 Thursday, 8th Mar 2012 20:06 by Clive Whittingham QPR’s accounts up to May 2011 make grim reading but fear not we’re almost rid of Patrick Agyemang after four long, hard years. NewsMore off field news than on this Thursday evening so we’ll start with that for a change. The latest QPR accounts have been released, covering the period to the end of the 2010/11 season where Neil Warnock saved the club from relegation after it worked its way through four different permanent managers during the campaign. The club’s net debt by the end of the campaign increased from £33.8m to a rather frightening £56.2m. The club’s wage bill increased from just over £15m a season to £26m a season during the timeframe. The accounts do not yet reflect the takeover of Tony Fernandes, the increased Premiership television money, and what is sure to be another dramatically increased wage bill at Loftus Road. They do however emphasise the imperative importance of remaining in the Premiership this season. Should they do so CEO Philip Beard is confident the club will be able to start developing a new training ground at Warren Farm despite competition from rival bids for the site. Beard told West London Sport: “I’m looking forward to putting our bid to the people that will decide. I haven’t seen anybody else’s but I’m confident that ours is really strong and delivers on all the things we need to. The current plan is that there will be a very clear demarcation as the QPR training ground but our aim and intention – and I think a really good thing for us to be pursuing – is to develop some community projects as well. Our Community Trust is really important and does fantastic work. It’s a big part of our future plans. If we can put it alongside other community projects then I think we’ve got the best of both worlds, which is a first-class training ground which delivers something back to everybody in the area.” Off the field striker Patrick Agyemang moved to League One side Stevenage on a three month loan deal today which will take him to the end of his ludicrous four and a half year deal at Loftus Road. Manager Gary Smith, who worked with Agyemang at Wimbledon, told the club’s official website: "Patrick is a striker who always has a goal in him; you can't question his ability and his goal scoring pedigree. His addition will bring an experienced head into a dressing room of players that is on the right track; I think he will really benefit us for the end of season run-in. "As soon as we heard of the opportunity to bring him into the squad we were interested, we kept a close eye and went for the deal when we felt the time was right. I know him from my days at Wimbledon and not only do I look forward to having him as another option in the squad, but I am also looking forward to teaming up with him again." Agyemang’s last action in a QPR shirt was to play up front for the reserves in a 0-0 draw against a Brighton development squad at the Harlington training ground earlier this week. Gary Borrowdale, Rowan Vine, Hogan Ephraim and Brian Murphy all took part for Rangers. Manager Mark Hughes has been reluctant to loan out players who are in his 25 man Premiership squad but does admit that certain players are playing for their future at the club. Hughes told the Fulham Chronicle: “If that band of players are coming to the end of their contracts, and they have an opportunity to play, then they have to make an impression. We will be more inclined to offer them something. It works both ways. I'm quite happy where we are in terms of the make-up of the squad and feel in the summer there won't be massive changes because they guys that are here - if they show enough [quality] - will be part of that.” Shaun Derry would appear to be one of those players requiring good performances to earn a prolonged stay in W12 – his place has come under threat from the arrival of Samba ‘Mad Dog’ Diakite but Derry told the Fulham Chronicle: “Of course when a new player is brought in you worry about your place, but I've been looking over my shoulder my whole career, whether it be a youngster coming through the ranks or a new player being brought in. All I can do give my best in training and take my chance when I get it.” Hughes seemed impressed by Derry’s impact against Everton telling the same paper: ““Shaun Derry came in and I think he used his experience and understood what was required of him. That's what we need, we need steady heads, we need people who understand what it takes to win football matches and I think we have that in abundance now.” The boss also allayed fears that Adel Taarabt is being unfairly targeted on the field by the likes of Joey Barton, who seems to have been unduly harsh in his criticism of the Moroccan during matches recently. Hughes told West London Sport: “In the end, the only reason behind it is to help Adel and give him direction. On occasions during games people can get emotional and he knows that sometimes he makes the wrong decision – all players do. Joey, being the captain, has experience and Adel has to accept that there will be some occasions when he’s told that he’s done the wrong thing. Adel understands when he does things incorrectly. He’s learning all the time and I’ve been really impressed with what he’s produced.” Former R’sA team made up of some of QPR’s finest players will compete against similar outfits from Chelsea, Man Utd and Arsenal at Loftus Road at the end of the season. A new 20-minute each way format for retired footballers backed by former England manager Glenn Hoddle will make its debut in W12 on May 20. The QPR side will be managed by Terry Venables, assisted by Gerry Francis and John Gregory and captained by Les Ferdinand. The QPR squad in full is Tony Roberts, Phil Parkes, Paul Parker, Glenn Roeder, Steve Wicks, Terry mancini, Rufus Brevett, Kenny Sansom, Gary Waddock, Ray Wilkins, Dean Wilkins, Clive Wilson, John Gregory, Marc Bircham, Barry Silkman, Les Ferdinand, Rodney Marsh, Clive Allen, Trevor Sinclair, Paul Furlong and Andy McCullock. Josh Parker has joined League Two side Dagenham on loan from League One outfit Oldham. Parker was released by QPR last summer and joined Oldham and has since made 18 appearances but will now join Dagenham, bottom of League Two, for one month. Daggers boss John Still said: “Josh is a player with pace who plays wide and that's a position where we need a bit of competition.” Premiership Shorts- Tottenham’s 3-1 FA Cup replay win against Stevenage came at a cost with England defender Michael Dawson ruled out for three months with ruptured ankle ligaments and Aaron Lennon limping out of the first half with a hamstring injury. Tonight’s Evening Standard reports that manager Harry Redknapp has been offered a vastly increased wage and £50m summer transfer budget to stay at the club rather than take over the England job. - Across North London Arsenal have reportedly agreed a £10.9m, £100,000 a week deal for 26-yearold German striker Lukas Podolski who will join from Cologne in the summer. - Roger Johnson is to remain as Wolves captain despite being dropped from the team and fined for turning up to training in an unfit state on Monday. New manager Terry Connor is yet to start Johnson since taking over and said: “Roger reported for work not fit to train properly. I would be disappointed with any player in that situation. I said to him what he did was unacceptable. There are no immediate plans to change anything. He carries on as captain for the foreseeable future.” - Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor says fan protests against manager Alex McLeish are affecting the team. He said: "It does have an impact on the players and does affect them when fans are not backing the manager and not turning up in games The fans are entitled to their opinions, but the chairman [Randy Lerner] has made a choice in bringing the manager here and everyone has got to get behind him. I think it affects the players otherwise. You only have to look at the situation at Blackburn where Steve Kean has been getting a lot of abuse.” - Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has signed a new contract until 2016. Newcastle’s Ryan Taylor has agreed a deal to stay at St James’ Park until 2015. Tweet @loftforwords Pictures – Action Images Photo: Action Images Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.
You need to login in order to post your comments |
   Blogs 31 bloggersPort Vale Polls |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.We in turn value your personal details in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
