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Queens Park Rangers v Ipswich Town



Monday 2nd January 2017 – 15:00


Loftus Road








Opening Thought – Jamma

In the wake of Boxing Day’s capitulation against Fulham, the club found themselves at their lowest ebb, with many failing to see how Mick McCarthy could turn things around. We were in need of a reaction against Bristol City, and boy did we get one, in terms of both the performance and, most importantly, the result. Marcus Evans’ open letter to supporters had drawn plenty of comment in the build-up, as he put across his 5-point plan to compete for promotion and re-affirmed his faith in his manager. Maybe this provided added incentive for fans to come together and get behind their team, or maybe the Blue Army had decided that it was time for a clean slate heading into the New Year. Either way, the difference in atmosphere was tangible, as Town supporters cheered their team on from first whistle to last. Mick’s team selection was well received, with a return to his favoured 4-4-2 and recalls for the creative talents of Grant Ward and David McGoldrick. The support from the stands encouraged the team to get the ball down and play, and they grew into the game as the half progressed. When Kevin Bru coolly deflected Tom Lawrence’s cross into the net, it capped off a fine first-half performance which was greeted by warm applause. The Robins got back on level terms early in the second period, taking advantage of a defensive mix-up. This setback could understandably have introduced some jitters, amongst both players and fans. So it was to our credit that we raised our game again, roared on by the encouragement of the crowd. As against Wigan, the substitutes again had an impact, with Andre Dozzell in particular impressing with his forward-thinking play and some incisive passes. Fellow replacement Freddie Sears could have scored with his first contribution, but saw his shot squeezed out by the defender on the line. He was to have a decisive say before the night was out, as his cross was converted by Brett Pitman’s exquisite overhead kick to seal a massive 3 points. This rare late drama recalled similar last-gasp winners at Portman Road from last season, and raised hopes of a brighter 2017 ahead.

If you look back at the Blues’ last nine results at home, they read: Drew, Lost, Won, Drew, Lost, Won, Drew, Lost, Won. Apart from begging the question of why I didn’t add Ipswich to my accumulator for the weekend, this form is just the latest illustration of the frustrations behind our season to date. Just as whenever we go down to defeat we cast a nervous glance over our shoulder at the gap to the relegation zone, every time we win the question becomes whether we can finally back it up with another and start looking up the table. If our aspirations are to shift towards the top six in the second half of the campaign, our next two league matches will surely have to yield close to maximum points. Over the following seven games, we face five of the current top seven, with Villa and Norwich thrown in for good measure before February is out. Before we can think about that, though, we come up against another familiar opponent in QPR, who were dispatched at Portman Road barely five weeks ago. On that occasion, we were somewhat fortunate to record a 3-0 win, with the result in the balance until Alex Smithies gifted Luke Varney the killer second goal. That victory, in Ian Holloway’s second match in charge, set off a run of six successive defeats for the R’s which only came to an end with success against Wolves on Saturday. But we will have to be wary of Rangers’ desire for revenge, as we look to secure our first double of 2016/17. A Town win and a defeat for Norwich against Derby could also see us overtake the plummeting Canaries, which would make it an especially happy New Year!



The Opposition – Queens Park Rangers







The club was formed in 1886, when a team known as St Jude's (formed in 1884) merged with Christchurch Rangers (formed in 1882). The resulting team was called Queens Park Rangers, because most of the players came from the Queen's Park area of North-West London. QPR became a professional team in 1889 and played their home games in nearly 20 different stadia (a league record), before permanently settling at Loftus Road in 1917.

QPR were promoted as champions of Division 3 South in the 1947–48 season and enjoyed four seasons in the Second Division, before being relegated in 1951–52.

In 1966–67, QPR won the Division Three championship and became the first Third Division club to win the League Cup, on Saturday 4 March 1967. After winning promotion in 1968 to the top flight for the first time in their history, Rangers were relegated after just one season and spent the next four years in Division 2.

