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, December 30, 2010

R's on the Road To.......... Norwich City.


On New Years Day the R's travel to high flying Norwich in search of a win to kick start the New Year and follow on from the two fantastic results from the busy Xmas schedule.
Here are a few hints and tips for those travelling fans on Saturday.

Club History.

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Norwich were formed in 1902 and originally played their home matches at Newmarket Road until 1908 before moving on to Rosary Road which was originally a disused chalk pit until the new home was built there. In 1935 that ground was no longer big enough due to the rising numbers of crowds so their current home at Carrow Road was built and has remained the home of the club.
In 1917, with the First World War meaning that football was suspened, the clubs spiralling debts meant that they entered voluntary liquidation but in 1919 the club was reformed and in 1920 the club re-joined the Football League when the new Third Division was formed.
Norwich’s first trophy came when they won the Third Division in the 1933/34 season, a trophy that they won once again last season on their way back to The Championship.
Norwich have also won The League Cup on two occasions in 1962 and 1985 as well as being Champions in the second tier on three separate occasions, the last success being on their way back to the Premiership in the 2003/04 season.
Norwich were inaugural members of the Premier league in 1992 and lead the league for most of the season but faltered in the final weeks of the season and ended up finishing third behind Champions Man United and Runners Up Aston Villa. This did secure a UEFA Cup place for the club and in the second round of the competition the clubs greatest result in their history was achieved as Norwich defeated Bayern Munich 2-1 at the Olympic Stadium. Norwich are still the only English team to beat Bayern Munich at the Olympic Stadium.

The Stadium.

Current capacity – 27,033

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The ground has virtually been re-built since the 1980’s as all four sides of the ground have new stands.
Norwich moved into Carrow Road in 1935. The ground was the largest construction job in the City Centre since Norwich Castle and was built miraculously in only 82 days! An aerial photograph from August 1935 shows three sides of open terracing and a covered stand, with a Colman's Mustard advertisement painted on its roof, visible only from the air.
The South Stand was the final piece of the reconstruction puzzle and was completed in 2005. This is where the away fans are housed.
The South Stand holds 8,000 fans with an allocation of 2,500 usually going to the visiting supporters.
The Stand has an unusual feature with having not one, but three TV gantries. The stand is very impressive and the views of the pitch are completely unobstructed.
The atmosphere that is generated is usually pretty good and this will be probably one of the most enjoyable away days of the season.

The History between the teams.

At Norwich City (57)

Norwich 31
QPR 9
Draw 17

Rangers’ have never enjoyed travelling to Norwich much over the years and having won there only 9 times in 57 attempts, the stats definitely confirms this.
The R’s enjoyed their last trip to Carrow road in 2008 when they were 1-0 victors courtesy of a Martin Rowlands goal, despite having been reduced to ten men with just 25 minutes gone as Matt Connolly was sent off for two bookable offences.
Before this victory Rangers’ last success at Carrow Road was in a Premiership fixture in 1994 with the final score being a 4-3 to the Superhoops, my how times change!

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How to get there.

By Car: - The postcode for Carrow Road is NR1 1JE.
Leave the M25 at junction 27 and head up the M11. Leave the M11 at junction 9 and merge onto the A11. Continue down the A11 for about 50 miles and then when you get to a roundabout with a junction for the A47. 5 miles up the road at the traffic lights branch left onto the A146. From here the ground is well signposted and you will come across a number of car parks.
The best place to park is the Norfolk County Hall, it is well signposted and is at the bottom of the A146. It costs about £3 to park here. Its advised that you get there for about 1pm to secure a decent parking spot and by 2pm its usually full so get there early to avoid disappointment,

By Train: - The ground is a 5-10 minute walk from the station. From the station turn left and head for the Morrisons supermarket and you should see the ground behind that.


Pubs 'n' Grub.

There are a number of pubs that are situated between the train station and the ground that welcome all fans, in fact you could do a pub crawl before you get to the ground, thats how many pubs there are!
The traditional away fans pub is the ‘Compleat Angler’ pub which is by the river, opposite the train station.
Also there’s a new complex called Riverside that has a number of eating outlets inside as well as having a Wetherspoons inside as well.

Moen to Rangers'.


Today QPR have announced the signing of highly rated Petter Vaagan Moen from SK Brann on a free transfer.

