Post by QPR Report on Nov 10, 2009 7:36:20 GMT
Edit: On This Day, - Out of the frying pan.... 
QPR Official Site - November 10, 1997
BOARD RELEASE HOUSTON AND RIOCH
BOSS Stewart Houston and Assistant Manager Bruce Rioch have parted company with
Queens Park Rangers, after a board meeting at Loftus Road on Monday night.
A statement issued by the club read:
"Following a meeting of the Board of QPR, at which Stuart Houston was present,
the club has reluctantly decided to release both Stuart Houston and Bruce Rioch.
A caretaker manager will be appointed in the interim period."
Chairman Chris Wright will issue a full statement following the AGM of Loftus Road plc tomorrow afternoon.
The excusive interview will be available on this site from around 6pm GMT.
QPR Official Site - November 11, 1997
THE WRIGHT WAY FORWARD
CHRIS WRIGHT revealed today that fan power had necessitated the removal of Stewart Houston and Bruce Rioch as the managerial team at Loftus Road
As John Hollins was installed as caretaker boss, the chairman insisted he would not be rushed into finding immediate replacements.
" I did feel it was important that Stewart carried the body of the fans with him, we had taken six points from 24 and the feeling was we were not moving in the right direction."
" I know that Stewart never really endeared himself to the fans, he didn't see that as part of his job and I felt Stewart was struggling to carry support with him."
" I wanted to give him until the end of the year, but I felt it was better to make a clean break."
Turning his attention to the fuure and the installation of the new man at the helm, Wright revealed.
" I don't want to lurch from one manager to another. I want to go into this feeling, this is the best man, rather than getting in someone tomorrow afternoon."
" It could be days, weeks, months or even the end of the season."
" Twelve months ago we felt we were a Premiership Club who would be promoted. We gave players contracts thinking we would be back in 12 months time. The reality is now we are a Division One club. To get out of this division is now a priority and we're looking for a manager capable of getting us well equipped to survive and then getting us out of the division."
" We want someone who knows about the Nationwide League and its players, who will bring the best ones to QPR to get us into the Premier League."
As the Rangers supremo laid out his plans, he apologised to Bruce Rioch over the way he had found out about his dismissal, on Ceefax rather than having been informed directly.
" Stewart was to inform Bruce. I don't know why Stewart took a little longer than we anticipated to contact him. I'm genuinely sorry Bruce found out the way he did."
Having aligned himself with popular opinion in making the managerial change, Chris made a personal plea to R's supporters to get back and stand full square behind John Hollins and the team saying.
" This is your club. It's up to you to get behind your team. You've been quiet at home, now show everybody how much you feel for the club. I know your opinions, we've acted on them, now get behind us again."
QPR Official Site - November 11, 1997 WRIGHT FOR FANS
CHAIRMAN Chris Wright and a number of Rangers directors met supporters' groups at the ground to discuss current issues.
There was a lively exchange of views, with Mr Wright taking on board a number of suggestions from the fans.
The board later made a statement confirming that the club had parted company with manager Stewart Houston and his assistant Bruce Rioch.
RANGERS fans rallied to save a fellow supporter's life during the return journey from Middlesbrough on Saturday.
The 7.08pm Inter-City service from Darlington to King's Cross was taken out of commission at Peterborough due to a power failure and all passengers were asked to leave the train. One R's fan - who had obviously been drowning his sorrows - lost his balance as he stepped on to the platform and fell backwards under the wheels of the train.
As he lay motionless on the track, other Rangers supporters worked swiftly to haul the dazed gentleman up to safety before the train pulled away.
Houston's final game vs Middlesbrough (0-3) Harper Brazier Maddix Ready Rose
Barker Morrow Quashie Sinclair Sheron Peacock + Slade qprreport.proboards.com/post/39700
QPR Official Site - SKIPPER'S RALLYING CRY
RANGERS captain Steve Morrow was bitterly disappointed by the 3-0 defeat at Middlesbrough. But he is confident that the good times can return and appeals to all supporters to give the team wholehearted backing for the crucial games coming up.
Steve says:"All the players were extremely gutted after Saturday's game. It was a long trip home and it was a bad journey for us on the coach because we all felt so disappointed."
"For periods of the game, we reckon we played quite well but we ended up with nothing. We honestly believe that there is not too much drastically wrong. We're putting a lot of effort in and for long periods of games - especially away from home - we've been feeling comfortable. We've created chances and just haven't put them away." "At the same time, we've got to cut out conceding goals. We've been going through one of those spells where things don't seem to be going right for us. But we're also very confident that we can turn things around and put a good run together to get back up there again."
Four of our next five games are at home. Steve sees it as a crucial period and appeals for good support from the R's fans.
He says:"We need to be up there and in one of the play-off places by Christmas. So it's very important to get maximum points from the home games and we definitely want the fans to be with us."
