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Post by QPR Report on Oct 12, 2009 8:50:13 GMT
New General Manager of Barnet  London Evening Standard "...Barnet, beaten 2-1 defeat at Rochdale, have appointed Mark Devlin as general manager. Devlin, who was chief executive of Queens Park Rangers, said: “I'm delighted to be joining Barnet and look forward to working with the staff.” www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23755299-leyton-orient-hope-jamie-jones-makes-a-quick-recovery.doEDIT: Below ome reminders of Devlin times at QPR - But also nostalgic for the era of really one QPR, until...! So while Devlin was involved, in those articles, some of the stuff was interesting for other reasons.
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Post by QPR Report on Oct 12, 2009 19:12:12 GMT
Recalling Devlin at QPR:
- Not sure what he did before he came to QPR...Obviously was here...Then went to Swindon...Then returned to QPR as CEO...Axed by that Man...Off to Swindon. Then the terrible plane crash...
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Post by QPR Report on Oct 12, 2009 19:13:22 GMT
Some Flashbacks from the Official Site from the Devlin times spent at QPR
QPR Official Site - November 2001
First meeting of Fan Liaison Group
Posted on: Wed 17 Nov 2004
The first meeting of the new Fan Liaison group was held at the stadium last night.
The group, made up of 23 fans who volunteered after responding from articles in the programme and website, will be meeting on a regular basis to discuss and provide feedback and ideas about issues surrounding the club.
Items discussed last night include the setting up of a QPR pub network around Shepherds Bush, a new SMS service soon to be launched via qpr.co.uk, replica kit frequency, designs and costs, ideas for the fair distribution of away tickets when allocations are limited and many more.
The next meeting takes place on December and one of the ideas is a scheme to increase season ticket holders over the next few seasons to a target of 10,000.
Commercial and Marketing Director Mark Devlin said: "I was delighted with the response, ideas and suggestions from the meeting. Considering the position the club is in, it was very upbeat. The group provides us with a great number of viewpoints from fans of all ages and professions - some even travelled from as far afield as Blackpool and Glasgow to attend."
The group members are; Keith Young, Mike Hales, Ron SPooner, Ron Bannister, Tim Rose, David Fraser, Martin Walsh, Vic Gibbons, Ron Treadwell, Peter Gridneff, William Johnson, Mick Heywood, Malcolm Blogg, Dan Parkinson, Ian Harris, Pat Harrison, Maria Neale, Alice Deegan, Andy Wilkinson, Neil Truckle, Steve McDonald, Sandra Lee.
Over the next few weeks, we'll be setting up an e-mail address dedicated to the group for fans to send in their ideas and suggestions and we'll also be giving the group its own page on qpr.co.uk.
On that page you'll be able to find out where the group members sit in the stadium and how to get in contact. Dan Parkinson has kindly agreed to write a piece about the meeting for the Colchester match programme. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions, please send them to qpr@loftusroadplc.co.uk and mark them Fan Liaison Group on the title.
The club was looking forward to a similar meeting scheduled with QPR1st next week in which we planned to discuss how we could improve communication between the club and QPR1st, however we were disappointed to learn this morning that they have called off the meeting
QPR Official Site - December 2001
Club announces record season ticket numbers
Posted on: Wed 17 Nov 2004
QPR are delighted to announce that they now boast a record number of season ticket holders.
Following a successful half season ticket campaign, the club have now surpassed last year's figure and now have our highest ever number of season ticket holders.
"It's great news," said Commercial and Marketing director Mark Devlin. "It's shows what great support we have that despite relegation and the club's financial situation, the fans continue to back the club in great numbers and I'd like to say thank-you to all of them. Your support this season has been fantastic both home and in particular away. With this news you continue to impress everyone at the club and it makes a bold statement to all the other clubs in the division.
"With the team performing reasonably well on the field this season, it has helped us a great deal and that coupled with a competitive pricing structure, have made sure it's been a real team effort at Loftus Road."
If you're still struggling for a Christmas present, why not buy a half season ticket?
The ticket comes into effect from the Brighton game on Boxing Day and it's something you can still enjoy after the tinsel and Christmas trees have come down. For more information about half season tickets - click on Tickets.
More good news from Loftus Road is that pre-match sales indicate bumper crowds for the games against Brighton and Wycombe over Christmas. Brighton have nearly sold-out of their allocation and the rest of the ground continues to sell fast for the visit of the league-leaders.
Make sure you buy your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment and sit in your favourite part of the ground.
The same can be said for the Wycombe match where their has been a great response from season ticket holders and members as part of a special offer which allows them to bring up to two guests to the match for £5 adults and £1 for children.
QPR Official Site January 2002
Club announces record season ticket numbers
QPR are delighted to announce that they now boast a record number of season ticket holders.
Following a successful half season ticket campaign, the club have now surpassed last year's figure and now have our highest ever number of season ticket holders.
"It's great news," said Commercial and Marketing director Mark Devlin. "It's shows what great support we have that despite relegation and the club's financial situation, the fans continue to back the club in great numbers and I'd like to say thank-you to all of them. Your support this season has been fantastic both home and in particular away. With this news you continue to impress everyone at the club and it makes a bold statement to all the other clubs in the division.
"With the team performing reasonably well on the field this season, it has helped us a great deal and that coupled with a competitive pricing structure, have made sure it's been a real team effort at Loftus Road."
If you're still struggling for a Christmas present, why not buy a half season ticket?