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The 26 year old's contract at the Norwegian club expires on 31st December so he will officially become an R's players once international clearance is received.
Moen signs on a two and a half year deal.

Moen started his career at Ham-Kam in 2001 and gained a reputation for his great crossing and free kick ability which attracted a number of the big clubs in Norway.
In 2005 SK Brann sealed the signing of Moen for £1 million.
Moen has gone on the represent Norway at U21 and has also received full honours in 2006. He has now got 7 caps for his country, scoring 1 goal.

Moen scored 15 goals in 27 appearances for Brann during the course of the season that has just passed and Moen has attracted a number of clubs but luckily Neil Warnock has been lucky enough to snap up the midfielder, who can play anywhere across the midfield.


Welcome to Loftus Road Petter, we hope you enjoy much success with us!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Rangers Walk it...


Coventry 0-2 QPR

Rangers got back on the road after the magnificent 4-0 victory against Swansea on Boxing Day as they travelled to Coventry City. Could the R's end their TV nightmare with a second win over the festive period? We were about to find out.

It was me that took the wheel on this occasion early on today and picked up PK, Jenson and Lofty before making the jorney up the M1 and M6. We arrived in good time to taste what has to be some of the worst pies on offer in any ground.

Neil Warnock named an unchanged side as we looked to finally win on TV again...

In an unspectacular first half it was Rangers' that enjoyed the most of the creative possession yet it was Coventry that had the best chances, only to be denied by two fantastic saves by Paddy Kenny.

It was the R's that had the opening chance as Taarabt flashed an effort past the post in the opening minutes. When Coventry were in possession the ball spent most of the time in orbit collecting a fresh batch of snow. Marlon King was at the heart of a lot of stick from the R's travelling support with some cracking songs being sung about him, referring to his past midemeanours. Those who were there will know what we are talking about...

It was Coventry then that had two efforts superbly saved by Paddy Kenny and then Alejandro Faurlin cleared a header off the line as Coventry were causing problems with corners and crosses into the box. Jamie Mackie had the final effort of the half as he found space in the box and his half volley flew just wide of the post.

Half time saw the gang relax on the concourse as Matt joined us in the stand for a quick chat before the second half started and we braced ourselves for what would hopefully be a better half.

Rangers started the half with a fresh and more attacking approach and it was this that led to Rangers' taking the lead. Kyle Walker attacked down the right hand side and passed two defenders before having space to run on towards goal and was given space to smash a shot in at the near post and it hit Westwood's face before rustling the back of the net.



This gave the R's the impetus to drive forward and limited Coventry to hopeful balls that were easily dealt with by the R's back four. Soon it was 2-0. The more team friendly, Adel Taarabt was the creator with a superb cross to Tommy Smith and he flicked the ball into the far corner to give the R's a deserved 2-0 lead. The R's continued to press and just couldn't extend their lead and ended the half as they started, on top.



Another solid performance by Rangers saw us continue to do the basics correctly and create chances a plenty. Things are certainly getting back on track!


QPR: Kenny, Hill, Derry, Taarabt (Rowlands 84), Helguson (Orr 89), Faurlin, Mackie, Gorkss, Walker, Connolly, Smith (Clarke 80). Subs: Cerny, Agyemang, Hulse, Tofas.

Man of the Match - was an easy one for us today as Kyle Walker showed his Premiership credentials and hopefully we will push to make him a permanent signing.

So, with the last game in 2010 ending on a high note, all of us at Lofty Heights would like to wish each and every one of you a VERY Happy New Year!! The R's are starting the New Year, Top of the League and 7 points clear! Not a bad way to kick off 2011...

Come on You R'sssss!!!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

QPR Deliver Three Points for Christmas...


QPR 4-0 Swansea

After two straight defeats, QPR delivered their fans the perfect Christmas Present, with a 4-0 Boxing Day win over fellow high flyers, Swansea at Loftus Road.

All of us Lofty Heights hope you all had a great Christmas!!



Due to the lunchtime kick off time, the gang arrived earlier than normal to the Springbok, some inside keeping warm and some outside braving the elements. Unfortunately, we were without Jenson due to illness, get well soon mate and California Hoop as one of the twins was taken ill - we did actually think at one point, due to his past record, that he actually thought it was a 3pm kick off and was sitting at home with his feet up before setting off...

