2008–09 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season

Pre-season

New managerial team

Ian Dowie was announced as the replacement for Luigi De Canio as manager on 14 May 2008.{{Cite news |access-date=2008-05-15 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080515193949/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/7400236.stm| archive-date= 15 May 2008 | url-status= live}} Tim Flowers was later named Dowie's assistant, reprising his former role with Dowie at Coventry City. Paulo Sousa was named as manager after Ian Dowie was fired. When Sousa was fired, Gareth Ainsworth became caretaker manager.{{Cite news |access-date=2008-05-22 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080529031047/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/7411253.stm| archive-date= 29 May 2008 | url-status= live}}

Sponsorship

Following the termination of the club's sponsorship deals with Car Giant, Le Coq Sportif and Sellotape at the end of the previous season, in July it was announced that Gulf Air would be the new shirt sponsors. Further sponsorship packages were also announced, including Abbey Financial Services, Chronotech and Lotto Sport Italia.

Matches

All but one of QPR's pre-season fixtures were held away from Loftus Road while the ground underwent upgrading work ahead of the new season. Despite the optimism surrounding the club on the back of the investment and player transfers, Rangers suffered defeats in 3 out of 5 of their warm-up fixtures. The club started positively, winning 3–1 against Conference National side Stevenage Borough followed by a 1–0 win over Football League One side Northampton Town. However a pre-season tour to Scotland saw Rangers lose 2–0 and 1–0 (respectively) to Scottish Premier League sides Falkirk and Kilmarnock. The pre-season fixtures culminated in a 2–1 defeat at the hands of Serie A side Chievo in front of just 3,540 at Loftus Road.

Events

Queens Park Rangers started the season against Barnsley at Loftus Road. Fitz Hall scored twice in as many minutes after Iain Hume put the Yorkshire side 1–0 up in the fifth minute. Hall also missed a penalty in the second half, but Rangers held on to win the game 2–1. A win at Swindon Town in the League Cup followed before the first defeat of the season, to Sheffield United, 3–0 at Bramall Lane. Comprehensive home wins against Doncaster Rovers, Carlisle United (in the League Cup) and Southampton followed, before a win away against Norwich City saw Rangers put together a five-game unbeaten streak.

A defeat at Coventry City was followed by a 1–0 win at Aston Villa in the third round of the League Cup with Damion Stewart getting the decisive goal. The result meant that QPR entered the fourth round of the competition for the first time since the 1995–96 season, where they were drawn away to reigning Premier League champions Manchester United. The euphoria of the Villa result was short-lived and Rangers returned to losing ways at home to Derby County just three days later. By early October, QPR had slipped to 11th in the Championship, following defeat to league leaders Birmingham City at St Andrew's. Former manager Terry Venables was speculatively linked with a return to Loftus Road to replace Iain Dowie if no improvement was seen in the club's form. Meanwhile, Dexter Blackstock stood out as an early contender for the club's top scorer for the season with 5 goals in 13 matches in all competitions.

On 23 October, reports in the British press announced that the club would cap the maximum ticket price at the Category "C" (£35) level as a response to the 2008 financial crisis. This led commentators to speculate that the club was damaged by negative press surrounding earlier proposed ticket price increases. The following day, Iain Dowie was sacked after just fifteen games in charge of the club.{{Cite news | access-date = 2008-10-24 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081027171752/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/7689062.stm| archive-date= 27 October 2008 | url-status= live}} While the press continued to speculate on Dowie's replacement, touting Roberto Mancini and Kenny Jackett among several others as potential candidates,{{Cite news |access-date=2008-10-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081025141424/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/article-23577723-details/Iain%2BDowie%2Baxed%2Bby%2BQueens%2BPark%2BRangers/article.do |archive-date=25 October 2008 |url-status=dead

Just over three weeks after their defeat at St Andrew's, Rangers played Birmingham again in a mid-week fixture at Loftus Road. In Ainsworth's second match in charge, a ten-man Rangers side won 1–0 courtesy of a 25-yard goal from Samuel Di Carmine. At the start of November, Rangers lost 2–0 to Ipswich Town beating Cardiff 1–0 at Loftus Road one week later. The mid-week League Cup tie at Old Trafford saw QPR defeated 1–0 missing out on the last eight of the competition courtesy of a Carlos Tevez penalty. The woes continued four days later with only the club's second home defeat of the season, this time at the hands of Burnley. By mid-November, the side's average of less than one goal-per-match led to them being ranked 21st in terms of the attacking statistics of the 24 Championship clubs, despite sitting tenth in the league table.