"We know that the supporters are honest and we're all well aware that you can't cheat the fans. So all I can say is that I can promise we'll put 100% effort in. And the best thing the fans can do for us is to get right behind us and give us good support. We'll be doing our best to get three points - starting against Stoke on Saturday
QPR Official Site
CARETAKER JOHN IN CLOVER
JOHN HOLLINS relished his first game as caretaker boss against Stoke City. John worked very hard in the week to lift the spirits of the players, with his efforts shining through on the field of play and the fervent support from the Rangers fans was a big help.
John said:"I was exhausted after the game and my voice had gone! It was great to hear the supporters roaring so loudly, and that helped the team. My players were saying to each other 'We've really got the crowd going! Let's go! Let's go!' I hope the fans keep it up."
"It had been difficult at the start of the week but the guys responded well. I just wanted to keep them buoyant and bubbly and then I tried to pick a team for the day against Stoke. That was hard because some decisions had to be made."
"The players who were rested have taken it on the chin, accepting it as well as they can. They were all in the dressing room before the game wishing everyone all the best and you can't ask for more than that. All the players here are very much part of this club."
"Our Premier Youth League manager Warren Neill was with me in the dug out against Stoke and he was super. He's got a good knowledge and knows what's wanted. David Bardsley was also working closely with us and he kept shouting encouragement on to the pitch to Mark Perry at right back."
"All round it was a great day for Rangers. I really enjoyed it,"he said.
The Rangers fans also enjoyed the game and their rendition of "Johnny Hollins' Blue and White Army" was lasted for a full 25 minutes in the second half!
QPR Official Site
HOLLINS ALL WRIGHT
JOHN HOLLINS' role at caretaker manager will run into December at the very least.
Chairman Chris Wright explains:"John is in the invidious position that, unlike a lot of managers in football today, he's guaranteed of being in place for the next two weeks. Primarily because I'm out of the country for a fortnight on business."
"In John Hollins, we have a very suitable caretaker who is doing his best to lift the team. He certainly did that for the Stoke game and all credit to him on having achieved that."
Mr Wright has also reiterated the qualities required by the next boss at Rangers. He says:"I'd like to think that we can find a manager that can take us into the Premier League and, beyond that, into a 35,000-seater new stadium, which would mean that we would be able to stay in the Premeirship on an equal basis with other top clubs."
"That is one hell of a tall order. There are not too many people around who can do that and most of them are working for the top European teams." "But we certainly want someone who we feel can graduate to that kind of performance level. I took the view that we were probably best off by having two or three weeks, or maybe longer, without a manager. That will allow us the opportunity to put our net out and see what kind of individuals we can attract into being interested in coming to Rangers. It wasn't something we could do with an incumbent manager in place."
CHAIRMAN Chris Wright used his experience of the music business to praise the Rangers fans after the Stoke game.
Mr Wright said:"There's an old joke about the similarity between the Loft End and the Spice Girls. The answer is that only two out of five can sing! Well that certainly went out with the breeze last Saturday because I think everyone in the Loft was singing and it was great to hear them getting behind the team. In fact it was difficult to work out whether it was the players who got the crowd going or whether the crowd got the players going!"
"We haven't had that at Loftus Road for a while. It was obvious that the fans didn't feel that they could get behind the team in the way they should. But certainly against Stoke, our supporters backed Rangers in an incredible way. It was brilliant to hear it and it really gave us great hope for what we can do in the future."
QPR Official Site - JOHN WANTS TOP JOB
CARETAKER boss John Hollins has expressed a keen interest in becoming the next manager of Queens Park Rangers.
John is in charge on a temporary basis, starting with Saturday's home game against Stoke. But he'd like the job permanently.
Hollins says:"It would be an honour and I'd be very pleased. First things first, though, and we've got one match on Saturday. Let's take each game as it comes and look for a Rangers victory."
"We have some great guys to work with. I want Rangers a happy place to play. Football is an enjoyable game and I enjoy working with the squad. I want these guys to have a smile on their faces, but with grit and determination in matches to make sure we win."
And a few days later....
QPR Official Site - FRANCIS THE TRUTH - OFFICIAL
RANGERS have officially denied having any contact with Gerry Francis regarding a possible return to Loftus Road as manager.
Francis resigned from the managers post at Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday following the sudden appointment of Swiss coach Christian Gross from Grasshoppers Zurich, and there was immediate speculation that he could be headed back to Loftus Road, for a second spell in charge at Rangers.
Vice-chairman Nick Blackburn revealed tonight: " I think we'd like to nip this speculation in the bud. I can say quite categorically that we've had no contact with Gerry Francis. He has not been in contact with us or tried to contact us, and we have no intention at this time of getting in touch with him."
