paladini is also keen to install former manager Jim Smith as director of football. Smith led QPR between 1985 and 1988 and has since managed Newcastle, Portsmouth and Derby.
Cash-strapped QPR will now try to work out a compensation package with Holloway, who signed an improved contract last year. Meanwhile, Leicester, who dismissed Craig Levein last month and are in danger of dropping out of the top two divisions for the first time in their history, denied any agreement had been reached with Holloway.
A spokesman said: "The process of finding a new manager is still taking place. We won't be commenting on speculation."... Telegraph
And the day before:
Holloway Reportedly Set for Leicester
News of the World EXCLUSIVE:
New manager for Leicester - Foxes get Holloway
By David HarrisonIAN HOLLOWAY will this week be unveiled as the new Leicester City manager.
The QPR boss led his side for the last time at Leeds yesterday before he succeeds the axed Craig Levein at the Walkers Stadium.
Leicester chairman Jim McCahill, who was also linked with Burnley's Steve Cotterill and Mike Newell of Luton, contacted Rangers last week and agreed a compensation package.
A Leicester source confirmed: "Ian has agreed to join us.
"Everyone has seen what a great job he's done at QPR. His enthusiasm and passion will inspire us to move away from the relegation zone."
Holloway, 42, a former QPR player, returned to Loftus Road as manager five years ago after a similar period as boss of Bristol Rovers.
He led Rangers to promotion to the Championship in 2004. in Despite the initial disappointment of relegation to League One, Holloway gradually turned the club round.
After narrowly missing out on the play-offs in 2002, QPR reached the play-off final in 2003 but were beaten 1-0 by Cardiff.
The following season he achieved promotion to the Championship as League One runners-up with a final-day victory over Sheffield Wednesday
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AND BACK
BBC - November 2016 Ian Holloway: QPR reappoint ex-Crystal Palace & Blackpool boss
From the section QPR
Ian Holloway
Ian Holloway had been out of management since being sacked by Millwall in March 2015Queens Park Rangers have reappointed Ian Holloway as manager, 10 years after he left the Championship club.
The 53-year-old, previously in charge of the R's between 2001 to 2006, has agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Loftus Road.
Holloway, who led Blackpool and Crystal Palace to the Premier League, replaces Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who was sacked on Saturday after 11 months in charge.
He said he was "honoured, privileged and proud" to return to Rangers.
QPR are 17th in the table, six points above the relegation zone, after sacking former Chelsea and Netherlands striker Hasselbaink.
He oversaw just 13 wins from his 47 games in charge.
Holloway has been working as a television pundit since being sacked by Millwall in March 2015.
"It's a huge moment for me and I am delighted to be back here," said the former Bristol Rovers, Plymouth and Leicester boss.
"I feel like I'm back home now and I can't wait to get started.
"Does anyone know this club better than me? Probably not. Has it changed much? Maybe, but I know what it means to everyone out there.
"People would die for this club. My job is to try to help this squad improve and create an environment that the players can succeed in."
Ian Holloway as QPR manager in 2003
Ian Holloway guided QPR to promotion from League One in 2004
In his first spell in charge of QPR, Holloway led the club to promotion to the Championship in 2004 after missing out in the third-tier play-off final in the previous campaign.
He also had to contend with off-field issues at Loftus Road when Rangers were put into administration in April 2001.
Former midfielder Holloway, who spent five years at the club in the 1990s during his playing career, was suspended by then chairman Gianni Paladini in February 2006 because of speculation linking him to the Leicester job.
He joined Plymouth four months later after Rob Kelly became Leicester boss. Holloway eventually had a spell in charge of the Foxes in 2007-08 but the club were relegated to the third tier for the first time in their history.
Holloway will begin his second spell in charge of QPR at home to fifth-placed Norwich City on Saturday, 19 November.
Details of Holloway's backroom staff are yet to be announced.
Hasselbaink's assistant, Dave Oldfield, had been supervising first-team training since the Dutchman's departure.
www.bbc.com/sport/football/37943477
BBC _MAY 10 - 2018 HOLLOWAY SACKED
Ian Holloway: QPR manager leaves after 18 months in charge
From the section QPR
Ian Holloway looks on from the sidelines
Ian Holloway won 26 of his 80 games during his second spell in charge of QPRIan Holloway has left his post as manager at Championship side Queens Park Rangers after 18 months in charge.