The ticket comes into effect from the Brighton game on Boxing Day and it's something you can still enjoy after the tinsel and Christmas trees have come down. For more information about half season tickets - click on Tickets.
More good news from Loftus Road is that pre-match sales indicate bumper crowds for the games against Brighton and Wycombe over Christmas. Brighton have nearly sold-out of their allocation and the rest of the ground continues to sell fast for the visit of the league-leaders.
Make sure you buy your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment and sit in your favourite part of the ground.
The same can be said for the Wycombe match where their has been a great response from season ticket holders and members as part of a special offer which allows them to bring up to two guests to the match for £5 adults and £1 for children.
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Post by QPR Report on Oct 12, 2009 19:17:27 GMT
QPR Official Site - May 2002
Devlin off to pastures new
Mark Devlin has resigned his position at QPR to take up a new post at Swindon Town FC.
The popular commercial and marketing director will be taking up a position on the Swindon board of directors some time in mid June. In his time at Rangers, Mark was instrumental in setting up initiatives such as the family days, the Fan Liaison Group and bringing the commercial department, box office and club shop successfully back in house after a failed outsourcing experiment.
Speaking to qpr.co.uk, Mark said he was looking forward to the move, but was sorry to be leaving Rangers at this time: "The opportunity at Swindon was too good for me to turn down. Although they have faced significant difficulties in recent years, there is tremendous potential at Swindon and I am looking forward to playing a full part in rebuilding the club."
"I am sad to be leaving Rangers, particularly at a time when the club's future is starting to look a little bit brighter and all is set for the club to come out of administration. It's taken a lot of hard work, by many people, behind the scenes to turn the club around - there's been no magic wand - and it's a formula that will stand me in good stead when approaching some of Swindon's problems.
"I want to thank all the staff at Loftus Road, especially those involved in the commercial and marketing areas, for their dedication and hard work during a very uncertain period. I would also like to thank all of our fans, including our executive supporters and commercial partners, for continuing to support and back the club. Finally, I would like to thank David Davies and wish him every success in his efforts to move the club forward and build for the future. I have learned a great deal from David during his time at the club and I look forward to catching up with him on at least two occasions next season".
Loftus Road Chief Executive David Davies wished Mark well in his new job:
"Clearly it's a fantastic opportunity for Mark and we are very sorry to see him go. Mark is very well respected by our staff so I am sure many people will be sharing our sentiments at his departure.
"Mark has done an excellent job here and has played a major part in turning QPR round and getting us on a sound footing for the future. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank him for all his hard work for the club over the last few years - he will be greatly missed.
"Life goes on however and we have had to start looking for a replacement for Mark. We'll begin gathering CVs next week and then start the interview process shortly afterwards."
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Post by QPR Report on Oct 12, 2009 19:17:49 GMT
July 2004
DEVLIN APPOINTED
Queens Park Rangers are pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Devlin as the Club's new Chief Executive.
Devlin arrives from Swindon Town Football Club, where he has been Chief Executive for the past two seasons. In that time Swindon have successfully moved out of administration and last season the club reached the Division Two Play Offs.
Devlin said: "I am delighted to have accepted the opportunity to become the Chief Executive of QPR and I look forward to working with the new board of directors.
"As a supporter and previous Season Ticket Holder at Rangers, the club means a great deal to me and I can't wait to get started on the challenges that lie ahead.
"I have enjoyed my two years at Swindon Town immensely, and I believe that I have left the club in much better shape than when I first started.
"I would like to thank everyone connected at Swindon for their support during my time at the club and I really hope that they can achieve promotion next season".
Bill Power, QPR Chairman, welcomed the appointment. He said: "I would like to welcome Mark to Loftus Road and to place on record my thanks to Swindon Town Football Club for allowing us the opportunity to talk with him.
"Mark is an excellent Chief Executive and a good Rangers man - with a son called Stan, what else could you expect! I'm really looking forward to working with him and I am certain that we have the right man in place to help this great club move forward."
Devlin previously worked at Loftus Road as Commercial & Marketing Director before taking up his role at Swindon Town and he is expected to join Queens Park Rangers on August 2nd.
QPR Official Site - July 2004
POWER WELCOMES DEVLIN
Rangers Chairman Bill Power has welcomed the appointment of Mark Devlin as the new Chief Executive of QPR.
Speaking to QPR World, Power underlined his belief that Devlin's experience and understanding of the club make him the perfect man for the job.
He said: "He knows all about the Club, he's been here before and we really wanted someone to come in and hit the ground running.
"I spoke to Mark last week and met him on Tuesday and he's very positive. He's given me some really good vibes about what he wants to achieve and this is a very positive step for the Club.
"He did an incredible job at Swindon and he's left them in a very good state. I know the guys from Swindon wish him well.
"He's a very direct chap - you'll get no bull and I like that. I've told Mark to be straight with us, tell us what he needs, and believe me, we'll step up.
"Mark's looking forward to it and he knows he's got to work hard and help us do well in the Coca Cola Championship."
For the whole of this interview with Bill Power, head to QPR World now.
Meanwhile it has been confirmed that the signing of Lee Cook will now take place on Monday. The 22-year old left winger will put pen to paper on a three year deal after the weekend.
Cook will be officially unveiled at Loftus Road on Monday afternoon.
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Post by QPR Report on Oct 12, 2009 19:22:27 GMT
QPR Official Site - August 2004
STRAIGHT TALKING
Chief Executive Mark Devlin has pulled no punches in his assessment of how he would like to see Queens Park Rangers run under his stewardship.
