Holloway hails veteran striker Phillips as Palace beat Dagenham in pre-season friendly

Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway hailed veteran striker Kevin Phillips after his side edged past Dagenham and Redbridge in their first pre-season friendly.

 

Phillips, who turns 40 in four days’ time, signed a one-year deal with the south London side last week.

Holloway was quick to praise the experienced striker.

 

He said: “Whether he’s in the team or on the bench I know he will score goals.

 

“I always knew I was going to keep him but I’ve got to get the right balance to help Kev.”

 

Holloway gave a trial to 6ft 6in striker Atdhe Nuhiu and he got himself on the scoresheet after Phillips set him up in the 34^th minute.

 “It would be unfair to comment on him and indeed the other trialists after one game, but they are likely to take part against Gillingham on Tuesday,” added Holloway.

 

Owen Garvan doubled Palace’s advantage from the penalty spot in the 56^th minute before Dagenham got themselves a consolation when midfielder Medy Elito netted from 12 yards.

 

This was also published in the Sunday Mirror on 21st July 2013.

Nuhiu on target as Palace win in pre-season fixture against Dagenham

Dagenham 1 Crystal Palace 2: Eagles lift off slowly with unconvincing Daggers win

By SEAN GALLAGHER

PUBLISHED: 17:40, 20 July 2013 | UPDATED: 15:00, 21 July 2013

Austrian trialist Atdhe Nuhiu was on target as newly-promoted Crystal Palace edged past Dagenham and Redbridge at Victoria Road.

The 6ft 6in striker – of Albanian descent – impressed for the Eagles as he linked up well upfront with veteran striker Kevin Phillips – who has just signed a new one-year deal with the club.

Nuhiu, 23, was linked with West Ham earlier in the summer and after this performance he will be hopeful of tying up a deal to play for the south London side in the Premier League.

On the ball: Dagenham’s Rhys Murphy shield from Crystal Palace’s Danny Gabbidon

The Eagles contained five players with Premier League experience and looked in control throughout at the home of the League Two side.

Dagenham – who narrowly avoided relegation from League Two last season – went into the game in impressive pre-season form with just one defeat in six games, scoring 18 goals in the process.

Palace – who have made five summer signings so far – started the brighter and went close to scoring after just eight minutes when free agent Nuhiu had his goal-bound shot cleared off the line by Daggers trialist Brian Saah.

Warming up: Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wilbraham

Goalscorer: Crystal Palace trialist Athuha Nuhiu

Palace should have then taken the lead when Nuhiu nodded it on for Phillips, but the experienced striker fired narrowly over the bar.

Moments later Stephen Dobbie – who played under Ian Holloway at Blackpool – forced Daggers keeper Chris Lewington into two superb saves, before the Premier League outfit deservedly took the lead in the 34th minute.

Quincy Owusu-Abeyie – a former Arsenal youth product – set-up trialist Nuhiu who struck home from close range.

Palace doubled the lead shortly after the break when Quade Taylor was taken down in the box, with Owen Garvan making no mistake from the penalty spot.

The Daggers got themselves back into the game when Medy Elito finished confidently from the spot in the 68th minute after  Taylor had fouled former West Ham striker Zavon Hines in the area, but Palace were not to be denied victory.

This can also be found on: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2371612/Dagenham-1-Crystal-Palace-2-Atdhe-Nuhiu-scores-Eagles-win.html#ixzz2bo490Lx6

GiveMeSport exclusive: Ian Holloway in awe of José Campaña’s tactical prowess

Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway believes new signing José Campaña’s tactical knowledge is far greater than many other players he has worked with in the past.

 

The 20-year-old midfielder signed for the south London side in a £1.7million move last week but he was absent from the Palace squad that beat Dagenham on Saturday, as the club awaits international clearance for him.

 

The Spanish Under-20 captain, who joined the Eagles on a four-year deal from Sevilla, had attracted interest from a number of clubs around Europe after a string of impressive performances at the Under-20 World Cup in Turkey this summer, but Holloway was able to land the talented youngster for a bargain fee.

