Post by Macmoish on Aug 3, 2014 8:09:52 GMT
10 Years ago today - Start of our Playoff Final Season - Our last successful season.
BBC - August 3, 2013
QPR 2 - 1 Sheffield Wed
QPR scored twice in three first-half minutes as they came from behind to beat Sheffield Wednesday.
Atdhe Nuhiu netted a low shot to put the visitors ahead on his debut.
But Nedum Onuoha scored his first goal for the London club when he turned the ball home from inside the area, and Andrew Johnson volleyed in soon after.
Wednesday's Jacques Maghoma had a penalty claim turned down after the break when Joey Barton appeared to trip him and later hit the post with a shot.
QPR's high hopes
Fifteen teams have managed an immediate return to the Premier League since its inception in 1992
After relegation from the Premier League last season, QPR were given a reminder of just how frantic England's second tier can be in an exciting affair.
There were six changes from QPR boss Harry Redknapp since his side's last Premier League game against Liverpool in May, with the likes of Loic Remy, Park Ji-sung and Stephane Mbia absent with their futures at the club uncertain.
But perhaps the most surprising change was the inclusion of Barton, who had not played for the club since his red card against Manchester City on the final day of the 2011-12 season.
The English midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Marseille, claimed there was an agreement for him to stay with the French club on a permanent basis and tweeted earlier this summer that "I will not be playing in the Championship next season".
But no such deal has materialised and Barton was back in the blue and white hoops of the London side alongside new signing Karl Henry in the centre of midfield.
Barton's display will have Redknapp thinking he could be a valuable asset in the Championship, despite some second-half drama.
Wednesday woe
This was just Sheffield Wednesday's second defeat on the opening day of the season in the last nine years, with the last coming in 2007
QPR's incisive play early on was finding gaps in Sheffield Wednesday's defence, with Johnson firing a deflected effort just wide before Owls goalkeeper Chris Kirkland saved from the ex-Fulham striker.
But just when it looked like QPR would find a breakthrough, they were caught out at the other end as former Austria Under-21 frontman Nuhiu bustled clear before hitting a low effort past Rob Green in the home goal.
Kirkland could do nothing to stop Onuoha getting his first goal for Rangers as the former Manchester City defender turned home Junior Hoilett's shot to level the game in the 40th minute.
Dave Jones's Owls were caught out again three minutes later as Kirkland saved from Barton at the back post, but the ball broke to Johnson and he volleyed home.
After impressing in the first half by creating a number of chances, Barton was booked after the break by referee Scott Mathieson for a late challenge on Jeremy Helan before he escaped a second - and a red card - moments later.
Mathieson adjudged Maghoma to have dived in the area despite replays showing contact from Barton.
Maghoma's misery was added to when he hit the post with a low strike before Charlie Austin made his debut for the hosts following his move from Burnley on Thursday, but the closest he came to opening his account was a header that flew over.
QPR manager Harry Redknapp told the club website:
"I thought we showed fantastic attitude and commitment to come from a goal down to get in front as we did.
"They had chances and look a decent team. Dave's put a good team together this year.
"But it was a great performance from us - we were first class."
Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Dave Jones told the club website:
"It is fine lines and you want the big decisions to be the right ones. Unfortunately, it didn't go our way today and it is really disappointing.
"It could have gone either way and we certainly deserved something from the game.
"We've switched off for a crucial spell of the game and you can't do that."