"We're considering a short list that we're slowly drawing up, but we're very happy with the job that John Hollins is doing as caretaker."
QPR Official Site - November 10, 1997
BOARD RELEASE HOUSTON AND RIOCH
BOSS Stewart Houston and Assistant Manager Bruce Rioch have parted company with
Queens Park Rangers, after a board meeting at Loftus Road on Monday night.
A statement issued by the club read:
"Following a meeting of the Board of QPR, at which Stuart Houston was present,
the club has reluctantly decided to release both Stuart Houston and Bruce Rioch.
A caretaker manager will be appointed in the interim period."
Chairman Chris Wright will issue a full statement following the AGM of Loftus Road plc tomorrow afternoon.
The excusive interview will be available on this site from around 6pm GMT.
QPR Official Site - November 11, 1997
THE WRIGHT WAY FORWARD
CHRIS WRIGHT revealed today that fan power had necessitated the removal of Stewart Houston and Bruce Rioch as the managerial team at Loftus Road
As John Hollins was installed as caretaker boss, the chairman insisted he would not be rushed into finding immediate replacements.
" I did feel it was important that Stewart carried the body of the fans with him, we had taken six points from 24 and the feeling was we were not moving in the right direction."
" I know that Stewart never really endeared himself to the fans, he didn't see that as part of his job and I felt Stewart was struggling to carry support with him."
" I wanted to give him until the end of the year, but I felt it was better to make a clean break."
Turning his attention to the fuure and the installation of the new man at the helm, Wright revealed.
" I don't want to lurch from one manager to another. I want to go into this feeling, this is the best man, rather than getting in someone tomorrow afternoon."
" It could be days, weeks, months or even the end of the season."
" Twelve months ago we felt we were a Premiership Club who would be promoted. We gave players contracts thinking we would be back in 12 months time. The reality is now we are a Division One club. To get out of this division is now a priority and we're looking for a manager capable of getting us well equipped to survive and then getting us out of the division."
" We want someone who knows about the Nationwide League and its players, who will bring the best ones to QPR to get us into the Premier League."
As the Rangers supremo laid out his plans, he apologised to Bruce Rioch over the way he had found out about his dismissal, on Ceefax rather than having been informed directly.
" Stewart was to inform Bruce. I don't know why Stewart took a little longer than we anticipated to contact him. I'm genuinely sorry Bruce found out the way he did."
Having aligned himself with popular opinion in making the managerial change, Chris made a personal plea to R's supporters to get back and stand full square behind John Hollins and the team saying.
" This is your club. It's up to you to get behind your team. You've been quiet at home, now show everybody how much you feel for the club. I know your opinions, we've acted on them, now get behind us again."
QPR Official Site - November 11, 1997 WRIGHT FOR FANS
CHAIRMAN Chris Wright and a number of Rangers directors met supporters' groups at the ground to discuss current issues.
There was a lively exchange of views, with Mr Wright taking on board a number of suggestions from the fans.
The board later made a statement confirming that the club had parted company with manager Stewart Houston and his assistant Bruce Rioch.
RANGERS fans rallied to save a fellow supporter's life during the return journey from Middlesbrough on Saturday.
The 7.08pm Inter-City service from Darlington to King's Cross was taken out of commission at Peterborough due to a power failure and all passengers were asked to leave the train. One R's fan - who had obviously been drowning his sorrows - lost his balance as he stepped on to the platform and fell backwards under the wheels of the train.
As he lay motionless on the track, other Rangers supporters worked swiftly to haul the dazed gentleman up to safety before the train pulled away.
Houston's final game vs Middlesbrough (0-3) Harper Brazier Maddix Ready Rose
Barker Morrow Quashie Sinclair Sheron Peacock + Slade qprreport.proboards.com/post/39700
QPR Official Site - SKIPPER'S RALLYING CRY
RANGERS captain Steve Morrow was bitterly disappointed by the 3-0 defeat at Middlesbrough. But he is confident that the good times can return and appeals to all supporters to give the team wholehearted backing for the crucial games coming up.
Steve says:"All the players were extremely gutted after Saturday's game. It was a long trip home and it was a bad journey for us on the coach because we all felt so disappointed."
"For periods of the game, we reckon we played quite well but we ended up with nothing. We honestly believe that there is not too much drastically wrong. We're putting a lot of effort in and for long periods of games - especially away from home - we've been feeling comfortable. We've created chances and just haven't put them away." "At the same time, we've got to cut out conceding goals. We've been going through one of those spells where things don't seem to be going right for us. But we're also very confident that we can turn things around and put a good run together to get back up there again."
Four of our next five games are at home. Steve sees it as a crucial period and appeals for good support from the R's fans.
He says:"We need to be up there and in one of the play-off places by Christmas. So it's very important to get maximum points from the home games and we definitely want the fans to be with us."
