Waddock as QPR Manager

[QPR Report]

June 28, 2006 - QPR OFFICIAL SITE - The OFFICIAL APPOINTMENT (AFTER LONG ACTING MANAGER)

WADDOCK APPOINTED

QPR have announced Gary Waddock as first team manager following the appointment of Ian Holloway at Plymouth Argyle.
The new role for the former QPR boss means that Waddock, who was named as Caretaker Manager in February, will now be able to officially take up the title of QPR manager.
Ian Holloway was in charge at Loftus Road since February 2001 and oversaw 266 games in his time at QPR, experiencing relegation and then promotion.
When he was placed on gardening leave earlier this year, Waddock stepped up from his position as first team coach to oversee the managerial side and has since instilled a 'no nonsense' work ethic at Harlington.
Waddock first recruited Alan McDonald as a first team coach before restructuring the scouting network and transfer listing and releasing 14 players in a bid to freshen up the squad and bring in his own men.
The new QPR boss said: "I'm delighted that QPR have finally been able to officially announce my position as first team manager.
"Now I'll feel a lot more confident in my role and I'm looking forward to implementing further changes behind the scenes as well as on the pitch.
"I've got a great back room staff here and we've been planning the coming season all summer.
"The work ethic and training methods will be subjected to a complete overhaul and we're looking forward to seeing the results on the pitch."You can see Gary Waddock's first interview as QPR manager on QPR World tomorrow.




June 30, 2006
OFFICIAL SITE REPORT ON PRESS CONFERENCE

Flanked by Chairman Gianni Paladini, Gary Waddock met the press today (Friday) for the first time since being appointed R's manager.

After being named as Ian Holloway's successor on Wednesday afternoon, Waddock oversaw his first training session yesterday, before taking time out this morning to meet the national press.

"It's my dream job - without a doubt,'' said Waddock.

"I've played and coached the Club and this is the final step for me.

"It's good for everyone that the situation is resolved; for me, the Club and for Ian Holloway - the timing is great.''
Waddock revealed he has tried calling Ollie to wish him all the best, saying: "I've tried ringing Ian, but the phone has been engaged non stop. I'll try him again today, because I genuinely wish him all the best at Plymouth - except when we play them!''
Waddock continued: "It was a great experience last season. I learnt a lot in that period of time as Caretaker and it should stand us in good stead for next season.

"The players are back and the buzz is back. We've got a fantastic set-up and we're all really looking forward to the new campaign.
"Our first league game is the one I'm really looking forward to. The next game is always the most important in football.
"We've got to be realistic, but we - the staff and the players - think we can drastically improve on last season.

"There are some big, big sides in the Championship, spending a lot of money, but we believe the players we've signed, and those we're targeting, can take us to the next level.
"We'd love to go out and match the spending power of the Coventry's and Birmingham's of this division, but we need to balance the books at the same time.''

Paladini also expressed his delight at the appointment, commenting: "I trust Gary, I believe in him and I'm sure he can take this Club to a new level; back to where I and the fans think we belong.
"We made the decision that Gary was the natural replacement. They type of football he plays is fantastic; his attitude is second to none; and he's QPR through and through.

"Myself and the board aim to take this Club forward and with Gary in charge we're confident that will be the case.
"This is a new era for the Club. We're trying to put this Club back to where it belongs.

"Our aim, our ambition is to make the play-offs. You've got to set yourself targets and that is our aim. It might not happen immediately, but if you don't set yourself targets there is nothing to aim for.''

Paladini also reserved praise for Holloway, saying: "I'm glad for Ian and I'd like to thank him for the job he's done here. I wish him all the best at Plymouth.
"He was fantastic for this Club, but things change. The past is the past and we're focusing on the future. That's what counts most now.''

Paladini also revealed that the search for new players in continuing: "We're still on the look out for players.
"We're interested in one who has played in the World Cup and one who is with a Premiership side, but we'll have to wait and see.
"We'll not take any risks. We've got a few irons in the fire, but until we're convinced by the players 100 per-cent, we won't sign them.''