In 1974, Dave Sexton joined as manager and, in 1975–76, led QPR to the runners-up spot in the First Division, missing out on the Championship by a single point with a squad containing seven England internationals as well as internationals from the home nations.

The late 1970s also saw some cup success, with Rangers reaching the semi-finals of the League Cup and, in their first entry into European football, reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup, losing to AEK Athens on penalties. Following Sexton's departure in 1977, the club eventually slipped into the Second Division in 1979.

In 1980, Terry Venables took over as manager and the club installed a 'plastic pitch'. In 1982, QPR, still playing in the Second Division, reached the FA Cup final for the only time in the club's history, but lost to Tottenham 1-0 in the replay.

The following season, 1982–83, QPR went on to win the Second Division championship and returned to English football's top division. In their first season back, they recorded a respectable fifth place finish, gaining UEFA Cup qualification. Over the next seven years, various managers came and went from Loftus Road and the club spent many seasons finishing in mid-table but avoided relegation. The most successful season during this period was the 1987–88 season, in which QPR finished fifth, missing out on a UEFA Cup campaign due to the ban on English clubs in European competition as a result of the Heysel Stadium disaster.

Gerry Francis was appointed manager in the summer of 1991. In the 1991–92 First Division campaign, they finished mid-table in the league and were founder members of the new Premier League, finishing 5th, as the top London club, in the 1992–93 inaugural season. Midway through the 1994–95 season, Francis resigned and Ray Wilkins was installed as player-manager. Wilkins led QPR to an eighth place finish in the Premiership

QPR struggled throughout the following season and were relegated at the end of the 1995–96 season. QPR then competed in Division 1 until 2001 under a succession of managers. Gerry Francis returned in 1998. However, the 2000–2001 season proved to be a disaster, and Francis resigned in early 2001.

Charismatic former player Ian Holloway became manager but was unable to stop Rangers from being relegated to England's third tier for the first time in more than thirty years.

Following the 2003–2004 season, QPR returned to Division 1 and struggled for consistent form over the next two campaigns before Holloway was suspended amidst rumours of his departure for Leicester City

During this same period, QPR became embroiled in financial and boardroom controversy. Although the club had floated on the Alternative Investment Market in 1991, in 2001 it entered administration (receivership). A period of financial hardship followed and the club left administration after receiving a £10m high-interest emergency loan, which continued to burden the club. Scandals involving the directors, shareholders and others emerged in the 2005–06 season and included allegations of blackmail and threats of violence against the club's chairman Gianni Paladini.

Following this low point in the club's history as Rangers also faced mounting financial pressure, in the same month it was announced that the club had been bought by wealthy Formula One businessmen Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone. During the 2007–08 season, Rangers competed in the Football League Championship. Further investment followed in early 2008 as the club looked to push for promotion to the Premier League within four years, on the back of greater financial stability. On 14 May 2008, Iain Dowie was announced as the manager to begin the campaign to return Rangers to the top flight. However, on 24 October 2008, Dowie was sacked after just fifteen games in charge of the club.

On 19 November 2008, QPR named former Portugal midfielder Paulo Sousa as their new First Team coach. However, on 9 April 2009, his contract was terminated. In June 2009, Jim Magilton was named as the new manager of QPR. Despite leading them to a good start to the 2009–10 season, a loss of form meant he left the club by mutual consent on 16 December 2009. He was replaced by Paul Hart on the next day. Less than a month and only 5 games after becoming manager at QPR, Paul Hart parted with the club on 14 January 2010.

On 30 April 2011, QPR secured promotion to the Premier League by winning the Championship. A subsequent FA investigation involving the club’s acquisition of Alejandro Faurlín threatened to deduct points from the side and put their promotion in jeopardy. The investigation concluded on 7 May 2011, with QPR found to be at fault in two of the seven charges, and receiving a £875,000 fine. However, there were no points deducted by the FA, and QPR's promotion to the Premier League was secured.

