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[Steve Russell]

'[flash=][/flash]They must realise that it is Football a Crowd pays to see’ – QPR fan, F. E. Perry

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.

(Thanks to Colin Woodley for sending this to me)

[Conor Campbell]

Fred Perry could have stayed at the top for longer than he did.
He was doing well until he started resting on his laurels.