On 19 November, Paulo Sousa, a former Portugal midfielder and previously assistant coach of the Portugal national team, was announced as the first team coach, ending Ainsworth's six-match run as caretaker.{{Cite news | access-date = 2008-11-19 | access-date = 2008-11-20 | access-date = 2008-11-22 | access-date = 2008-11-25 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110629214442/http://www.sportinglife.com/football/nationwide1/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=nonwire_soccer%2F08%2F11%2F24%2Fmanual_185609.html&TEAMHD=nationwide1 | archive-date = 29 June 2011 | url-status = dead}} A mid-week fixture against struggling Charlton Athletic saw Sousa's first victory (2–1), with Dexter Blackstock (who returned from suspension) scoring twice. Four days later, Rangers travelled across London to Selhurst Park, drawing 0–0 with Crystal Palace, a match which featured Premier League striker Heiðar Helguson, who had completed his loan move from Bolton Wanderers earlier in the week.{{Cite news | access-date = 2008-11-29 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081204023746/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7742105.stm| archive-date= 4 December 2008 | url-status= live}}

QPR played league-leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers in the first match of December. Played in a late kick-off at Loftus Road and in front of the Sky Sports cameras, QPR put on a fine performance, despatching their high-flying opponents with a 1–0 win courtesy of a 20-yard effort from skipper Martin Rowlands in his first full appearance since returning from injury.{{Cite news | access-date=2008-12-06 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081208063034/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7748629.stm| archive-date=8 December 2008| url-status= live}} Despite dominating their next match, away to Sheffield Wednesday, QPR were beaten 1–0. The game marked QPR's 6th defeat from 11 away fixtures, and in which they had only scored twice.{{Cite news | access-date=2008-12-09 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081211080319/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7763332.stm| archive-date= 11 December 2008 | url-status= live}} One week later, QPR scored their first goal in nine "away" fixtures, managing a 1–1 draw with Plymouth Argyle. Heiðar Helguson put QPR into an early lead before Plymouth equalised late in the second half.{{Cite news | access-date=2008-12-22 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081217232949/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7764585.stm| archive-date= 17 December 2008 | url-status= live}} On 20 December, Helguson was again on the scoresheet, scoring twice alongside Dexter Blackstock's winner in Rangers' 3–2 victory over Preston North End.

The Christmas period saw QPR draw 2–2, twice surrendering the lead, away from home at Charlton Athletic on Boxing Day.{{Cite news | access-date=2008-12-26 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081227053043/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/7787611.stm| archive-date= 27 December 2008 | url-status= live}} Two days later, QPR played host to Watford, holding them to a 0–0 draw.{{Cite news | access-date=2008-12-28 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081231092440/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/7802239.stm| archive-date= 31 December 2008 | url-status= live}} As the January transfer window opened, QPR signed former England U21 international Wayne Routledge from Aston Villa. The club also made recent loan signings Borrowdale and Helguson's moves permanent.{{Cite news | access-date = 2009-01-02 | access-date = 2009-01-02 | access-date = 2009-01-10 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090116155935/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7808294.stm| archive-date= 16 January 2009 | url-status= live}} The result left QPR in ninth place in the league table for the sixth consecutive match, five points outside of the promotion play-off places and 13 points above the relegation zone. In the same week, Rangers also secured a permanent return to the club for Lee Cook and released veteran Italian midfielder Damiano Tommasi.{{Cite news | access-date = 2009-01-08 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081222034718/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/7768191.stm| archive-date= 22 December 2008 | url-status= live}}{{Cite news | access-date = 2009-01-09 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090116130151/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/7820701.stm| archive-date= 16 January 2009 | url-status= live}} Travelling to Turf Moor for the FA Cup third round replay, QPR lost 2–1 after Burnley scored from a defensive error in the last minute of extra time. Samuel Di Carmine put Rangers ahead in the 54th minute with Burnley equalising just six minutes later before their last-gasp winner. Martin Rowlands also hit the woodwork and Helguson had a goal disallowed in an eventful match played in front of just 3,760 spectators.{{Cite news | access-date = 2009-01-13 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090118235124/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7815349.stm| archive-date= 18 January 2009 | url-status= live}}

