Dave Thomas
@akutrs
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Editor, publisher and general factotum of AKUTR's, the most successful and indeed only northern-based QPR fanzine.
Bolton
Joined July 2009
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Stan Bowles loved QPR… and QPR loved Stan Bowles. This football club we love so dearly is a little poorer this evening with the loss of a player we also loved very dearly. Thanks, Stan. For everything.
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I might be just a tad biased, I admit. But reading through my timeline - the trip to Hamleys, the renaming of the Ellerslie, proud stories of new born QPR fans and countless reminders of how a team is for life (not just the PL!) - we're quite a special club, wouldn't you say?
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Shocked and saddened to hear about Glenn Roeder. What a fine, fine player he was. It's almost impossible to describe his trademark 'Roeder Shuffle' and do justice to how silky it was. He easily plays his way into the pantheon of all-time QPR greats. RIP.
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Take a bow, QPR. Take a bow, QPR fans. Take a bow,
@LoftFlags
.
That, last night, was why us old gits are so nostalgic for Stan and the golden era of the mid-70s. The buzz, the skill, the flair, the connection, the camaraderie, the love, the passion... everything we cherish.
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Happy birthday to us, happy birthday to us...
Thirty-five years old today.
Lots of changes, and over 10 million words later...
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Full of bravado and aggression, a mob of Everton fans marched down South Africa Road before the game, chanting: "Who the fuck are QPR?"
Well, they know now...
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For a supposed dead rubber, that was a seriously impressive QPR performance today. Make no mistake, the team wanted that win. A superb league debut from Joe Walsh in goal. Fox, Paal, Cook, Chair - all excellent. What a brilliant job Cifuentes has done. Magnificent away support.
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Arrived home to about eight inches of snow. OK, half an inch then. Still snow, though. Anyway, what a performance from Rangers today. Resolute defending, bodies on the line, a screamer from Sinclair, and an oh so important win. The support was loud, proud and fantastic.
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David Price was a regular contributor to AKUTR's, an a QPR season ticket holder. Surrounded by his family, David passed away yesterday in a local hospice around the same time as Rangers went 3-0 up. Our thoughts are with his wife, Sarah, and son, Will. So very, very sad. RIP.
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So very sad to learn that Frank Sibley has died. A starter on that famous March day at Wembley in 1967, his lifelong association with QPR is, and always will be, legendary.
RIP Frank... and thank you.
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At this rate, we are in serious danger of missing out on 16th place.
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I am back at my car at the tram park and ride. Totally despondent. Who is going to take responsibility for the mess we are in? The players aren’t. The chairman isn’t. The Board aren’t. And the manager isn’t. It seems only the fans really care. Someone, take responsibility. NOW.
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I wouldn't be in the least surprised if they offered the vacant manager's job to Neil Critchley, who has just become available.
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Home at long last. 5.30am. But worth every minute, every hour, every mile...
You R's!
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Tonight's game will be our fourth since the World Cup break - and the fourth consecutive QPR game shown on Sky. That simply shouldn't be allowed. An 8.00pm kick-off, too. Unfair on QPR fans, especially season ticket holders, and travelling Sheffield United supporters.
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Take a bow, QPR fans. Then take another one.
Taking just shy of 1800 to Plymouth on a Tuesday night is staggering. Truly.
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No matter how old you are, the anticipation and excitement for a new season NEVER diminishes. Some years it's more intense than others. But after 18 months away, this time around it's off the scale. I don't know about you but I firmly believe this QPR team can and will deliver...
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Key in the door at just after 4.30am. Some drive homes are easier than others. I wasn't too sure what to expect last night... but I certainly wasn't expecting that! Then again, was anyone? Talk about save the best 'til last.
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On behalf of myself and the team here at AKUTR's, we'd like to wish all QPR supporters, players and staff a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, safe, prosperous and successful new year, 2023.
You... super hoops!
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Just a few months younger than Trevor Francis, I remember him being transferred from Plymouth to Birmingham at the age of 16. Lucky enough to see his every game for QPR, including THAT hat-trick at Villa Park. What a player he was. Such sad news.
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I reckon if a meteorite had been hurtling towards Loftus Road this afternoon, Conor Masterson would have headed it away to safety.
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Just got home. Long, tiring near 21-hour round trip. Slow on the way as the M6 closure meant gridlock. Coming home, needed to keep stopping through tiredness. But you know what? It was worth every mile, every yard, every foot, every inch for the week we've just had.
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I just can’t understand Leeds fans booing Mark Prince like that, especially as they and their club are shown nothing but sympathy and respect from QPR supporters for the two fans who lost their lives in Turkey, then and on each subsequent anniversary.
