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Thread | Just noticed .....
at 17:25 11 Jan 2015
... this picture.
Is Harry standing in the away dugout at Burnley? Or outside some dodgy nightclub?
Boys Boys Boys?  Fun88? 
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Thread | Guess what?
at 18:00 28 Aug 2014
Dynamo Kiev held an open training session today for the media. Niko was not there. Sources in Ukraine are reporting that he is already in London. Allegedly, talks between Dynamo & QPR have been completed and an official announcement is imminent.
I know that some of you will be absolutely delighted  at the prospect of this!!!  |
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Thread | *Opens door quietly* *Peers in*
at 20:39 24 Aug 2014
Is it safe for me to show my nose yet? 
No doubt I’ll get the usual dog’s abuse from some of you, but I'm not here to gloat (that's not my style). Truth is that I probably saw more of your team last season than I did of my own, so I was interested to see how you'd do against us.
One of two things was going to happen today. Either we would have a Europa League hangover & you'd catch us sleeping. Or, we'd show up & do the business. And I have to say, I haven't seen us perform that well for a while. Eric Dier (a player I genuinely knew nothing about, before we signed him) has been a revelation, so far. Lamela is obviously happier, having a fellow Argentinian as his gaffer. Eriksen always has been a class act. Finally, it looks like some of the others have upped their game and are ready to compete.
Last season, we suffered because, having bought in so many new faces (with the money from the sale of Bale), they didn’t knit together. Great players on paper, but it just didn’t work on the field. I felt that was part of your problem today. Of our starting eleven, only one of them (Dier) wasn’t at the club, last season. In your team, there were six newbies (I’m including Remy in that). Language barriers; not knowing how or when someone will move or where they like the ball played - it makes a hell of a difference. And I guess even more so, when you're introducing a new formation too.
Personally, I’m not sure about this 3-5-2, which was made to look more like 5-3-2 today, in that your wide players were so busy defending that they had little or no opportunity to break forward. Therefore, your midfield got over-run & your forwards got next to no service. For the system to work, it needs speed — not just a few fast runners, but people with speed of thought, who can play the ball quickly and make the cross-field pass that’ll set something up. What happened to that nice lad, who played in your no. 19 shirt, last season? 
You were unfortunate to catch us on a good day. Not all of your days will be this bad. |
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Thread | Can anyone identify the mystery man, please?
at 23:51 7 Apr 2014
Someone put a load of 'QPR in the 80's' photos on Twitter earlier.
In this one, I recognise Tommy Doc & Gary Micklewhite. But who is the dark haired player?
Anyone know, please?
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Thread | A QPR awayday .... at home!
at 14:45 9 Mar 2014
Grey sky. Cold. Weather wasn't looking good in Birmingham at 9.30am on Saturday. Got myself re-tweeted by @OfficialQPR for requesting that those travelling up from London should bring the sunshine with them. Amazingly, they obliged!
Met up with my Blues-supporting friend & set off for St Andrews. We parked quite a distance away from the stadium, which meant a long walk there & back, but an easy getaway after the match. Arrived just in time to check team news. Can't deny that there was a huge sigh of disappointment, when I discovered that the QPR team sheet made no mention of the number 19.  In all honesty, I knew that his participation would be touch & go and, although I missed seeing him, I'd rather that he be 100% fit than rush back too early and do himself more damage. Anyway, Niko or no Niko, the sun was out and I was about to watch live football - things weren't so bad, really!
We sat in the west paddock, with the home dug out just to our left and were about 8 rows from the front. Had a fantastic view of the warm up. It was so strange, looking at these players who I have come to know almost as well as those of the team I support. Was able to tell my friend who was who & provide a little bit of information about each of them. All I kept hearing in response was: "Wow! I didn't know HE was at QPR now."
Benny's afro looked dandy! Joey wore a silly hat (to hide his silly hair). Little Tom was .... err .... little! Ravel is much smaller than I thought he'd be. Wally Downes has a huge pot belly. Richard Dunne is a big unit. Spirits looked high; everyone looked focused and I looked forward to a decent game.
And, in the main, it was, although I don't think I agree with those who say it was your best performance of the season (but that's just my opinion). Having read some of the match reports, I think a few reporters have gone a little overboard, particularly in their player ratings, with too many 8's & 9's being bandied about for my liking. It was a good QPR showing against a poor Birmingham team, who kept allowing Ravel far too much space and not attempting to close him down at all (strange, considering that many of them played with him, not so long ago & should have been wise to his ability). However, take nothing away from young Master Morrison - he was the star of the day. I really want to see him and Niko in the same starting eleven - it will be a beautiful thing! Make it happen, please, Uncle Harry!
