Saving it for a rainy day and R's on the Road Double post.

Due to maintance work being needed on my laptop we have a double post of our opinion on last nights washout and the R's on the Road for saturday's fixture at Cardiff. I will return in time to provide a match report on Saturday evening/Sunday morning.

Last nights fixture verus Crystal Palace was postponed last night after heavy rain throughout the afternoon and evening caused one part of the Loftus Road pitch to become waterlogged and unplayable for last nights fixture.



It was well publicised this summer that the club had spent over £350,000 on relaying the pitch which included £60,000 improving the drainage system under the pitch.
Having been tested for the first time last night it seems as if this work hasn't worked out as planned, especially as the enemy down the road at Stamford Bridge were able to play their Champions League fixture despite the rain.

So we can officially say that money has been poured down the drain for the first time in two and a half years.

R's on The Road.......... To Cardiff City.

On the 19th September QPR fans travel to Cardiff’s brand new Cardiff City Stadium for the very first time in hope to be the second team to beat them at their new home.




The Stadium.

Current Capacity – 26,828

This season is the start of a new era for Cardiff City FC. Having had Ninian Park as home for the last 99 years the club embarked on their move across the road to their new home on the opening day of the season. Normal service was soon resumed as they left off, with a 4-0 thrashing of Scunthorpe United.
Since then only two goals have been conceded, both in the League Cup. Also they have never scored less than three in all competitive games at their new home, that was until their 1-0 defeat at home to Newcastle last Sunday.

The new stadium cost £48 million pounds to build and also has foundations set ready for expansion, if needed to, to become a 60,000 all seater stadium.
This design is very much a new style bowl, lacking with any distinctive features but the finish to the stadium is very clean and tidy.

R’s fans will be housed in the corner between the Ninian Stand and Grange Stand, so I would expect an exciting yet intimidating reception, that is of course if the atmosphere from Ninian Park has been carried across the road.



The History between the teams.

At Cardiff City (32)

Cardiff 16
QPR 8
Draw 8

Friday 17th November will always hold a place in Rangers hearts. The game was at Ninian Park and with the Sky cameras there one of our bright prospects enjoyed what was his finest moment, and all his last goal in the famous blue and white hoops. Yes you've guessed it, the day that Ray Jones scored a dramatic 88th minute winner for the Superhoops and secured what would prove to be a vital 3points in a relegation threatened season.
Rangers have enjoyed mixed fortunes at this ground in recent years having won 3, lost 2 and drawn 3 in the previous 8 meetings (not including the play off final) in South Wales, could this be another win on the board for the Superhoops?

How to get there.

By Car:- For those of you with the benefit of having sat nav the all important post code is CF11 8AZ

To avoid driving through the centre of Cardiff, leave the M4 at junction 33 and take the A4232 towards Cardiff/Barry. Keep on the A4232 towards Cardiff and then leave the dual carriageway at the B4267 exit, signposted 'Cardiff (Leckwith) Athletics Stadium'. Follow the signs for the stadium and after about half a mile you will see the Cardiff City Stadium over on your right.
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By Train:- The closest train station to the ground is just around the corner and is called Ninian Park Halt station. This is a local line service only. You can catch trains for this from Cardiff Central. The ground is only five minutes’ walk away from the stadium.


Pubs 'n' Grub.

Most of the pubs near to the ground can be quite intimidating for away supporters and are not recommended. However there is the Lansdowne Hotel on Beda Road which is a ten minute walk away from the stadium.
There are no nearby restaurants or take aways nearby (from what I remember) so you may have to settle for a burger van or food inside the ground.
I haven’t got a list of food prices for inside the ground but I can inform you that it is £3 a pint inside the ground, a rare treat for a Cardiff visit.

Helguson departs......

Today was the day we finally got confirmation that Heidar Helguson has departed the club. His destination.... former club Watford.