"We know that the supporters are honest and we're all well aware that you can't cheat the fans. So all I can say is that I can promise we'll put 100% effort in. And the best thing the fans can do for us is to get right behind us and give us good support. We'll be doing our best to get three points - starting against Stoke on Saturday
QPR Official Site
CARETAKER JOHN IN CLOVER
JOHN HOLLINS relished his first game as caretaker boss against Stoke City. John worked very hard in the week to lift the spirits of the players, with his efforts shining through on the field of play and the fervent support from the Rangers fans was a big help.
John said:"I was exhausted after the game and my voice had gone! It was great to hear the supporters roaring so loudly, and that helped the team. My players were saying to each other 'We've really got the crowd going! Let's go! Let's go!' I hope the fans keep it up."
"It had been difficult at the start of the week but the guys responded well. I just wanted to keep them buoyant and bubbly and then I tried to pick a team for the day against Stoke. That was hard because some decisions had to be made."
"The players who were rested have taken it on the chin, accepting it as well as they can. They were all in the dressing room before the game wishing everyone all the best and you can't ask for more than that. All the players here are very much part of this club."
"Our Premier Youth League manager Warren Neill was with me in the dug out against Stoke and he was super. He's got a good knowledge and knows what's wanted. David Bardsley was also working closely with us and he kept shouting encouragement on to the pitch to Mark Perry at right back."
"All round it was a great day for Rangers. I really enjoyed it,"he said.
The Rangers fans also enjoyed the game and their rendition of "Johnny Hollins' Blue and White Army" was lasted for a full 25 minutes in the second half!
QPR Official Site
HOLLINS ALL WRIGHT
JOHN HOLLINS' role at caretaker manager will run into December at the very least.
Chairman Chris Wright explains:"John is in the invidious position that, unlike a lot of managers in football today, he's guaranteed of being in place for the next two weeks. Primarily because I'm out of the country for a fortnight on business."
"In John Hollins, we have a very suitable caretaker who is doing his best to lift the team. He certainly did that for the Stoke game and all credit to him on having achieved that."
Mr Wright has also reiterated the qualities required by the next boss at Rangers. He says:"I'd like to think that we can find a manager that can take us into the Premier League and, beyond that, into a 35,000-seater new stadium, which would mean that we would be able to stay in the Premeirship on an equal basis with other top clubs."
"That is one hell of a tall order. There are not too many people around who can do that and most of them are working for the top European teams." "But we certainly want someone who we feel can graduate to that kind of performance level. I took the view that we were probably best off by having two or three weeks, or maybe longer, without a manager. That will allow us the opportunity to put our net out and see what kind of individuals we can attract into being interested in coming to Rangers. It wasn't something we could do with an incumbent manager in place."
CHAIRMAN Chris Wright used his experience of the music business to praise the Rangers fans after the Stoke game.
Mr Wright said:"There's an old joke about the similarity between the Loft End and the Spice Girls. The answer is that only two out of five can sing! Well that certainly went out with the breeze last Saturday because I think everyone in the Loft was singing and it was great to hear them getting behind the team. In fact it was difficult to work out whether it was the players who got the crowd going or whether the crowd got the players going!"
"We haven't had that at Loftus Road for a while. It was obvious that the fans didn't feel that they could get behind the team in the way they should. But certainly against Stoke, our supporters backed Rangers in an incredible way. It was brilliant to hear it and it really gave us great hope for what we can do in the future."
QPR Official Site - JOHN WANTS TOP JOB
CARETAKER boss John Hollins has expressed a keen interest in becoming the next manager of Queens Park Rangers.
John is in charge on a temporary basis, starting with Saturday's home game against Stoke. But he'd like the job permanently.
Hollins says:"It would be an honour and I'd be very pleased. First things first, though, and we've got one match on Saturday. Let's take each game as it comes and look for a Rangers victory."
"We have some great guys to work with. I want Rangers a happy place to play. Football is an enjoyable game and I enjoy working with the squad. I want these guys to have a smile on their faces, but with grit and determination in matches to make sure we win."
And a few days later....
QPR Official Site - FRANCIS THE TRUTH - OFFICIAL
RANGERS have officially denied having any contact with Gerry Francis regarding a possible return to Loftus Road as manager.
Francis resigned from the managers post at Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday following the sudden appointment of Swiss coach Christian Gross from Grasshoppers Zurich, and there was immediate speculation that he could be headed back to Loftus Road, for a second spell in charge at Rangers.
Vice-chairman Nick Blackburn revealed tonight: " I think we'd like to nip this speculation in the bud. I can say quite categorically that we've had no contact with Gerry Francis. He has not been in contact with us or tried to contact us, and we have no intention at this time of getting in touch with him."
"We're considering a short list that we're slowly drawing up, but we're very happy with the job that John Hollins is doing as caretaker."