Joey had a good afternoon, but I personally felt he looked like a man who had just come back after a couple of weeks out. There was a bit of the usual grit missing from his game, but I have no doubt that will come back, in time. BAE too was perhaps a little rusty in the first half, but got better as the match went on. Jenas? Yes, he provided the assist for the second goal and, by his standards, wasn't bad. But I still see so many things in his game that make me angry. Hoilett didn't impress me much, apart from the spectacular bulging ice pack he had attached to his knee, as he walked to the tunnel at full time.
The 1300 odd travelling fans made themselves heard, which wasn't difficult, as the Birmingham City faithful are small in numbers and devoid of optimism, these days. I don't know what the actual attendance figure was, but it was pretty poor. It was nice to meet one of the regulars from this forum and have a chat (I bet I wasn't what he was expecting!). But it seems I was your lucky omen! Perhaps it's just as well that I'll be attending my first ever game at Loftus Road, next Saturday. Do I have to wear the same lucky hoodie/pants/whatever? [Post edited 9 Mar 2014 15:09]
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Thread | BAE's miraculous recovery
at 23:48 5 Mar 2014
So, Benny didn't play last Saturday because, according to Kevin Bond in the after-match presser, he was having trouble with an adductor muscle, at the top of his hamstring.
And tonight, he somehow managed to play 90 minutes for Cameroon.
Hmmmm ........ |
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Thread | Don't shoot me - I'm just putting this out there for discussion!
at 19:42 16 Feb 2014
Cannot believe how utterly deflated I'm feeling right now, after watching a team that I don't even support! Was really looking forward to the game & the chance to see the R's bounce back after the disappointment of Monday night.
From the start, it was awful. Some players were slow-footed. Some were slow of thought. Some were both! Reading scored. The R's equalised. For a while, I thought things would turn out right. But, Reading's two quick goals put paid to that.
Since the final whistle, I've looked at Twitter, Facebook & this forum. People are picking out players who they thought did well today. I honestly am struggling to do that. Traore was probably my pick of the bunch, but even he faded, as the game went on. Niko had a lousy day but, in his defence, for the past two games, he's been asked to play in a role that's not natural to him. He's not a defensive midfielder.
Now, here's where I get controversial. I've followed the story of Tony Mills on Twitter, over the past few days and, don't get me wrong, I think what the club have done for him is admirable. My question is ....... was it wise, on such an important match day, to be involving all the players in something that was so very emotional?
Players are strange animals - many of them are creatures of habit, who have routines, rituals and stupid things that they do, as part of their match preparation. It seems that today, the Mills family were even in the dressing room before the game - I saw a photo of them with several of the players.
Sadly, many of us probably know what it's like to spend time with someone who has terminal cancer. It's hard to find the right words to say to them or to empathise with how they must be feeling. Imagine how difficult it must have been for those physically fit young men to be confronted by this poor guy, hobbling around with a walking stick, knowing that he doesn't have long to live? Some will have dealt with it better than others. Some may have been genuinely emotionally upset at having to deal with all that before a game. It may have played on their minds.
Please don't think I'm being heartless. As I said, I think the club have been superb in taking the trouble to give Tony his 'Special Day'. I just wonder if it was wise to have involved the players to this degree, at a time when all their thoughts should have been on the game ahead of them. It might have been better for the club's media team to make a fuss of Tony, maybe with the help of players who were injured/not involved in the match and then, AFTER the game, he could have met the rest of them.
I'm not making excuses. I don't know what was responsible for today's performance. I just wonder if any of the players were affected by the high emotion of what went on before the game.
Your thoughts? |
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Thread | NON QPR - Loving your work, Lewis Holtby!
at 13:30 4 Jan 2014
Just thought that this story needed to be shared!
Yesterday, on his Facebook page, 'Spurs midfielder Holtby made this post:
"Hi guys!
Quick hot quiz with a BIG priiiiiizzzeee!!!
TWO TICKETS FOR TOMORROWS GAME AGAINST ARS...L
Question: which former Tottenham player had my former shirt number 23 and his name is named like an animal in a different language?
Just answer with the correct name and by sending a picture of you in your most creative pose. The winner will be announced by 10am tomorrow morning.
Good luck :)"
Hundreds of people posted their answer; their pictures & the reasons why they thought they deserved the tickets more than anyone else. This morning, Lewis posted this:
"Good morning @all! Wow!! Thanks for all nice & crazy pics!! I've laughed a lot in the last 1-2 hours!! THANKS!!!