 

“He is a young man who knows how to play and how to pass the ball,” Holloway told GiveMeSport, following his side’s 2-1 win at the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham stadium.

 

“The knowledge he’s got – I want to try and impart on my young lads as they are growing up.

 

“Spain are getting it right. The young teams that they have got can change shape two or three times and they understand it.

 

“As a coach I’m quite embarrassed how much he knows and how little some of my players in the past have known.”

 

In what was seen as a huge coup for the club, Holloway underlined the reasons how he managed to capture the Spaniard and what he believes he can do to help him settle in.

 

“I know some very good people who like the way I try and play and the way I encourage their young players particularly –  to be a better person first and then a better player second.

 

“All we’ve got to do is make him settle in very quickly. But I’m sure once I start working out on the grass with him then he’ll start feeling so at home.”

 

The former Sevilla youngster does not speak English – but Holloway has insisted there will be no problem in conveying his tactics across to him.

 

“I’ve already shown him some sign language with my fingers, because I can place things, and he just knows it already,” added Holloway.

 

“Wherever you put him he knows his job, he’s so mentally right, and I haven’t seen him not smile yet – it’s just quite unbelievable.”

This can also be found on: http://www.givemesport.com/361986-ian-holloway-in-awe-of-jose-campanas-tactical-prowess

 

GiveMeSport exclusive: QPR keen to avoid same mistakes, says QPR chief executive

QPR chief executive Philip Beard has insisted that the west London side will not make the same mistakes again this season.

The R’s finished rock-bottom of the Premier League last season but Beard has told GiveMeSport that things will be changing around Loftus Road this season.

“Whoever comes in has to be the right person and character for the season ahead as it is going to be a really tough year in the Championship,” Beard said.

“‪We’ve learned you’ve got to want to play for the club for 90 minutes of every game and willing to fight for your place. That’s what we’ve got to try and do, get players who want to wear the shirt with pride.”‬

A number of players have been linked with the Hoops this summer, including the likes of Peter Crouch, Scott Parker and Gary Hooper – with the latter reportedly close to a move to west London.

“QPR is a club where a lot of people come and talk to us about a lot of players,” he added.

“There’s so many names being thrown around so whoever does come in has to enjoy playing on the new Loftus Road pitch, but also going to grounds on a cold, wet and windy night in midweek.”

Beard has also said that want-away players will only leave for the right price, with Joey Barton, Adel Taarabt and Jose Bosingwa – all absent from the club’s pre-season tour to Austria – among the high-earners who are expected to leave the club.

“Some players have been pretty vocal and said they don’t want to play for the club, and if we can do the right deals for them we will.”

This can also be found on: http://www.givemesport.com/360934-qpr-keen-to-avoid-same-mistakes-says-chief-executive

Austin nets on debut as QPR seal comfortable cup win over Exeter

Exeter 0 QPR 2

The former Burnley striker, who joined Rangers last week, was on hand to divert home Jermaine Jenas’s shot to give the R’s the perfect start.

And fellow new signing Danny Simpson wrapped it up for the visitors with his first Rs goal in the second half.

Manager Harry Redknapp made five changes from their opening day win over Sheffield Wednesday with centre-back Richard Dunne and Austin making their debuts, with Yun Suk-Young, Jermaine Jenas and Brian Murphy also drafted in to the starting line-up.

League Two side Exeter included former Rangers midfielder Tommy Doherty in their team, with Rangers hoping for a similar result to the last time when they played the Grecians in the League Cup four years ago.

After Austin’s early opener, Clint Hill almost added a second with a header which the Exeter keeper kept out.

Redknapp made one change at the break with Andy Johnson replacing Bobby Zamora, with the former setting up Simpson, who fired home emphatically from close range for his first QPR goal since he joined the club earlier this summer.

Rangers went close to going further ahead when Joey Barton and Johnson were denied, and Shaun Wright-Phillips’ emphatic effort rebounding off the bar.

The home side’s best chance came from substitute Arron Johnson who smashed the underside of the crossbar in the latter stages, but Rangers were not to be denied and secured their progress with ease.