And finally, Paladini had a message for the fans: "The board is united, the Club is together. We're working towards being financially stable and I can definitely say that any problems we had in the past are now firmly behind us.
"We're moving forward for the good of this Club. Success breeds success and I'm confident that under the guidance of Gary Waddock, his staff, and the players, we can progress"


QPR Official Site - Thursday, June 22, 2006

Gary Waddock on Season's Prospects..."We've recruited well over the summer ..."-
Official Site

"[Gary] Waddock said: "It's a tough start for us. "There are no easy games in this division, but we're quietly confident about the season ahead. "It wouldn't have mattered who we'd got on the opening day, because this league has proved time and time again that it's the most keenly contested in English football.
"Burnley's a tough place to go, but to be honest I'd rather be going to Turf Moor at this time of year when the pitch is in good condition and the weather okay, than later in the season when the elements could work against us like they did last season.''...
Indeed, Rangers' last trip to Turf Moor ended in defeat...- but Waddock is confident the Hoops will be in far better shape by the time they make the trip North on the opening day of the new campaign.
"We've recruited well over the summer and with one or two more new additions before the start of the season, we'll be in good shape when the campaign kicks off on August 5th,'' he said.
"It's exciting times for QPR, and the whole squad - including the coaching staff - are really looking forward to the season ahead.''
www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~841437,00.html




WADDOCK DEMOTED
OFFICIAL SITE -SEPTEMBER 2006 - GREGORY APPOINTED
John Gregory has been appointed as QPR First Team Manager with immediate effect.
Gary Waddock will now work under the former Aston Villa boss in an Assistant Manager's role.
In an exclusive interview with www.qpr.co.uk, Chairman Gianni Paladini revealed his delight at the appointment: "It's a fantastic scoop for the Club.
"John is a proven manager at the highest level and is very eager to get back in to the managerial game.
"He's sat down with Gary and talked everything through and the situation is perfect as we look to climb the Championship table.
"I'd like to wish the pair of them the very best in their new roles.''
Gregory - who has been out of the game since leaving Derby County in 2003 - commented: "I'm back in the hot-seat and it's a huge challenge.
"QPR are very close to my heart and it's a fantastic opportunity for me.
"This is a job I can very much get my teeth into and I'm relishing the challenge that lies ahead.
"Winning matches is what matters most in the business and we aim to do that, starting Saturday.''
Waddock said: "It's the right decision for the club, I'm just thankful that Gianni thinks enough of me to keep me here as Assistant Manager.
"I look forward to working with John, we both played together under Terry Venables and have the same work ethic.
"I'll learn a lot from him and I'm sure that this appointment will benefit the club I love."


October 19, 2006 - QPR OFFICIAL STATEMENT - WADDOCK DEPARTS
Queens Park Rangers Football Club have parted company with Gary Waddock.
Waddock was named as manager on June 28 after a spell as caretaker manager following the departure of Ian Holloway.
The former Rangers midfielder moved into a coaching role when John Gregory was then appointed at the end of last month.
QPR would like to thank Gary and wish him every success in the future.



September 21, 2006 - QPR Official Site - MACCA DEPARTS

Alan McDonald has been given notice to terminate his employment at Queens Park Rangers Football Club.

After making 483 appearances for the Hoops in a successful 16-year spell as a player, McDonald joined the R's as Caretaker Assistant Manager in February 2006, prior to taking up the position of Assistant Manager towards the end of June.

Chairman Gianni Paladini told qpr.co.uk: "I'd like to thank Alan McDonald for all the hard work he's done here since February.

"He's been a great servant for this Club, both as a player and in his role as Assistant Manager, and I wish him all the best for the future.''
OFFICIAL SITE




Just before Gregory replaced him, his QPR Record
Monday, September 18, 2006
Waddock's Managerial Record
-
Garry Waddock's Managerial Record in the Championship since he took over at QPR - First as Acting/Caretaker manager and then in the summer as permanent manager.

As of September 18, 2006:3 wins in 22 games. One win in the past 19 games.