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I don't quite know how many each will score individually, but I fully expect Charlie Austin and Lyndon Dykes to notch well over 150 goals between them next season.
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Really? A Friday evening for the final home game of the season? It's the final insult for QPR supporters who have been messed around all season by
@SkyFootball
. A pox on them, and shame on our own club for acquiescing.
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One week I'm convinced we're as good as down, the next I'm confident we're good enough to stay up. Plenty of fight and commitment today - and we were well worth a very rare away win at Ewood Park. Substitutions swung a game that was fairly even until that point. Massive win.
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I've decided not to go to Coventry today, so will be tackling a few household tasks instead.
Ha. Not really. Get me on that train... you R's!
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Frankly, you'd have to be certifiable to make a near five-hour train journey from Manchester to Swansea at a ridiculously early hour just to watch an end of season lunchtime game with nothing riding on it, and then make the five-hour return journey home.
See you all at Swansea.
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Superb support, rightly rewarded. The team defended well throughout, won the midfield battles, and always looked a threat going forward. Top six Championship performance today. Never two performances the same with this current QPR team. But that today is what they are capable of.
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Don't know what you are doing today, but this is what I'm doing...
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Many of you will know Mike Lancaster, who sells AKUTR's on Ellerslie Road. Mike was taken ill before last night's game. We have no further news - other than we know he is currently in hospital. I'm sure you will join us in wishing for the very best outcome.
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I suppose you do realise that QPR had the greatest season in our history following England's last appearance in the final of a tournament.
They might as well just give us the Championship and League Cup trophies now.
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What last night confirmed to me was that this QPR team is going to be enjoyable to watch this season. Definitely going in the right direction. And I think this man is going to be a big player for us over the coming months. So good.
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Tremendous second-half performance, which not many amongst the 600+ away support saw coming at half-time. A deserved equaliser and then two outstanding goals for the 10 men. Eze was sublime, Chair the difference - and what a goal from Ryan Manning. You R's!
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I had no idea that I had the inate ability to purr. But I discovered I can. It was while I was watching Eberechi Eze on Tuesday evening against Derby. That's why I watch football. That's why I support QPR. That's the tradition, right there.
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No game plan, no shape, no leadership, no anything.
Ainsworth has now lost even those who were prepared to give him a chance - which is effectively the end for him. There is, of course, a bigger picture here - but the buck always has and always will stop with the manager.
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I have no idea how strong an Everton team that was last night, but their pace and movement was Premier League quality. But then Rangers' passing and movement was equally as good, if not better - especially in crowded areas. Simply, a brilliant QPR performance.
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Now, with no guarantee that I can get this finished in time for Wednesday - I simply love the whoosh of deadlines flying past! - here is the cover of Issue 385. The tributes in it to Stan will reduce you to tears. I know, because editing them did that to me. Beyond beautiful.
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I've not looked properly, but I assume if we can beat Bristol City at home in the last game, we can still make the play-offs, yes?
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Home via the scenic route through mid-Wales.
Whenever I question myself over the many miles and the many hours it takes, and the cost of following QPR... I remind myself it's because of days like today.
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Feels like a huge weight lifted this morning. THAT yesterday was all we've been asking for: a team working and battling for each other, and putting in an immense shift; something to get us off our seats - a bond restored.
I'd have taken a scrappy win, but that was so much more.
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All joking aside, I can now officially confirm that it doesn't matter how old you get, you never stop being excited about the first game of a new season. Thank goodness for names on the back of shirts today, mind...
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Hard not to feel depressed, angry and frustrated at the state of our club right now. Always more questions than answers - and the more we hear about how and why the progress we made in the 2021 calendar year was built on straw, the more depressing and frustrating it all feels.
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I lost my live stream yesterday late on in the Wycombe game.
It was when I launched my laptop through the window.
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Even before the fixtures come out this week, having studied the new signings, the new manager, and considered the relative strengths of all 24 Championship sides, I can't honestly see us dropping a single point next season.
And I imagine we'll probably win both cups as well.
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Well done, Rangers. Been a pleasure to watch since the turn of the year. Have felt there's something building for a little while now - and more than happy with that upward curve and the steady progress being made. Roll on August!
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Gutted about England going out this evening. But I'll get over it.
The truth is, when it comes to football, I only really, deeply, properly and truly care about Queens Park Rangers.
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Oh my goodness. That was a seriously good performance from Rangers today. Took United apart in that 10-minute spell second-half. Not seen a pre-season friendly played with such intensity probably ever. Delighted to get Stefan Johansen in as well. Good day all round.
