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TF on Twitter 13:59 - Jul 6 with 12324 views

Tony Fernandes â€@tonyfernandes
Excellent stadium meeting. Wow. Looks great. Going to make big announcment. Hopefully see amit in a few hours to brief him. Wow

	Ringo Starr ate my hamper.
Poll:	Yes or no?

TF on Twitter on 01:02 - Jul 7 with 990 views

GetMeRangers

TF on Twitter on 00:47 - Jul 7 by ted_hendrix

Being a realist It's got to happen.

The costs though to have It built in West London are going to be bloody huge, that's what concerns me.

If people actually knew the costs of putting a scheme together they would shit themselves and I'm not kidding, I don't wan't to piss on anyones fire about a new ground but the cost of running QPR at the moment worries me, that and the fact that us winning our last 5 home games last season kept us up, the goals, the incredible atmosphere at LR during those last 5 games, I dunno mate that special LR atmosphere will be lost forever.

What do I know?

lol

Have a good one.

It may cost more for West London, but London venues of that size are permanently in demand... not sure I can guess the figures, but with PB habving turned O2 around, I am sure he knows that a venue more central with excellent transport links would have a high sell on value for extra-football activities

TF on Twitter on 01:08 - Jul 7 with 984 views

BrianMcCarthy

I'm still stuck on the 'club or business' debate and, like Clive, I'm not sold on the move yet. Mostly because no-one's either asking the fans their opinion or explaining to the fans the owners' plans.

If we're a business fine then, yes, we have to move.

If we're a club, then it's legitimate to say that our base is everything. What are the things that make QPR different to the outside world? Our home, our hoops, our name and our badge, I would say. Everything else we can suggest is replicated in part or in full by other clubs. Well our badge is gone, our hoops are being copied by a soulless bunch of muppets out west, which only leaves our home and our name.

(Of course, internally we will know that we have had, and still do have people who make this club a place where ethics and integrity matter, but I'm quire sure that every club believes that they do too.)

So with the badge changed again, and the hoops no longer unique to us, can we, as people who are charged with protecting the club while we're on watch duty, really be sure that we're doing the right thing by allowing our home to be sold, and allowing a move to an unknown place with an unknown design and an unknown capacity?

And, hands on heart, can we who've been scalded so many, many times really say we know and trust the people in charge of the move? We want to believe (oh Christ, how we want to believe) but wouldn't any savvy businessman looking to make fortunes out of an underdeveloped club be acting precisely the way Fernandes is? That's a serious question, not an attempt to be negative for its own sake.

One last question - if we forget for a second the notion that on-the-pitch success is more important than heritage or anything else - is there another factor forcing us to move? If there isn't, then isn't the move purely about sacrificing the past for a shot at a better future? That's a good reason to move, maybe, but it's a lot different than saying that we have to move. Because we don't.

	"The opposite of love, after all, is not hate, but indifference."
Poll:	Player of the Year (so far)

TF on Twitter on 01:14 - Jul 7 with 974 views

Trance_Trousers

It`s a hard one Ted, part of me say`s lets move and generate revenue to push this club onto the next level, where we have like many of the top teams, internationals from far flung corners of the globe competing at the top level.As fans sitting at home gladly cheering them on in future World cups and the like.Champions league football a regular occurence at the new ground and us as fans scraping the money together to get to see the likes of the Milans, Barcelona`s, Ajax`s etc away, knowing that at any time it will go tits up, because that is the Rangers way.Incidently look at them up in Scotland, gone completly tits up,had they been a Fulham, Stoke or Everton of this world that would have been it.

Once you`ve had black you never go back.........

TF on Twitter on 07:13 - Jul 7 with 913 views

Ranger78

TF on Twitter on 00:47 - Jul 7 by ted_hendrix

Overall, I think we all realise that a new stadium is a must. If we get one that is designed correctly, then fingers crossed, we can still create a special atmosphere.

In terms of cost, I think its obvious that it will need to have a further use. In terms of development cost, hopefully LR will command a very decent price once sold to developers.

I'm very excited by all that is going on but like everyone else will be a little sad to see LR go

TF on Twitter on 07:27 - Jul 7 with 900 views

BlackCrowe

The big worry of a move and indeed the whole momentum of growth that we are experiencing is the big risk of losing our soul, our Rangers etc. However, the passion, intimacy with the fans and integrity that TF and Amit so obviously have, there is a more than fair chance that our Rangers and soul will be preserved.

Poll:

Kitchen threads or polls?

TF on Twitter on 07:30 - Jul 7 with 899 views

Kiwi76

Try and avoid threads on ground & ticket prices but have to see this as necessary progress. Remember heading to Loftus Rd when made first trip over to live in London - just as they ripped up the AstroTurf.
Like few other 6' posters would be good to have some extra leg room.
TF already making comments on keeping atmosphere and have to trust him, Amit & Beard to progress this in the right way.
Exciting times!!