2005/06 Played 14: 2 wins 5 draws 7 Lost

2006/2007: Played 8: 1 Win, 3 Draws, 3 Losses

2005/2006
-
W - QPR 1-0 Millwall 11-02-2006
L - C Palace 2-1 QPR 14-02-2006
W - Sheff Utd 2-3 QPR 25-02-2006
D - QPR 0-0 Wolves 04-03-2006
D - Sheff Wed 1-1 QPR 11-03-2006
D - QPR 1-1 Brighton 18-03-2006
D - Cardiff 0-0 QPR 25-03-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Stoke 29-03-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Crewe 01-04-2006
L - Burnley 1-0 QPR 08-04-2006
D - QPR 1-1 Derby 15-04-2006
L - Norwich 3-2 QPR 17-04-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Watford 22-04-2006
L - Reading 2-1 QPR 30-04-2006

2006/2007

L - Burnley 2-0 QPR 05-08-2006
D - QPR 2-2 Leeds 08-08-2006
W - QPR 2-0 Southend 12-08-2006
D - Preston 1-1 QPR 19-08-2006
L - QPR 1-3 Ipswich 25-08-2006
D - Plymouth 1-1 QPR 09-09-2006
L - QPR 0-2 Birmingham 12-09-2006
L - Colchester 2-1 QPR 16-09-2006


[Results from www.soccerbase.com ]

[Results for the earlier part of 2005/2006 under Ian Holloway

Hull City 0-0 QPR 06-08-2005
QPR 2-1 Ipswich 09-08-2005
QPR 2-1 Sheff Utd 13-08-2005
Coventry 3-0 QPR 20-08-2005

QPR 0-0 Sheff Wed 26-08-2005
Wolves 3-1 QPR 30-08-2005
Southampton 1-1 QPR 10-09-2005
QPR 1-0 Luton 13-09-2005
QPR 0-1 Leeds 17-09-2005
Leicester 1-2 QPR 24-09-2005
Millwall 1-1 QPR 27-09-2005
QPR 1-3 C Palace 03-10-2005
Preston 1-1 QPR 15-10-2005
QPR 1-1 Plymouth 18-10-2005
QPR 3-0 Norwich 22-10-2005
Derby 1-2 QPR 29-10-2005
Watford 3-1 QPR 01-11-2005
QPR 1-2 Reading 05-11-2005
Plymouth 3-1 QPR 19-11-2005
QPR 0-2 Preston 22-11-2005
QPR 2-2 Hull City 26-11-2005
Stoke 1-2 QPR 03-12-2005
Ipswich 2-2 QPR 10-12-2005
QPR 0-1 Coventry 19-12-2005
Brighton 1-0 QPR 26-12-2005
QPR 1-0 Cardiff 28-12-2005
Crewe 3-4 QPR 31-12-2005
QPR 1-1 Burnley 02-01-2006

QPR 1-0 Southampton 14-01-2006
Luton 2-0 QPR 21-01-2006
QPR 2-3 Leicester 31-01-2006
Leeds 2-0 QPR 04-02-

[QPR Report]

To me these photos (by Nico) symbolized so much about that era. That and the Italy trip.

[QPR Report]

And a nice Nico Photo

And given we always play Wycombe, I guess we'll be meeting them soon. Maybe in the FA Cup Third Round!

[QPR Report]

April 2008

Waddock Talking About His Time at QPR and Success at Aldershot
-
Setanta/Toby Davis - Exclusive Interview with Gary Waddock

With only one automatic promotion place on offer, guiding a club into the Football League is one of the toughest jobs in club management.

When Hercules completed his twelfth labour, he might just have fancied doing another. But if someone suggested he take on the task of getting promoted from Blue Square Premier, he would probably have called it a day.

But Aldershot, under the stewardship of boss Gary Waddock, have made this ultra-Herculean task look rather easy.

The Shots have waltzed to the title amassing an astonishing tally of 100 points – a Conference record – with one game still to play.

Waddock arrived at the club last summer - after an unsuccessful spell in charge at QPR - with one thing on his mind.

“Promotion was the target from day one,” he told setantasports.com in an exclusive interview.