Speaking to QPR World, he spoke frankly about the past at Loftus Road and how he would like to see things change for the good of the Club.
Devlin has been in place at Loftus Road for just under a fortnight, having arrived from Swindon Town, and already has very clear views about the Club he has supported since childhood.
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He said: "I consider myself lucky to be playing a part in shaping the future of this club and I want to do everything within my powers to turn our off-field problems around.
"We need to look at how we spend our money. In my humble opinion I believe that, off the field, we still believe we are a Premiership club. Very soon we will batten down the hatches in terms of how much we spend and who we spend it with.
"We need to ask if we are getting value for money and if we have the right people here with the right skills.
"I know that David (Davies) was heavily involved in trying to bring in new investment - but for the next 12-18 months I see myself taking a much more hands-on role shaping how the club is run and introducing organisational structures that generate more money and cost less."
Devlin went on to confirm that new investment in the Club is imminent but warned supporters not to expect too much money to being made available for first team strengthening this season.
He said: "The Monaco investment should go through in the next couple of weeks and there a couple of other parties interested in taking a smaller stake in the club. We are also continuing to look for other investors too.
"Nevertheless, we have to use a lot of the investment to pay off creditors and ensure the future of the club. I think we have a team that's capable of holding its own in this division and that is maybe what we have to accept this year. We have to clear the decks financially and get out house in order first."
Devlin appreciates that this isn't necessarily what fans, or managers for that, want to hear, but priorities are no longer just about on-the-pitch achievements.
He said: "Success this year would be to maintain our Championship status and clear a large proportion of our debt. It would be too much to expect us to get near the play-offs, but if we can get some good wins and entertain the fans, that would be great.
"We can't magic money out of the air and I know that football managers find that hard to deal with. But I've had long conversations with Ian and I'm looking forward to developing our relationship. We'll have our run-ins, but it will never be less than interesting."
Devlin also had a word for the supporters who have seen their club go through some difficult times.
He said: "The strength of this club is in how, through adversity, the support has been better than ever. The fans have been magnificent and we must get them more involved in certain areas. It is important that we have the right channels in place for supporters to let us know how they feel."
For the whole of this interview with Mark Devlin, head to QPR World NOW. Subscribers can also enjoy live commentary from The Stadium of Light this weekend.
OCTOBER 2004
POWER ON FINANCES
In the week that QPR welcome another major investor Chairman Bill Power has made a forthright assessment of the Club's financial situation.
Rangers' latest injection of funds comes from Wanlock - a financial and banking institution who will buy shares to the value of £1.1 million, giving them a 20% stake in the Club.
As Power explained to QPR World, this is by no means the end of the story. But with Wanlock's interest in Queens Park Rangers stretching back several months, he is delighted that a deal has now finally been struck.
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He said: "This is great news. When we were originally looking for investors, there were two groups (from Monaco), one of which were Barnaby and the others were Wanlock.
"We had to make a decision about who to go with and with Barnaby being headed by football people such as Dunga it seemed like the right option.
"But we had stayed in touch with Wanlock and once Barnaby were happy with how things were going along, we agreed that both groups would have a 20% share."
The money will go a long way to helping Rangers out of a considerable financial hole, easing pressure on the Club at a time when things are going right on the pitch as well.
Nevertheless, Power knows that there is still much to be done and he pulls no punches in his assessment of previous Club guardians.
He said: "Chris Wright still owns 14% of the club but he doesn't want to be involved with it any more. He did his best for the club but it didn't work out.
"He's now willing to do a deal with the club to sell back the shares but I'd like him to do the decent thing and give them back.
"If we paid him £200,000 for them it wouldn't make that much of a difference to his lifestyle, but that sort of money is a month's wages for all of our players and that makes a huge difference to us."
Power would also like to enter in to discussions with another party - the mysterious ABC Corporation.
But he admits that without any known contacts at the Corporation, from whom the Club borrowed £10 million, there appears to be little he can do and he remains angry that such a deal was ever struck.
"No one knows who this ABC corporation are and yet we're paying them £1 million interest every year," Power said. "It was an appalling, ludicrous deal which was set up by one of our 'old friends'.
"We had one of our own Administrators coming to us with this deal and even then someone went in on our behalf and came to tell us that the interest was not going to be eight per-cent a year, but ten, and the deal had to be done that day.
"The deal didn't have to be struck that day and now we'll have a millstone round our neck for the next ten years - in fact longer, because by then we'll still owe £10 million.
"Also, there were people on the old board who thought it would be a good idea to hire more staff and I really don't see how you could budget for £6 million a year and then spend £10 million."
"(CEO) Mark Devlin has had some very unpleasant jobs to do since he joined us. No one likes to see people out of work, but if he hadn't done what he had then the club would not exist.
There is clearly still plenty of work to do behind the scenes and Power and his colleagues are pulling out all the stops off the field.
But on the field things are going perfectly for the Superhoops and the Chairman couldn't be happier with the team's progress.
Paying tribute to the efforts of Ian Holloway, Power admits that if the manager wants new players the Board will listen.
He said: "In that first half against Coventry I don't think it would have mattered who we were playing because no one would have been able to handle us."
There's a real fine line and we can't afford to take any gambles, but if Ian needed more players then it would be down to him to tell us who they were.
"We will keep backing Ollie and so should everyone after what he's done for this club over the last few years."
