Post by QPR Report on Dec 13, 2009 12:31:48 GMT
Six months ago...Mid June 209
June 13, 2009
QPR Vice Chairman Bhatia re Magilton and QPR Prospects
- QPR Official Site -
"...-- Turning his attentions to the recent appointment of Jim Magilton, Bhatia said: "We were very hands-on with this.
- "We believe we have learned from our mistakes over the last year, and I hope that experience has taught us some good things.
- "Jim is very positive and bullish, and I believe he is the right man for the job.
- "When everyone in the squad is fit we have a pretty formidable team, so I am really excited about next season.
- "This is a very important year for us and we understand that." QPR
Kilburn Times - Ali Russell 'Right man to take the club forward'
- QPR are hoping the arrival of new manager Jim Magilton will win over sceptical fans who have yet to sign up for next season.
- Fewer than two thirds of last year's season ticket holders had renewed their seats ahead of last week's announcement that the former Ipswich boss would succeed Paulo Sousa at Loftus Road.
- But that uncertainty has been eased by the appointment of Magilton, who is expected to confirm John Gorman, the ex-England assistant manager, as his number two later this week.
- Rangers' deputy managing director Ali Russell told the Times: "The board feel that Jim is the right man to take the club forward. He's got experience and a good understanding of this league and we're really excited that he's joined us.
"I think there's no doubt that confirming who the manager is, what shape the team's going to be in next year, who's coming and who's going, are aspects of the game that excite fans.
"That excitement, we're hoping, will build and build towards the start of the season and people will want to go out and make their commitment to getting involved next year.
"This time last year we'd only just launched season tickets for the season ahead and we're now far ahead of where we've ever been at this stage of the summer.
"I personally appreciate the commitment people are making - the support we're getting from season ticket holders helps us to remain ambitious and go for what we want, which is promotion to the Premier League.
"One of the first things Jim will do is sit down with the board, look at the team and look at his needs and talk through that very logically with them."
Rangers finally settled on their man almost two months after Sousa's sacking and the 40-year-old Ulsterman becomes the eighth person to take charge of the team since Ian Holloway was dismissed in 2006.
Interestingly, Magilton - who played for Oxford, Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich - is the first of them since John Gregory to hold the title of manager rather than coach.
A key player in the Ipswich side that won promotion to the Premier League under George Burley and qualified for Europe in successive years, Magilton hung up his boots to take over the manager's role from Joe Royle back in 2006.
The Tractor Boys finished mid-table in each of his three seasons at the helm, narrowly missing the play-offs in 2008 and failing to improve on that last year, which resulted in his sacking in April.
Passing football was always one of the hallmarks of Magilton's Ipswich sides, though - and the new boss should find it easier to reproduce that at Loftus Road once the new pitch is completed.
"QPR have always played attractive football and a key part of that is having a good surface," added Russell. "But we had some horrendous weather conditions last year.
"That, coupled with heavy usage, is bound to affect the pitch. So we're spending significant funds on having it redeveloped and dealing with some components that have been problematic over a number of years.
"We need to get the surface up to scratch and protect it - and we have moved the reserves away from Loftus Road for the coming year to give the pitch as much of a break as possible.
"We want to be able to use the pitch at the end of the season for different organisations and fan groups and that's all part of being a club for our local community, giving people an opportunity to play there. Kilburn Times
The London Informer/Paul Warburton
I'm the gaffer... so stay out of the dressing room' says Magilton
JIM Magilton only agreed to become QPR boss if chairman Flavio Briatore agreed to give him full control of team matters.
The new man at the helm insists he will brook no interference in team selection or even take advice - and thus demanded the title 'manager' rather than 'coach' when he took over last week.
The difference marked an important shift of emphasis for the former Ipswich s upremo, who was well aware Briatore often wanted a say in team matters with the three previous coaches over the last two seasons.
It's an open secret that the chairman even gave a team talk when then manager Luigi Di Canio was absent on compassionate leave, and the issue was a stumbling block that delayed the appointment of the ex-Northern Ireland international until last Wednesday.
Briatore even demanded half-time team changes in a match last season when he was away on Formula One duty - but Magilton will have none of that during his tenure.
