RANGERS STRIKER SWOOP

RANGERS BOSS, Gerry Francis, has swooped to sign Dutch striker, Samuel Koejoe, for a fee of £250,000. Koejoe makes the switch to Loftus Road from Austrian club, Salzburg, but has signed for the club too late to make his debut in tomorrow's home clash against Barnsley. Instead, he will return to Austria over the weekend, and jet back into London on Monday to link up with his new team-mates. And manager, Francis, was delighted with the capture of the 25-year-old, whose primary position is as a striker, although he was bought with the main intention of strengthening the squad. He said: "We have managed at the third attempt to sign a player and I am very pleased that we have signed a player, although no-one from round here will have heard of him I'm afraid. "He has signed too late to be involved this weekend so he is going back to Austria this evening and we will see him again on Monday. He fitted in well with our price range and wage structure, and we are delighted in this situation that we have managed to find someone. "Samuel's a very young player in terms of football, and he is very much like Les Ferdinand in terms of coming in to the game late, and he has got a lot of potential. "He is someone you can work with, he is quick, good in the air, got two good feet, and it is going to be a big challenge for him coming to London, but he is a determined boy and obviously wants to do well."

Angell to wing in?

Gerry Francis aims to add to his depleted squad today, by signing striker Brett Angell on loan from Stockport County.
Rangers hope to complete a deal with the former Everton and Southend man in time for him to
line up against Grimsby on Tuesday night.
Francis has been attempting to sign a striker for some time, but a sudden injury crisis has forced him to cut his losses and move into the loan market. Kevin Gallen is
sidelined with a hamstring pull and Steve Slade is recovering from a cartilage operation. Meanwhile Chris Kiwomya is now a major doubt for the trip north with a hip injury.

QPR 2 Walsall 1
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t's expected QPR will secure Clinton Morrison's signature as soon as he recovers from an injury , but there's talk of possible late competition for him from two Premiership rivals.

Baraclough in Hammers link

Ian Baraclough is the latest R's player to be linked with a move to the Premiership, with West Ham rumoured to be interested.
The versatile 28-year-old is reported to be a target for West Ham boss Harry Redknapp. Baraclough, a £50,000 signing from Notts County is widely seen as the highlight of Ray Harford's time as manager. The player joined Rangers at a very difficult time and immediately established himself as one of the most solid and reliable players the club have had in years. This season Baraclough has played in a number of positions, most notably at sweeper where he was outstanding.
Gerry Francis has been lavish in his praise of the player, saying: "He's done superbly for me. He hasn't played there before (at sweeper) but has taken it on and in the three or four games he's played there he's done superbly well.
"You've got to be adaptable in the modern game and certainly a player like Baraclough who can play in different positions when we've got a small squad is very important to us."
Spurs lead Langley chase

Premiership Tottenham are reportedly leading the chase to sign Rangers young star Richard Langley. Spurs scouts have been regulars at Loftus Road this season, watching the R's highly rated youngsters in action. Spurs Director of Football David Pleat played down links to another youngster in Matthew Rose last week, but did say that they rated quite a few of the young stars currently at Loftus Road. Reports suggest that Spurs could make a bid in the region of £3.5 million for the midfielder.

Crystal Palace v QPR

(2pm Sunday, Selhurst Park)
Tickets: Home fans: £16-£25 (£9-£15 concs), Tel. 0208 768 6080. Away fans: £20 (£12 concs).Tel. 0208 740 2575
Last season: 1 (Rodger) 1 (Steiner)
Top scorers: Palace: Morrison (4); QPR: Peacock,Wardley (5)
Fact: Five of QPR's past six visits to Selhurst have ended in a draw
Recommended pub: The Goat House (Penge Road)
Just what is happening down at the Palace? Who are the consortium consorting with? Is the administrator administrating? Is there any light at the end of the tunnel or has the tunnel collapsed? Sunday's opponents, QPR, have certainly had their share of money troubles but nothing to match their London rivals who just seem to be treading water with no great hope of a rescue launch. Those two former England stars Steve Coppell and Gerry Francis can swap stories over a cuppa after Sunday's derby but I have a strong feeling the QPR manager will be scoffing the rich teas, while Coppell will be left with the crumbs again.
VERDICT: POOR PALACE

Could Gerry of Uneartherd a new gem?