The 55-year-old was in his second spell with the R's and guided the club to 16th in the table this season.
According to reports on Wednesday, ex-England manager Steve McClaren, who spent time as a coach at QPR in 2013, has already been earmarked for the job.
"We are hugely grateful to Ian for his incredible efforts during his time with us," said chief executive Lee Hoos.
"He joined us at a critical stage as we looked to reduce the wage bill, bring in younger talent and remain competitive on the pitch.
"That is no easy task and it was down to his desire, love for the club and hard work that he achieved those goals."
Holloway won 26 of his 80 matches after returning to Loftus Road in November 2016, drawing 14 and losing the other 40, and had one year remaining on his contract.
He helped Rangers narrowly avoid relegation last season as they finished the 2016-17 campaign in 18th, two points above the bottom three.
After spending five years with QPR during his playing career, Holloway first took charge of the club in February 2001 and won promotion from the third tier in 2003-04 before leaving in February 2006.
"We are now looking to take the next step as we continue to work through what is a vital period of transition for the club," added Hoos.
www.bbc.com/sport/football/44074623
Ian Holloway's inspirational historic speech to QPR fans - Via QPR1st
Monday, 30 April 2001 00:00Transcribed from video tape by Justin Pieris. Apologies in advance if anything has got lost in that process.
Scene: Hammersmith Town Hall, Assembly Hall. 600-700 QPR fans attend the QPR 1st Supporters Trust Anniversary Public Meeting. It's 8.30pm and Holloway is presented the first ever QPR 1st Management Excellence Award… [Rapturous applause]
IH : Thank-you so much. I had everything planned here and now you've thrown me. People who do know me (my son knows me) [sitting in the audience], know I'm never short of words. I can't tell you how proud I am to start with, not just receiving this.
Fan in audience: You deserve it
IH : Thank-you. I'm not going to talk about players, I want you to know me. I had three interviews for this job, I'd just lost the other job. I had a dream with that other job and that was to get that club, my club, into the Premier League. I damn-near did it, but some ugly words that are creeping into football these days stopped me. Now, what I mean by that is … Greed, Selfishness and I'm talking about people at the top, because football clubs don't belong to them, they belong to the people… people like yourselves, who get the club tattooed on their shoulders or on other parts of their body,
[Laughter]
Who spent all their money - all week working hard for their money. Who say to their wives 'come on love we're going down the R's, or going away, or going up to Northampton. I'm gonna spend all this fortune on my team'.
[Applause]
Now I'm a little fella as it happens, but when I was really small I was nothing. Some scout from Bristol Rovers said they want you and Bristol City also want you. My fantastic, proud Father, who unfortunately is not here any more, when I was nine made me interview them both, one after the other.
Bristol City came in first and all they talked about was 'how brilliant I was gonna be and when you're sixteen we'll give you this, and when you're seventeen we'll give you that, and when you're twenty-one you'll play for us and you'll never have to buy another pair of boots Mr Holloway. In fact here is his size right now'. And out they go. And in come Bristol Rovers and all the fella says is 'you did alright today, you were quite fair. Now if you want to be a good player son, you've got to want it more than the next fella and all we are guaranteeing you is you got to work hard, you got to be dedicated and it's down to you and it's down to you how good you can be. We know you might have a chance, but it's down to you son.'
Now, who do you think I chose? I chose the people who told me the truth. I wasn't a big head, I knew what it was all about- you gotta work hard -mould yourself into something.
Now I hate to say what I found when I took over this place. I took over from a fella who taught me what football was all about. I met him when I was twenty-five, Gerry Francis. Up until then, I thought I knew what football was all about. I didn't know anything, all I did was try learning. I hadn't the knowledge. The fella taught me a system - zonal system that unfortunately last year he didn't play for you, because he'd been with Tottenham with much, much better players and they had covered different things, different ideas. He taught me to believe in myself and to help my teammates, and that is what I tried to bring back here.
It's going to take a while, and unfortunately the club, since I took over the reins, nothing was told to me about that, I don't think we actually knew ourselves. I think the plan was, if I could rejuvenate after two or three matches, got enough wins that Chris Wright might have had enough confidence to stay on - because that is what Chris Wright has lost - confidence. I can't believe for the man he is, the money he has got, the lack of confidence he has, because he is in a different field and unfortunately the people he trusted with this, who threw money at it, who promised young lads of fourteen, five/ six years what Bristol City did to me. That's what this place was unfortunately - big-headed Bristol City.