Instead, he and new assistant John Gorman will have total control of team selection - although it may be too late to stop the sale of £2m Dexter Blackstock to Nottingham Forest.
An insider close to the Rangers forward said: "Dex wants to go there because he felt very much at home - and also, he's going to get a pretty decent pay rise."
Rangers will shop in Europe for a new striker as all others on the domestic want-list are out of Rangers' price range.
A source said: "Practically every manager candidate said there was not much wrong with the squad they might inherit - and Jim was one of those.
"Rangers do need another forward, however - and when you see that former target Fraizer Campbell has gone to Hull for £6m - the club may need to look abroad."
It's also on the cards that Magilton will offer Gareth Ainsworth a loan deal elsewhere - and allow the ex-caretaker boss to enjoy a last season on the pitch while studying for his coaching badges and a permanent job as a manager in the future. London Informer
Dave McIntyre/BBC 606 - Change in the air- John Gorman’s expected arrival as assistant manager is likely to be one of several changes Jim Magilton makes during his first weeks at QPR.
- Gorman worked alongside Magilton at Ipswich and will be offered the chance to join him at Rangers when the Scot returns from a trip abroad.
- Best known for working as Glenn Hoddle’s right-hand man with England, Gorman also brings a wealth of experience as a coach and manager at various clubs.
- He is one of the most well-liked people in the game. Everyone I’ve heard speak about him likes the man very much.
- His personality could be an asset for Rangers and make him a popular figure among players and fans.
- Former Rangers player Simon Barker, who almost signed for Swindon when Gorman was their manager, is just one of many people who have talked about him in glowing terms.
- Gorman’s imminent appointment means Gareth Ainsworth’s future at the club is in doubt.
- Whether Ainsworth is offered a place among the coaching staff remains to be seen.
- He still has a year of his contract as a player left to run and one option is a loan move to another club, where he could undoubtedly still perform.
- But Ainsworth also has a definite taste for management after filling in following the sackings of Iain Dowie and Paulo Sousa. He clearly faces an important decision in the near future.
- Ainsworth is a big favourite with fans and the board, and has often been a useful bridge between the two.
- The top brass were keen to keep him in a prominent role when a new manager/coach was appointed. There was even talk that he would effectively be in joint charge if Gigi De Canio returned.
- But during four meetings with Magilton, he made it clear to them that he wanted Gorman alongside him.
- Despite Ainsworth’s popularity, Magilton’s insistence that Gorman be appointed made a good impression.
- The reason is simple. Sousa’s sidekick, Bruno Oliveira, was not popular with some inside the club, and his youth and perceived inexperience was the cause of some consternation.
- It meant Magilton pushed the right buttons by saying he wanted to work with the experienced Gorman.
- Magilton was also adamant that his title – and more importantly his agreed role – was to be manager and not coach, unlike his three predecessors.
- Many people will want to know if this means taking over responsibility for signing players from sporting director Gianni Paladini.
- The answer, strictly speaking, is yes.
- But this itself will not necessarily mean a major change of direction. More on that another time.
- There is also an agreement – in principle at least – to help the manager improve the club’s weak youth and scouting systems.
- This would be the biggest indication that Briatore and co are now willing to let a British-style manager have overall control of football matters.
- But it isn’t just a question of control. There’s also the question of funding, because any significant behind-the-scenes changes would cost money without an obvious short-term return.
- Persuading owners who know little about football and are looking to limit costs to now invest in neglected areas of the club may not be easy.
- Time will tell what changes Magilton and his backroom team are able to make.
- He should at least get the opportunity to bring in a chief scout, which would be a significant and long overdue step forward.
- Rangers were already discussing the possibility of installing a chief scout or head of recruitment prior to Sousa’s exit, and a number of possible candidates were spoken to.
- It was later thought the appointment would be particularly relevant if De Canio returned or another foreign coach was hired, given their limited knowledge of British-based players.
- And even if there isn't another addition to the staff, Rangers should be stronger on the scouting front following Gorman’s arrival.
