The funeral of Stan Bowles was held at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Collyhurst, Manchester on Friday 22nd March, There were a number of ex-players there including; Gerry Francis, Phil Parkes, Don Shanks, Tony Currie, Dave Webb, Andy Sinton and Chris Kamara. A large gathering of QPR supporters were also amongst the congregation and there Continue reading
Author: Steve Sayce
Gerry Francis’ Visit to the Gola Factory in 1976
The Gola Sportswear Company used to be known as the Bozeat Boot Company and was based in the North Northamptonshire village of Bozeat. Gerry Francis visited the factory in the summer of 1976. The company was founded in 1905 and it is thought that the name was chosen because it was an anagram of the Continue reading
When Rangers Goalkeeper Harry Brown realised his ambition in a Fog
As a bit of a follow-on to Martin Percival’s excellent recent articles, Harry Brown wrote the following for ‘Soccer Star’, which appeared in the magazine on 3rd January 1953: ‘I was standing in the middle of a fog congratulating myself. Ever since I was a kid I’d always had an ambition to play for Arsenal. Continue reading
Brentford (2) – QPR (2) – ‘The Incessant Rain on Saturday Afternoon had its effect on the Attendance at this Match’
Team: Howes, White, Newlands, Yenson, Hitch, Ryder, Thompson, Sugden, Roberts, Fletcher, Bevan. Attendance: 3,000 Following a goalless draw with Tottenham Hotspur the previous week, the Park Royalists travelled to Griffin Park on 17th February 1906. A match report appeared in the Sporting Life two days later: ‘The incessant rain on Saturday afternoon had its effect Continue reading
Rest in peace Chris Barker 1980 – 2020
We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Chris Barker at the age of 39. Chris was a full back who had a long career at a number of clubs. He joined Queen’s Park Rangers on a free transfer from Cardiff City in June 2007. He made 26 appearances in Continue reading
BBC DIY SOS appeals for trades help in Dale Youth Boxing Academy project
The BBC DIY SOS – The Big Build – television programme is appealing for help from the trades for a very special project at the Dale Youth Boxing Academy. The amateur gym was destroyed in the devastating and horrific fire that killed 71 people in June 2017. The gym is where James DeGale and George Continue reading
Rest in Peace, Ray Wilkins – 4 April 2018
We are desperately saddened and upset to learn of the passing of QPR and England midfield Ray Wilkins, aged 61. Ray, born in Hillingdon in 1956, made 207 appearances for Queen’s Park Rangers and also managed the club for a spell succeeding Gerry Francis. It was reported that he was taken ill on 30 March Continue reading
Shepherd’s Bush Station & the Opening of the Central London Railway in 1900
Shepherd’s Bush Station opened on 30th July 1900 and was at that time, the western terminus of the Central London Railway. The following article appeared in ‘Black and White Budget’ magazine on 11th August: ‘The opening for traffic of the Central London Railway ought to be the signal for further electric underground travel in London. Continue reading
QPR1st request for £25 away ticket deal for Ipswich
The Independent R’s support today’s initiative by QPR1st Supporters Trust on away ticket prices. Here is the statement from QPR1st… QPR1st Supporters’ Trust is calling on the club to give travelling supporters a bit of new season – and Christmas – cheer by agreeing to a £25 ticket deal with Ipswich Town for the Boxing Continue reading
Beggars can’t be choosers
Mansion, Betway, UK-K8.com, Dafabet, Bet365, BETEAST, SportPesa, 138.com…. gambling companies are everywhere in football. That list is just some Premier League sponsors from last season. Throw in the companies who sponsor the stadiums, the leagues, the electronic animated hoardings and the television coverage, Bet365, Skybet, BetVictor, Betfair… a football world soon appears which is saturated Continue reading