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We gave Peter Kingham a good send off today in Barnsley. Plenty of his old QPR mates in attendance and a QPR flag draped over his coffin. A lovely tribute by the celebrant, and fine words from his old mate, Charlie. His family did him proud, as did this lot...
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Although extremely poignant to watch, more so for those of us who watched him in his pomp, there is also something beautifully uplifting in seeing Stan getting pleasure from the simple act of kicking a ball like this. I'm not going to feel sad for him, but joyful that he can.
🏟 On the eve of the official opening of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗕𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱.
A video of Stan 💙🤍
#QPR
|
#ForeverRs
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I think it would be foolish to get too carried away with the back-to-back wins this past week.
Also does anyone know where and when the 2026/27 Champions League Final takes place?
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When Rangers step it up two or three gears and start battering the opposition, as they did in the second-half last night, it's a real pleasure to witness. When it's climaxed with a goal like Chair's, and Albert being Albert, it's positively orgasmic. Good win, great night.
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A genuine privilege to see Ray Wilkins in a QPR shirt at the peak of his abilities. A brilliant footballer and would feature in many an all-time QPR best XI. Far, far too young to shuffle off this mortal coil. I hope the many tributes will comfort his grieving family.
#RayWilkins
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Made it home before 5.00am - just!
Always find the last home game of the season strangely poignant, and last night was no exception. Will see some of you at Swansea - and the rest of you next season. Thanks for so much support this past season.
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7) ...to discuss the matter. He was decent enough to apologise to me - "We all learn something every day," he said - and to reiterate that no further action was being taken. Not that any further action could have, mind! So all's well that ends well.
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For me, it started with a scenic drive through the Yorkshire Dales... and ended with as good and deserved an away win as we've seen in a very long time. Credit to all those who made it to the Riverside yesterday. Thanks to all those who bought a copy from me, including...
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Exhausted today! All my anxieties and fears dissipated within minutes of seeing many regular customers not only there yesterday but keen to buy the edition again. If you were one of those, then thank you so much. Huge weight of my shoulders - figuratively and literally!
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Rivalry is good, but at the end of the day we are all part of the football family. Respect and condolences to the friends and families of Matija Sarkic and Kevin Campbell. Very sad news about both.
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Utterly exhausted and, quite honestly, feeling broken by this season's efforts. Last print edition of the season just put to bed, and I am now totally done in. Anyway, it's 64 pages and it's packed out. Blah, blah, blah... (Did I mention I'm knackered?)
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Just putting it out there. I hate Sky with a passion. I know more than most how early or late kick-offs adversely affect attendances. It's particularly problematic for fans who face a difficult journey anyway - basically anyone and everyone who watches their team away. Fuck Sky.
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That every post I've seen mentions what a lovely man John Hollins was is a real measure of the man.
Very sad news that he has gone. Thanks for the memories, John. Will always be remembered and never forgotten.
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Decent turn out by QPR fans today - and all in good voice. There is a lot to like about the way this team is shaping up: heart and character allied now to some welcome resilience when falling behind. Those attributes will always be rewarded with good support.
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Home now. Key in the door fifteen minutes ago. That was such a hard watch at West Brom. It's death by a thousand cuts really. You know it, I know it, and anyone who cares deeply about QPR knows it. I expected us to lose, but it's the manner in which we did. Every week a new low.
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Based on our own season-long match-by-match ratings, along with the judgement formed from watching QPR home and away, the AKUTR's Player of the Season*, easily so, is (cue drum roll)... Sam Field.
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One of the great joys of being a fully paid up football fan is seeing a young player making his first start - and really making a mark. The standing ovation Paul Smyth received from all three sides of the ground when he went off was thoroughly deserved. What a memorable debut!
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Big up to the lad at Peterborough yesterday who while I was selling AKUTR's before the match genuinely tried (in his words) to convert me into becoming a QPR fan... I said I'd give it some thought...
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1. I think this has probably gone under the radar somewhat, but to become Taekwondo World Champion in Argentina... then five days later be in the away end at Birmingham watching Rangers deserves far greater acknowledgement than has been the case so far. I'd like to see Yvie...
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Very disturbed to learn that Mark O'Neil, one of QPR de Cymru, has now been charged with entering the playing area. I mean, come on! He was just celebrating our goal. No intent, just exhuberance. Mark is a sound bloke, not a dickhead. OTT stewarding, in my opinion.
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…and home! (4.35am)
Very much two points dropped last night. Fox outstanding. What was Begovic doing, flapping like that? And Smyth must score. Lyndon… oh dearie me. Superb support yet again. Still annoyed about Sheffield Wednesday result.
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Well, that was unexpected. Deserved, mind. Overall the better side. Everything missing against Rotherham was there today. Always great coming back from two down away. Now to get out of the car park!
