QPR & Bristol City Fans Join Forces

Prior to Saturdays Rangers v Bristol City Championship game Vital QPR and Bristol City Supporters’ Trust have joined forces to bring readers a question and answer session.

Their site editor Gavin Mapstone asked Vital Queens Park Rangers regular and co-editor ‘Boxer’ the following questions.

So chaps, what kind of form are QPR in at the moment?

‘It’s somewhat difficult to gauge our form at the moment. It’s a tad sporadic, to say the least.’

‘Our away displays have been extremely indifferent, taking the games to sides early on and then falling away in the latter stages.’

At home there has been a vast improvement: a lot of attacking play and excellent passing and movement, as has been shown by our recent goals at home to Barnsley, when we saw two excellent goals which typified how good this club is going forward at times.’

‘This sort of attacking play is balanced out with previously inept defensive displays, which have hopefully been stamped out with recent signings.’

What style of play do QPR use?

‘At home we approach the game in a positive manner. Two wingers who like to run direct and get the ball into the box. Rowan Vine and Akos Buzsaky are particular threats from these areas.’

‘Usually Akos plays off the front man in a free role, making him very difficult to mark and track. On the face of it you could call it a 4-4-1-1.’

What are QPR’s strengths and weaknesses?

‘There are obviously a lot of strengths in a new look Rangers side. The defending has improved dramatically, as has the attacking flair and guile.’

‘Our main strength is our direct running and incisive passing, which could cause a problem for any defence in this division.’

‘The main weakness is the second half displays and conceding late goals. Rangers’ second half performances have been poor of late; despite the recent upturn in form closing games out seems to be a big problem of ours.’

Which players should City fans watch out for and why?

‘Akos Buzsaky. The Magical Magyar as he has been coined has been in scintillating form for Rangers since joining; his goals are always special and always plays an integral role in build up play. One to be watched if City are going to keep a clean sheet in W12.’

What do fans make of the new board and management team?

‘Well what is there to say? I hope I speak for everyone when I say that Flavio Briatore, Bernie Ecclestone and Lakshmi Mittal saved the club and are intent on making our wildest dreams come true.’

‘It all seems like a beautiful dream and I don’t know when I’m going to wake up! Luigi De Canio seems very tactically astute as you would expect of an Italian manager, can be a tad defensively minded at times, but overall has instilled a good style of football, and has the affection of the Rangers fans and players alike.’

QPR have been splashing the cash in the transfer window, has it been spent wisely. Is there more to spend?

‘I don’t think we’ve heard the last of the spending before the end of the window. We’ve released a lot of players as well as bringing many players in. We’ve got rid of the dead wood and brought in quality players.’

‘Buzsaky, Vine, Ephraim, Connolly, Mahon, my personal favourite Fitz Hall, and the surprise package Patrick Agyemang have all been excellent additions to name a few, and with any luck there is more to come.’

What are the best and worst things about Loftus Road? Are there any plans to move to a new ground?

‘There has been discussion of improving the existing site, or indeed moving away from the stadium.’

‘Nothing however is set in stone. I’m sure most Rangers fans would rather stay at Loftus Road, an improved version; after years and years of ground hopping making us the most travelled club in the football league, we found our home and we don’t want to move.’

‘If, however we could recreate that special match day atmosphere at Loftus Road, and it was to benefit the club, supporters would back the move, I feel. Personally, I hope we improve the existing ground and keep it as long as we can.’

What’s the most amusing chant you’ve heard sung by QPR fans and what was its significance?

”Strawberry Blonde: You’re Havin A Laugh’ – Mainly sung towards Dave Kitson and James Collins, for obvious reasons…’

“Gigi De Canio: Bernie and Flavio’ – Lakshmi wasn’t involved when this chant was born. Gigi waves like a fish out of water upon hearing the first note. It’ll amuse you, don’t forget to look!’

If you went to the August game between the two sides what were your impressions?

‘It is extremely surprising the directions the clubs have taken following this game. City played ok, but I feel we had the edge in a game we really should have won, but very nearly lost.’

‘Martin Rowlands was a man possessed, and Michael Mancienne was awesome at centre back doing a job for two with calamity Zesh alongside him. Oh, how times have changed!’

‘It was a tentative start for City, and Rangers have been extremely indifferent until recent form has pulled us away from the danger zone. You’ve gone from strength to strength and if you don’t get yourself promoted, beware of the second season syndrome!’

Many thanks go out to Gavin and Adam.

To access the Bristol City Supporters’ Trust website, click here or here to read Vital Queens Park Rangers full match preview.