Live text and stats
Saturday, 3 August 2013
Championship
Home Team Score Away Team Time
QPR 2-1 Sheffield Wed FT
(HT 2-1)
Onuoha 40
Johnson 43
Nuhiu 19
Hide team line-ups and match stats
QPR
01 Green
02 Simpson
03 Traore
06 Hill
15 Onuoha
17 Barton
20 Henry
23 Hoilett
32 Faurlin
08 Johnson
25 Zamora
Substitutes
26 Murphy,
05 Dunne,
13 Suk-Young Yun,
04 Derry,
11 Wright-Phillips,
16 Jenas,
09 Austin
Sheffield Wed
01 Kirkland
04 Gardner
05 Zayatte
19 Mattock (Maghoma 37)
22 Palmer yellow card
11 J Johnson
12 Prutton
14 Coke
34 Nuhiu
07 Antonio
17 Helan
Substitutes
13 Davies,
06 Semedo,
15 Taylor,
32 Llera,
10 Maghoma,
16 McCabe,
09 Madine
www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/23474807
OBSERVER
QPR 2
Nedum Onuoha 40, Andrew Johnson 43
Sheff Wed 1
Atdhe Nuhiu 19
Paul Doyle at Loftus Road
The Observer, Saturday 3 August 2013 12.13 EDT
J
QPR's Joey Barton is shown a yellow card by referee Scott Mathieson in the match against Sheffield Wednesday. Photograph: Tony O'Brien/Action Images
Queens Park Rangers know that recovery plans involve multiple steps but they can at least be satisfied with their first one. Their bid to win an automatic return to the Premier League, and rehabilitate their reputation after last season's ignominious relegation, got off to a triumphant start as they beat Sheffield Wednesday thanks to important contributions from Andy Johnson and Joey Barton, two players in particular need of redemption for different reasons.
The victory was far from emphatic and, indeed, the outcome could have been very different if the referee had responded positively to either of two strong penalty appeals by Wednesday, but this was still a performance that augured well for the campaign ahead.
Harry Redknapp had made assembling a squad of "good characters" his priority this summer and two of his recent acquisitions, Danny Simpson and Karl Henry, went straight into the starting lineup while another two, Richard Dunne and Charlie Austin, began on the bench.
But the most intriguing selection was that of Barton, who had not featured for the club since being sent off and banned on the final day of the 2011-12 season and has made it clear numerous times since then that he would prefer to be elsewhere this term, ideally in Marseille, where he enjoyed a loan stint last term.
When a manager who is trying to build harmony pairs up Henry and Barton, who have clashed angrily in the past when on opposing teams, you have to wonder whether he is clever or cavalier but Redknapp trusted the players to perform with professionalism and was rewarded, as they brought steel and tidiness to midfield. "He's been great in training and I picked him on merit," Redknapp said of Barton. "He knows the game, he tucks in little holes and passes perfectly, that's why I put him in the team."
What his display means in the long term remains to be seen. "I don't know what the future holds for Joey Barton and I'm not sure Joey Barton knows either at the moment," said QPR's assistant manager, Kevin Bond.
The home fans did not seem to bear Barton any ill-will as his name was cheered when read out beforehand, as was that of Johnson, who was returning to the team after missing most of last season through injury. Johnson showed no signs of rustiness early on, twice going close in the opening minutes as QPR began with great verve.
Wednesday soon began to give as good as they got, with their giant striker, Atdhe Nuhiu, proving a menace even before he opened the scoring in the 19th minute. Several Premier League clubs considered signing the 23-year-old Albania-born Austrian this summer but only Wednesday took the plunge and that looked an astute decision here. The striker displayed impressive guile and strength and went close in the 13th minute before, six minutes later, collecting the ball 25 yards from goal and lashing a low shot into the bottom corner.
Last season QPR tended to disintegrate as soon as they conceded but here they rallied, although not before escaping a penalty appeal when Michail Antonio went down under a tackle by Armand Traoré. Junior Hoilett should have equalised on the half-hour mark but fired over after a fine cross by Barton. Moments later Chris Kirkland had to deny Bobby Zamora from close range but the goalkeeper was helpless in the 34th minute when Hoilett received a short corner and smashed the ball into the box for Nedum Onuoha to divert into the net from five yards.
Three minutes later QPR took the lead, Kirkland parrying a Barton header, only for the ball to bounce to Johnson to prod into the net. Kirkland had to produce a superb save to thwart Hoilett early in the second half before Wednesday squandered a fine chance to equalise on the break, Antonio blasting over from 10 yards.
Wednesday continued to threaten and QPR enjoyed some close escapes before claiming the win. Jacques Maghoma hit the post from 20 yards in 74th minute and believed he should have been given a penalty just prior to that when he fell under a challenge by Barton, who was already on a yellow card. Instead, however, the referee booked Maghoma for simulation.
"It's an embarrassment for the officials to miss two clear-cut penalties" stormed Wednesday's manager Dave Jones. "We've been told by the League Managers Association and the Referee's Society not to talk about it but something has to be done. How does he miss it?"