On 17 January, QPR achieved their first away victory in all competitions since September. They defeated Derby County 2–0 at Pride Park Stadium, with new signing Wayne Routledge opening the scoring.{{Cite news | access-date = 2009-01-17 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090119032827/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7815947.stm| archive-date= 19 January 2009 | url-status= live}} Ten days later, Rangers travelled to Bloomfield Road and defeated Blackpool 3–0, with Heiðar Helguson scoring twice.{{Cite news | access-date = 2009-01-27 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090129113815/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7845589.stm| archive-date= 29 January 2009 | url-status= live}} During the same month, QPR terminated former captain Adam Bolder's contract and loaned Zesh Rehman out to Bradford City.{{Cite news | access-date = 2009-01-29 | access-date = 2009-01-26 | access-date = 2009-01-31 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090202094740/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7856695.stm| archive-date= 2 February 2009 | url-status= live}} The result left Rangers in seventh place with 15 matches remaining, two points outside of the playoff positions and 16 points above the relegation zone.

The next scheduled match, a home fixture against Swansea City, was postponed due to heavy snowfalls in central London.{{Cite news | access-date = 2009-02-02 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090206021259/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/7861135.stm| archive-date= 6 February 2009 | url-status= live}} However, QPR continued their unbeaten run into February beginning with a 2–2 draw away to Nottingham Forest. In an entertaining match, Matteo Alberti scored his first goals for the club within the space of three minutes after half-time.{{Cite news | access-date = 2009-02-07 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090210062520/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/7867284.stm| archive-date= 10 February 2009 | url-status= live}} On 17 February, the club announced the signing of Spanish midfielder Jordi López on a three-month contract.{{Cite news | access-date = 2009-02-17 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090221084136/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/7894813.stm| archive-date= 21 February 2009 | url-status= live}} QPR's unbeaten run was finally ended in their next match, at home, courtesy of Ipswich Town. Despite QPR taking an early lead through a Samuel Di Carmine goal, Ipswich came back to win 3–1. The match was played in front of the Sky Sports cameras and with England national team manager Fabio Capello in attendance.{{Cite news | access-date = 2009-02-23 | access-date = 2009-02-21 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090223183401/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/7883608.stm| archive-date= 23 February 2009 | url-status= live}} Four days later, Rangers travelled to Cardiff City and earned a 0–0 draw.{{Cite news | access-date = 2009-02-25 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090228081534/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/7899728.stm| archive-date= 28 February 2009 | url-status= live}} In a busy fixture period against both play-off rivals and relegation candidates, QPR next faced up to Barnsley at Oakwell. The South Yorkshire club added to Rangers' recent slump in form, running out 2–1 winners.{{Cite news | access-date = 2009-02-28 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090302175218/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/7899690.stm| archive-date= 2 March 2009 | url-status= live}}

Rangers' woes continued into March. A second consecutive home defeat to Norwich City (0–1){{Cite news | access-date = 2009-03-03 | access-date = 2009-03-07 | access-date = 2009-03-11

QPR's defensive streak improved with a draw to now-relegated Southampton, which was further built on in a 1–0 win over Swansea City, courtesy of Mikele Leigertwood's head. The Hoop's form continued with a 2–1 win over Bristol City. QPR initially went one up with a bending free kick from Jordi López, until a powerful strike from Michael McIndoe put the visitors level. Four minutes later, Adel Taarabt scored the winner from close range.