In January 2012, club chairman Tony Fernandes appointed Mark Hughes as team manager 36 hours after the previous incumbent Neil Warnock had been sacked. QPR escaped relegation on the last day of the season.

On 23 November 2012, Mark Hughes was sacked on the back of a poor start to the 2012–13 season, with the club languishing at the bottom of the Premier League despite significant financial investment in new players. A day later, Harry Redknapp was confirmed as the new manager. On 28 April 2013, with 3 games of the season to play, QPR were relegated from the Premier League down to the Championship after two seasons in the top flight.

During the 2013–14 season, QPR finished 4th in the Championship, and qualified for the play-offs, defeating Wigan Athletic in the semi-finals. In the final against favourites Derby County on 24 May 2014, QPR won 1–0 with a goal in the 90th minute to return to the Premier League.

The return to the top flight was a brief one, however, with QPR being relegated from the Premier League in last place at the conclusion of the 2014/15 season.

After a poor start to the Championship, Chris Ramsey was sacked in November 2015. Former manager Neil Warnock returned to the hot seat in interim charge. On 4 December 2015, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was appointed the club's new manager on a rolling contract.

Hasselbaink was sacked on 5 November 2016, just 11 months after arriving. Six days later, QPR re-appointed Ian Holloway, who had previously been in charge 10 years previously.

Last season, QPR finished in 12th place on 60 points



The Gaffer – Ian Holloway








Past Match - Video Highlights - Trev



Lets have more of the Same please!








Media Watch - K L Blue



2 strikers targeted


http://www.greenun24.co.uk/ipswich-town ... _1_4833738


MM gets ME's support


http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/ip ... 88414.html


MM on Dozzell Masterclass


http://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/30869/



Form Guide



QPR Last 5 Matches - Currently in 19th place with 26 points



Wolverhampton 1-2 QPR

Brighton 3-0 QPR

QPR 0-1 Aston Villa

QPR 0-1 Derby County

Rotherham 1-0 QPR



Ipswich Last 5 Matches - Currently in 14th place with 31 points



Ipswich Town 2-1 Bristol City

Ipswich Town 0-2 Fulham FC

Wigan Athletic 2-3 Ipswich Town

Birmingham City 2-1 Ipswich Town

Ipswich Town 1-1 Cardiff City






Fixtures of Interest



BRIMINGHAM VS BRENTFORD

BURTON ALBION VS PRESTON

NORWICH VS DERBY



Match Referee – Tony Harrington






Final Thought - Bluemike



To say we needed a response against Bristol City following the horror show against Fulham would be something of an understatement, thankfully I feel we got that, not only picking up the points but also the way we went about our business, OK it wasn't out of this world and no all our issues are not resolved but it was an indication that we can at least attempt to play something resembling decent Football. The more attack minded line up gave hope from the off and thankfully we did try to be more offensive and this ultimately paid dividends.

There has been much debate in recent weeks reagrding the atmosphere at Portman Road, some say it is the players jobs to lift the crowd while others think the crowd should be lifting the team, in truth it is both, they should go hand in hand and thankfully we also got this on Friday evening, the fans made a fair bit of noise for a change and in turn the players put in a much better showing than in previous games, the 12th man scenario certainly seemed to make a difference at times while I ahve to say it was far more pleasurable being on the terraces surrounded by a little bit of positivity, hopefully we can continue to get behind the boys the next time we are losing too, you never know it may just help !!!

One of the bright spots for me was the showing of Andre Dozzell & Myles Kenlock, these are young lads coming into a struggling side which is low on confidence but I felt they acquitted themselves very well indeed, especially Dozzell who played some lovely balls through to the strikers which caused Bristol City problems, it could well be that we will be seeing more and more of "Dozzer" in the coming weeks.