“I told the players as soon as I got here that it was what we were going for and they have done a fantastic job to achieve that.

“When I arrived I knew we had a good group of players, I knew they were talented and had a lot of ability, but they have worked extremely hard. Hard work is the starting point in football, then you can show your ability and they have done just that.”

Waddock was thrust into football management when QPR decided then boss Ian Holloway’s fingers were not as green as they could be and sent him on gardening leave in 2006.

He had been on Holloway’s coaching staff, but took up the reins and initially brought success, keeping the club in The Championship.

But the following season, results did not go their way and Waddock was replaced by John Gregory.

But he bears no ill-will towards the club where he spent nine years as a player, before becoming manager.

“Things didn’t go according to plan at QPR,” he added. “But I learnt a hell of a lot in a short period of time and I have put it into good use here at Aldershot. It didn’t work for me, but it wasn’t for want of trying and I’m better for the experience.”
“I wasn’t disappointed to drop down to the Conference. It was a new challenge, a new opening.

“The Aldershot job just came about. Terry Brown (former boss) left for family reasons. I applied for the job, went through the interview stage and they offered me the position. They gave me the opportunity to get back into the game.”

The rest, as they say, is history. Aldershot were top of the table by November and gradually built up an assailable lead.

But despite their dominance, Waddock was keeping his feet firmly planted on the ground.

A repetitive feature of post-match interviews became his reluctance to accept what was blindingly obvious to all – Aldershot were going to win the title at a canter.

“As we got closer, people were saying you’ve won it,” he added. “But you haven’t won anything until you cross that finish line. I have been in football for quite some time and it has a habit of slapping you in the face when you haven’t achieved anything.

“If I am being honest, it wasn’t hard to keep the players grounded either. They are a young group, but we asked them to take it one game at a time and to their credit, that’s what they have done.”

The champagne finally flowed when Aldershot wrapped up the title down in Devon with a draw at Exeter City.

But with the celebrations over and done with, the business of planning for next season is already underway.

“I have started thinking about next year,” Waddock added. “You have to enjoy the moment which we have, but you also have to plan for the future.

“The Blue Square is a really difficult league. There are a lot of good players and managers there. So we have done well to get out. And if we can get off to a good start next season, then hopefully the lads will feel comfortable playing at that level; we are looking forward to it.”

Although Waddock remains undaunted by the prospect of moving into The Football League, the task of improving the squad has already begun in earnest.

He is confident his players can cut the mustard in League Two, but hinted that, with the board’s backing, there could be one or two new arrivals over the summer.

“I hope the chairman’s going back me with some cash this summer, but you will have to ask him. We have spoken about budgets so I am fully aware of what I have got due to me.

“I have got to deal with the players who are out of contract first, and if they commit to the club then great, but if they don’t then I will have to look elsewhere.”

But even if personnel change, one thing will remain the same. Few people would think of the Conference as easy on the eye, but Aldershot have played an open, expansive brand of football that has seen them hit 81 goals on their way to the title.

“We won’t change the way we play,” Waddock added. “It’s bought success. If we need to, I will have a look at it, but we have got players that play that way and we can’t all of a sudden change our style.”

Perhaps the biggest fear for Aldershot fans is that Waddock’s success may lead him to pastures new. But while he remains at the club, the future looks bright and the celebrations will continue. Setanta

[QPR Report]

And Daily Mail/Blog - Arindam Rej

From gunpoint drama to making history... Gary Waddock's had a rollercoaster career path. Now he has the chance to be Wycombe's next Martin O'Neill after the ruthless removal of Peter Taylor

I was one of a small group of reporters at new Wycombe boss Gary Waddock's first press conference as a manager when he was unveiled as QPR's caretaker boss at their Harlington training ground back in 2006. It was a baptism of fire for the former Republic of Ireland midfielder considering what had been going on at the Loftus Road club at the time including revelations of threats being made at gunpoint to a director.

You're on a hiding to nothing, we all thought. Waddock (below) was a popular man at QPR, having played for them in the 1982 FA Cup final and made more than 200 appearances for them, but he was stepping into the hotseat at a terrible time.

