Point, Counter Point, What's the Point?

Flying on the wings of bordem, our two heroes (JoeBags and Hibby), cutting through the jungle brush of apathy, using wit, charm, and at least seven other character attributes neither of us have as we discuss and argue all things we care about, soccer, politics, football, history, baseball, philosophy, basketball, world events, and whatever else tickles our fancies, no need to write this blog, no need to read it either, but in case you do...enjoy.
QPR: 4 mistakes of a could be relegated side TIMING: It has been 15 years since the Rangers of NW London found themselves in the Premiership after winning the Championship League in the 2010-11 season, all looked bright for the SuperHoops, a hero manager, superstsar in the making in Adel Taarabt, the supporters of Loftus Road, and new Chairman and Owner in Tony Fernandez, only one problem, the sale of the team went through with only 8 days left in the summer August 2011 transfer window. The lack of stable ownership through most of the window caused the team to miss out on several key targets, least of all English national, and Euro 2012 3 Lion captain Scott Parker, who went to Tottenham. One will never know how the roster could’ve looked had the the ownership transition had happen in July. SACKING OF WARNOCK: Let’s forget about firing the guy who brought you to the dance, or firing one of the most colourful characters of English Football, Neil was the man who saw beyond the ledger, saw what could be, not just what was, a developer of talent, not just handler of mercenaries. Warnock not just invigorated the youth of the squad, but the fan base as well. His lost is best valued in overall points, prior to sacking QPR made 17 pts in 18 games, Hughes (who was seen as a major upgrade and improvement) has made the same 17 pts over 19 games. If given the same squad plus the implement of January additions, can we say for sure Warnock would have done better, worse? The fan base is still not sold on Hughes, or his long term commitment, yet hopeful. INJURIES: Buzsaky, Gabbidon, Connolly, Helgson, Bothroyd, Campbell, Traore, Taarabt, Dyer, Young, Zamora, Hill, and Faurlin have all missed time. With Dyer, Faulin, and Traore missing the most, again if given the full January window could these holes have been filled? A lot like asking if what would have happened if injures never happened. CARDS: Of the 37 EPL matches played, on 9 occasions QPR finished the match with less than 11 men, an additional 3 players missed time due to yellow card accumulation including Capt. Joey Barton. The overall lack of discipline, along with injury problems made just keeping a side together, let alone 1st squad chemistry damn near impossible. However Survival Sunday plays out, with the perfect scenario having Chelsea beating Bolton, QPR will look back on 2011-12 as a season of would have, could have, and should have. Tony Fernandez’s eternal optimism would disagree, yet a 10-20-7 record with a -22 goal differential will say otherwise. While the idea of playing spoiler to the Blue Moon Rising causes my imagination to dance, the reality is setting in. QPR needs help, not just from a fellow northwest London side, but come this summer, a long term plan, a system, a foundation is needed. Should Tony back his promises, the Hoops, even if they fall, will have learned a mighty lesson living in the top flight. 

QPR: 4 mistakes of a could be relegated side

  1. TIMING: It has been 15 years since the Rangers of NW London found themselves in the Premiership after winning the Championship League in the 2010-11 season, all looked bright for the SuperHoops, a hero manager, superstsar in the making in Adel Taarabt, the supporters of Loftus Road, and new Chairman and Owner in Tony Fernandez, only one problem, the sale of the team went through with only 8 days left in the summer August 2011 transfer window. The lack of stable ownership through most of the window caused the team to miss out on several key targets, least of all English national, and Euro 2012 3 Lion captain Scott Parker, who went to Tottenham. One will never know how the roster could’ve looked had the the ownership transition had happen in July.
  2. SACKING OF WARNOCK: Let’s forget about firing the guy who brought you to the dance, or firing one of the most colourful characters of English Football, Neil was the man who saw beyond the ledger, saw what could be, not just what was, a developer of talent, not just handler of mercenaries. Warnock not just invigorated the youth of the squad, but the fan base as well. His lost is best valued in overall points, prior to sacking QPR made 17 pts in 18 games, Hughes (who was seen as a major upgrade and improvement) has made the same 17 pts over 19 games. If given the same squad plus the implement of January additions, can we say for sure Warnock would have done better, worse? The fan base is still not sold on Hughes, or his long term commitment, yet hopeful.
  3. INJURIES: Buzsaky, Gabbidon, Connolly, Helgson, Bothroyd, Campbell, Traore, Taarabt, Dyer, Young, Zamora, Hill, and Faurlin have all missed time. With Dyer, Faulin, and Traore missing the most, again if given the full January window could these holes have been filled? A lot like asking if what would have happened if injures never happened.
  4. CARDS: Of the 37 EPL matches played, on 9 occasions QPR finished the match with less than 11 men, an additional 3 players missed time due to yellow card accumulation including Capt. Joey Barton. The overall lack of discipline, along with injury problems made just keeping a side together, let alone 1st squad chemistry damn near impossible.

However Survival Sunday plays out, with the perfect scenario having Chelsea beating Bolton, QPR will look back on 2011-12 as a season of would have, could have, and should have. Tony Fernandez’s eternal optimism would disagree, yet a 10-20-7 record with a -22 goal differential will say otherwise. While the idea of playing spoiler to the Blue Moon Rising causes my imagination to dance, the reality is setting in. QPR needs help, not just from a fellow northwest London side, but come this summer, a long term plan, a system, a foundation is needed. Should Tony back his promises, the Hoops, even if they fall, will have learned a mighty lesson living in the top flight.