FANS RALLY TO BAIL OUT R'S MONEY CRISIS

from the Ealing Gazette 9 January 2004

by David McIntyre

QPR fans have responded magnificently to the club's recent admission of pressing financial troubles. 

Our QPR, a fund launched by supporters two weeks ago, has raised £20,000 since Loftus Road chief executive David Davies suggested Rangers may listen to offers for their best players due to a shortage of cash. 

Collections were held at Rangers' home matches against Colchester United and Rushden & Diamonds - and money is still coming in. 

The venture has the backing of the supporters trust, QPR 1st, and the QPR Loyal Supporters Association, as well as the club's official supporters' club. 

The LSA's Paul Finney, who helped organise the fund, said "The response has been tremendous. All I can say is thanks so much to everyone that has contributed. 

"We hope more fans will respond. They can be sure the money won't just be handed over for the sake of it. There has to be transparency. Fans have to know their money is being used wisely. 

"Supporters are concerned about the club's future. We felt we needed to do something to make sure all the hard work that's gone into trying to get out of the Second Division doesn't go to waste." 

Justin Pieris, QPR 1st chairman, added: "I applaud the organisers of Our QPR. It has brought the two main supporter groups together, which is important, and the fans are showing a united front." 

The scheme has the backing of manager Ian Holloway, who made the first donation.

The cash collected by Our QPR follows the previous scheme, the Hoops Fund - set up by QPR 1st when the club's cash crisis was known to supporter groups but had not been so widely publicised. It raised just under £10,000. 

That money is to be transferred to the Our QPR account, subject to approval from QPR 1st members. 

Meanwhile, other supporters have fired off letters to multi-millionaires urging them to invest in QPR, who despite a promotion challenge, proud history and record attendances, have remained on the shelf while smaller clubs have been bought.

:: BACK TO FROM THE PRESS MENU ::

:: HOME PAGE ::