TF on Twitter on 07:42 - Jul 7 with 887 views

sexton

TF on Twitter on 22:17 - Jul 6 by DylanP

To me there are two things at the heart of QPR the club -- the hooped shirts and Loftus Road. Moving away from Loftus Road will be devastating. To me that place is holy ground and I just don't think it'll be the same. That isn't to say I wont be a fan, I'll just always look back and miss the Loftus Road.

Having said that, I won't miss the legroom (or lack of legroom). It'll be nice to be able to sit facing the ground without having my knees folded off to the side, taking a little bit of someone else's space.That ridge you get in your knee where its been pressed up against the seat infront aches after a while. If they can keep the atmosphere while giving us enough legroom it'll be a miracle.

I understand it is necessary in a business-like, logical, rational way. And I don't resent/hold-it-against anyone because of it. I just think that QPR without Loftus Road will take a lot of getting used to.

In the end -- I don't want it to happen but if and when it does, I suppose it'll be for the best and so I suppose its a good (-ish) thing

Our home is Loftus Road, but our home is also Shepherd's Bush (OK it hasn't always been, but for every fan alive it is).

As long as we stay in the area it will still be home. Loftus Road itself is one part of the package. It is your journey to the ground, the shops and pubs you visit that are all part of the match day experience. The loss of HQ will be mitigated if much of that is preserved.

If we moved to a bowl in Hillingdon we wouldn't be QPR. In W12 we will. Any further - let's see.

TF on Twitter on 08:17 - Jul 7 with 867 views

westolian

TF on Twitter on 07:42 - Jul 7 by sexton

I'm 45 and been going to LR since I was about 7

I love that place

It's time to move on though

I've found a team sheet for the weekend - anyone interested ?

TF on Twitter on 08:24 - Jul 7 with 852 views

DaiHo0p

TF on Twitter on 08:17 - Jul 7 by westolian
I'm 45 and been going to LR since I was about 7 I love that place It's time to move on though

I wish you would move along a bit quickstyle when mooching around me..

TF on Twitter on 08:25 - Jul 7 with 847 views

MelakaRanger

TF on Twitter on 07:42 - Jul 7 by sexton

I first went into the school end in 1967 with my Grandad. Then over the next few years or so we moved to the Ellerslie Rd Stand and then the 'new' South Africa Rd Stand. True I have not been to a match for 4 yrs since I retired to Malaysia but even 4 yrs ago the main stands were essentially the same stands and seats of the 1970s.

Since then the world has changed. People expect more comfort. People generally are much wider in girth than 40 yrs ago and need bigger seats. And to attract new supporters not only must the team do well but the ground must be comfortable and inviting.

To us fans QPR is a club. To the owners its a business. If the business doesn't make money then it will go bust.

So, lets just be realistic and accept that a new ground is a priority for the club if it wants to survive in the Premiership and the grow its fan base and in so doing make a profit.

Last season my son went to three QPR home matches. He was also taken by a mate to The Emirates for a match. The cost of the tickets to all the matches was give or take a few bob the same. But there the similarities ended! All those who have been to The Emirates will understand.

At the end of the day, QPR must move with the times & evolve and modernise. If not it will wither and decline. Its a fact of life.

And no doubt in another 100 yrs the fans fora will again be full of debate on a new stadium!

TF on Twitter on 08:59 - Jul 7 with 782 views

sexton

TF on Twitter on 08:25 - Jul 7 by MelakaRanger

I first went in 1967 as well, with my Dad, his step-Mum and my Grandad. I was born and brought up in East Acton, went to Wormholt, walked to the ground.

The atmosphere on a good day at Loftus Road is fantastic, but the facilities are a joke. I dread needing the toilet at half time because I know what's in store. It's frankly embarrassing to see foreign supporters' reaction to the experience.

Better facilities in the right area will attract more fans, including tourists. And people shouldn't sneer at the idea. Back in the 70s (80s?) when English football started to be shown live in Scandinavia we started attracting fans from over there.

I do hope we will be able to preserve memories of Loftus Road at a new stadium - the Alan McDonald Stand, the Rodney Marsh gates, the Stan Bowles End. Maybe a statue or two!

TF on Twitter on 11:09 - Jul 7 with 707 views

GetMeRangers

TF on Twitter on 08:59 - Jul 7 by sexton

Started going 78-79 and over the years we seemed to be a step ahead with first all seater (or was it second), an enclosed ground and in the eighties a fantastic atmosphere with packed terraces and seats.

However, I have to agree with the facilities. It was always slightly embarassing taking girlfiends or others who had rarely gone to football matches... uncomfortable seating and bogs that are quite frankly disgusting (and possibly dangerous for under 7 year olds, with the crush)

The dream always would have been to redevelop at LR, but that wont be possible. It excites me more than anything that TF and Amit are looking to take us to having possibly one of the best grounds and venues in the world.