We got into the ground just in time to see the R's take the field in what was, on paper, a tough looking fixture. But in fairness, despite the scoreline, it wasn't all one way traffic and the visitors went close with efforts from Sinclair and Beattie. But on 16 minutes, the R's went in front - Taarabt skipped past two Swans defenders to cue up the unmarked Jamie Mackie who fired a low 20-yard shot just inside Swans keeper De Vries' right-hand post and brought his barren spell to an end with his 9th of the season.




Three minutes later found both sides down to ten men - Kyle Walker pushed on from full back, beating 4 players before being brought down by tate on his way to goal. Handbags soon followed and Tate and Clint Hill, were both shown their marching orders, a decision of which Neil Warnock has stated he will appeal against. From where we were sitting, it was unclear as to what exactly happened and will have another look at the Football League show later - no doubt a certain Mr Claridge will completely justify the sending off of the Rangers man.

Rangers had two good chances to extend their lead through Taarabt and Helguson before the break, but the R's went in at the break one goal to the good.

The second half started slowly but as time ticked on, Adel Taarabt started to run the show and fed Kyle Walker with a superb pass. Walker cut inside but sadly, his shot was blocked, it would have been a sublime goal. The second goal though, wasn't long in coming - Taarabt once again, skipped into the area but was brought down by Williams and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot - Heidar Helguson stepped up and cooly sent the keeper the wrong way - 2-0!!




It was game set and match on 70 minutes, when Adel Taarabt got the goal he deserved when he collected Helguson's knock-down to shoot home from the left-hand side, underneath the body of De Vries. The goalkeeper perhaps should have done better, but as mentioned, it was a thoroughly deserved goal from the R's midfielder.

There was nothing De Vries could do ten minutes later - Taarabt nutmegged Allen before then smashing home from 25 yard curler into De Vries' right-hand corner - even though the keeper got a touch. Minutes later, he was denied a hat trick by a superb save - Helguson struck a powerful drive which was pushed away to the keepers right, Taarabt arrived with the follow up but De Vries made a superb recovery to block his close range effort. Martin Rowlands and Rob Hulse combined well late on as the R's went in search of their 5th goal, but it was not to be and the final whistle soon went to send the holiday crowd home extremely happy!!


QPR:
Kenny, Hill, Derry, Taarabt (Rowlands 84), Helguson (Hulse 86), Faurlin, Mackie, Gorkss, Walker, Connolly, Smith (Orr 20). Subs: Cerny, Clarke, Agyemang, Ephraim.

Lofty's Man of the Match - Kyle Walker had a another fine game for the R's and was given the nod by Lee and Sam. Corporate opted for Shaun Derry who was dominant in the R's midfield once again. But the winner by a small majority vote, given by myself, Jo and Pk, is Adel Taarabt.

The Lofty Heights gang will be back on the road on Tuesday for the live TV clash against Coventry at the Ricoh Arena!!

COME ON YOU R'sssssssss!!!

Friday, December 24, 2010

R's on the Road To........... Coventry City.


On Tuesday the R's travel to Coventry in the second festive fixture of the Christmas period looking to build/recover from the Boxing Day win/loss/draw with Swansea.
Here are a few hints and tips to hep you along the way.


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The Stadium.Current Capacity – 32,500.

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Coventry City were formed in 1883 but were originally known as Singers. In 1898 the club changed its name to Coventry City and just one year later they moved to a new home, Highfield Road, after short stints at Dowells Field and Stoke Road.
Highfield Road was the clubs home for 106 years before they moved to the £113 million pound Ricoh Arena complex in August 2005. The clubs first game at the Ricoh Arena was against the R’s and run out comfortable 3-0 winners.
The Ricoh Arena is another one of those bowl style stadiums with three high single tier stands and one very unique looking stand with corporate boxes which backs onto the other stadium facilities that include a casino. The atmosphere is often disappointing and can be hard to drum up any real noise.
The away fans are housed in the Jewson South Stand (opposite Tesco) and 3,000 fans can be seated here. When climbing to the top of the stand, if you desire to, do be careful as the stairs are quite steep.


The History between the teams.
At Coventry City (52)

Coventry 27
QPR 10
Draw 15

In the five fixtures since the Ricoh Arena was opened in 2005 the record stands at Coventry 3, QPR 1 with 1 draw.
The solitary win for the R’s came in April 2007 when Jimmy Smith scored the winning goal in the second half.