Gerry Francis is on course to beat Crystal Palace, Reading and Oxford to the signature of highly-rated Whitely Town striker Carl Henry.
The 26-year-old has already been offered a trial by Oxford after a string of impressive displays for the Dr Marten's League outfit. Before joining Whitely Town, the pacey forward scored over 100 goals in two seasons for AFC Wallingford and has also played for
Bury Town.
Francis will watch the player in action against Chelmsford on Saturday.

Ranger's Star Currie the next Ferdinand?

Young striker Michael Currie has been a surprise inclusion in the Rangers first-team squad for the last couple of matches, after returning from a lengthy spell on loan to Marine Castle United of Singapore.
It was expected that the teenager, who had only made a limited number of reserve appearances before leaving for Singapore in March, was some time away from joining up with the first-team squad. But the player is highly regarded at Loftus Road and it seems the
management are happy with the learning experience he's had abroad. The last Rangers striker to have spent a spell abroad on loan was of course Les Ferdinand, who spent some time with Besiktas of Turkey. Currie will certainly hope to follow in Ferdinand's footsteps and
has certainly got the pace. Currie can sprint 100 metres in under 11 seconds.

Langley set to start alongside Murray

Highly-rated youngster Richard Langley could start in midfield alongside crowd favourite Paul Murray at Crystal Palace on Sunday.
It's believed Gerry Francis is set to axe Keith Rowland in favour of Langley, who has been on the bench for the last three matches. With Gavin Peacock sidelined, the change could see Murray and Langley start together for the first time. It's a mouthwatering prospect for many QPR fans, who not long ago were licking their lips at the prospect of Murray and Nigel Quashie, who at the time were both England Under-21 internationals, partnering each other in midfield.
But mainly due to Ray Harford's decision to play both players in wide positions at various times, that dream partnership never materialised and Quashie soon left for Nottingham Forest. But with the emergence of Langley and long-awaited first-team return for Murray, the pair are close to linking up in what could be a similarly exciting partnership.

QPR1 Man City1
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t's expected QPR will secure Clinton Morrison's signature as soon as he recovers from an injury , but there's talk of possible late competition for him from two Premiership rivals.

QPR v Man City

(3pm, Loftus Road)
Tickets: Sold out for non-members
Top scorers: QPR: Peacock, Wardley (5); Man City: Goater, Horlock, Taylor (4)
Fact: QPR are unbeaten in their past eight games, City in their past seven
Recommended pub: Crown & Sceptre (Godwin Rd)
Manchester City twice came from behind against Portsmouth in midweek but that was small beer in comparison to Rangers' recovery at Edgeley Park. Stockport took a 3-0 lead but Rangers are made of sterner stuff these days and drew level with substitute Kevin Gallen scoring twice. But Rangers's defence daren't be so charitable against City.
VERDICT: BLUES FOR RANGERS

Stockport 3 QPR 3
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t's expected QPR will secure Clinton Morrison's signature as soon as he recovers from an injury , but there's talk of possible late competition for him from two Premiership rivals.

Rangers enter race for Geo

The It seems that Gerry Francis could well be on the verge of signing Ajax ace Goegi Kinkladze. Rangers have competition in Sheffield United, but Kinkladze would prefere a move to the Capital.. A loan Spell is a possibility, although if Rangers wanted to make the move permanent it would cost them around £1million.
Sheffield United confirmed last week that the negotiations with Ajax for Kinkladze had gone well and that agreement had been reached on a deal. But United then put the move on hold deciding that the signing of a defender should take priority - hence the interest in Bradford City's Darren Moore.
Gerry Francis is also rumored to be interested in signing Zairian international Lumor Tresor Lua Lua from Colchester.

