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








Thursday, May 22, 2008

Could NOT Resist This One...


Thursday, May 15, 2008

Paying the Price??


Well, if you don't know by now, the QPR Season Ticket prices have today been released with what is a HUGE increase. I can only speak personally, but me and the gang sit in the Upper Loft, which is now being classed as a 'GOLD' season ticket area.

I, along with most fans expected an increase and we were being assured by the new investors, that they would be minimal - this wasn't just a rumour, this came from the QPR AGM a month or so ago. In saying that, they also said that about the new badge?!? However, I find an increase of £200 for my seat, a rise of 50%, totally disgusting!!

Over the past few weeks, we have continually heard the 'New Era' thing coming from the club, but do they mean 'New Fans' as well? Gone are the early bird prices to encourage fans to buy early at a discount price. Instead, us loyal fans who have held season tickets for numbers of years, have just 3 weeks to pay, else your seat will be released.

I could continue to write about this, but fear that the article will resemble War and Peace when I have finished. But in summary, QPR have kicked all of the their loyal fans that have stood by this club in its darkest days, firmly in the privates with this price hike.

It's not all bad though, with the extra money, we will now have our name put on our seats at no further cost... Fantastic!!

Thank You QPR!

Welcome Matteo Alberti...


QPR have completed their third signing of the summer today, with Italian Matteo Alberti signing from Chievo Verona.



The 19 year old right winger has signed a four year deal at Loftus Road for a fee, said by the Italian media to be in the region of 400,000 euros.

As part of the deal, Rangers will face Chievo at Loftus Road on Saturday August 2 2008.

GOOD LUCK Matteo and WELCOME TO QPR!!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Welcome Iain Dowie


Following the departure of Luigi De Canio last week, QPR have moved to appoint Iain Dowie as First Team Coach.



Dowie, who returns to Loftus Road following spells as a player and caretaker manager, has signed a 2 year contract with the R's.

GOOD LUCK Iain and WELCOME TO QPR!!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Welcome Two New R's...


Peter Ramage and Radek Cerny are the first two new signings of the summer, joining from Newcastle and Slavia Prague respectively.

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Defender Ramage has agreed a 3 year deal with the R's and keeper Cerny, who has been on loan at Tottenham for 18 months, has agreed a 2 year contract.

Good Luck Peter and Radek and WELCOME TO QPR!!

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Ciao e Grazie Molte, Luigi De Canio...




Luigi De Canio has today left QPR, by mutual consent...

De Canio took over in November from caretaker boss, Mick Harford, this following the end of John Gregory's reign which had left us propping up the Championship table. He had previous spells at Udinese, Napoli, Reggina, Genoa and Siena on his CV and from the bottom, guided us to 14th place and mid table safety and had the R's playing some decent, attractive football along the way, albeit spending a few bob too.

QPR also have also stated that they will be announce a successor in "due course". At this stage, it is strongly believed to be an English manager that has Championship experience. Here we go again...

I would like to thank Gigi for a VERY enjoyable 7 months and everything he has done at QPR. I wish him all the very best of success in the future!

Monday, May 05, 2008

Quite a Finish...


QPR 0-2 West Brom

Rangers last game of the season ended in defeat as West Brom clinched the title at Loftus Road, in a game that turned sour following yet another poor refereeing decision.


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Firstly, an apology for the report being so late on arrival, but after the game, the gang descended on the Champagne Suite, Novotel, Hammersmith for the QPR Player of the Year Dinner and Dance. A great time was had by all, but a 4.30am finish has meant today was spent mainly recovering. More on this later...

Back to the game and it was very much seen as a celebration of a new era at Loftus Road and despite various ridiculous rumours prior to the game, the club's new badge/crest/logo was displayed to the fans beforehand by Flavio Briatore, who was joined by former R's legends - Les Ferdinand, Stan Bowles, Gerry Francis and Paul Parker.


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With QPR and West Brom, you get two sides that like to play good football and the Baggies had earned a deserved promotion for a great season. With chances for both sides, there was a cracking game of football on display, until the 37th minute when the referee decided to put a stop to it with a quite scandalous decision to send off R's Captain, Martin Rowlands for a foul on Johnathan Greening.

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Yes, it was a foul, but was no more than a slightly mis timed tackle which surely a stern telling off and a yellow card would have been common sense. But no, out came the red card and Rangers had to take on the league leaders with 10 men. The fact that Greening, a player that I 'once' admired, rolled around as though he had been shot didn't help matters and the midfielder was deservedly booed by the R's faithful for the remainder of the game.

Rangers continued to work hard but after Kim put Albion ahead on 52 minutes with a close range header, it was always going to be a tall order for the R's and the Baggies began to get well on top. Chris Brunt scored a delightful free kick on 77 minutes to clinch the 3 points and indeed, the title for West Bromwich Albion and our congratulations go to them.

QPR: Camp, Delaney, Mahon, Mancienne, Blackstock, Ainsworth, Rowlands, Connolly, Ephraim (Rose 80), Rehman, Balanta (Leigertwood 38). Subs: Cole, Barker, Lee.

Lofty's Man of the Match - Gareth Ainsworth - At the heart of everything good that QPR did. Very unlucky to be on the losing side

It was actually pleasing to see that the Championship Trophy was presented to Albion after the game and Rangers fans also showed their appreciation for the new and much deserved, Champions. But it was a great shame that what was, a great game of football was spoiled by a poor refereeing decision.

As mentioned, from the game it was onto the Novotel, Hammersmith for the Player of the Year do and despite a slightly disappointing meal, a good night was had by all.


Roll of Honour:

Supporters' Player of the Year - Martin Rowlands

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Supporters' Young Player of the Year - Michael Mancienne

Ray Jones Players' Player of the Year - Martin Rowlands

Kiyan Prince Goal of the Season - Akos Buzsaky

Community Commitment Award - Zesh Rehman

After the awards and a well deserved honour for Martin Rowlands, there was chance to mingle with the players for photos etc and all in all, I was more than pleased with the ones I managed to get, including one of myself and R's boss, Luigi De Canio. Sadly, I let Corp take the photo...


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May I just say, that it was retaken successfully :o)

Finally, one of the highlights of the evening for me, was a great speech from Club Captain, Gareth Ainsworth about the late Ray Jones, followed by a video of Ray's goals and various other footage. Ray's Mother also said a few words before presenting the players player award that has been dedicated to him.


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Ray Jones 1988 - 2007


'those we have held close to our hearts, will be there forever.' - Lofty


Rest In Peace