- Gorman’s background, which includes a spell as Southampton’s chief scout, means he is well connected and very much part of the football network QPR have too often been detached from in recent years. BBC606
EADT/Elvin King - Gorman Talking About QPR
- JOHN Gorman will be confirmed Queens Park Rangers' assistant manager within the ....- “I have not signed a contract yet, but have a meeting at the club on Monday,” said Gorman, who was shown around Loftus Road yesterday. “Jim Magilton deserves to be back in management, and I am delighted to be continuing My Tuchusociation with him.
- “We are looking ahead with confidence to the 2009/10 campaign and will be making a big note of the matches against Ipswich when the fixture list is published next week It was disappointing the way things ended for me - and Jim - at Ipswich, and I was back in the town on Wednesday picking up my belongings from the house where I was living.”
- And looking ahead to his new challenge, Gorham added: “Things are ticking at Rangers already.
- “It is a famous club that I have always rated and Loftus Road is a wonderful stadium for football.
- “Whether we can finish above Ipswich is something we shall have to wait and see, but I wish Ipswich well.
- “They are a lovely club with lovely fans, but now it is time for me to move on.”
- Gorman would not be drawn on whether QPR would be coming in for any current Ipswich players, but those who new manager Roy Keane is happy to release will no doubt come under the Magilton/Gorman spotlight.
- “After my world came crashing down, it is nice to be back,” said Gorman, an ex-Celtic player.
- “But I can't get my head round being at a club called Rangers. It will always be QPR for me!” EADT
Coventry Evening Telegraph/Andy Turner - Chris Coleman turns down QPR offer
-COVENTRY CITY boss Chris Coleman has laughed off suggestions that he is favourite to take over as manager of home town club Swansea City FC - after turning down moneybags QPR.
- City chairman Ray Ranson revealed last night that Coleman also turned down the opportunity to switch to Queens Park Rangers.
- The billionaire London club last week asked permission to speak to Coleman about the vacancy at Loftus Road.
- But Coleman said he was wasn’t interested in a return to London and Rangers opted for former Ipswich manager Jim Magilton instead....
- Ranson said: “QPR’s chairman Gianni Paladini approached us last week and asked for permission to speak to Chris and I said ‘no’. I spoke to Chris and he said he wasn’t interested in going anywhere....
June 13, 2009
QPR Vice Chairman Bhatia re Magilton and QPR Prospects
- QPR Official Site -
"...-- Turning his attentions to the recent appointment of Jim Magilton, Bhatia said: "We were very hands-on with this.
- "We believe we have learned from our mistakes over the last year, and I hope that experience has taught us some good things.
- "Jim is very positive and bullish, and I believe he is the right man for the job.
- "When everyone in the squad is fit we have a pretty formidable team, so I am really excited about next season.
- "This is a very important year for us and we understand that." QPR
Kilburn Times - Ali Russell 'Right man to take the club forward'
- QPR are hoping the arrival of new manager Jim Magilton will win over sceptical fans who have yet to sign up for next season.
- Fewer than two thirds of last year's season ticket holders had renewed their seats ahead of last week's announcement that the former Ipswich boss would succeed Paulo Sousa at Loftus Road.
- But that uncertainty has been eased by the appointment of Magilton, who is expected to confirm John Gorman, the ex-England assistant manager, as his number two later this week.
- Rangers' deputy managing director Ali Russell told the Times: "The board feel that Jim is the right man to take the club forward. He's got experience and a good understanding of this league and we're really excited that he's joined us.
"I think there's no doubt that confirming who the manager is, what shape the team's going to be in next year, who's coming and who's going, are aspects of the game that excite fans.
"That excitement, we're hoping, will build and build towards the start of the season and people will want to go out and make their commitment to getting involved next year.
"This time last year we'd only just launched season tickets for the season ahead and we're now far ahead of where we've ever been at this stage of the summer.
"I personally appreciate the commitment people are making - the support we're getting from season ticket holders helps us to remain ambitious and go for what we want, which is promotion to the Premier League.
"One of the first things Jim will do is sit down with the board, look at the team and look at his needs and talk through that very logically with them."
Rangers finally settled on their man almost two months after Sousa's sacking and the 40-year-old Ulsterman becomes the eighth person to take charge of the team since Ian Holloway was dismissed in 2006.