Wouldn't have expected so many pics in such a short time and I would love to give all of you a ticket for today's game.
But there can be only one... 😊
The right answer is CHRISTIAN "GOAT" ZIEGE
And the lucky one is... C****** P********* (EDIT: I've hidden the name to protect the innocent).
CONGRATULATIONS! You'll get a private message on Facebook with all info about the deposit of the tickets. Please check your inbox and friendship request.
Enjoy the game!!!!😊
Wish all of you a nice weekend! COYS"
What a lovely gesture, from a lovely lad! Great to see interaction like this between a player & the fans. |
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Thread | Random and nothing to do with football, but .....
at 13:11 29 Dec 2013
.... after you've eaten all your favourites out of the box of Quality Street/Roses, which are the ones that are left?
Have just had a discussion with someone, who hates all the ones that I love! |
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Thread | Reading v QPR, from the weird, stalker-woman's perspective
at 14:28 10 Nov 2013
Yesterday, for the first time this season, I saw a whole QPR game, on a 32 inch TV screen, instead of being limited to a few minutes of highlights on a laptop. It certainly made a difference to my viewing experience, as it allowed me to take in so much more of what was happening and who was making it happen. Usually, I'm squinting and struggling to even identify players on my lappie's tiny screen.
Now, when a live TV match involves (or could potentially involve) Mr N KranjÄar, I don't watch it like a normal person. Yes, of course, I follow the action but, my viewing is Niko-centric! My brain takes in all sorts of tiny details and I observe things that most people don't even notice.
At 12 noon on Saturday, I made sure that my Sky+ box's red light was on. Recording the game is a must, because I tend to miss bits of action during the live broadcast and like to have the chance to replay any interesting incidents or even, as I did yesterday, watch the whole match again.
It’s fascinating to see all the pre-match build up. Did anyone else clock the little snippets from the away dressing room — Niko sat quietly, reading the programme; JJ and Danny Simpson listening to their music? Stuff like that tells you a lot about how players find their focus before a game. Some are very relaxed, while others just like to be alone, to clear their minds and zone in.
Having heard the team news before the TV broadcast started, I knew that Niko had passed his morning fitness test and was on the bench. This was music to my ears, as I think a start would have been too ambitious. But 20-30 minutes as a second half substitute would have been manageable. However, when I watched the players warming up, taking a pace and lifting each knee up towards their chests, I saw Niko grimace, as he lifted his left knee, to stretch his hamstring. That told me he was still feeling some discomfort.
And so, the game began. A lively first fifteen minutes — Matt Phillips & Junior Hoilett were bright and full of running. Alas, it didn’t take long for Reading to figure this out and stop the supply of balls to them. Then, on the half hour mark, JJ sank to the floor, holding his right thigh. Instantly, there was movement on the subs bench. Of course, I always enjoy seeing Niko taking his clothes off but, on this occasion, it was much too early in the proceedings and I feared for him, having to play until half time, then stop and start again for the second half.
That spell up to the break was tricky for Rangers. Reading were coming more into the game and the R’s had to adjust to the change Niko’s arrival had made, as well as protecting Richard Dunne, who was obviously struggling with an injury. They did well to keep the score at 0-0.
Second half saw the arrival of Onuoha and again, a little adjustment time was needed, to accommodate the new player in defence. Within the first few minutes, Niko played two balls, one to Hoilett, one to Phillips, allowing them both to go running again, which was good to see. Unfortunately, later in the half, Hoilett also suffered an injury in the thigh area, which put paid to any more runs. Credit to him, though, for staying on the field (all 3 subs had already been made, by this time). In the past, I have seen Premiership players, including one from my own club ‘Spurs, walk off and have no qualms about leaving the team to struggle on with 10 men.
The Reading goal was unfortunate. A highly-dubious throw-in awarded to them and, ten seconds later, Garath McCleary’s wonder-strike was in the back of the net. It WAS a good hit, though!
My concerns for Niko grew, mid-way through the half, when I saw him flexing his left leg, two or three times. Having said that, he seemed to get a second wind, after AJ came on in the 68th minute. The Hoops’ number 19 put in a real shift for the team yesterday, probably to his own detriment, as I now have major doubts about him being fit enough to start for Croatia in their crucial World Cup play-off against Iceland on Friday.
And then came the equaliser! A free kick on the edge of the box. During the match, I had asked on Twitter: “Why does Joey Barton have to take ALL the QPR set pieces?”, so it came as no surprise when JB picked up the ball. One of the posters from this forum, who I speak to on Twitter said: “I noticed Niko badly wanted the free kick that Joey scored from”. Well, I’m not so sure!
