As is customary at this time of the year, we would like to thank everyone for their input over the last 12 months; to the website, Twitter and also our Facebook Page.
Sadly, Finbar Stokes was laid to rest earlier this week after a long illness. During the summer Steve Zico lost his uncle, ‘Paddington boy’ Bob Sanders. There was also Tom Cleghorn and many others.
Prior to kick-off against Aston Villa last Sunday, a minute’s applause took place in memory of all Rangers and Villa fans who had passed away during the past year.
We also lost the following former players over the last 12 months; Ray Brady, George McLeod and John O’Rourke.
May they all Rest in Peace.
Following his terrible accident whilst en route to the Forest game in January, QPR’s No.1 Alan Barnes went on to be voted ‘Supporter of the Year’.
A massive well done to Dave Jamieson and Ciara Hayes who saved Terry Long’s life on White City Station platform after he had collapsed. They gave him life-saving CPR until the ambulance arrived. It was an emotional moment when all three were on the pitch together last Sunday.
Prior to the Derby home game I met up with John22 in the ‘Crown & Sceptre’ who kindly passed over the signed shirt that he had won in a raffle in Athlone over two years ago. It was destined for Freddie Hunt’s family to help them raise some much-needed funds.
So before kick-off I handed it on to Andy Evans to do the necessary. Great gesture John, well done mate.
Former Director and lifelong R’s fan Kevin McGrath was awarded the MBE.
It was announced that Nazir Razak and Johan Rasian had joined the Board. West London Sport reported that Razak was the Chairman of CIMB Group Holdings Berhad, a major Asean Financial Services group and that on his Instagram profile he described himself as a “semi-retired banker and Chelsea fan.”
Cargiant’s Managing Director Tony Mendes criticised the Club for misleading R’s fans with “inaccurate statements”? Hopefully a new stadium at Old Oak Common will become a real possibility in the coming year.
The prospect of a training ground at Warren Farm dragged on and campaigners were awarded a judicial review, which will be heard in the New Year.
Historical allegations were made against former Club employee Chris Gieler relating to child abuse in football. The Club issued a statement confirming that they would conduct a full investigation.
The new Club Crest proved to be generally very popular amongst the fanbase despite a couple of important historical details relating to the Club’s origins being ignored!
The ex-players association, ‘The Forever R’s Club’ was launched at the Reading home game on 15th October and Ian Gillard accepted the role as Life President.
We await the Club’s confirmation that Stan Bowles will be awarded a benefit match in the very near future.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was sacked after the Forest away game on 5th November, which then saw the return of Ian Holloway.
Finally, may we wish Rangers fans everywhere a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous New Year.
Steve Russell for the Independent R’s
A very Merry Xmas to all Rs fans
Well done with that article Steve. Good read.