Lofty Heights... 'Ohhh Bobby Zamooooora!!!'

A look at Queens Park Rangers F.C. through the eyes of the fans - follow us on twitter @loftyheights70, @LoftyQPR and @qprleeroy








Monday, February 26, 2007

Thanks for Sweet F.A.


The start of a new week and surprise surprise - more bad publicity as the FA have today charged QPR under rule E20 (again) following the training ground fight with the Chinese Under 23 Olympic side last month.

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It is suprising really that the FA have come down heavy on us yet again, seeing as the match in question was a non FA sanctioned match. But in saying that, this is QPR we are talking about - a Club that the FA decide to charge when their keeper gets assaulted by a Stoke fan at the Brittania Stadium. Stoke City however, get let off the hook!

It must also be mentioned that the representatives for the Chinese team accepted full responsibility for the incident and the Chinese FA have dropped all charges.

Hey, but as I said, we are QPR...

Let's see what the FA do with regards to the melee at the Carling Cup Fina
l yesterday? I bet it's not nearly as much as we are going to get fined?

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Many Happy Returns...


QPR 1-1 Plymouth

Ian Holloway's long awaited return to Loftus Road ended all square and although the result was disappointing, it was a spirited performance from the R's. Despite recieving a warm welcome from the home fans, 'Ollie' kept his return pretty much low key - arriving in the dugout just seconds before the kick off to avoid the mass ranks of photographers and very rarely venturing into his techincal area throughout the match. However the two rival managers did find time for a 'YMCA' type dance routine...

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Onto the game and the first half was a scrappy affair. But Rangers should have been ahead as soon as the first minute when Blackstock who fired straight at McCormick. The rebound fell to makeshift striker Lee Cook who's shot was tipped away by the keeper. Unable to capitalise on the fast start, Rangers were behind in the 32nd minute when Nalis headed home Ebanks-Blake's flick on.

Rangers battled hard to get back into the game and after an Ainsworth chance was deflected wide and a penalty appeal turned down, we finally had a piece of good fortune on 59 minutes. McCormick fumbled the ball under pressure and Lee Cook fired home at the second attempt to level the scores.


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To be fair, it looked like the keeper was fouled and 9 times out of 10, the decision would go against you. But after recent bad luck, especially at the Southampton game, it was a huge relief when the referee pointed to the centre circle.

There was now only one team in it as Rangers went for the winner. But as the clock ticked down, McCormick denied us again as substitute Paul Furlong's effort cannoned of his legs. Minutes later, Furlong had the ball in the net only to see it ruled out for an offside decision that looked somewhat marginal to say the least.

QPR: Camp,Cullip, Bolder, Ainsworth, Rowlands (Furlong 79), Lomas, Cook, Stewart, Timoska, Blackstock, Mancienne. Subs: Cole, Kanyuka, Jones, Smith.

Lofty's Man of the Match - Adam Bolder

So at the end of the day, it was a disappointing result, but you couldn't knock the R's fighting spirit to get back into the game. Fortunately, other results were kind to us again, but home games are now becoming must win matches if we are to avoid the dreaded drop. Sadly, you have to say that today was a missed opportunity...

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

A Point Won, or Two Lost?


Leeds 0-0 QPR

Rangers finally got something from yet another 'six pointer' with a deserved draw at Elland Road. But maybe, it could have been all three?


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I know I have said this before, but whatever inspires the FA to arrange for London teams to travel to Yorkshire midweek is beyond me. Not for the first time this season, work commitments amongst other things, meant that I had to give this one a miss tonight. So, it was the BBC London commentary in which in my experience, is often more painful to listen too than actually watching the game.

I also had Sky Sports News on to catch the other goings on and it ultimately led to mixed conclusions. The BBC favoured Rangers, saying that we were by far the better side, Leeds were average and the game was there to be won. However, when Sky reported from Elland Road, it was Leeds that were well on top and creating all the chances!

Either way, I would have definitely taken a point before kick off so I am reasonably happy. But being unbiased as I am, I will go along with the BBC London opinion. By all accounts it was a dogged and determined Rangers display and one that was much improved on the Roots Hall showing.

QPR: Camp,Cullip, Bolder, Ainsworth, Rowlands, Lomas, Cook, Stewart, Timoska, Blackstock, Mancienne. Subs: Cole, Kanyuka, Furlong, Jones, Smith.

Saturday, February 17, 2007

FA Cup Day Off Part 2(cont.)


I realise that Rangers need to sort out their own form rather than rely on other results - but I must just say, that despite not playing, this weekend's results have been pretty damn good to us...

Sunderland 4-0 Southend
Southampton 5-2 Barnsley
Cardiff 1-0 Leeds
Stoke 0-0 Luton


All in a weekend that also saw Loan Rangers - Kevin Gallen(Plymouth), Tommy Doherty(Wycombe) and Nick Ward(Brighton) all hit the target for their clubs.

Friday, February 16, 2007

FA Cup Weekend Off Part 2...


Well, seeing as we haven't had a match this week, or indeed tomorrow, it has been another normal, crazy week at Loftus Road with the usual ups and downs - Lee Camp signing on loan shortly after Simon Royce's seaside shocker - JG's number 2, Richard Hill suspended from the Club following investigations after the 'Great Brawl of China' - and a player that I am pretty sure no one knew existed, Taku Watanabe having his contract terminated.

Following that, there was an article posted in the Independent entitled 'The Crazy World of QPR'. An interesting, if not worrying read, brought about something in the opening paragraph that just sums us up perfectly...