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Post by QPR Report on Oct 12, 2009 19:26:12 GMT
November 2004
HOLLOWAY SPECULATION
Posted on: Fri 19 Nov 2004
QPR Chief Executive Mark Devlin has dismissed speculation linking manager, Ian Holloway, with the vacant position at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Reports in the West Midlands have suggested that Holloway is a leading candidate to fill the vacancy following the dismissal of Dave Jones.
Nevertheless, Devlin has stated that the club know nothing of any such approach.
He said: "We have received no official request from Wolverhampton Wanderers, or any other club for that matter, asking permission to speak to Ian Holloway with regards to the vacant managerial post.
"On the basis that I know Wolves to be an honourable club, I would be very disappointed if any conversations had taken place without the prior knowledge of the board of directors at QPR.
"As far as we are concerned, Ian Holloway and the team have done tremendously well so far this season and we look forward to seeing them build upon their fine start to the campaign."
QPR Official Site
HILL HITCH
Posted on: Tue 04 Jan 2005
Rangers Chief Executive Mark Devlin has expressed his disappointment after negotiations to bring Bristol City's Matt Hill to QPR hit a brick wall.
The 23-year-old left sided defender was due to begin talks at Loftus Road after both sides agreed a fee for his services.
But the deal now looks much less likely to take place following a change in the west country Club's demands.
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"We offered the £100,000 fee that Bristol City asked for and an initial agreement was reached," Devlin explained.
"The stumbling block is a potential sell-on fee which City increased only after we received verbal assurances that our bid was satisfactory.
"We are a little disappointed that the goalposts have been shifted at the last minute and at this stage we are considering our position."
Hill is a tough-tackling defender who can play at left back or in the centre.
He was voted Player of the Year by the Bristol City Supporters Club in 2002.
January 2005NEW TRAINING GROUND?
Posted on: Mon 31 Jan 2005
Chief Executive Mark Devlin has explained why the Club are hoping to move to brand new training facilities.
Rangers currently share the Twyford Avenue site with London Wasps and he believes that, if the Club are to continue making progress, a new base is essential.
"It was a training ground that belonged to Loftus Road plc, but now we're just tenants there," Devlin admitted to QPR World.
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"The Wasps players and QPR players get along very well but we do feel like second class citizens there.
"It's not a great facility either and it is costing us a great deal of money in terms of rent and upkeep.
"If we want to take this Club forward we need stand-alone training facilities that become a centre for QPR away from Loftus Road, housing the first team, Centre of Excellence and age group teams. And it must be a state-of-the-art facility.
"It's not easy to find sites such as these but we've recently bid for an 18-acre site west of London and we've had to bid over £2million - all funded by the Board of Directors.
"And if we are unsuccessful with that we have another couple of sites that we will also look at.
"We're keen to find somewhere in the next 12 months - it's an important part of our future."
For the whole of this interview, including more on the rejection of the Ross Jones consortium bid, head to QPR World NOW.
NO DEAL FOR DOSTALEK
Posted on: Mon 31 Jan 2005
Rangers Chief Executive Mark Devlin has confirmed that the Club will not be signing Czech international Richard Dostalek.
The Russian-based midfielder has been training with the first team squad this week and Ian Holloway had hoped to secure his services before the end of the month.
But, as Devlin explains, Rangers have now been asked to pay a fee to take him on loan until the end of the season and the Club is unwilling to meet these terms.
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He said: "It was our understanding that we would be able to take the player on loan if we were to pay his salary and, because they have not settled in Russia, if we provided accommodation for him and his family.
"Now we have been told that we must pay a fee and there are a number of reasons why we aren't prepared to do that.
"First, we would have to complete the deal by January 31st whilst having not seen him play in a match situation.
"We would have liked him to play for the reserves this week but transfer regulations prevented us from fielding him against Millwall.
"Also he hasn't played competitively for five weeks due to the Russian winter break and we just felt that it would be too much of a gamble to part with funds for a player who may take four or five weeks to get match fit and who would need time to settle in this country and this division.
"Nevertheless, we still believe that he is a quality player and we will monitor his situation. Meanwhile we will continue to look for loan additions to the squad both at home and abroad.
KEEPER IN TALKS
Posted on: Mon 31 Jan 2005
Queens Park Rangers are in transfer talks with Italian goalkeeper Generoso Rossi.
The 25-year-old flew in to London with his representatives yesterday and is expected to continue discussions with the Club this morning.
Rossi is an Italian Under-21 international and played against England in 2002. He has enjoyed spells in Serie A with Lecce, Palermo and Siena.
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Rossi is currently serving a suspension in his native country following betting irregularities but will be available again from February 15th and Chief Executive Mark Devlin believes that securing his services would be a wonderful coup for the Club.
"We have done our homework on this player and it is clear that he is one of Italy's outstanding goalkeepers," he said.
"Although we are fully aware of recent events, we would not consider a move for him if we did not believe that it would be of great benefit to the Club.
"He is a very high quality player with experience at the highest level and his best years in front of him. I am very excited by the prospect of him joining QPR.
"With Nick Culkin injured, Simon Royce only on loan at the moment and Jake Cole accumulating first team experience at AFC Wimbledon we remain in need of healthy competition between the posts and Generoso Rossi can provide that and more.
"And it is also worth reiterating that the Club is continuing its ongoing search for loan signings in outfield positions as well."