Perhaps the fortunes of Barton and QPR are changing. More evidence is required.
BBC - August 3, 2013
QPR 2 - 1 Sheffield Wed
QPR scored twice in three first-half minutes as they came from behind to beat Sheffield Wednesday.
Atdhe Nuhiu netted a low shot to put the visitors ahead on his debut.
But Nedum Onuoha scored his first goal for the London club when he turned the ball home from inside the area, and Andrew Johnson volleyed in soon after.
Wednesday's Jacques Maghoma had a penalty claim turned down after the break when Joey Barton appeared to trip him and later hit the post with a shot.
QPR's high hopes
Fifteen teams have managed an immediate return to the Premier League since its inception in 1992
After relegation from the Premier League last season, QPR were given a reminder of just how frantic England's second tier can be in an exciting affair.
There were six changes from QPR boss Harry Redknapp since his side's last Premier League game against Liverpool in May, with the likes of Loic Remy, Park Ji-sung and Stephane Mbia absent with their futures at the club uncertain.
But perhaps the most surprising change was the inclusion of Barton, who had not played for the club since his red card against Manchester City on the final day of the 2011-12 season.
The English midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Marseille, claimed there was an agreement for him to stay with the French club on a permanent basis and tweeted earlier this summer that "I will not be playing in the Championship next season".
But no such deal has materialised and Barton was back in the blue and white hoops of the London side alongside new signing Karl Henry in the centre of midfield.
Barton's display will have Redknapp thinking he could be a valuable asset in the Championship, despite some second-half drama.
Wednesday woe
This was just Sheffield Wednesday's second defeat on the opening day of the season in the last nine years, with the last coming in 2007
QPR's incisive play early on was finding gaps in Sheffield Wednesday's defence, with Johnson firing a deflected effort just wide before Owls goalkeeper Chris Kirkland saved from the ex-Fulham striker.
But just when it looked like QPR would find a breakthrough, they were caught out at the other end as former Austria Under-21 frontman Nuhiu bustled clear before hitting a low effort past Rob Green in the home goal.
Kirkland could do nothing to stop Onuoha getting his first goal for Rangers as the former Manchester City defender turned home Junior Hoilett's shot to level the game in the 40th minute.
Dave Jones's Owls were caught out again three minutes later as Kirkland saved from Barton at the back post, but the ball broke to Johnson and he volleyed home.
After impressing in the first half by creating a number of chances, Barton was booked after the break by referee Scott Mathieson for a late challenge on Jeremy Helan before he escaped a second - and a red card - moments later.
Mathieson adjudged Maghoma to have dived in the area despite replays showing contact from Barton.
Maghoma's misery was added to when he hit the post with a low strike before Charlie Austin made his debut for the hosts following his move from Burnley on Thursday, but the closest he came to opening his account was a header that flew over.
QPR manager Harry Redknapp told the club website:
"I thought we showed fantastic attitude and commitment to come from a goal down to get in front as we did.
"They had chances and look a decent team. Dave's put a good team together this year.
"But it was a great performance from us - we were first class."
Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Dave Jones told the club website:
"It is fine lines and you want the big decisions to be the right ones. Unfortunately, it didn't go our way today and it is really disappointing.
"It could have gone either way and we certainly deserved something from the game.
"We've switched off for a crucial spell of the game and you can't do that."
Live text and stats
Saturday, 3 August 2013
Championship
Home Team Score Away Team Time
QPR 2-1 Sheffield Wed FT
(HT 2-1)
Onuoha 40
Johnson 43
Nuhiu 19
Hide team line-ups and match stats
QPR
01 Green
02 Simpson
03 Traore
06 Hill
15 Onuoha
17 Barton
20 Henry
23 Hoilett
32 Faurlin
08 Johnson
25 Zamora
Substitutes
26 Murphy,
05 Dunne,
13 Suk-Young Yun,
04 Derry,
11 Wright-Phillips,
16 Jenas,
09 Austin
Sheffield Wed
01 Kirkland
04 Gardner
05 Zayatte
19 Mattock (Maghoma 37)
22 Palmer yellow card
11 J Johnson
12 Prutton
14 Coke
34 Nuhiu
07 Antonio
17 Helan
Substitutes
13 Davies,
06 Semedo,
15 Taylor,
32 Llera,
10 Maghoma,
16 McCabe,
09 Madine
www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/23474807
OBSERVER
QPR 2
Nedum Onuoha 40, Andrew Johnson 43
Sheff Wed 1
Atdhe Nuhiu 19
Paul Doyle at Loftus Road
The Observer, Saturday 3 August 2013 12.13 EDT
J
QPR's Joey Barton is shown a yellow card by referee Scott Mathieson in the match against Sheffield Wednesday. Photograph: Tony O'Brien/Action Images
Queens Park Rangers know that recovery plans involve multiple steps but they can at least be satisfied with their first one. Their bid to win an automatic return to the Premier League, and rehabilitate their reputation after last season's ignominious relegation, got off to a triumphant start as they beat Sheffield Wednesday thanks to important contributions from Andy Johnson and Joey Barton, two players in particular need of redemption for different reasons.