If Wimbledon were the "Crazy Gang", what are Queen's Park Rangers? Try the maddest club in world football!

Independent Article

Monday, February 12, 2007

Welcome Back Lee!!


A HUGE Welcome Back to 22 year old keeper, Lee Camp, who has signed on loan today.


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Lee, who played a massive part in our promotion season 2003/2004, has put pen to paper on an initial 3 month deal.

WELCOME BACK LEE!!

Friday, February 09, 2007

Disgraceful...


Southend 5-0 QPR

Just as we thought this week couldn't get any worse...

Last week's victory, that gave everyone a lift seems a distant memory tonight as we came crashing back down to earth with the most almighty thud! Rangers yet again saved a diabolical performance for the Sky cameras and yet another 'six pointer' defeat.

An injury to my foot meant that I had to be sensible, take the docs advice and give this one a miss. The fact that it was on TV made it a bit more bearable but the biggest drawback of all, was that I had to sit through all of the replays! PK travelled to Roots Hall with young Phil who bought my ticket from me and to be honest, I am thinking of giving him his money back!

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Southend took the lead on 9 minutes in a half they dominated. A somewhat dodgy backpass from Lomas was met by Royce who blasted the ball against Bradbury and into the net. Despite the hosts domination, Rangers had a definite penalty turned away after Cook was clearly tripped in the box. Not for the first time this season, a poor decision had cost Rangers dearly.

Onto the second half and although Rangers started to up the tempo, the game changed drastically on 69 minutes. Timoska went off, Rehman came on and the defence became a shambles and I don't think I need to go on from here.

QPR: Royce, Cullip (Jones 78), Bolder, Ainsworth (booked), Rowlands, Lomas, Cook, Stewart, Timoska (Rehman 69), Blackstock, Mancienne Subs: Cole, Nygaard, Smith

Lofty's Man of the Match - Dexter Blackstock

It remains to be seen if we are still out of the bottom three of the Championship by five o'clock tomorrow. But to be honest, we deserve to be there!

At this point, I must just give credit to Southend United tonight. They fought for every ball, they won every tackle, they never stopped working and basically wanted it more! They gave the type of performance that you would expect from a side fighting against relegation.


©LOFTY

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

The Chinese Way???


QPR XI A-A China U23

A behind closed doors 'friendly' at Harlington was abandoned today due to a mass brawl in which the Police were called in to seperate the players and coaching staff of both sides.

A brief article from the Ealing Gazette reads as follows;


QPR in training ground brawl with Chinese

Mayhem at Harlington as fight forces abandonement of 'friendly'


By David McIntyre

A game between a QPR XI and the China U23 side ended in violent chaos on Wednesday.

Police were called after the match at QPR's Harlington training ground was abandoned following a mass brawl in which a Chinese player was knocked unconscious.

He was taken by ambulance to hospital with a suspected broken jaw.

One onlooker said: "I've never seen anything like it in my life. There were punches, kung-fu kicks and all sorts. It was absolute mayhem."

The match was refereed by Premiership official Dermot Gallagher, who is set to compile a report for the Football Association.


As yet, it is unclear of specific players etc involved. By all accounts, Rangers were leading 2-1 at the time of the abandonment.

There have also been reports of trouble when the Chinese side played a Chelsea XI earlier this month.

Somehow, I don't think we have heard the last of this one just yet.


©LOFTY

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Changing Fortunes?


QPR 3-1 Burnley

Rangers made their stay in the bottom three a temporary one with an impressive victory over Burnley. For not the first time this season, the report is being written on a Sunday morning. Yes, with a hangover and yes, after watching the Championship on ITV. But this time, it was to enjoy the Rangers goals rather than be watching for bad refereeing decisions. The hangover was obtained after the gang moved the celebrations to the excellent Dog Chewed the Handle gig at the Brook House.

Despite the doom and gloom after the Barnsley defeat, there seemed to be quite a positive spin amongst the gang. Although not entirely deliberate, we changed our pre match pub to the Queen Adelaide rather than the British Queen to perhaps, change the routine and bring a change of luck too. A change which was also evident as inside the stadium, Rangers had swapped dugouts too!

Well whatever changed yesterday, it was definitely for the better as Rangers put in a fine performance that belied our lowly position. The formation, which was officially a 3-4-3 baffled everyone at times, but if it works with these results, who cares?

Lee Cook gave Rangers the lead on 13 minutes with a neat finish into the bottom corner after a through ball from Bolder. However the lead lasted just five minutes when McCann levelled the scores for Burnley. The half time score was probably about fair. But the second half was all Rangers!


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Cook's corner was headed home by Blackstock on 55 minutes and despite having several more chances to extend the lead, we had to wait until the 72nd minute to make the game safe with another set piece. Rowland's corner was headed home by Corporate's favourite player, Steve Lomas and at last, Rangers positive play had been rewarded.

QPR: Royce, Cullip, Bolder, Ainsworth, Rowlands, Lomas, Cook, Stewart, Timoska, Blackstock, Mancienne. Subs: Cole, Rehman, Nygaard, Jones, Smith.

Lofty's Man of the Match - so many to choose from today. The 3 new boys Timoska, Cullip and Bolder had fine games. Blackstock's usual tireless perormance was rewarded with a goal. But for a fine goal, an assist and a constant threat going forward, the man of the match for me was Lee Cook.

Rangers were the only team in the bottom eight to win and this was a much needed three points for everyone when we all needed a lift. It is heart warming to sit here and write about not only the win, but such a good performance - I like it and it MUST continue!!


©LOFTY