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Post by QPR Report on Oct 12, 2009 19:27:22 GMT
BIG DAY FOR THE CLUB
Posted on: Thu 10 Feb 2005
Both Mark Devlin and Bill Power are delighted with the news that Ian Holloway has signed
a brand new contract.
Ollie has commited himself to QPR until June 2008 and the Chief Executive believes that this is an important step forward for Queens Park Rangers.
"This is a big day for the Club," Devlin said. "There is too much short-termism in football and we want to bring some stability to the Club."
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This is a sentiment that also meets with the wholehearted approval of the Chairman.
"We really want stability and every fan would say the same thing." Power confirmed.
"I am here to help Mark run the business and the football side of things is all down to Ollie.
"We get on great and he knows exactly what we're trying to achieve here and how we're trying to achieve it."
For the whole of this interview with Mark Devlin and Bill Power head to QPR World NOW.
QPR World also brings you reaction from Ian Holloway himself and a preview of this weekend's game against Preston North End.
HAPPIEST MAN ALIVE
Posted on: Thu 10 Feb 2005
Rangers Manager Ian Holloway has signed a new contract, keeping him at Loftus Road until June 2008.
Ollie put pen to paper on the three and a half year deal this morning and told QPR World that he couldn't be happier to have committed his future to the Club.
"It feels like I've won the lottery!" he said. "I always said that I wanted to finish what I started here and there is no happier man alive.
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"I have a dream and it's a dream I share with the Board - competing in the Premiership. I have so many ideas and I will be working with the Board to take this Club where we want it to go.
Holloway took over at Loftus Road in 2001 and after relegation to Division Two set about rebuilding a devastated side.
In each of his three full seasons in charge, Rangers have improved their league position culminating in promotion to the Championship in May.
"The passion and commitment at this Club from top to bottom is just fantastic," Ollie enthused.
"You can't do it all in one go, but if we build this Club correctly and get the infrastructure right it will help our players to flourish.
"We're not instant coffee here - this is long term and I want to help lift our brand even higher."
For the whole of this interview with Ian Holloway head to QPR World NOW.
QPR World also brings you reaction from Bill POwer and Mark Devlin plus a preview of this weekend's game against Preston North End.
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Post by QPR Report on Oct 12, 2009 19:29:05 GMT
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Post by QPR Report on Oct 12, 2009 19:30:32 GMT
April 2005
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Posted on: Tue 26 Apr 2005
You can now read an edited transcript, or listen to a recording, from the Q&A with Bill Power and Mark Devlin answering YOUR questions on season tickets
Simply click on the image at the bottom of the page to hear the entire event which was broadcast live on qpr.co.uk. You do NOT need to be a subscriber to QPR World to enjoy this broadcast.
Or simply read the transcript from the event below. Many thanks to everyone who submitted questions.
It's all very well comparing the next season's prices to teams like Watford or West Ham.But what do you say to those of us who know that a parent and child season ticket to watch Chelsea is going to be cheaper? Or what do you say to those who point out that your sudden huge whack in prices will stop them introducing the next generation of fans to Rangers?
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Mark Devlin - The prices have been set to try and gain the revenue that the club needs to function because we can't go on begging for money. It's all been done to put us on a more stable footing.
We gave out a lot of free games last year in a very haphazard fashion and all that's happened is that supporters now won't be getting as good a deal as they were last season. I just hope that they can see the reasoning behind what we've had to do.
Are the club trying to discourage both families and children? If not how do they justify the fact that the highest increases apply to these groups?
Bill Power - We looked at all of the prices and it was in those sections where the biggest discounts were being given.
MD - The prices have been set in stone so they won't be changing now. Begging to our Directors for money had to stop. With regards to the child season ticket holders we'll be looking at giving them a £30 club shop voucher and if every one of them takes us up on that offer it will cost us in the region of around £60,000.
Will the club consider offering at least a cup game in with the season ticket. I know our record in the cups is not the best at a difficult time a gesture might help.
BP - FA Cup games involve other clubs so it would be remiss of us to give away tickets for free without having first consulted them. But of course we will look at the discounts if it is at all possible.
Are you planning for ticket promotions for next season?
MD - We would have to be careful as we wouldn't want to be seen to be diluting the value of a season ticket. But once we know the make up of (the division) next season there may be three or four games where we can look at possible promotions which would be in the Lower School End.
Why was such a dramatically high increase on Season Ticket prices considered necessary in one season?
BP - We were discussing these prices in November 2003 and that will tell you all you need to know about our predicament back then - we were desperate for money.
Was the option of notifying supporters in advance of the massive price increases considered?
MD - In hindsight, maybe consultation with some of the supporters groups should have happened, although I HAD spoken to some people involved with them about big increases. But maybe we could have done it a bit better.
But (In terms of explaining the rises) Bill and I both did interview with the website which you could read, and listen to, free of charge, without having to subscribe to QPR World as someone incorrectly suggested.
Then the letters were delivered at the weekend which again explained the reasoning behind the increases. We haven't tried to put a spin on this at all - we've only ever presented the fans with the facts.
Recent season ticket/ticket price increases appear to be based on the ongoing cost of servicing the ABC loan. If this crippling loan is the prime cause of having to 'penalise' the fans what are you doing to get away from ABC?
BP - The loan is crippling us, but that isn't the only reason for the season ticket increase. There are things happening next year that have never happened before. Not only is our season being condensed, but the changes to the transfer window ruling will mean that we need a bigger squad and of course all this means we need more money.