Blackburn 0 QPR 2
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t's expected QPR will secure Clinton Morrison's signature as soon as he recovers from an injury , but there's talk of possible late competition for him from two Premiership rivals.

Hoops legend in trouble

Sky Sports pundit Rodney Marsh has stepped up his 'war' on Bradford City with a renewed attack on the TV company's website.
And Marsh, who has infuriated City fans with his constant putdowns of the club, is prepared to confront his own critics head on.
Tomorrow night, in what promises to be a lively debate, Marsh will lock horns with chairman Geoffrey Richmond in an hour-long radio phone-in.
The head-to-head, with fans invited to call in, is on Classic Gold at 7pm.
In Marsh's new attack on the website he says it will take more than a challenge from the City boss to make him change his mind.
He said: "Bradford had a great result against Leicester on Saturday and I applaud the Bradford supporters for having a go at me and singing 'Are you watching Rodney Marsh?'â because I can take it as well as give it.
"I just hope that on their last day of the season, the Bradford fans will sing "Are you watching Rodney Marsh? - as they plummet back into the Nationwide."
Last weekend former QPR hero Marsh stepped up his onslaught against the Bantams when he said City had no right to be in the Premiership. Jewell hit back in the T&A: "I am disappointed with myself at getting annoyed with him because he is someone who just chases a cheap laugh.
"If it was someone with any credence making these comments such as Andy Gray or Graeme Souness, who both know what it is like to run a football club, then it would be different."
Marsh replied: "I applaud Paul Jewell's astuteness and his observations which I believe are accurate. I would like to point out that any comments I make on Sky Sports are from my point of view as a former player at the highest level and not from a manager's perspective.
"If Paul Jewell dismisses my analysis based upon the fact that I've never managed a football club in Britain, does that mean that the only people allowed to have an opinion are those that have ever managed a football club?"
Marsh angered Jewell on the opening day of the season by saying there were three leagues within the Premiership with City occupying a fourth on their own.
Marsh had said: "I think Bradford are the worst team ever to play in the Premiership. They are like a cat with a long tail in a room-full of rocking chairs. Everywhere they turn they'll get turned over.
"They've got a poor, small stadium. Bradford will get stuffed at some point."
Jewell today refused to become embroiled still further in the war of words, declining to comment on Marsh's latest outburst.

QPR 2 Birmingham 2
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t's expected QPR will secure Clinton Morrison's signature as soon as he recovers from an injury , but there's talk of possible late competition for him from two Premiership rivals.

Morrision to Sign!

It's expected QPR will secure Clinton Morrison's signature as soon as he recovers from an injury , but there's talk of possible late competition for him from two Premiership rivals.
Those two sides are West Ham and Sheffield Wednesday, but Clinton has already made it clear that he wants to sign for the superhoops.QPR will get there man for a cut price £1 million plus Paul Murray if all goes well

Goodman next on Gerry's list

Gerry Francis is considering making a bid for Wimbledon striker Jon Goodman in an attempt to boost the club's strikeforce.
The Republic of Ireland international is one of several players on Francis' list of possible signings and after being knocked back in his attempts to sign other players, the R's boss may now try and tempt Goodman to Loftus Road although wages could be a problem.
Francis has already failed to sign George Ndah, while Manchester City are expected to capture Gillingham striker Robert Taylor.
Francis has also been linked with Mansfield's Lee Peacock, but he moved Maine Road today, while the queue of other clubs interested in Cambridge striker Trevor Benjamin gets bigger by the day.

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Ice man to Sign For The Superhoops?

Gerry Francis could try to bring in Icelandic striker Rikardhur Dadason to boost the superhoops attacking options.
Francis expressed interest in Dadason earlier this season after watching him in action for Norwegian club Viking Stavanger.
After abandoning plans to sign former Swindon striker Ndah , Gerry could now make a bid for Dadason.