The club had many issues to iron out including the fact that dismissed manager Ian Holloway had been placed on 'gardening leave' rather than having been sacked. But former QPR academy coach Waddock, now 47, kept the club in the Championship after a tense relegation battle, did not let the surrounding issues detract from the task in hand, and was appointed full-time manager in June.

We were all quick to write off Waddock again the following season when he was demoted to assistant manager to John Gregory after QPR made a poor start to the 2006-7 campaign. He seemed fated to be a No 2 after that happened. But, again, we were all proved wrong as Aldershot gave him a big break in summer 2007. He has not looked back since.
He was the star manager in non-league, taking Aldershot up to League Two in his first season (below). It was the first time that the club had played in the Football League since 1992 when the orginial Aldershot went bust. The instant hit Waddock then earned a respectable mid-table finish last season. An even better position had looked likely earlier on in the campaign but the Shots fell away towards the end.

Ironically, they ended Wycombe's fearsome 18-game unbeaten run with a 3-2 win in December. This season had started promisingly with the Shots up in sixth, only four points behind leaders Bournemouth, and earning plaudits for their attacking style of play. It is no wonder that other clubs have been sniffing around with Luton - a club that Waddock played for - being linked to him last week.

Waddock was not tempted by that, although Luton are going well, currently fifth, in the Blue Square Premier. But the chance to step into Peter Taylor's shoes - and a job that was being mooted for Iain Dowie or Wally Downes - was too good to refuse. Waddock, who will take Martin Kruhl with him to Wycombe, said: 'This has been the hardest decision I have ever had to make. I have had a fantastic time at Aldershot. I wish the club every success in the future. I like challenges though and am extremely ambitious.'

Taylor (below left) departed Wycombe on Friday and Waddock's appointment all happened very quickly. It became clear that he would take the job after his Aldershot training session when he told the Shots players that he would be going. An Aldershot club statement acknowledged the battle they had to keep him - and how quickly Wycombe got the ball rolling in terms of sealing the deal.

The statement said: '(We have had) long-term discussions over the last few days with the management team in the hope that we could find a way to retain their services and this included the offer of significantly improved long-term contracts. Unfortunately both Gary and Martin, after considerable deliberation, have
jointly decided to take up the challenge of League One football with Wycombe Wanderers.

'We know that with the quality of the contracts we offered, together with the long-term vision for the future of the club which we shared with them, we made it a very difficult decision. 'The club now has to look forward and begins the process of compiling a short-list of candidates with a view to appointing our new management team as soon as possible. We are very confident that with our position in the league and the strength of our squad that the quality of candidates will be very high.'
Waddock, though, should not be filled with confidence about his new employers when he considers the circumstances of Taylor's sacking. The former England caretaker led Wycombe to promotion (below) in his first season in charge in 2008-9 but was ruthlessly removed after 11 games with the club second from bottom in the table. What is worse is the fact that owner Steve Hayes said the following: 'Peter is an honourable man and he knew that it was time to move on.' The reason given for his exit, therefore, was 'mutual consent'. But, over the weekend, Taylor has intimated that his departure was actually a sacking.

Although, to be fair to Wycombe and the powers-that-be at Adams Park, they were justifiable winners of the Family Club of the Year Award in 2007 and 2008 so it's not exactly the most hostile place to become a manager. And, for now, those fears should be at the back of Waddock's mind. There have been memorable gaffers in recent times including Tony Adams and Lawrie Sanchez.

Indeed, he is following in a tradition of fine Wycombe managers with the likes of Martin O'Neill and John Gorman having also come before - plus Waddock's old pal from QPR John Gregory. Most recently, cup runs have been the club's way of grabbing the headlines but, rather than maintaining that tradition, Waddock's focus will, of course, be on the more mundane business of League One survival. After fighting fires - and achieving success - in the manner that he has so far, you would back him to achieve survival with Wycombe.

rejblog.dailymail.co.uk/2009/10/gary-waddock-deserves-chance-to-be-the-next-martin-oneill-at-wycombe-but-ruthless-removal-of-peter-t.html

[QPR Report]

Add:

June 30, 2006
OFFICIAL SITE REPORT ON PRESS CONFERENCE

Flanked by Chairman Gianni Paladini, Gary Waddock met the press today (Friday) for the first time since being appointed R's manager.