Helguson leaves the club on a loan deal which expires on the 28th Decemeber.
Helguson's previous spell at Watford lasted five years, between January 2000 and June 2005, making 174 appearances and scoring 55 goals.
He then made a move to West London at Fulham. He was largely used from the bench during his time there before he moved for an undisclosed fee to Bolton.
After 18 frustrating months at the Reebok Helguson moved to Rangers on loan in November 2008 before signing permanently in January 2009 after a good run of form that saw him bag 5 goals in 10 games. Since then Helguson has only got himself on the score sheet once, in the recent 1-1 draw at Plymouth.

Good Luck Heidar!


Finally just a quick mention on tonights Kids go for free offer.
It's a fantastic offer that the club have put in place but I'm of the opinion that if the club gave fans more than 2 days notice then more loyal fans would've taken advantage of the offer and taken their kids and the future R's fans down to Loftus Road to watch the game.
In future some better promotional work is required, in my opinion, good try though.

Time'll fix it Jim.......

I have been lucky enough to secure some of the thoughts of another loyal Rangers fan and he gives you his take on Saturday's game as well as an oversight into Rangers disappointing start to the season. Thanks very much Nik Brumsack for this and hopefully we will be able to get more opinions from him in the future.

As the 10,000-odd QPR fans left Loftus Road disappointed again, the question on many fans lips was simply “where do we go from here?”

When the fixtures were released in mid-June, R’s fans will have had every right to be very confident of a good start to the season. Instead, the side have picked up just 7 points from the first 6 games, winning only once in that time.

The dissatisfaction amongst fans is growing and it’s not hard to see why. £600 is an obscene amount of money to be charged to watch Championship football. The players (with the exception of a select few) would do well to remember to show the fans a bit of appreciation at the end of games. It is us after all us who pay their wages, travelling the length and breadth of the country to support them in the process.

There can be no doubting that Jim Magilton has inherited the most talented squad that Loftus Road has seen in years. There is, however, no point in having these players if they continue to play as a collection of individuals rather than a team. The game against Peterborough was a prime example of that. On paper, Rangers’ have a considerably better squad. Nevertheless, on the pitch it was the visitors who were the better side, playing as a team and controlling the play for long periods. This desperately needs to be addressed as the potential for success is there and that’s why it’s so frustrating to see Rangers’ disappoint week in, week out. “Madge” needs to make the players aware of how much of a privilege it is to play for Queens Park Rangers FC. The squad of players need to look at Gareth Ainsworth and learn something from him.

Magilton has made schoolboy errors when it comes to the squad gelling. Eight games into the campaign and he still seems to have no idea as to who his best side actually is. Key players like Akos Buzsaky and Kaspars Gorkšs have been in and out of the side all season. How are the players meant to build partnerships when the team is changed every week?

In some respects, it must be noted that Magilton has been unlucky. The two-week break that followed Rangers' first win of the season at Scunthorpe will have extinguished any chance of carrying momentum into the next game.

QPR face Crystal Palace this Tuesday, and 3 points is a necessity. With difficult games away to high-flyers Cardiff and Newcastle coming up, the pressure will really be on Magilton and the team to produce the goods. For all the pretty passing that Rangers’ are producing at the moment, the gaffer and his side have to be wary of the fact that football is a results game, and so far this season, they have not been good enough.

Jim Magilton need only ask Iain Dowie or Paulo Sousa about the ruthlessness of QPR’s owners to know that managers are not given a lot of time to prove themselves in W12.

The clock is ticking.

Does this sound familiar......?

Well it’s another game, another 1-1 draw, another game with countless wasted opportunities........ just another game where Rangers fans scream out “we need a striker!!!”

Before the game it was me, Lofty, PK, Corp, little Aaron and Mark (who looks to be becoming a new member of the gang) enjoying a swift half outside the Springbok having a good old chin wag and catching up on what has happened to us all over the last two weeks. We were all in quite a positive mood and expecting a good Rangers performance and more importantly a first home win of the season. A 2-0 and 2-1 score line were the popular choices between us all.