Interestingly, Magilton - who played for Oxford, Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich - is the first of them since John Gregory to hold the title of manager rather than coach.
A key player in the Ipswich side that won promotion to the Premier League under George Burley and qualified for Europe in successive years, Magilton hung up his boots to take over the manager's role from Joe Royle back in 2006.
The Tractor Boys finished mid-table in each of his three seasons at the helm, narrowly missing the play-offs in 2008 and failing to improve on that last year, which resulted in his sacking in April.
Passing football was always one of the hallmarks of Magilton's Ipswich sides, though - and the new boss should find it easier to reproduce that at Loftus Road once the new pitch is completed.
"QPR have always played attractive football and a key part of that is having a good surface," added Russell. "But we had some horrendous weather conditions last year.
"That, coupled with heavy usage, is bound to affect the pitch. So we're spending significant funds on having it redeveloped and dealing with some components that have been problematic over a number of years.
"We need to get the surface up to scratch and protect it - and we have moved the reserves away from Loftus Road for the coming year to give the pitch as much of a break as possible.
"We want to be able to use the pitch at the end of the season for different organisations and fan groups and that's all part of being a club for our local community, giving people an opportunity to play there. Kilburn Times
The London Informer/Paul Warburton
I'm the gaffer... so stay out of the dressing room' says Magilton
JIM Magilton only agreed to become QPR boss if chairman Flavio Briatore agreed to give him full control of team matters.
The new man at the helm insists he will brook no interference in team selection or even take advice - and thus demanded the title 'manager' rather than 'coach' when he took over last week.
The difference marked an important shift of emphasis for the former Ipswich s upremo, who was well aware Briatore often wanted a say in team matters with the three previous coaches over the last two seasons.
It's an open secret that the chairman even gave a team talk when then manager Luigi Di Canio was absent on compassionate leave, and the issue was a stumbling block that delayed the appointment of the ex-Northern Ireland international until last Wednesday.
Briatore even demanded half-time team changes in a match last season when he was away on Formula One duty - but Magilton will have none of that during his tenure.
Instead, he and new assistant John Gorman will have total control of team selection - although it may be too late to stop the sale of £2m Dexter Blackstock to Nottingham Forest.
An insider close to the Rangers forward said: "Dex wants to go there because he felt very much at home - and also, he's going to get a pretty decent pay rise."
Rangers will shop in Europe for a new striker as all others on the domestic want-list are out of Rangers' price range.
A source said: "Practically every manager candidate said there was not much wrong with the squad they might inherit - and Jim was one of those.
"Rangers do need another forward, however - and when you see that former target Fraizer Campbell has gone to Hull for £6m - the club may need to look abroad."
It's also on the cards that Magilton will offer Gareth Ainsworth a loan deal elsewhere - and allow the ex-caretaker boss to enjoy a last season on the pitch while studying for his coaching badges and a permanent job as a manager in the future. London Informer
Dave McIntyre/BBC 606 - Change in the air- John Gorman’s expected arrival as assistant manager is likely to be one of several changes Jim Magilton makes during his first weeks at QPR.
- Gorman worked alongside Magilton at Ipswich and will be offered the chance to join him at Rangers when the Scot returns from a trip abroad.
- Best known for working as Glenn Hoddle’s right-hand man with England, Gorman also brings a wealth of experience as a coach and manager at various clubs.
- He is one of the most well-liked people in the game. Everyone I’ve heard speak about him likes the man very much.
- His personality could be an asset for Rangers and make him a popular figure among players and fans.
- Former Rangers player Simon Barker, who almost signed for Swindon when Gorman was their manager, is just one of many people who have talked about him in glowing terms.
- Gorman’s imminent appointment means Gareth Ainsworth’s future at the club is in doubt.
- Whether Ainsworth is offered a place among the coaching staff remains to be seen.
- He still has a year of his contract as a player left to run and one option is a loan move to another club, where he could undoubtedly still perform.
- But Ainsworth also has a definite taste for management after filling in following the sackings of Iain Dowie and Paulo Sousa. He clearly faces an important decision in the near future.
- Ainsworth is a big favourite with fans and the board, and has often been a useful bridge between the two.