MD - It costs us £1m a year to service the ABC loan and we've looked at other companies who can take over this loan for us without such a high rate of interest. But what we were being told by other banks was that we needed to prove we were more stable before they would become involved with us and that's another reason why we need more money.
Plus next season we will have to finance a section for disabled supporters. On top of that we've also got to spend between £160,000 and £200,000 on essential renovation for parts of the stadium.
These are all things that have been batted away in the past and we buried our head in the sand like the proverbial ostrich. But the fact of the matter is, this work now needs to be done.
How many renewals does the board expect (or require) to happen before the end of May and what contingencies are in place if this volume target isn't met? Also has any research been carried out to quantify the expected renewal rate?
BP - It would be wrong of me to presume anything, I would never presume anything of our fans. But what I will say is that I hope that everyone renews their season tickets. I really do think that this will be the best money that our fans will ever spend. If they were excited about promotion to this league last year then they really shouldn't be able to wait for next year. I really don't think they will regret spending this money. And if any of our fans don't think that we researched this then I really don't know what they must think of us.
MD - In terns of financial research when discussing the new prices, we worked out what we would earn if everyone renewed and then we worked backwards to see what we would earn if only 90%, 80% and so on renewed. If we hit a point where not enough money was coming in then we drew up contingency plans. We just hope that people can see the rationale behind these decisions.
Aren't there better ways of raising revenue? What about reducing staff at the stadium, or why not cut back on the amount of free tickets dished out?
MD - We have made redundancies and switched suppliers for certain things and by doing that it looks as though we've saved somewhere in the region of £350,000-£400,000. All of the directors are keen on seeing as few complimentary tickets as possible distributed and we have a system where they all have to be justified before they are signed off.
If we are short of money why give Ian Holloway a three year contract and ask the fans to pay more next season to watch the same players ?
BP - Giving Ian Holloway a new contract is all part of the stability of the club. I can't say enough about the man. When he joined us he hauled us out of the abyss. Everyone knows about Ian's enthusiasm and he is an imperative part of this club. I must also add that his three year deal is of course two years after the end of this season.
MD - Our job is to manage the business so that we don't end up staring down that financial abyss again. We want to have enough money to fund a squad for the years to come because the fans come here because they want to see a team that wins more games than they lose.
I do not understand how the club feel that they can justify paying for a unproven player like Davies and paying him a sizeable (for our team) wage and then turn around and tell the fans we have no money and there has to be a huge increase on our season tickets. Could you please tell me how the club expect us to believe we have no money and then go and offer players like Davies this money?
BP - We've got the best fans in the country here and some of them happen to be very wealthy and very kind and it was those fans who offered to stump up the money for Andrew Davies. QPR Holdings could not have afforded to purchase him - that deal would have been funded by the fans.
How many players will the enhanced revenue enable the manger to bring to the club in the anticipation that QPR a challenge for promotion at the end of the season?
MD - I would say that we probably need around four or five new players before the start of the season. We will be looking at players like the youngster we got from Arsenal.
BP - Ian Holloway has got a list of players of every position that he wants to bring in. his biggest problem is me telling him not to spend too much money and to go out and find us one of his gems.
How many players can we expect to leave during the summer? Is Mr Paladini looking at long term building or just a quick fix?
BP - Gianni Paladini is here for the long term. He never supported a football club before he came here and now he and his family are big QPR fans and he is no longer an agent.
It's been mentioned that "The club have been helped out by the board recently to keep us going"Has this been in the style of Chris Wright/Roman Abramovich type loans and therefore put us in MORE debt or has it been in gifts and hence kept the debt down.
BP - If there is a fan out there who would just like to give the club £1m of his own money then I'd like him to give me a call. Yes, they are all loans - but if the Club went into administration tomorrow I would be homeless and penniless. That's how much I've invested in the Club.
We've tried to be as reasonable as possible. I've met other chairman from other club's who were in a right panic over the position of their club and I wouldn't have wanted to swap places with them. We want to take this club forward now. If it takes two or three years then that's what it takes, but the sooner the better.
MD - Our level of indebtedness have come down. There were companies including the Inland Revenue who we owed money to and we were hanging on by the skin of our teeth.
The fans wanted to hear our levels of concern about how much trouble we were in, but there was no need to inform them then as the Directors stepped up to the plate. But we simply can't keep asking these people to invest their own money, it's not a never ending supply.
If we purchase our season tickets through the payment plan, why will we only get individual tickets rather than the season ticket book as has always been the case?
MD - We had horrendous problems last season with supporters falling behind on their payments and we had to write off their season tickets. So this step has been taken to protect the club. We may revisit this decision, it may be that we can issue batches of ticket, or we may still even revert back to how we did things this season. This is still being looked at.
