Category: History

The following article appeared in the Kilburn Times on 19th August 1905: ‘The Kensal Rise Athletic Ground, until last year the home of the Queen’s Park Rangers, has now changed hands again, and since it has come into the possession of that well-known promoter of sports meetings, Mr W. Ecclestone, of the “Coach and Horses,” Continue reading

Back in the early 60’s a visit Colchester United’s old ground in Layer Road was a regular feature of our season. As usual we would go by train and then walk to the ground, which was situated in South Colchester. This was no joy because after you leave Colchester Station you are faced with the Continue reading

Team: Collins, Archer, Newlands, Bowman, Hitch, Freeman, Cross, Milward, Brown, Blackwood, Wilson Attendance: 10,000 On 5th September 1903, QPR took on Brentford at Kensal Rise in their opening Southern League (Division 1) game of the season. The following match report appeared in the Acton Gazette: ‘The capital display given by the Queen’s Park Rangers in Continue reading

Team: Clutterbuck, Knowles, McConnell, Crawford (capt), Tennant, Keech, Smith (T), Haywood, Bedingfield, Turnbull, Cowie Attendance: 4,000 QPR’s eagerly awaited opening match in the Southern League (Division 1) took place against Brighton United at Kensal Rise on 2nd September 1899. The Kilburn Times reported on the game the following week: ‘Last Saturday’s match between Queen’s Park Continue reading

I recently picked up a copy of a letter that was issued by Ron Phillips on 27th November 1973 to all Football League Clubs: ‘We wish to inform you that we are prepared to receive offers for the transfer of the under-mentioned player: Dear Sir, IAN GILLARD – 23 years old. Full-back. (single) – 78 Continue reading

The following article appeared in the Belfast Telegraph on 5th August 1927: ‘Opinion in London’s football circles is reported sharply divided on the desirability of using a white ball to enable the spectators to follow the play better. With this end in view Arsenal have decided to experiment with a white ball at their first Continue reading

With Luton’s promotion to the Championship, the R’s will be travelling to Kenilworth Road once again next season. In 1904 the Hatters were based at their former Dunstable Road ground and on the 12th November, QPR took on the hosts in a Southern League fixture. Ahead of the game, “Strawopolis” wrote a preview of the Continue reading

Team: Camp, Edghill, Carlisle, Rose, Padula, Ainsworth, Johnson, Bircham, Rowlands, Gallen, Furlong. Subs: Gnohere, Cureton Attendance: 29,313 I had travelled up to Hillsborough on the train and packed in the away end were 7,360 R’s fans with others scattered around the home areas. The following match report later appeared in the press: ‘This game saw Continue reading

Team: Phillips (Brentford), Watson, Clement, Hazell, Hunt, Harris, Morgan (I), Leach, Clarke, Marsh, Bridges Attendance: 4,010 QPR took on Arbroath at Loftus Road on 1st March 1969. With Ron Springett, Mike Kelly and Alan Spratley all unavailable, Brentford agreed to loan Gordon Phillips for this friendly match. Rangers had previously played them at Gayfield Park Continue reading

Team: Springett, Woods, Ingham, Petchey, Rutter, Andrews, Hellawell, Longbottom, Peacock, Cameron, Kerrins Attendance: 11,722 Rangers travelled to Carrow Road on 12th January 1957 and recorded a rare away victory. The following match report appeared later that day in the ‘Eastern Football News’ (The Pink Un): ‘Norwich City’s long run without victory continues. Queen’s Park Rangers Continue reading