The transfer window opens tomorrow and already we are being linked with striker danny Ward, for me this is exactly the type of signing we should be looking to bring in, to be scoring goals in a poor team is the sign of a good finisher and he certainly did the business against us at PR a few weeks ago. Matt Taylor of Bristol Rovers is another striker that I would love to see us go in for, lets forget these silly loans like this guy from Fulham and look to build with a longer term plan, I still believe we have the nucleus of a good team just waiting to burst out. Our first opponents of 2017 are QPR who we tore apart a few weeks ago, a repeat of that would do very nicely indeed, they too have been struggling so hopefully we can exploit that and maybe, just maybe win back to back games at last. Happy new year to you all. COYB'S


QUEENS PARK RANGERS 1 IPSWICH TOWN 1

Massive thanks to the lads for turning this Preview around so quickly.

Hope everyone had a great New Years eve and more importantly I would like to wish everyone a fantastic 2017!

Remember teams have been promoted from worse positions than ourselves post Christmas (equally some have been relegated from higher positions, but let's only focus on the positives huh?)

Raise a glass to 2017.. Happy New Year to all long suffering supporters of Town and in fact, anyone who reads this forum. It can't be worse than 2016 - Can it? Tempted to ramble off into politics but I held back. Resolution no 1! So come on you blues - lets be the new Leicester City

I really hope we can at least come home with something on the back of another promising display, confidence among the players and fans alike would build just that little bit more to take into the cup game and more importantly Blackburn at home the following week.

I see no reason to change the team we started with on Friday night, and with some decent options off the bench it could work in our favour against a lacking in confidence QPR side, yes they won at Wolves yesterday but by all accounts it was totally against the run of play and they looked bereft of any confidence whatsoever.

Been to Loftus Road numerous times but have only ever seen us win there once and that was the game when Darren Currie made his debut and we won 4-2.
I'm predicting that tomorrow will be the 2nd occasion and we will win 2-1.
That's jinxed it!!!!

bluemike wrote:I really hope we can at least come home with something on the back of another promising display, confidence among the players and fans alike would build just that little bit more to take into the cup game and more importantly Blackburn at home the following week.

I see no reason to change the team we started with on Friday night, and with some decent options off the bench it could work in our favour against a lacking in confidence QPR side, yes they won at Wolves yesterday but by all accounts it was totally against the run of play and they looked bereft of any confidence whatsoever.

We seem to have a curse on us Mike, should have been 2/3 up in first 20 mins. you wont ever see a luckier goal than there winner. but life stinks aye. but onwards and upwards, we only need about 12 new players to fine tune this side, and perhaps our Mick back if you can spare him

Shed on tour wrote:Been to Loftus Road numerous times but have only ever seen us win there once and that was the game when Darren Currie made his debut and we won 4-2.
I'm predicting that tomorrow will be the 2nd occasion and we will win 2-1.
That's jinxed it!!!!

I don't have great memories of visiting Loftus Road either - Robert Green's wild celebrations at the last-minute winner a few years ago being the worst - and have yet to see us win there. Here's hoping tomorrow will be an end to that run. Otherwise, we'll be the first to blame, Shed!

Jamma123 wrote:

Shed on tour wrote:Been to Loftus Road numerous times but have only ever seen us win there once and that was the game when Darren Currie made his debut and we won 4-2.
I'm predicting that tomorrow will be the 2nd occasion and we will win 2-1.
That's jinxed it!!!!

I don't have great memories of visiting Loftus Road either - Robert Green's wild celebrations at the last-minute winner a few years ago being the worst - and have yet to see us win there. Here's hoping tomorrow will be an end to that run. Otherwise, we'll be the first to blame, Shed!

Was at that game as well. Remember Green kicking the ball into the upper tier after the final whistle.

Thanks for the preview boys - first of the New Year, where they're coming relentlessly at us!

Also been to Loftus Road a few times, once when Chris Kiwomya was playing for them. Can't ever recall seeing us win there: that's got to turn at some time - tomorrow would be good!

Despite their flukey win at Wolves, QPR are certainly no great shakes recently - and drawing some confidence from the BC performance and result, I think we could well turn them over. Providing no new injuries, same squad etc. More of the same.