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Post by QPR Report on Oct 12, 2009 19:33:52 GMT
APril 2005 FANS FORUM Posted on: Sat 30 Apr 2005 The latest Fans Forum took place at Loftus Road on Tuesday evening with supporters putting a range of questions to a panel consisting of Ian Holloway, Mark Devlin, Bill Power and Gianni Paladini. The event was broadcast live on QPR World and BBC London 94.9FM and covered a variety of subjects including season tickets, next season's squad and the Loftus Road Stadium. Article continues Advertisement MPU Here are the highlights from the evening. Ollie on the squad: "We've tried to survive recently with a smaller squad and dabble in the loan market. Now next year we will have to asses how big we need the squad to be and guess at how many injuries we're going to get to make sure we're covered. "I've got 12 signed on for next year already but I would ideally like about 20 to 24 in my first team squad. "I want some younger lads next year. I would like 10 or 12 new players signed on and if four or five of those can come through our youth ranks then great. "But for me this new transfer window rule is ridiculous, I've got to make sure now that I've got a big enough squad to last we from August 27 to January. So I'll be looking at some utility players who can play all over the park." Mark Devlin: "The playing budget for next year has been increased. The Football League are still sorting out the situation regarding loan deals and we wait to hear what they say about that. "There is a figure that we've allocated for next season which is bigger than this year." Bill Power on Loftus Road: "We are constantly looking at ways to increase capacity. Next year our capacity will go down because we'll be losing seats for a disabled section but we're hoping to find a solution. "Anything that we have in mind would have to be discussed with the council and with residents. We want to expand this ground or we'll go down another avenue. Ideally we would like to have a 25,000 seater stadium." Mark Devlin: "We would need facilities here that we can utilise on week days. It's hard for us to make money during the week now. It would be impossible to hold a Player of the Year dinner here, so we have to hire places out which means we can't make as much money. "A company has been in to look at our footprint, but where we are is very tight - we're backing onto people's gardens. But that's not to say it can't be done and we've got some very clever architects involved." Bill Power on Wasps: "I'd like to see them come back, they were the perfect tenants. They only played about 14-15 games here so the pitch wouldn't be an issue." Mark Devlin on Arthur Gnohere: "We're waiting to hear from his PFA representative as we want to stop it from going to arbitration - and then he will no longer be part of the club. That should happen in the next few weeks. Ian Holloway: "There was a catalogue of events that led me to believe he wasn't the type of player I wanted here. I don't like having to warn people twice and with him it was more like eight times. Ian Holloway on Paul Furlong: "I hope he'll be here next season and we're trying to sort all that our now. He's put himself in a good position. If he was 25 he could walk out of here on a Bosman and have his pick of the clubs, but his age may favour us. "Now I'm waiting for his signature and within the next couple of weeks this will either be sorted or ended." Bill Power on season tickets (when asked about cheaper prices at Reading): "The difference between us and Reading is that they can't fill their ground. If they did then their tickets would be more expensive. Plus lets not forget they have a rich benefactor." Mark Devlin: "The decision wasn't taken lightly. We've had financial problems and there were times when the fans had to rattle buckets. We just weren't making enough money and we've had to balance the books. It's that simple." Gianni Paladini: "We've had to do it to keep the club alive. If you have no money then you can't take the club forward. I'm sorry for the supporters who say they can longer afford to come, but I'm not sorry for our efforts to try and move this club forward." Ian Holloway: "We should be proud to play for, and support, this club now and I know that once you've seen where this club can take you then you'll be with us all the way. "When we finished as top London club we never had passion like this. It started when Paul Furlong scored against Oldham and it hasn't gone since. "Bill Power knows what he's doing and I trust him with the club. We used to do the nice things before, things that made us popular. But it's got to the stage where we've got to do some things that you might not like because of the mess we were in. "But if we can do this properly and with your help, then mark my words, you won't recognise this club in three years." Bill Power on kids prices: "I know what it's like to be priced out, I've been coming here for 50 years and I can remember not being able to afford it. I know it hurts now, but sometimes you can't set prices that everyone can afford. Mark Devlin: "If you read everything on message boards then you would think this has been an unpopular decision, but we've had numerous letters in saying that people understand why we've had to do it. Plus season ticket renewals are already going well. "The truth of the matter is, is that if we didn't make this price increase then there may not be a football club for the supporters of the future." |
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Post by QPR Report on Oct 12, 2009 19:34:44 GMT
May 2005
WISE TALKS
Posted on: Fri 27 May 2005
Queens Park Rangers have confirmed that the Club are to hold talks with Dennis Wise.
The former England international is due to meet club officials later this week to discuss a playing contract at Loftus Road.
Wise, a boyhood Rangers fan, recently left Millwall after two seasons as Player-Manager at the New Den and is keen to extend his playing career.
A former Wimbledon, Chelsea and Leicester City midfielder, he captained the Blues and the Dons to FA Cup triumphs and also won 21 England caps, taking part in the 2000 European Championships.
Chief Executive Mark Devlin said: "He's kept himself very fit and would be a great addition to our squad.
"He's a proven winner and we have young players here who could learn a lot from a player with his experience.
"So, we'll sit down, have a chat and see what comes of it.
"Dennis is one of a number of players that we are currently talking to and we will announce any progress as and when it occurs."
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Post by QPR Report on Oct 12, 2009 19:35:26 GMT
SATISFIED CUSTOMERS
Posted on: Fri 24 Jun 2005
An Evening Standard survey of London supporters has found that Rangers have the happiest fans in the region outside the Premiership.
And when top flight sides are included, only Alan Curbishley's Charlton Athletic polled higher than the Superhoops in a final table of all 12 London clubs.
The newspaper quizzed over 1,000 fans of clubs in the capital to find out what they thought about the state of their own club, and their opinions on the game in London as a whole.
The final table was calculated by adding team's scores from the five key areas - how their club was run, cost of going to games, racism, hooliganism, transfer policy - and giving 12 points to the Club that came first and one point for the last placed team.
And when the final points tally was analysed, Rangers were behind only Charlton, level with Arsenal and way ahead Championship rivals Millwall, West Ham, Crystal Palace and Watford.