The victory was far from emphatic and, indeed, the outcome could have been very different if the referee had responded positively to either of two strong penalty appeals by Wednesday, but this was still a performance that augured well for the campaign ahead.
Harry Redknapp had made assembling a squad of "good characters" his priority this summer and two of his recent acquisitions, Danny Simpson and Karl Henry, went straight into the starting lineup while another two, Richard Dunne and Charlie Austin, began on the bench.
But the most intriguing selection was that of Barton, who had not featured for the club since being sent off and banned on the final day of the 2011-12 season and has made it clear numerous times since then that he would prefer to be elsewhere this term, ideally in Marseille, where he enjoyed a loan stint last term.
When a manager who is trying to build harmony pairs up Henry and Barton, who have clashed angrily in the past when on opposing teams, you have to wonder whether he is clever or cavalier but Redknapp trusted the players to perform with professionalism and was rewarded, as they brought steel and tidiness to midfield. "He's been great in training and I picked him on merit," Redknapp said of Barton. "He knows the game, he tucks in little holes and passes perfectly, that's why I put him in the team."
What his display means in the long term remains to be seen. "I don't know what the future holds for Joey Barton and I'm not sure Joey Barton knows either at the moment," said QPR's assistant manager, Kevin Bond.
The home fans did not seem to bear Barton any ill-will as his name was cheered when read out beforehand, as was that of Johnson, who was returning to the team after missing most of last season through injury. Johnson showed no signs of rustiness early on, twice going close in the opening minutes as QPR began with great verve.
Wednesday soon began to give as good as they got, with their giant striker, Atdhe Nuhiu, proving a menace even before he opened the scoring in the 19th minute. Several Premier League clubs considered signing the 23-year-old Albania-born Austrian this summer but only Wednesday took the plunge and that looked an astute decision here. The striker displayed impressive guile and strength and went close in the 13th minute before, six minutes later, collecting the ball 25 yards from goal and lashing a low shot into the bottom corner.
Last season QPR tended to disintegrate as soon as they conceded but here they rallied, although not before escaping a penalty appeal when Michail Antonio went down under a tackle by Armand Traoré. Junior Hoilett should have equalised on the half-hour mark but fired over after a fine cross by Barton. Moments later Chris Kirkland had to deny Bobby Zamora from close range but the goalkeeper was helpless in the 34th minute when Hoilett received a short corner and smashed the ball into the box for Nedum Onuoha to divert into the net from five yards.
Three minutes later QPR took the lead, Kirkland parrying a Barton header, only for the ball to bounce to Johnson to prod into the net. Kirkland had to produce a superb save to thwart Hoilett early in the second half before Wednesday squandered a fine chance to equalise on the break, Antonio blasting over from 10 yards.
Wednesday continued to threaten and QPR enjoyed some close escapes before claiming the win. Jacques Maghoma hit the post from 20 yards in 74th minute and believed he should have been given a penalty just prior to that when he fell under a challenge by Barton, who was already on a yellow card. Instead, however, the referee booked Maghoma for simulation.
"It's an embarrassment for the officials to miss two clear-cut penalties" stormed Wednesday's manager Dave Jones. "We've been told by the League Managers Association and the Referee's Society not to talk about it but something has to be done. How does he miss it?"
Perhaps the fortunes of Barton and QPR are changing. More evidence is required.