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
Shepherd’s Bush took on Wycombe Wanderers at Loftus Road in 1912
In 2004 I purchased a copy of Frances Trinder’s excellent book: ‘Loftus Road Legacy – The History of Shepherd’s Bush Football Club.’ She writes in detail about events leading up to the Club’s move to Loftus Road and includes a short report of their first match on 22nd October 1904 against long-standing rivals, Old Malvernians. Continue reading
R’s Fans travelled to Turf Moor in 1962 by Road, Train & Air
Team: Drinkwater, Bentley, Ingham, Keen, Rutter, Angell, McClelland, Bedford, Evans, Towers, Collins. Attendance: 28,352 It was an early start for my Dad and I to walk to get the special train to Burnley from Willesden Junction Station. It was about a 50-minute walk to the station from Askew Road. Yes, we did have legs in Continue reading
The 1903/04 Season: QPR get off to a Winning Start against Brentford
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
In 1926 all Notting Hill was chuckling at the pranks of a troupe of 13 escaped Monkeys
A couple of years ago, Robert Elms’ superb ‘Notes & Queries’ slot on BBC Radio London featured a wonderful tale about the antics of a troupe of escaped monkeys that had begun in Latimer Road. This prompted me to ask Colin Woodley to search the newspaper archives for further details. On 22nd November 1926 the Continue reading
A 6-0 Win for the Rangers over Brighton United in 1899, but the result was later expunged!
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
Queen’s Park was announced as a New London Park in 1887
The following article appeared in Lloyd’s Weekly on 6th November 1887: ‘The Lord Mayor yesterday afternoon dedicated to the free use of the public for ever a recreation ground at Kilburn, which by the special permission of her Majesty, will be known as Queen’s Park. The ground will be readily accessible to the large population Continue reading
Six Thousand R’s Fans were expected to travel to Derby for the FA Cup Replay
On 26th February 1948, QPR drew 1-1 with Derby County at Loftus Road in the FA Cup 6th round. Over 28,000 witnessed the match and Johnny Hartburn scored the Rangers goal. The day before the replay, the QPR team travelled up to Derby from St. Pancras on the 4.15pm train. Six thousand R’s fans were Continue reading
The Third QPR Supporters’ Club AGM in1938
Last month I featured the 1936 Supporter’s Club meeting and it became clearly evident that great strides had been made two years on. The following article appeared in the West London Observer on 27th May 1938: ‘A large portion of the Loftus Road side of the QPR ground is to be extended and covered over. Continue reading
Ian Gillard: Ron Phillips’ 1973 Letter to all Football League Clubs
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