QPR salvaged a goalless draw against local rivals Crystal Palace, though they could have been 2–0 down with close shots from Craig Beattie and Paul Ifill. Equally, Heidar Helguson scuppered a near open goal. However, the experience of Radek Cerny held QPR on in the final stages.

Kit

a five-year deal with Lotto Sport Italia began as manufacturers of QPR's kit. Airline Gulf Air became kit sponsors.

Squad

Out on loan

Transfers

In

Out

Results

Football League Championship

Main article: 2008–09 Football League Championship

FA Cup

Main article: 2008–09 FA Cup

League Cup

Main article: 2008–09 Football League Cup

Competitions

League Championship results summary

League Championship results by matchday

League table

Main article: 2008–09 Football League Championship

Statistics

Goalscorers

Clean sheets

References

Notes

References

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2. [http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/Attendance/0,,10373~200810373,00.html ]{{dead link. (July 2016)
3. [http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=221972&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=31105 New soccer strip], [[Gulf Daily News]], 3 July
4. [http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=61203&d=254&h=0&f=0 QPR signs Abbey as its financial partner], [[Marketing Week]], 19 June 2008
5. (2008-08-09). "QPR 2–1 Barnsley". BBC Sport.
6. (16 October 2008). "QPR lining up Terry Venables to replace Iain Dowie". CoventryLive.
7. [https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/oct/23/championship-qpr QPR owners head for showdown as ticket price cut fans the flames] ''[[The Guardian]]'', accessed 23 October 2008
8. (2008-10-28). "QPR 1–0 Birmingham". BBC Sport.
9. "Queens Park Rangers Home Page for the current 2015–2016 season".
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12. (2009-03-17). "QPR 1–0 Swansea". BBC News.
13. (2009-03-21). "QPR 2–1 Bristol City". BBC News.
14. (2009-04-04). "QPR 0–0 Crystal Palace". BBC Sport.
15. (2008-05-13). "QPR seal Ramage and Cerny deals". BBC Sport.
16. (2008-05-15). "Flying Donkey joins QPR".
17. (2008-06-28). "QPR net Genoa midfielder on loan". BBC Sport.
18. (2008-07-02). "QPR bag Italian striker on loan". BBC Sport.
19. (2008-07-31). "QPR seal Parejo coup".
20. (2008-08-01). "Blackpool seal deals for QPR pair".
21. (2008-08-01). "Cook leaves Fulham to rejoin QPR". BBC Sport.
22. (2009-01-08). "Cook's transfer to QPR confirmed". BBC Sport.
23. (2008-09-10). "QPR sign Italian veteran Tommasi". BBC Sport.
24. (2008-11-20). "QPR net Helguson as Flowers quits". BBC Sport.
25. (2009-01-02). "Helguson seals permanent QPR deal". BBC Sport.
26. (2008-11-27). "Borrowdale seals QPR move".
27. (2009-01-02). "QPR sign Routledge and Borrowdale". BBC Sport.
28. (2009-01-02). "Routledge joins QPR".
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32. (2008-07-17). "Oxford complete Cole loan deal". BBC Sport.
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37. (2009-01-09). "QPR and veteran Tommasi part ways". BBC Sport.
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44. (27 September 2008). "QPR 0–2 Derby".
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47. (18 October 2008). "QPR 2–1 Nottingham Forest".
48. (21 October 2008). "Swansea 0–0 QPR".
49. (25 October 2008). "Reading 0–0 QPR".
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53. (25 November 2008). "QPR 2–1 Charlton". BBC Sport.
54. (11 April 2009). "Burnley 1–0 QPR". BBC Sport.
55. (13 April 2009). "QPR 3–2 Sheff Wed". BBC Sport.
56. (18 April 2009). "Wolves 1–0 QPR". BBC Sport.
57. (25 April 2009). "QPR 0–0 Plymouth". BBC Sport.
58. (3 May 2009). "Preston 2–1 QPR". BBC Sport.
59. "QPR {{!}} Match {{!}} Table".