Peacock injury shock

Rangers have been hit by the news that Gavin Peacock will be sidelined for at least six weeks after tearing a hamstring at West Brom.A scan has confirmed that Peacock, Rangers' top scorer this season with seven goals, has torn the muscle badly and will be out until December. Peacock said: "That's disappointing because I've been playing probably the best football of my career this season, capping it with some goals. "The team have been doing well which has made it a bit easier. Certainly, I haven't previously enjoyed a start to a season better than this one, with seven goals already. "I was looking to get 15 to 20 goals over the whole campaign. "With the team playing well and everything buzzing, you don't want to miss any games. "I'll have to sit out a number of matches now, but as long as the team keep winning, it makes it easier when you do get back."

Gerry eyes striker

Gerry Francis is one of several managers hoping to capture 17-year-old striker Lee Cook who is currently playing his football at Aylesbury United. Brentford, Watford, Wimbledon and Leeds are also showing interest in the teenager, who is currently a non-contract player with Jermaine Darlington's former club Aylesbury United. As Cook is still in full-time education, he is not able to sign a professional contract until next year and is likely to be invited for a trial at Loftus Road in the near future, having recently impressed while training with Wimbledon.

Defender moves on loan

Young centre back David Whittle has joined Irish Premier League outfit Waterford United on loan. The 20-year-old is actually from Waterford and has joined his hometown club for an initial period of one month, with a view to extending his stay by a further two months in due course. Waterford are managed by former QPR midfielder Mike Flanagan

Wardley reflects on goal success

Stuart Wardley has been reflecting on yet another goal for Rangers, after scoring the winner at West Brom on Tuesday night. The 23-year-old was signed as a defender by Gerry Francis, but has now hit four goals in just a handful of first-team appearances as a midfielder. Wardley said: "Gerry Francis has been working with me on the way I get into the box. When I first came into the side, he said 'Don't just stand on the back post.' I had a habit of doing that. So in training, Gerry has been getting me to come across the defenders to get in there first. And it worked well for me at West Brom. "I'm surprised by the number of goals I've been getting. Gerry bought me as a central defender and then stuck me in midfield. He tells me I'm in there to get in the box from crosses. I just seem to get on the end of things. "After I got the two goals against Port Vale, it just gave me so much confidence to get in there. I think I've got a good engine, so I like to I get up and down the field and get in the box".Francis, who compared Wardley to Bryan Robson after his debut brace against Port Vale, said: "Stuart has done so well. To come from Saffron Walden to the First Division is a big step. We've been getting him to come across defenders rather than just stand there and it's worked well."

Striker interest resurfaces

Gerry Francis has resurrected his interest in Cambridge striker Trevor Benjamin. The R's boss was desperate to sign the 20-year-old last season but was unable to secure a player-plus-cash deal. But Francis now has money to spend and has made an enquiry regarding Benjamin, who has signed a new contract at the Abbey Stadium since QPR last showed interest. Cambridge boss Roy McFarland is resigned to losing one of his highly-rated strikeforce of Benjamin and Martin Butler, who is wanted by Brentford. If Rangers' neighbours capture Butler it could scupper any chance of Benjamin being allowed to leave for Loftus Road and Francis is well aware that capturing the player will be no easy task. Francis has other players in mind, including Gillinghams Bob Taylor and Wimbledon's Irish international striker Jon Goodman. Meanwhile George Ndah, who turned down the chance to join Rangers earlier this month, has left Swindon to join Wolves.

Harper set for start

Lee Harper could be set to keep goal for Rangers against Portsmouth on Saturday . regardless of whether Ludek Miklosko recovers from a shoulder injury. The 37-year-old Czech is expected to be declared fit for the visit of Alan Ball's side, but itÕs believed Gerry Francis is seriously considering sticking with Harper, who has conceded just two goals in his four matches in place of Miklosko, keeping QPR's first two clean sheets of the season. Miklosko was guilty of a couple of bad mistakes before being sidelined, most notably a fumble which led to Fulhams winner in the West London derby defeat. Francis recently quipped: "I like clean sheets. In fact I love clean sheets. Clean sheets are great."

WBA 0 QPR 1

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