It's not gonna be that in the future. Some of the young lads we've got - what we're hoping to do is bring them up with pride and passion to care about the place = who are going to die rather than watch lines for you.
[Applause]
Please believe me, they might not be the best to start with, if you had seen the progress Danny shiteeetu has made over the last few weeks. He is going to make mistakes. He made two last Monday. But the lad came up to me after the game and apologized. I thought there was something seriously wrong when he said 'I want to have a word with you'. I said 'I'm really sorry, what do you mean?'. He said 'I made a mistake for the first two goals'. And that is what you're getting and that's what you'll get for the future. But hopefully, some of you fans actually bought him for me, and now we've had big Mr Noades sticking his nose in complaining,
[Applause]
it doesn't help. About six weeks ago, we could have done with some loan players we had so many injuries. We were robbed in the wrong places - Andy Thompson with his back situation. Some of the young lads being thrown into the expectation of this year, all your hopes and all your dreams, of us trying to get back quickly at the first step into the First Division. It might be too much for one or two of them. If that lad then goes through and misses an opportunity and costs us a result. I'm afraid you might throw all your hopes and dreams on that boy and they might not be seen again. So, we've got to be very, very careful. All I want to try and get through to you is what I'm all about really.
First there were words. I've written some important ones down - I've probably spelt them all wrong. What they're about for me is : PASSION, COMMITMENT & OPTIMISM instead of Expectation. I think that's absolutely vital, particularly for next year.
I asked the players to choose some words that they want to bring to the club. We actually marked them all down and we picked the first few that came out the most. I want to share them with you. They all want to bring HONESTY to the club. They want to bring RESPONSIBILITY for mistakes that they might make. They want to bring HARD WORK/ RESPECT and they want to bring HAPPINESS - they want to enjoy what they are doing.
Now I feel, particularly over the last few weeks, when we've had the right sort of blend, being able to pick people who can play in certain areas, they have shown when the chips are down, they can cope with it. And that's a learning phase. I feel they are getting better.
Hopefully it's still not over yet, we still might be able to creep into the play-offs. But what's important is taking this thing forward.
I listened to those passionate words from you, my fella, tonight. I really do feel for you. It's not been good to sit back and see what you had taken away from you It has been taken away by poor management trying to grasp at something, rather than understand it, put solid foundations down.
It can be done, it will be done, but you have to have the words I've been talking about and unfortunately with Chris, I didn't feel that he had that passion and commitment to get behind the stern and sure all is ok. He didn't have that time to give. You can't get rich people picking up these toys and throwing them around and selling them and moving on. It can't get that, it won't be like that anymore. And that is why you are making such vital strides out of adversity, out of adness for what you have lost. And sometimes I believe you can get stronger when you've really had it taken away. You never really appreciate something when you\re at somewhere. You always appreciate it after. But no-one is gonna take your QPR away, I can assure you of that.
Now, I believe you have to unite on the terraces. If you can unite on the terraces, you - this group and the other group (because you know who I'm talking about). You've got to be able to pull together. And once you can do that and trust the people at the top. I trust this man [hand on David Davies' shoulder], I can tell you. I've worked for people before and I didn't trust them one iota. You talked about Nick Blackburn I felt just now. I trust Nick at the moment. I might not have trusted him when I first came here. He made some horrific mistakes - he was part of that. But he's lived through that. I don't' feel that he will do that again - because I won't let him.
[Applause]
I think what is important for you people to know, that there was an awful lot of people interviewed for the job. I never had a doubt that this was a job for me. I'm sure a lot of them asked this man who was on the panel [DD], 'How much they were gonna get?'. I didn't ask that question. 'How much I was gonna spend, what am I gonna do?' I don't believe it is about money.
I wanna bring some like-minded people who care, like you do, back to this place. Who wear the shirt with pride. And eventually we might have to lose one or two. We lost Peter Crouch this Summer. I had to go on holiday cos I told this man he was worth 4million, but at the time, at the time …
[DD holds his head in his hands, Laughter, Applause]
…AT THE TIME, we had no choice. We got a sell-on. We just got another 400 grand. We lost Jermaine Darlington who could run like young Jerome Thomas can run. Unfortunately, we lost him too cheap, but these things happen. Certain things had to be sacrificed to get us back on an even keel.