 

This can also be found on: http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/qpr/qpr_s_austin_scores_on_full_debut_as_exeter_are_beaten_1_2322002

New-boys shine as Rangers avoid cup scalp with comfortable win at Exeter

Exeter City 0 QPR 2

 

Charlie Austin and Danny Simpson scored their first goals for QPR as they eased into the second round of the Capital One Cup.

 

Striker Austin, making his full debut following his recent move from Burnley, took only 73 seconds to get on the scoresheet, reacting quickest to turn in Jermaine Jenas’ shot.

 

And fellow summer signing Simpson netted five minutes into the second half when he finished a nice move by firing home after being teed up by Andy Johnson, who replaced Bobby Zamora at the interval.

 

Exeter went close to reducing the deficit through substitute Arron Davies, whose stinging 25-yard volley rebounded off the bar.

 

Johnson and Joey Barton came close to adding a third for Rangers, who gave a competitive debut to South Korean left-back Yun suk-Young.

 

And in injury-time, substitute Shaun Wright-Phillips’ effort struck the underside of the Exeter bar.

 

QPR (4-4-2): Murphy, Simpson, Dunne, Hill, Suk-Young, Barton, Jenas, Faurlin (Derry 64) Hoilett (Wright-Phillips 75) Zamora (Johnson 45), Austin.
Subs not used: Green, Onuoha, Henry, Ehmer.

 

This can also be found on: http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/exeter-v-qpr-match-report

Mbia ‘100%’ committed to QPR’s promotion push in the Championship

QPR midfielder Stephane Mbia insists he is ’100% committed’ to helping the club bounce back from relegation and gain promotion to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Mbia, who made 32 appearances for the R’s, last season, was expected to move on this summer as boss Harry Redknapp looks to trim the club’s wage bill in order to build a promotion-winning side.

But with less than a week to go until the season opener, Mbia remains a QPR player and the 27-year-old says he is ready to put the past behind him and help the team push for promotion this season.

“I’m 100% happy to stay here,” he said.

“I am happy to work hard under a great manager. Harry is a very, very good man with a good heart.

“I want to make everything OK. I want the team to start quickly for next season. I am happy because the manager understands me and so does everybody here.

“I try to give my best for the team. Last season was really difficult for me and my family to go down to the Championship, but I’m willing to work hard.

“I was disappointed for the fans last season. They suffered. I hope the manager gets the chance to keep all the good players and we can win games.

“I’m happy in England and I want to get the team up quickly for the next season.”

Mbia scored his first goal for QPR in their 3-1 pre-season win at Southend United on Friday and revealed his reasons for running over to the bench and celebrating with the Rangers staff.

He added: “I was celebrating with the medical team, because I didn’t score last year and I was so happy to score. Everyone was laughing about it, that’s why I ran over.”

This can also be found on: http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/mbia-insists-he-is-100-committed-to-qpr

Fernandes gives group of R’s fans trip to remember

Tuesday’s Capital One Cup clash at Exeter means QPR will visit St James Park for the second time in the space of a few weeks.

 

The last visit was for a unmemorable pre-season friendly last month, which ended in a goalless draw.

 

But for a group of Rangers fans, it was definitely an occasion to remember.

 

They travelled to the match with Tony Fernandes after the R’s chairman tweeted that he had space on his jet, inviting fans to tell him why he should take them along.

 

Lorna Graham was one of the fans chosen by Fernandes.

 

“I was an extremely lucky girl to be chosen – it’s something I know I’ll never experience again unless I win the lottery,” she said.

 

“I’ll always be eternally grateful for what he did for me and the others that day.”

 

The group set off from Luton on the morning of the match, with Fernandes and QPR chief executive Philip Beard in attendance.

 

 

Lorna, who is in remission from breast cancer, explained: “Tony came and chatted to us all on the plane and was really open and honest about what has gone wrong at the club, saying how much he has learnt from the last two seasons.

 

“He talked about why Adel Taarabt was sent home from pre-season and the fines system that he will be operating this season for players who do overstep the mark.

 

“He insisted things would be different this time around and that the club would bounce back from relegation.”

 

Lorna and co also met manager Harry Redknapp and spoke to the players.