After being named as Ian Holloway's successor on Wednesday afternoon, Waddock oversaw his first training session yesterday, before taking time out this morning to meet the national press.

"It's my dream job - without a doubt,'' said Waddock.

"I've played and coached the Club and this is the final step for me.

"It's good for everyone that the situation is resolved; for me, the Club and for Ian Holloway - the timing is great.''
Waddock revealed he has tried calling Ollie to wish him all the best, saying: "I've tried ringing Ian, but the phone has been engaged non stop. I'll try him again today, because I genuinely wish him all the best at Plymouth - except when we play them!''
Waddock continued: "It was a great experience last season. I learnt a lot in that period of time as Caretaker and it should stand us in good stead for next season.

"The players are back and the buzz is back. We've got a fantastic set-up and we're all really looking forward to the new campaign.
"Our first league game is the one I'm really looking forward to. The next game is always the most important in football.
"We've got to be realistic, but we - the staff and the players - think we can drastically improve on last season.

"There are some big, big sides in the Championship, spending a lot of money, but we believe the players we've signed, and those we're targeting, can take us to the next level.
"We'd love to go out and match the spending power of the Coventry's and Birmingham's of this division, but we need to balance the books at the same time.''

Paladini also expressed his delight at the appointment, commenting: "I trust Gary, I believe in him and I'm sure he can take this Club to a new level; back to where I and the fans think we belong.
"We made the decision that Gary was the natural replacement. They type of football he plays is fantastic; his attitude is second to none; and he's QPR through and through.

"Myself and the board aim to take this Club forward and with Gary in charge we're confident that will be the case.
"This is a new era for the Club. We're trying to put this Club back to where it belongs.

"Our aim, our ambition is to make the play-offs. You've got to set yourself targets and that is our aim. It might not happen immediately, but if you don't set yourself targets there is nothing to aim for.''

Paladini also reserved praise for Holloway, saying: "I'm glad for Ian and I'd like to thank him for the job he's done here. I wish him all the best at Plymouth.
"He was fantastic for this Club, but things change. The past is the past and we're focusing on the future. That's what counts most now.''

Paladini also revealed that the search for new players in continuing: "We're still on the look out for players.
"We're interested in one who has played in the World Cup and one who is with a Premiership side, but we'll have to wait and see.
"We'll not take any risks. We've got a few irons in the fire, but until we're convinced by the players 100 per-cent, we won't sign them.''

And finally, Paladini had a message for the fans: "The board is united, the Club is together. We're working towards being financially stable and I can definitely say that any problems we had in the past are now firmly behind us.
"We're moving forward for the good of this Club. Success breeds success and I'm confident that under the guidance of Gary Waddock, his staff, and the players, we can progress"


QPR Official Site - Thursday, June 22, 2006

Gary Waddock on Season's Prospects..."We've recruited well over the summer ..."-
Official Site

"[Gary] Waddock said: "It's a tough start for us. "There are no easy games in this division, but we're quietly confident about the season ahead. "It wouldn't have mattered who we'd got on the opening day, because this league has proved time and time again that it's the most keenly contested in English football.
"Burnley's a tough place to go, but to be honest I'd rather be going to Turf Moor at this time of year when the pitch is in good condition and the weather okay, than later in the season when the elements could work against us like they did last season.''...
Indeed, Rangers' last trip to Turf Moor ended in defeat...- but Waddock is confident the Hoops will be in far better shape by the time they make the trip North on the opening day of the new campaign.
"We've recruited well over the summer and with one or two more new additions before the start of the season, we'll be in good shape when the campaign kicks off on August 5th,'' he said.
"It's exciting times for QPR, and the whole squad - including the coaching staff - are really looking forward to the season ahead.''
www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~841437,00.html