DAVIES KNOCKED BACK BY BRENTFORD

from the Fulham and Hammersmith Chronicle 4 March 2004

by Ed Beavan

Rangers' hopes of having new tenants in place for next season after Fulham's return to Craven Cottage appear bleak after neighbours Brentford turned down their advances.

And, with former tenants Wasps looking keen to stay at their new home in Wycombe, cash-strapped R's may be forced to go it alone next season.

QPR executive director David Davies confirmed that no deal had been struck at a meeting with Brentford last week, with the Bees wanting to remain at Griffin Park before a move to a new site.

He said: "The meeting was fine but no progress was made.

"Brentford have got a number of issues to resolve for their Lionel Road site, and nothing will happen until they have been sorted out, which could take years."

Davies said he still anticipated Wasps returning to Shepherds Bush next year.

"They've got a contract to come back here and I would expect them to come back next season," he said.

A spokesman for Wasps said the decision to go back to Loftus Road was by no means certain and would be taken by supremo Chris Wright, the former QPR owner.

The spokesman said: "The decision will be made within the next month, but the fans and players are quite happy at Wycombe. We are still under contract with Rangers to go back, but it would undo all the good work we have done at Wycombe. Ultimately the decision lies with Chris Wright."

Meanwhile Davies confirmed that overtures were being carried out with representatives from the national teams of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa about a possible partnership for international matches at Loftus Road.

The Socceroos already have a friendly lined up against South Africa at Loftus Road on March 30.

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