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How to get there.
By Car:- The postcode for the ground is CV6 6GE.
Get onto the M6 and leave at Junction 3. Turn left and then left again and you will reach a place for parking in a field. Over 200 spaces are available in here at £5 per car. Another place to park is opposite the field and is next to the Novotel hotel complex, this also costs £5.
From here a 10 minute walk awaits you. Head towards the Novotel and follow the road around into a housing estate and keep walking straight. You will walk through an old looking industrial estate before reaching the top of the hill and seeing the Ricoh Arena in front of you.

By Train:- The train station is over three miles away from the ground and is therefore too far to walk. There is a shuttle bus that runs from the bus station to the Ricoh Arena/Tesco complex every 10 minutes. An adult return ticket will cost around the £3 mark.


Pubs 'n' Grub.
I would recommend The Black Horse Pub for the visit to Coventry. If you park in either of the car parks I have mentioned then it is easy to find. Head in the opposite direction to the Ricoh Arena and walk underneath the M6 and up a hill on the Longford Hill and after 5 minutes you will see the pub on your right hand side.
Beer is served inside the ground for around the £3.20 mark.
With the complex being a complex there aren’t any eating outlets around the ground so burger vans and refreshments inside the stadium will need to be relied upon.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.....


Leeds 2-0 QPR

After last weeks shocking defeat live on tv against Watford, Rangers' had the chance to bounce back but faced a very difficult trip to the Championship's in form team, Leeds United. The Lofty Heights crew were in attendance despite the difficult conditions.

The morning saw an early start as the group decided to leave slightly earlier than originally planned just to allow us plenty of allowance with our journey up to Yorkshire. Sam and myself arrived at Jenson's at 9 and jumped in his car and set off to pick up PK before getting Lofty. The journey started in slight snowy conditions but as we went north the snow covered areas become lesser as the roads were clear, giving us a clear run to Elland Road after a quick stop off for food.

Neil Warnock made a few changes to the team that lost last Friday. Bradley Orr and Rob Hulse came in for Heidar Helguson and the injured Alejandro Faurlin.

Rangers' started off the first half fairly strongly and when Adel Taarabt slipped a shot just past the post even though he had options either side of him which may of led to an easier chance created.
Leeds were content to sit and hold back before hitting the R's and it seemed as if they were targetting Clint Hill down the R's left and Robert Snodgrass made his life incredibly difficult.
It was no surprise when the Leeds goal came that it was created by Snodgrass, he jigged by two R's defenders before seeing his deflected cross float to the back post and Becchio nodded back to Max Gradel who smashed home from close range and gave Paddy Kenny no chance.
Leeds continued to push but Rangers were by no means being outclassed during the first half but failed to create any clear cut chances.

Half time came and there was still optimism within the group as we felt that a draw would be more than achievable and would definitely be a grear result.

The half time interval saw a Rangers' substitution with Fitz Hall coming on for Clint Hill. Hall took his place at centre back meaning Matt Connolly moved to midfield alongside Shaun Derry and Kyle Walker went to left back.
Rangers started the game steadily but again no clear cut chances were being created.
Just as it seemed the R's were taking a foothold on the game Leeds hit Rangers' on the break down the R's right hand side and Fitz Hall insisted on backing off Max Gradel from just inside the half until he entered the 18yard box and allowed the winger to get a shot in which sneaked inside Paddy Kenny's near post. For me it seemed as if Kenny could've done slightly better with the shot but why the hell Hall backed off for so long is beyond me.
Rangers' never recovered from that killer blow and if it wasn't for two fantastic Paddy Kenny saves then the defeat could've been even heavier.
It looked as if Hall picked up another injury with 10minutes of the game left but due to all three subs being used he remained on the pitch hobbling along, so another spell on the sidelines looks immenant.

Take nothing away from Leeds they deserved their victory today and once again we just were not on our game.

Today's Man of the Match is a very difficult one to choose but nominations for Rob Hulse and Paddy Kenny, but Shaun Derry got the unaminous decision with two votes.

Our incredibly difficult journey home was worsened when we were informed that our region down south was covered by over six inches of snow and the countries motorways were gridlocked, making our travel time home unthinkable.
I finish this report in a services just before Northampton and a gridlocked motorway in front of us all, its going to be a long night for us all!!