Jim Magilton made to changes from the side that beat Scunthorpe two weeks ago.
Ben Watson came in to make his debut after signing on loan from Wigan at the end of the transfer window. He replaced Peter Ramage, meaning Mikele Leigertwood moved to right back.
The other change saw Damion Stewart come in for Fitz Hall after Hall injured his groin during training.



With two minutes on the clock Watson had his first chance to open his account.
A free kick was awarded 25yards out just to the left hand side of the area. Watson’s effort was tame and was aimed straight at goalkeeper Joe Lewis.
Rangers continued to enjoy possession of the ball and created many openings but were just lacking in the all important area...... finishing!
On 18 minutes disaster struck!
Ben Watson lost possession deep in the Rangers half and Peterborough managed to get the ball out to former Rangers left back Tommy Williams delivered an absolute peach of a cross from the left hand side and Aaron Mclean rose highest to flick the ball into the past Cerny and into the bottom corner. A fantastic header and Cerny had no hope of getting it! A counted that Rangers had at least five chances before that and it was Peterborough’s first chance of the game.
Buoyed by the goal Peterborough started to creep more and more into the game and really started to frustrate Rangers.
A long range effort from winger Whelpdale which seemed to be going harmlessly wide but was fumbled behind by Cerny to give away a needless corner. Luckily the corner was dealt with and Rangers continued just a goal behind.
Peterborough continued to frustrate Rangers and the hosts were limited to a long range effort from Taarabt after good work holding the ball up by the hard working Jay Simpson.

After another Rangers free kick the Boro defence dealt with it and broke quickly. Damion Stewart was all alone at the back whilst two attackers ran at him towards goal; he had no choice but to go to the attacker holding the ball and in turn left a huge gap behind him for the other to run in behind him once the ball was played. The Boro attacker was through on goal and only had Cerny to beat but from knowhere came Ben Watson and he stole the ball just as the trigger was going to be pulled and saved Rangers from certainly going 2-0 down.
From that saving tackle Rangers broke. Taarabt picked the ball up and ran at the Boro defence with his armoury of tricks. When it looked as if he really should’ve passed out wide to Hogan out on the left, Taarabt instead continued his run before giving Simpson the ball. Simpson held off his man well before laying the ball off to Routledge who in turn slotted the ball home from close range.
Just before the end of the half Rangers enjoyed one more chance. Hogan fed in Borrowdale of all people as he “raced” into the penalty area
Just before the end of the half Rangers enjoyed one more chance. Hogan fed in Borrowdale of all people as he “raced” into the penalty area, his effort went harmlessly wide when it really looked as if easier to hit the target.

Half time soon came around and it was time to once again rue the chances we have created and if we had an out and out goal scorer up front we made of had the game wrapped up ready for xmas already.
I finally got to taste the delight of the Yorkshire wrap. I opted for the beef option, as the chicken had sold out and it is certainly a winner. PK went for the chicken option before they sold out and has said that it is the better of the two, the stuffing with the chicken was a fine accompliment to it. Aaron went for the hot dog and certainly seemed to enjoy it as it didn’t last very long and Lofty went for a pie, I can’t remember which one, but he enjoyed that as well. It’s safe to say that the in ground catering has definitely improved and is well worth queuing up for.

The second half started and it was definitely more of the same.
Rangers looked creative whereas Peterborough looked the more dangerous in front of goal.
Rangers did have one effort on goal in the opening 15 minutes of the half, a Matt Connolly header fizzed over the bar from a Watson corner.
The substitutions soon came around. A double sub on 60 minutes started proceedings. Faurlin, who had a reasonable game and passed the ball pretty well, came off for the returning Martin Rowlands. Then the puzzling substitution came at the same time. Rowan Vine came on for the tricky Taarabt, who in my opinion was troubling Peterborough and this played into the visitor’s hands.
This is just an observation but Taarabt has not completed 90 minutes in the games he has started under Magilton and is always taken off on the 60 minute mark. Pure coincidence or does Magilton not like Taarabt? You decide.

