They must realise that it is Football a Crowd pays to see’ – QPR fan, F. E. Perry

That could well have been written recently!

The following letter was written by F. E. Perry and appeared in the Kensington Post on 23rd August 1935:

‘Sir, it was with feelings of uneasiness I left Loftus Road on Saturday, after having watched Queen’s Park Rangers first trial game of the season.

To say I was not impressed would be to put it mildly; frankly I was bored. True, one cannot judge a team on their showing in a match of this type, but in view of the opposition attraction likely to be expected from the opening of a new rugby stadium at Park Royal, one would have expected something vastly more attractive.

Rangers, on paper, may look a golden proposition, but in play they are a vastly different team altogether: a team who, if I am not far wrong, will prove unlikely to stand the strain of the hustle-bustle methods of third division football.

Saturday’s game, in which the “Hoops” drew with the “Reds”, revealed some very disquieting facts, foremost of which is the Rangers’ weakness in defence.

Although having its bright moments, Saturday’s game was on the whole singularly unimpressive, neither side seeming inclined to let themselves go.

Abel was the best man on the field, his forceful methods and accurate passing being as such as most indubitably merit his inclusion in the side to face Millwall.

Mason in goal for the “Hoops” showed remarkable agility, making wonderful full length saves from Abel and Banks. He might be Rangers’ custodian in their league match.

Other players with whom I was impressed were; Cheetham, Carr, Lowe and Ballantyne.

Play opened with a raid by the “Reds” on the “Hoops” goal. Abel, from a pass from Carr, passing the ball over the bar. A few minutes later Reds drew first blood, a solo effort by Banks ending with Rowe putting through his own goal.

Shortly afterwards Lowe consolidated the Reds’ position by converting a pass given to him by Ballantyne. At this period the Reds were definitely on top, systematic passing by their forwards giving the Hoops defence a great deal to cope with.

Shorty before the interval Cheetham reduced the Hoops’ deficit by beating Hammond with a smashing drive from some distance out. Half-time came with the score: Reds 2, Hoops 1.

On the resumption of play, two alterations were made, Hammond taking over from Abel, and Schofield deputising in pace of Russell.

In the second half the Hoops showed a little more enterprise and it came as no surprise when Cheetham equalised. Play after this deteriorated somewhat, nothing great occurring until Banks headed through to put Reds three up.

Redoubling their efforts, Hoops pressed the attack and were rewarded when Samuel scored the equaliser close on time.

If the Rangers are to show a profit at the end of the season, they must realise that it is football a crowd pays to see.

That they do not lack enthusiasm I grant, and for this, if nothing else, I wish them a successful season.’

I wonder if that letter was written by well-known R’s fan, Fred Perry?

Rangers was Fred’s life and he sadly passed away in his 90’s.

Steve Russell

(Thanks to Colin Woodley for sending this to me)