Meanwhile, Premiership champions Chelsea are rated a surprising equal 10th out of 12 despite their recent successes on the field.
Chief Executive Mark Devlin is pleased with the results and believes this underlines the excellent relationship that exists between QPR and its supporters.
"Fans are the lifeblood of any club and I am delighted to see that our supporters are genuinely positive about life at Loftus Road.
"We fully appreciate that from time to time there will be differences of opinion regarding decisions taken by the Club's management.
But as a club we work extremely hard to maintain good relations with our fanbase and we will continue to do so.
"Our aim, of course, is to emulate the excellent work at Charlton Athletic and hopefully we can replace them at the top of any future surveys."
1 Charlton 45
2= QPR 43
Arsenal 43
4 Fulham 41
5 Spurs 37
6 C Palace 35
7 Watford 33
8= Brentford
28
L Orient
28
10= Millwall 25
Chelsea 25
12 W Ham 22
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Post by QPR Report on Oct 12, 2009 19:36:30 GMT
CEO ON CUP WIN
Posted on: Mon 18 Jul 2005
QPR Chief Executive has hailed QPR's victory in the Copa De Ibiza Tournament.
"I'd like to thank our fans who have been fantastic, our hosts here in Ibiza and Playhard Sports.
"Our fans really got behind the team and the scenes at the end were great. Winning any competition is a real joy and Gianni Paladini has told me he is going to take the cup to Bill Power's local pub tomorrow as he couldn't make the trip.
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"I have spoken to many of our fans out here and they say they have had a great time, hopefully we can go on other pre season tours abroad in the future."
The final was stopped during the opening moments of the second half and Devlin explained the situation.
"There was a disturbance between a few fans from either side. It is a shame that a few individuals had to spoil it, we believe that some tickets were not purchased via official channels so we were unable to carry out the necessary checks."
The squad fly back to the UK on Friday morning to continue with their pre season fixtures with a trip to Aldershot on Sunday.
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Post by QPR Report on Oct 12, 2009 19:37:37 GMT
CEO ON CUP WIN
Posted on: Mon 18 Jul 2005
QPR Chief Executive has hailed QPR's victory in the Copa De Ibiza Tournament.
"I'd like to thank our fans who have been fantastic, our hosts here in Ibiza and Playhard Sports.
"Our fans really got behind the team and the scenes at the end were great. Winning any competition is a real joy and Gianni Paladini has told me he is going to take the cup to Bill Power's local pub tomorrow as he couldn't make the trip.
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"I have spoken to many of our fans out here and they say they have had a great time, hopefully we can go on other pre season tours abroad in the future."
The final was stopped during the opening moments of the second half and Devlin explained the situation.
"There was a disturbance between a few fans from either side. It is a shame that a few individuals had to spoil it, we believe that some tickets were not purchased via official channels so we were unable to carry out the necessary checks."
The squad fly back to the UK on Friday morning to continue with their pre season fixtures with a trip to Aldershot on Sunday.
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Post by QPR Report on Oct 12, 2009 19:37:57 GMT
STATEMENT
Posted on: Tue 30 Aug 2005
The Board of QPR Holdings Ltd has decided that Mr Mark Devlin's position as Chief Executive Officer is to be made redundant with immediate effect.
Mr Bill Power is no longer Chairman of the Board but remains as a Director.
Mr Gualtiero Trucco has been appointed interim Chairman of the Board.
Bill Power and Director Kevin McGrath do not recognise the validity of these decisions which were taken at yesterday's Board meeting in their absence.
They are currently seeking legal advice with regards to these decisions.
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Post by QPR Report on Oct 12, 2009 19:38:33 GMT
BRIGHT FUTURE
Posted on: Thu 01 Sep 2005Gianni Paladini has promised a bright future for Queens Park Rangers following the changes at Boardroom level last week. Bill Power is no longer Chairman and Mark Devlin's position as Chief Executive was made redundant following a Board meeting at Loftus Road. But the Director insists that the decisions taken were made with only the Club's interest at heart and he has played down suggestions of turmoil at the highest level. "I am still friends with Bill. We go out for lunch and we talk on the phone every day. I have no problem with Bill. "This is not about individuals or personalities, it is about the future of this great Club and all of us - Bill included -want nothing more than to see QPR continue to grow and improve." Paladini is also sympathetic with supporters who may have been worried about the situation. He appreciates that the supporters are concerned and has stressed that their feelings are at the forefront of his mind. "The supporters are what makes this Club great and from the moment I arrived at Loftus Road I have been overwhelmed by their passion and devotion. "All supporters will worry when they see change and I can understand that. But I believe that change was necessary for long term stability. "The investors and directors are ambitious - I am ambitious - but we are not turning things upside down. We are going to make sensible steady progress and take Rangers back to where we belong - the Premiership." Paladini also believes that the root of stability lies with the manager and that is why he hopes to sit down with Ian Holloway this week to discuss a new contract. "Ollie is responsible for so much that has happened here during the past few years. Our successes on the pitch are down to him and he should be rewarded accordingly." PALADINI ON CHANGES
Posted on: Tue 13 Sep 2005Gianni Paladini on Boardroom changes, his relationship with Ollie 'the legend' and more. Enjoy a free video interview in which the Rangers director reflects on an eventful month and discusses a whole range of topics. Listen to Paladini on Bill Power, Mark Devlin,squad strengthening and what his wife thinks about his 'relationship' with Ian Holloway! An edited transcript of ths interview will appear in Tuesday evening's matchday programme.
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