MERRY CHRISTMAS TO U ALL FROM MYSELF, LOFTY AND ALL THE GANG!!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

R's on the Road To.......... Leeds United.


This Saturday Rangers' take to the road looking to bounce back for the embaressing defeat live on the BBC last week and look to get back to winning ways against in form Leeds United.
here are a few hints and tips if you plan to make the journey to Elland Road.


Club History.

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Leeds were founded in 1919 after Leeds City FC disbanded. Leeds took their place in the Midland League in 1919 before being invited into the Football League in 1920.
In March 1961 the club appointed its greatest ever manager Don Revie and in his first months as manager he saved the club from relegation before guiding the club to promotion into the top flight in the 1963/64 season. From that moment until Revie left the club to manage England, Leeds never finished outside the top four and won two Division One titles, the FA Cup and the League Cup during his tenure.
After Revie’s departure the club suffered disappointment as every manager underachieved, with the exception of a good season under Jimmy Armfield when the club reached the European Cup final but lost out to Bayern Munich. The most famous management bust up was when Brian Clough, who was Revie’s successor, lasted 44days before being shown the door. The movie ‘The Damned United’ was based around this chapter.
It wasn’t until Howard Wilkinson took to the helm in 1988 that Leeds began to be a force in the English Leagues. Wilkinson first guided the club back into the First Division in his first full season in charge in 1989/90. Following a fourth place finish in their first season back in the top flight, Wilkinson then led the club to the First Division title in the 1991/92.
Following that success Wilkinson was unable to follow up that moment of glory and the club and he parted way in 1996.
Following eras of management under George Graham and then David O’Leary, who helped guide the club back into the Champions League, it was the board room that was the focus of the media. Having taken out large loans to secure Champions League status the club began to feel the pinch and Chairman Peter Risdale was forced to sell the club to a consortium led by Gerald Krasner who was himself an insolvency specialist and tried to ease the crippling debt that Leeds were suffering from. Relegation to the Championship only made matters worse for the club.
Ken Bates bought the club in 2004 for £10 million but this was only after the club sold the ground and leased it back for over a 25 year agreement and the clubs training ground was also sold for £4.2 million.
Leeds suffered more disappointment when they missed out on promotion back to the top flight in the 2005/06 season but in 2006/07 Leeds suffered relegation to League One, much to the supporters disbelief.
Simon Grayson finally got the club promoted back to the Championship last season.

The Stadium.

Current capacity – 40,204

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The ground is completely overwhelmed by the newest built stand, the East Stand, which holds over 17,000. The stand was built and opened in time for the 199/93 season. The remaining stands look pretty tired in comparison and are half the size of the East Stand.
Away supporters are housed in the South Stand corner, which doesn’t possess much leg room for the supporter and has very basic facilities inside.
Be aware that its quite frequent that fans are ejected from the ground for swearing without warning. Stewarding can be really harsh so be careful and alert to the power hungry tools in illuminous jackets.

The History between the teams.

At Leeds (22)

Leeds 10
QPR 6
Draw 6

Rangers’ have been unsuccessful in their last three visits to Elland Road and the last time the R’s were successful there was in the R’s final season in the top flight when they won 3-1 in 1995. Two goals from Danny Dichio and a Trevor Sinclair goal were enough to claim all three points on the day.
Before that the R’s last victory came in 1990 when the R’s came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 and former star player Roy Wegerle scored only of the best goals by a player in Hoops when he mesmerised the Leeds defence when he took on half the team before slotting home from 12 yards. That goal is shown in the R’s greatest goals collection and will remain there for many years to come.

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How to get there.

By Car: - The postcode for Elland Road is LS11 0ES..
To get to Elland road use the M1 and follow it all the way until you join the M621.
Leave the M621 at junction 2 and follow the A643 until you reach Elland Road.
For parking, just as you go under a railway bridge there are entrances on either side of the road to some very large car parks and at the cost of £5 , how can you turn them down.


By Train: - The train station is about a 35 minute walk from the ground so the two best ways to get to the ground is via taxi or by shuttle bus. The shuttle bus can be caught just outside the train station and this runs past the North Stand of Elland Road so it’s an ideal form of transport and at a cost of £2.50 it’s a snip and probably cheaper than a taxi if there’s a small group of you.


Pubs 'n' Grub.