Going for a 2-1 win.

goldandblack wrote:

bluemike wrote:I really hope we can at least come home with something on the back of another promising display, confidence among the players and fans alike would build just that little bit more to take into the cup game and more importantly Blackburn at home the following week.

I see no reason to change the team we started with on Friday night, and with some decent options off the bench it could work in our favour against a lacking in confidence QPR side, yes they won at Wolves yesterday but by all accounts it was totally against the run of play and they looked bereft of any confidence whatsoever.

We seem to have a curse on us Mike, should have been 2/3 up in first 20 mins. you wont ever see a luckier goal than there winner. but life stinks aye. but onwards and upwards, we only need about 12 new players to fine tune this side, and perhaps our Mick back if you can spare him

You lucky buggers, only 12 new players ???? Oh how I would love to be in that position !!!

As alluded to by others, the team is too inconsistent to provide any real indication of what may occur. Decided on a drawn game as scores and performances this season have proved too erratic from one week to the other.

Queens Park Rangers 2 Ipswich 2

QPR 1 : ITFC 1.

Just might as well play the same team..... Dozza on from the bench last 20 mins.

Only been to Loftus Road once and tbh I don't remember anything significant about it, it certainly wasn't memorable.

As much as I'd like to see us come away with a sneaky 0-1 win I think a draw is more likely. So long as we don't lose I'll be reasonably happy.

As always I have a £15 bet on a draw treble which always includes Town.

Charnwood wrote:Only been to Loftus Road once and tbh I don't remember anything significant about it, it certainly wasn't memorable.

As much as I'd like to see us come away with a sneaky 0-1 win I think a draw is more likely. So long as we don't lose I'll be reasonably happy.

As always I have a £15 bet on a draw treble which always includes Town.

Last time I went we drew with a p*ss poor QPR. Legwinski scored for us.

If MM allows our midfield to get forward, and he plays 2 up front as in the last 20 minutes on Boxing Day, we could win. Otherwise another bore draw.

Heavens above!!!!

Emanuell in for Ward. 3-5-2 . Kenlock keepin his place.

Bit rough on Ward. What the Dickens has MM got up his sleeve?

Is this a ploy to keep Chambo here or blooding Emanuell to take over from him when he leaves for Wolves?

Has Mick been on the sherry or part of the 5-point plan?

Playing with WINGBACKS........WTF is next!!!

we're going to win 1-2

0-1. Keep it going, boys. Been positive and playing well.

1-0 QPR

Very sloppy defending their throw in, but wow what a strike by Sylla.

tangfastic wrote:0-1. Keep it going, boys. Been positive and playing well.

What a fabulous equalising goal from Tom Lawrence!

Bru off Douglas on!

Before the game I was very hopeful with selection ... but wondered if Knudesn and Chambers would end the game at FB's.... and Douglas in the centre. Knudsen on... come on, Mick, you can't help yourself.

2-1 QPR

we don't deserve to lose but MM's decision with all 3 subs was suicidal...

1-2

Bring on Dozzell.... oh we can't .

FT: 2-1:(

Brilliant manager, maybe we could go the whole season without two wins on the trot. Bloody embarrassing.

If MM wants Chambers and Knudsen as FB's and Douglas with Skuse as preferred ..... then f**king DO IT FROM THE START!!!

It's not the result - or the performance - but the substitutions!!

It's obvious he wants certain players on the field ... then do it ....he's the boss. No half-hearted team selections.

There's been a big fan backlash and the invisible, enigma of an owner has eventually piped up which prompted a bit of a team change .... So why go with a fresh team selection and then go back to form as soon as he can.

Substitutions are important.... I can just about see the Emnuell one.... different formation and that ... but why Douglas and most importantly Knudsen.? Settling for a draw when there was a possibility of trying to win it. Waste of substitutions and muddled, half-hearted team selections.