Peterborough were nearly on the score sheet once again half way through the half.
A fantastic shot was hit towards the Rangers goal (I couldn’t tell you who it was by) and it seemed to take a deflection and was going inside the already diving Cerny until he managed to flick a leg out and seemingly scissor kick the ball away from goal. It was a fantastic save considering he had already dived and seemed helpless to the ball making it’s way into the net.
Buzsaky came on for Hogan with 20 minutes to go. Buzsaky was immediately sent to the right wing and Routledge came over and switched to the left wing.
Rangers continued to threaten and it wasn’t until the 84th minute that the golden opportunity that we had been waiting for.
Buzsaky done fantastically well down the right hand side and sent a ball into the near post, finding the advancing Simpson. After a lovely turn the ball sat up beautifully for him and he volleyed the ball............. high and wide! So frustrating that once again the final touch eluded the Rangers team.
The game wasn’t yet over.
Peterborough continued to push and attack and it looked as if they got themselves a winner.
Mackail-Smith found himself free on the left hand side of the Rangers defence after being played in. He slotted the ball home really well and went off to celebrate in front of the travelling fans. It took a good few minutes for the visitors to realise that in fact the linesman had his flag raised for offside. A huge sigh of relief for every Rangers fan in the stadium.

Full time 1-1.

After the game the gang along with Darren went down the Queen and reflected on what has to be regarded as a game we really should’ve won and is two points dropped, again!

Once again I’m sure every Rangers once again walked out of Loftus Road feeling extremely frustrated and once again we have highlighted the need for a goal scorer in our ranks. Jay Simpson is a hard working lad and looks to have bags of talent in him but if he had someone up there to help him out and be the fox in the box that we so desperately need then this squad of players will take some beating.
We look as if we are ready to explode soon with a frenzy of goals, it’s just a case of when not if it happens.

Today’s Match of the Match isn’t going to be the choice of Mr Paladini who said this to Nik at the end of the game “Our left back was the best player on the pitch”. Well luckily my glasses aren’t that rose tinted and instead the award goes to Wayne Routledge once again. He really has come on leaps and bounds this season. He looks to be playing with some passion and enjoys wearing the hoops. He’s always looking menacing when running at defenders and also tracks back and helps out the right back when needed.

QPR: Cerny, Stewart, Leigertwood, Routledge, Watson, Connolly, Faurlin (Rowlands 58), Simpson, Ephraim (Buzsaky 69), Borrowdale, Taarabt (Vine 58).

Subs not used: Heaton, Ramage, Mahon, Buzsaky, Pellicori.

Goal: Routledge (36)

Putting the Boot In...

Following his excellent work on this site, Lee Brown has taken his writing talents to a new level and his started his own football blog.

As Lee himself introduces - 'Putting The Boot In';

This is a new page that is totally dedicated to football. It doesnt matter what it is we will have an opinion and will do our best to cover as many bases as possible.
We are going to review the results across the divisions and supply our own insights into how things are panning out in the respected leagues.

We will also offer club features and how the club is progressing towards the future.
Any ideas are gladly welcomed and we will do our best to serve the football fans around the country.

You can find the link to 'Putting The Boot In' on the links section on the right hand side...

It's early days but it is looking very promising indeed and is a site that will appeal to fans of the beautiful game, everywhere. GOOD LUCK LEE!!!

LH Finally Welcomes Ben Watson...

After an 18 month pursuit, QPR have finally completed the signing of midfielder Ben Watson from Wigan Athletic.



The 24 year-old has signed on loan until December 31st, although the Rangers have the option of extending the deal when the January transfer window opens.

R's boss Jim Magilton told the Official QPR website:

Ben will prove to be a fantastic addition to the squad. He's got a proven track record in this division, as well as the Premier League, and I'm just delighted we've been able to bring him to the Club.

He's a box-to-box midfielder, who scores goals and puts his boot in - he's got all the attributes that you need to play in that central midfield role.

Unfortunately, with a left back and a striker much needed and with rumours aplenty, that was the R's only signing as the transfer window closed.

GOOD LUCK BEN and WELCOME to QPR!!!! At long last...