And all I can say is, I hope we come out of administration with these people, because they won't make the mistakes that they have made before. We've got to move on. And they are NOTselfish people, they are NOT greedy people. What they want to do is share out - what should have happened at Bristol Rovers. One man owned 51% of the shares - and still does now. And again, over the last five years the wages that they have been paying to average players is frightening. The difference - this money didn't change, he didn't suddenly win the lottery, because he wanted control. These people want to share it out, they want to bring more investors in, they want the Wintons to come on board to give me some money, to actually invest, I will invest in young, up-for-it, hungry people who will add sell-on value. It is not in life where you start, it is always where you are gonna end-up that is important. And I feel now - you people have made me feel - worthy. When I went for the first couple of meetings, I didn't feel worthy to be in the room with Mr Chris Wright. But I had to keep going. And, as you can tell, I'm quite a persistent fella and I'm quite honest cos when I first came here Gerry said to me 'I'm bringing you here, but I don't think you'll play, but you're an infectious little bugger …'.
[Laughter]
'… and you might rub-off on the others'. But at the end of the day, he was honest with me, he told me I was not the best player. I realised that, but I tell you no-one wanted it as much as me and I would pass to a good one next to me.
And if I have time here to bring on more talented players than I was and rub-off on them with my personality and my staff that we've got. If you are patient with them and take the knocks that they are gonna get, the centre-forwards who are gonna miss those chances to start with, but with your encouragement and with you getting behind them, they might be worth a couple of million pounds in a few years time, then I believe, with the right management, we can do that. Hopefully, one day, I can control when Peter Crouch goes, for how much he goes for, because I already have his replacement in the club. That's what we're after, that's management and that's what we are aiming to do. Now, if you people can just be patient, you don't realise how far you've come. You really don't realise that the rest of football is in trouble, but I don't think for one minute we are. We are trying to build your team and a squad that will do really well at their standard. We will go up, when we deserve to go up, when we are ready to go up and deserve to go up, when all the things behind the scenes are ready to go up. Because the last thing you want is to be a poor team in the one above, hanging-on and hanging-on. When we go, we wanna go how Millwall did it, how Burnley have done, and that takes time and takes commitment.
And all I can say, from the situation we were in at the start of the season, I had no staff left, they were all out of contract, even the Physio, Brian Morris was retiring. I had to find all the coaching staff. Re-jig it because we couldn't have it how it was before -pay them a lot less money. I had nine players who were eligible for the first team - that was all, no goalie, two of those players (Clarke Carlisle and Richard Langley) were possibly our best. I was glad they were injured because they probably would have been sold.
[Laughter]
It's true, that is the truth. I'm pleased to say, we've got one back, but that left me with seven players. Seven players we started the year with and we stopped the rot, we placed it on, I feel, secure footing - on concrete, when we were sill on a sheet of ice. But, we're getting there and what we've got to do is keep building. And there will be no prouder man than em WHEN we achieve it. And I didn't say 'IF', I said 'WHEN'. I can't do it, we can't do it without your full support. These people can't do it without your full support.
I'm just going to end-up now, cos I believe I've had longer than 10 minutes. Did anybody see the Men in Black? Well I've got a little black suit on and so has David. We've got a little black bow tie and we've got some glasses and every now and again we are going to have to go PHTTTT with this little thing to lose your memory. Because, what you don't realise is that over the last year, we have been so close to the brink of someone wanting to steal the Galaxy, that were in big, big trouble. All you can feel, all you can sense is 'What's happening to my club?!' and I understand that. But we can't tell you all the information, because you won't be able to sleep! That's true!
[Laughter and applause]
For me, this is another step forward. David has agreed to come here because he wants to share everything. I am a little bit upset that Nick isn't here as well, because I'd have said those things in front of him - we all have to take responsibility for some of the decisions made then by certain managers.
But all I believe, it's about the team and all you want is pride in that team. I believe that this year you have started to regain some and hopefully I'll bring some new heroes, some new Les Ferdinands of the future.
Thank-you very much.
[IH sits after 20 minutes, the speakers and audience rise to give a one minute standing ovation… 'You Rrrs'
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