Being able to see where other clubs have made mistakes and have the foresight to allow other events to be held there, puts us back to the forefront of thinking, mush in the way that the dreaded plastic did (how I loved BM fighting there, particularly as I am from NI - though the first womens FA cup final was a disappointment - no swapping of shirts!)

If we are to become a bigger club (as TF and Amit clearly want) and the longer established fans still want to be able to get seats, then it is imperative that we have a bigger ground.

Signings, training grounds, youth academies and better stadia are all part and parcel of a bright future... the shock is that it appears to be happening to us, though no doubt the jealously will intensify from others such as Norwich, the Fools etc. Bring it on, I say

TF on Twitter on 12:15 - Jul 7 with 666 views

TacticalR

TF on Twitter on 01:08 - Jul 7 by BrianMcCarthy

I think you are right to be sceptical.

A key question is...will the club own the ground? Or will QPR be tenants? Becoming tenants has led to disaster for many clubs such as Coventry.

Another important question is price. It's much better in Germany where they still have cheap prices for standing fans, but unfortunately that doesn't seem to be an option here.

On your last question...the best way to build a fan base *is* success on the pitch. But that is notoriously hard to achieve, and has got even harder in the Premiership era. It would be nice to be convinced that we were building a new stadium to fit the fans in, rather than building a new stadium and then looking for the fans afterwards.

Air hostess clique

TF on Twitter on 13:08 - Jul 7 with 631 views

M40R

Gulp!
Two reactions from me. First, I dimly remember my Dad telling me about the anxiety about the (last) move to White City. But at least we had the option to move back when the bowl proved souless. (yes I know that White City was a crap ground, my point is we had the safety net). Not this time as presumably the sale of the ground is essential to fund the move.

Second, I really doubted it would ever happen, and still do. If a great club like Liverpool can't fund a move, can we really do it? And they had a ready to go site. But if we do, what a statement.

I do agree that we must move but only if we keep the atmosphere and don't forget the history.

TF on Twitter on 13:12 - Jul 7 with 619 views

TacticalR

Liverpool's owner John W Henry, has argued that it is 'a myth' that a new stadium will transform finances:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/jun/15/liverpool-john-henry-new-stadium

Air hostess clique

TF on Twitter on 13:21 - Jul 7 with 599 views

toemasher

TF on Twitter on 08:25 - Jul 7 by MelakaRanger

I love Shepherds Bush I love Loftus Rd.
It makes me happier when people call it a dump and the reason it works was very evident at the end of last season.
No distraction from the football, up close intense, apart from those bloody posts.
Simple design,always looks/feels amazing at a night game.
Walking through the west London streets to a game.
You couldn't expect anyone to replicate that exactly and they will be changing something that has worked for us fans for generations.
To be able to judge the fan base size, the potential, the right location, will take a lot of business sense but also a lot of heart.
I m all for new fans, I understand but hate the chant " where were u when we were sht",which never made sense considering how we played at times last season, but Im not sure i want to sit next to ever changing legions of south korean tourists at my local club.
So far Tony and Amit have come up trumps on so many decisions but this is such a big one for the board and the fans.
They have to listen to our interests and we will have to trust their decisions.....Gulp.

TF on Twitter on 13:25 - Jul 7 with 589 views

kingo

Like a couple of others, I started going to LR in 1967 and that ground was very different to the LR we have now. I loved the old Loft but I am not so keen on the new seated end. I also used to like standing on the old School End, before fans were segregated. But those days have gome and football has moved on and like we did in the 80s with the new ends, we have to again. The plot at LR just isn't big enough for a modern stadium but as long as we are not too far away then I will be happy. Visiting LR and the pubs in the Bush is like coming home to me as I now live outside London and as long as my match day ritual is roughly the same I will be a very happy Hoop.

RIP: Sniffer, Doug and Pat

TF on Twitter on 13:28 - Jul 7 with 586 views

barbicanranger

TF on Twitter on 13:12 - Jul 7 by TacticalR
Liverpool's owner John W Henry, has argued that it is 'a myth' that a new stadium will transform finances: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/jun/15/liverpool-john-henry-new-stadium

he may be right in cases where you already have a big ground such as anfield, do they really need a bigger one? - will the marginal incremental revenues make it worthwhile.

for us it's a no brainer, we are missing out on so much revenue - I did the stadium tour last year and we have one stand that has facilities (SAR) and even those are ridiculously cramped.

like every other fan leaving loftus rd will be a sad day but as mentioned above if we stay in W12 we won't lose our soul.

also, i see people's argument about it being a business v a club, but ultimately where do people want to be as a club? - in the PL, championship, league 1? - our ground, facilities and income are not commensurate with the playing squad and our position in the premier league, I actually think the decision has come around quicker because Tony and Amit realise how much money it's costing in the PL and with fair play rules coming in we will be screwed. If we can get a site in W12 the opportunity to change that situation is prime. So even though it's a business decision it's a footballing one as well.

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