- The top brass were keen to keep him in a prominent role when a new manager/coach was appointed. There was even talk that he would effectively be in joint charge if Gigi De Canio returned.
- But during four meetings with Magilton, he made it clear to them that he wanted Gorman alongside him.
- Despite Ainsworth’s popularity, Magilton’s insistence that Gorman be appointed made a good impression.
- The reason is simple. Sousa’s sidekick, Bruno Oliveira, was not popular with some inside the club, and his youth and perceived inexperience was the cause of some consternation.
- It meant Magilton pushed the right buttons by saying he wanted to work with the experienced Gorman.
- Magilton was also adamant that his title – and more importantly his agreed role – was to be manager and not coach, unlike his three predecessors.
- Many people will want to know if this means taking over responsibility for signing players from sporting director Gianni Paladini.
- The answer, strictly speaking, is yes.
- But this itself will not necessarily mean a major change of direction. More on that another time.
- There is also an agreement – in principle at least – to help the manager improve the club’s weak youth and scouting systems.
- This would be the biggest indication that Briatore and co are now willing to let a British-style manager have overall control of football matters.
- But it isn’t just a question of control. There’s also the question of funding, because any significant behind-the-scenes changes would cost money without an obvious short-term return.
- Persuading owners who know little about football and are looking to limit costs to now invest in neglected areas of the club may not be easy.
- Time will tell what changes Magilton and his backroom team are able to make.
- He should at least get the opportunity to bring in a chief scout, which would be a significant and long overdue step forward.
- Rangers were already discussing the possibility of installing a chief scout or head of recruitment prior to Sousa’s exit, and a number of possible candidates were spoken to.
- It was later thought the appointment would be particularly relevant if De Canio returned or another foreign coach was hired, given their limited knowledge of British-based players.
- And even if there isn't another addition to the staff, Rangers should be stronger on the scouting front following Gorman’s arrival.
- Gorman’s background, which includes a spell as Southampton’s chief scout, means he is well connected and very much part of the football network QPR have too often been detached from in recent years. BBC606
EADT/Elvin King - Gorman Talking About QPR
- JOHN Gorman will be confirmed Queens Park Rangers' assistant manager within the ....- “I have not signed a contract yet, but have a meeting at the club on Monday,” said Gorman, who was shown around Loftus Road yesterday. “Jim Magilton deserves to be back in management, and I am delighted to be continuing My Tuchusociation with him.
- “We are looking ahead with confidence to the 2009/10 campaign and will be making a big note of the matches against Ipswich when the fixture list is published next week It was disappointing the way things ended for me - and Jim - at Ipswich, and I was back in the town on Wednesday picking up my belongings from the house where I was living.”
- And looking ahead to his new challenge, Gorham added: “Things are ticking at Rangers already.
- “It is a famous club that I have always rated and Loftus Road is a wonderful stadium for football.
- “Whether we can finish above Ipswich is something we shall have to wait and see, but I wish Ipswich well.
- “They are a lovely club with lovely fans, but now it is time for me to move on.”
- Gorman would not be drawn on whether QPR would be coming in for any current Ipswich players, but those who new manager Roy Keane is happy to release will no doubt come under the Magilton/Gorman spotlight.
- “After my world came crashing down, it is nice to be back,” said Gorman, an ex-Celtic player.
- “But I can't get my head round being at a club called Rangers. It will always be QPR for me!” EADT
Coventry Evening Telegraph/Andy Turner - Chris Coleman turns down QPR offer
-COVENTRY CITY boss Chris Coleman has laughed off suggestions that he is favourite to take over as manager of home town club Swansea City FC - after turning down moneybags QPR.
- City chairman Ray Ranson revealed last night that Coleman also turned down the opportunity to switch to Queens Park Rangers.
- The billionaire London club last week asked permission to speak to Coleman about the vacancy at Loftus Road.
- But Coleman said he was wasn’t interested in a return to London and Rangers opted for former Ipswich manager Jim Magilton instead....
- Ranson said: “QPR’s chairman Gianni Paladini approached us last week and asked for permission to speak to Chris and I said ‘no’. I spoke to Chris and he said he wasn’t interested in going anywhere....