The one pub that has been mentioned is the Drysalters pub which is a 10minute walk from the ground. To find this pub; with the Old Peacock pub behind you, turn left and follow the road down to the very end. Pass the entrances to a number of car parks and go under a railway bridge. At the end of the road, turn left along the dual carriageway and the pub is a short way down 'tucked in' on the left. Otherwise alcohol is served within the ground.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Steve Claridge, That One Was For You...


QPR 1-3 Watford

Well, it had to happen sometime I suppose, as Watford brought QPR's superb unbeaten run to an abrupt end, in front of the dreaded live TV cameras at Loftus Road.

Well, for various reason's, the gang were not at full strength this evening with Jo, PK and Jenson sadly missing from the proceedings, but in hindsight, it probably wasn't a bad thing on tonight's showing. There have been many changes at QPR over the past few years, but one thing that hasn't changed, is Rangers failure to perform in front of the live cameras...

Rangers started the game well enough and the chances were coming - Mackie dragged a shot just wide and Helguson saw an effort superbly tipped over the bar by the Watford keeper, Loach. But from the resulting corner, Clint Hill's goalbound header was clearly palmed away by the hand of John Eustace. Referee, Darren Deadman amazingly waved the appeal away to the complete disbelief of just about every R's fan, including those watching on TV.

Another penalty appeal was again waved away, perhaps correctly this time if I am honest, as Helguson went down under a challenge from the big lump that is Andrew Taylor in the Watford back line. But on 26 minutes, the visitors were in front, when a deflected cross found the impressive, Danny Graham who made no mistake from 8 yards out.

Four minutes later, Watford doubled their lead in bizarre fashion - when a hopeful cross by Mutch was missed by Taylor and went straight in to completely stun the home crowd. It seemed to shock the QPR players too who I must say, went to pieces and the Hornets could have certainly extended their lead.

Half time came with no real complaints, despite the blatant penalty that another completely incompetant referee waved away. But seeing as the R's have pulled themselves out of similar positions before, Lee confidently marched down to Stan James and had a couple of punts on a 2-2 draw and a 3-2 Rangers win. Sadly, the betting slip was soon screwed up and on the floor of the Loftus Road Upper Stand as Watford went 3 ahead, three minutes after the break - but as impressive as he was/is, Danny Graham was clearly offside as he recieved the ball and fired past Paddy Kenny.




It was game over really now and despite a late consolation from Tommy Smith, the R's never really had any answers...

QPR: Kenny, Hill, Derry, Taarabt (Clarke 59), Helguson (Hulse 70), Faurlin (Orr 59), Mackie, Gorkss, Walker, Connolly, Smith. Subs: Cerny, Hall, Rowlands, Ephraim.

Lofty's Man of the Match - eventually, unanimous amongst the gang - but Lee opted for Kyle Walker and California Hoop, Jamie Mackie. It wasn't until Sam highlighted her choice of PADDY KENNY, that we all sat back and had a think and wholeheartedly agreed. This was also the choice from myself and PK. Although beaten 3 times, he couldn't have done much with either of them, but the R's stopper certainly kept the score down with several fine saves, including 3 one on ones.



Well, I think I can summarise this one very easily, this was a classic, QPR, TV Performance. You have no doubt, like myself, been raving about the R's to non QPR supporting footy friends at work etc and simply revelled in the glory of being top of the league and unbeaten - you convince these people to watch the game on BBC instead of Eastenders etc and they put in a performance like that, live to the nation. I don't want to go on about another inept referee and take too much away from Watford as they deserved their 3 points tonight.

So, the run is over, let's not be negative, let's look forward to starting a new one...

COME ON You R'ssssssssssss!!!

Thursday, December 02, 2010

R's on the Road......... To Hull City.


This Saturday unbeaten Rangers' go on their travels(if the snow clears up) up to Yorkshire to one of last years relegated Premier League clubs, Hull City.
Here are a few hints for your journey, if you're brave enough to travel, hopefully this will help you along the way.


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Club History.