 

“I asked Tony why he had arranged it and his reply was that he had the room on the plane and why not let someone else enjoy it too,” she said.

 

“For someone like me, who is lucky still to be here, to be spoilt rotten that day is something I’ll never forget.”

 

Another fan, who attended his first QPR match, was invited to join Fernandes after the chairman became aware of the Twitter hashtag #HelpMikeyWatchQPR.

 

Michael Keeling, 18, suffers from Marfans Syndrome, a debilitating condition which has a severe impact on his day-to-day routine.

He was hospitalised ahead of the match and at one stage seemed likely to miss out.

“Tony was very welcoming and ever so ecstatic that I could make it to the game – it felt like he was more excited to meet the fan than the fan was to meet him,” he said.

 

“Tony said to me that I should ‘dare to dream’ and not let anything get in my way.

 

“He then went off to greet all travelling fans at the gate for photos and autographs, which was a breath of fresh air for any travelling R’s fan. He welcomed them all individually.

 

“He’s inviting me up for my first game at Loftus Road soon and said he’s going to look after me whenever I need help.

 

“You can’t knock the guy for what he does for our football club and the fans.”

 

This can also be found on: http://www.westlondonsport.com/features-comment/fernandes-gives-group-of-qpr-fans-an-away-trip-to-savour

Simpson: QPR squad is united

Summer signing Danny Simpson insists QPR’s players are united ahead of the new season.

Rangers were plagued by dressing-room divisions last term but Simpson, signed from Newcastle on a Bosman free transfer, says he has not encountered any problems.

“I read a lot of stuff last season about it, but I haven’t seen any of this from the players and the staff during my time here so far,” he said.

“Everyone has been working hard in training and getting themselves fit.

“We’re all focused on getting ready for what will be a tough season.”

The 26-year-old will bring much-needed Championship experience and believes the key to being successful in the second tier is having a good team bond.

“I’ve been in this position before with Sunderland and Newcastle. You need to have a good team spirit – it’s a tough schedule in the Championship,” he explained.

“A big part of doing well in this league is getting off to a flying start and carrying that momentum forward.”

This can also be found on: http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/simpson-qpr-do-not-lack-team-spirit

Moore stays grounded after being tipped to play for England

Brentford goalkeeper Simon Moore has insisted he is keeping his feet firmly on the ground despite being tipped to play for England by David James.

 

The 22-year-old has impressed former England keeper James, who believes Moore could emulate the success of Joe Hart.

 

Manchester City’s Hart started his career at Shrewsbury before going on to establish himself in the Premier League and for his country – and James feels Moore could also play at the top level.

 

“It’s fantastic to hear that from someone who has played at the highest level and played so many games for England – it’s a real compliment,” Moore told West London Sport.

 

But he added: “Of course I want to play at the highest level, but my focus at the moment is solely on Brentford and helping them get promoted.

 

“Being a goalkeeper, one minute you can be a hero and the next zero, so you can’t get too high or too low. It can turn on its head just like that because that’s the nature of football.

 

“This season has been a personal highlight for me because I’ve played so many games.

 

“It’s so important when you’re a young goalkeeper to play as much as possible in order to learn.

 

“That’s what I’ve got the opportunity to do at Brentford and I’m thoroughly enjoying every moment of it.

 

“I’m at a club which is going places and has every chance of getting promoted into the Championship.”

 

Moore also credits Richard Lee and goalkeeping coach Simon Royce with playing an integral part in his development.

 

He has been keeping Lee out of the side but the former Watford keeper has acted as his mentor and the pair are close friends.

 

“Roycey has been fantastic ever since he has come in. I love working with him on a day-to-day basis,” said Moore.

 

“He has played at the highest level so it’s great to have someone with such a wealth of experience to learn off.

 

“And Richard Lee I can’t speak highly enough of. He’s had a huge influence on the development of my career and continues to do so.

 

“I’m sure in the future he will help even more – there’s no one better to learn off.”

 

This can also be found on: http://www.westlondonsport.com/brentford/bees-keeper-stays-grounded-after-being-tipped-to-play-for-england