If you observed the action like I did, you’ll have seen NK share a few whispered words with Barton, before the kick was taken. I reckon Niko was telling him where to aim, because he (Niko) then wandered off; took a place in the Reading wall and leaned on Chris Gunter, who was stood at the end of the wall. As Joey prepared to strike, Niko moved, taking Gunter with him and the ball went straight through the gap that was created. Take a look at the whole incident again and you’ll see what I mean! Unfortunately, the video clip on the official site starts just after the ‘whispered words’ bit.
Now, my next observation won’t win me any popularity contests on this forum! Firstly, let me say that Joey’s decision to celebrate his goal by running to the bench, grabbing Ale Faurlin’s shirt and holding it up to the travelling fans was a lovely, touching, supportive gesture to an injured colleague and I applaud him for the sentiment. However, that goal was an equaliser, not a match winner! There were only 12 minutes to go before the end of the game — time during which Rangers could potentially have snatched the win! The professional thing to do would have been to grab the ball out of the net; hurtle back to the centre spot and get the game re-started as quickly as possible, to maximise the amount of time left to get a second goal. One player did this, but when he saw what was going on in front of the dug-out, he went over to join in, probably realising that it would look churlish if he didn’t. It’s just my opinion and you can flame me for it, if you like, but I felt that the Faurlin tribute would have been more apt after a QPR winning goal …. or better still, after a QPR goal in the next home game.
All in all, I enjoyed the match, although Rangers are capable of better and, once the temporary injury crisis is over, I anticipate some good performances ahead. [Post edited 10 Nov 2013 15:38]
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Thread | POSTCARD FROM NIKO - The Final Installment
at 01:16 16 Oct 2013
Well, that was a pretty crappy evening!
The good news is that my Croatia are in the play-offs for a World Cup place. The bad news is that we could end up facing France or Sweden (or Iceland or Romania).
On a positive note, I have some more game time under my belt. I played about 70 minutes tonight and felt good. On a negative note, we lost 2-0 to the kilt-wearers! Damn it, Joe Jordan isn't going to let me forget this one in a hurry!
The day started OK. It wasn't raining, so we went for a walk. Unfortunately, we got a bit lost & someone had to advise us to turn right and head towards our hotel, rather than turn left ..... and walk on to the M8 motorway. Ooops!
After a nap, we had some pre-match food. Didn't like the look of the deep-fried Mars Bar or the haggis with neeps & tatties, so I stuck with the safe pasta.
Then, it was off to Hampden. Not a full house, by any stretch of the imagination, but a good atmosphere, nevertheless. In the tunnel, before the game, Luka, Charlie, Stipe & I swapped warm handshakes with our old 'Spurs team mate, Alan Hutton. He said that it was good to see me again ..... but it didn't stop him trying to kick me in the air, 10 minutes later!!
It's always good, to line up and sing our national anthem. I like to think I can hold a tune - can't say the same for some of the others, though! 
The match started reasonably well for us but, on 28 minutes, we conceded. Now, I'm the first to admit that I'm not the world's greatest defender. Sadly, our defenders decided that neither were they, as poor tracking back & a distinct absence of man-marking led to Snodgrass being allowed to score.
After their goal, things gradually got worse for us. Half time came. A chance to re-group, maybe? But no! Straight from the re-start, one of our 8 players already on a yellow card was harshly booked for a supposed deliberate handball. I had the odd shot & put a couple of people through on goal, but nothing came of my efforts.
Just after I was subbed, we gave away a penalty. It was saved & parried out, but none of our guys reacted. Naismith did ..... and put the ball in the back of the net. Ugh!
One reputable sports website said that I was Croatia's best player, but I think it was more a case of 'best of a bad bunch'. Of course, we win & lose as a team, but some of tonight's individual performances really weren't great. That's football - sometimes, everything works and sometimes, it all goes to hell.
And the situation with the gaffer hasn't helped. In fact, after the game, he told us that he is offering his resignation. Will have to wait & see if our F.A. accept it. And, if they do, I have absolutely no idea what happens next. Wonder if my dad would fancy the job again? Might give him a call tomorrow!
So, my first international trip as a QPR player draws to a close. I'm staying in Glasgow tonight and will fly back down to London tomorrow, to start my preparations for the weekend's game. Am in my room now, but I think I'll find it hard to get to sleep - there's too much stuff whirring around in my head. I could do with something to take my mind off football. Where's that bloody stalker, when you need her?
Oooh, hang on a minute! What's this, behind the sofa?
It'd be rude to say no, wouldn't it?
Night night!!  |
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