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Obviously it was a great win yesterday, even if it got a little nervy at times, but those half-time celebrations will live just as long in the memory. From Stan's family to R Block cheering Chloe as one of their own; plus Martin Rowlands. Well done
@qpr
...talk about emotional!
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I mean, fair play Mo Salah and all that... but let's face it, he's no Dennis Bailey.
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Just looking at our stats at Nottingham Forest. In the last one game there, we have a 100 per cent winning record. We are also unbeaten at the City Ground in the last one game, and haven't conceded in that one game. I'm guessing it must be our lucky ground. Or something.
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I don't buy in to this mantra of resting players and giving fringe players the chance to prove if they can step up. That's what development teams should reveal. To throw away a good chance of progressing in a cup competition so readily is absolutely criminal.
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I can't begin to describe the feeling of knowing we were going to Wembley. Just that fact alone was enough. It didn't matter if we won the cup - just being in the Final was unbelievable. Remember singing "We're going to Wembley, you're not..." at Cambridge fans away.
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No shape, no system, no improvisation, no leadership, no strategy. An utter shambles. I never expected us to be in the play-off picture at this stage of the season - but fuck me, I would have expected to see at the very least a semblance of the above.
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Must admit I'd never even heard of Michael Beale before today, but I've now got good vibes about him possibly coming to QPR, if all I've read up on him is anything to go by. Will be interesting to see where this one goes.
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Not sure why, but it's just occurred to me that I have been producing AKUTR's for more of my life than the number of years I wasn't. I was 31 when I started it, 35 years ago.
I thought it would last six months, tops...
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Knowing that I am in the high risk category when it comes to Covid-19, I have been self-isolating anyway - but I have just had a letter from my doctor saying I should stay indoors for the next 12 weeks. To all of you in the same boat, chin up, follow the advice, and stay safe.
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The things we do for QPR, chapter 563...
Just booked my train for next Tuesday's game against Birmingham. Home afterwards on the 23.30pm to Leeds, arriving at 02.37, then train to Brighouse at 03.33, to my car and the short hop over the M62. Like on Tuesday, a win helps!
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Just three weeks notice of a fixture change. How is that remotely fair on fans of both teams? The worst part is feeling helpless to do anything about it. I can see this repeated disruption to home fixtures having an adverse impact on season ticket sales.
It's a disgrace.
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Sad to say, that performance (never mind the result) had relegation written all over it. Created nothing and conceded two soft goals. There are no leaders in the team and losing has simply become a habit, save for that three-game blip. Resigned to relegation - me and them.
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Some of you will know Chris Frodsham. He is currently undergoing an eight-hour operation related to fighting cancer. I am sure you will join me in silently sending him our collective best wishes. I'm told he is being characteristically philosophical about it.
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Good morning, peasants. Yet another early start, driving to Stockport and now on the train to Banbury and my lift to W12 - headphones on, latest Ian Rankin on the go. Just need Rangers to win today and all will be well in my world.
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Apart from a win at the end of it, there's four things I'm hoping to see from each and every player on the pitch this afternoon:
Responsibility, leadership, heart & character.
Nothing more, nothing less.
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Terribly sad news about Ollie Raftery. Fourteen is no age at all. Poor lad - heart goes out to his family and friends. I'll be joining in with the 14th minute applause - and hoping that a collective gesture to one of our own brings some small comfort to his loved ones. RIP Ollie.
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Good awayday, Rotherham. Great away support. Much happier with today's performance. Tidier and more purposeful. Big improvement all round on recent weeks. Impressed with Dixon-Bonner, and good to see Willock much more his old self. Fabulous strike by Chair. Point apiece fair.
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One or two of you will have noticed we didn't make it out for last night. Was printed and waiting for collection before the game kicked-off... but not enough time to get it to the game with me. So disappointed, but it wasn't for the want of trying. Out on Saturday instead now.
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Good evening, everyone. Well, I never even made it to the car, let alone to tonight's game. Having been shouting for Hughie again, I decided the sensible thing to do was go back to bed. Hope, though, to pass a late fitness test for Barnsley on Saturday. Come on you, R's!
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Can I just point out that not all the country is experiencing a heatwave. This is Bolton this morning when I went out to get a paper.
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After an emotional week, in which the club, the fans and the players got so much right, a flat performance and defeat yesterday was always going to feel a downer. And it did... all the way home, and still so this morning. The highs and lows of supporting QPR in a nutshell. Sigh.
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I have been absolutely staggered by the love and support shown to us on our long-awaited return to print. It's genuinely very humbling and uplifting at the same time. A massive thank you. It's so good to be back.
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