Hull City Association Football Club was founded in June 1904. For some years previously, attempts had been made to found a football club, but this proved difficult because the city was then dominated by rugby league teams such as Hull FC and Hull KR.
Hull have spent the majority of the clubs history in the lower echelons of English Football but having been taken over by former Leeds’ commercial director Adam Pearson, he saved the club which were temporarily locked out of their Boothferry Park Stadium and heading towards inevitable liquidation having staved off years of money troubles.
Pearson bought some financial muscle to the club and begun to build a new home for the club up the road from Boothferry park and allowed new manager Brian Little to start restructuring the club. However after the club was underperformance Little was relieved of his duties and was replaced by Jan Molby.
Molby was only at the helm for a matter of months before his run of poor results cost him his job and was replaced by Peter Taylor.
Taylor was the man that took Hull into the KC Stadium and secure promotion from Division Three in the next season and at the first attempt in League One he steered the club to Runners Up spot and into the Championship for the 2005/06 season.
Having finished in 18th position that season, which was the clubs highest position for over 16 years.
Taylor left the club in the summer of 2006 and was replaced by Phil Parkinson.
Having endured a poor start to the season and the club in the relegation places, Parkinson was sacked and replaced by Phil Brown as caretaker manager, before taking the job on permanently in January 2007. Brown helped secure Hull’s status as a Championship club as they finished in 21st position.
The following season Brown helped Hull achieve and equal the clubs previous highest ever league position was third in the Second Division and having matched that on the way to achieving promotion to the top flight for the first time in the clubs history.
Having enjoyed playing as a Premier League team for two seasons, the club were relegated back to the Championship last season and during the summer Nigel Pearson was announced as the clubs new manager, having come close to getting Leicester into the Premier League, narrowly missing out in a Play-Off Semi Final against Cardiff.

The Stadium.

Current capacity – 25,404

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The KC Stadium was opened in December 2002, having cost the club £44 million to construct it. The Stadium is used by both Hull City FC and Hull Rugby League clubs.
The ground is set in a parkland area and has won numerous awards for its impressive design.
Three for the four sides are single tiered, whereas the West Stand has two tiers. There are future plans for the East and South Stands to be developed into two tier stands also but there is no concrete timescales on these plans.
The away fans are housed in the North Stand and boasts a decent sized concourse and good old fashioned pie and a beer available from the kiosks.
Unfortunately there are a few in the Hull stands that like to berate the away supporters (as we found out in 2005) and this can lead to you feeling a little uncomfortableduring your visit.
The stadium is also a ‘no standing area’ and the stewards are very rigid on this policy so expect them to be a complete pain in the arse all game.

The History between the teams.

At (20)

Hull 11
QPR 4
Draw 5

Rangers’ have been unable to secure a victory in any of their three visits to the KC Stadium but two draws and a loss is not such a bad figure of results considering that it’s going to be a tough place for any Championship club to go and get a result there.

Rangers’ last league victory over Hull was in the 1969/70 season when they won 2-1 at Boothferry Park.
Rangers’ also have two League Cup victories over Hull, coming in 1985/86 (en route to the Cup Final) and in 1991/92.
This fact obviously stand for nothing as they were so long ago and Hull is a very different club now, hopefully we can record a more recent victory as soon as possible.


How to get there.

By Car: - The postcode for the KC Stadium is HU3 6HU.
From the south it’s best to go up the M1, coming off at junction 32 and joining the M18.
Follow the M18 until you get to junction 7 and then join onto the M62.
Carry on down the M62 until it turns into the A63 and follow this for 15 miles before reaching a roundabout and take the 1st exit onto the A1079. At the next set of traffic lights turn left onto the A1105. At the next set of lights turn right onto WaltonStreet and you will be at the KC Stadium.

For parking you can park at the stadium car park for £5.
Other options include parking at the Park and Ride on the A63 just as you enter Hull, queuing for a bus after the game can be tedious however!
The other option is to park in one of the multi-storey/shopping centre car parks, but you will more than likely have about a 10-15minute walk to the ground from here.

By Train: - The Stadium is a 20-25 minute walk from the station. To get to the ground from Hull Paragon station you leave the train station at the South side and turn right onto Anlaby Road. Walk straight on down this road and you will reach the stadium.


Pubs 'n' Grub.
The easiest pub for away fans to access is The Brickmakers pub virtually opposite the stadium car park entrance. Away fans are allowed in and there are Sky Sports screens in there and also a burger van outside, perfect!
Other possibilities include the Walton Street Social Club and the Linnet & Lark pub which is a 15 minute walk away, down Princes Avenue.

Alcohol is served in the ground from about the £3.20 mark.