Prefiero morir como un león que vivir como un borrego

“I would rather die like a lion than live like a sheep.” Never has a saying so aptly summed up a city as this when applied to the extraordinary Mediterranean metropolis that is Barcelona. The city’s fighting spirit is evident everywhere; from the protest camp and plethora of political graffiti adorning Plaça de Catalunya, the city’s central hub, to the Estadio de Lluís Companys, Reial Club Deportiu Espanyol de Barcelona’s football stadium, named after the fearless Catalan leader murdered in 1940 on the orders of General Francisco Franco. Whilst I do not wish to enter into the political minefield that is the status of Catalonia – since 1977 a fully-autonomous region of Spain – Barcelona feels like a capital city.

In no way is it a poor relation to the royalist, conservative Spanish capital Madrid, itself a beautiful city boasting all the activities, amenities and wonders you would expect. Yet Barcelona has something that Madrid, along with other European capitals such as Berlin, Paris, Rome, Lisbon, simply don’t. That is its 4.5 kilometres of pristine coastline, straddling the heavily redeveloped antique Port Vell and the more traditional Barceloneta area, which coexist easily alongside each other. The sandy beaches provide a unique, and most importantly free, distraction from the drastically more active nature of tourism in Barcelona. For the city is a walkers’ paradise, providing picturesque views of the city from the uniquely ornate Parc Güell, itself a challenge to reach let alone traverse, the sprawling hills of Montjuïc, or the luscious tranquillity of Parc de la Ciutadella.

Further to this, Barcelona abounds with hidden gems, beautiful squares, excellent museums and, for sports fans, the indisputable current leaders of world football, F.C. Barcelona. For those who baulk at the prospect of spending almost 20 euros on a stadium tour – which is admittedly very interesting – just surveying the cathedral of magnificence that is the Camp Nou is enough to get a flavour of Los Culés current success, and their glorious history. Some of you might even be lucky enough to be able to attend a match, if visiting during the football season (late August-early June), but don’t count on it; tickets range from 40 to 100 euros per match, Barcelona as a club has over 100,000 members, and a 98,000-seater stadium thus becomes rather easy to fill. They don’t even confine themselves to football, either; Barcelona has an extremely successful basketball team, so fans of that particular sport will be well-catered for in this city of sporting winners.

If football doesn’t float your boat, then the re-enlivened Port Vell surely will. Now a hub of Barcelona nightlife, this relatively subdued daytime area comes alive after about 10pm, but most clubs don’t open until much later, unlike their British counterparts. Beware though; as appealing as the pseudo-Irish bars and stylish drinking establishments may appear, they are excruciatingly expensive. Expect to pay around five euros for a good old English pint of lager, and even more for a spirit and mixer concoction, albeit one with the notorious ‘Spanish measurement’ i.e. double the single level permitted in pubs in the United Kingdom.

Away from the thriving seaside, be sure to check out the bizarrely homely booze hole known as the Michael Collins’ Irish Bar, named obviously after the legendary Irish revolutionary leader. The merciful sound of English not being patronisingly applied by Spanish waiters who have clocked that you are from said country and obviously entirely ignorant and mono-linguistic will greet you from the smokers gathered outside. On the inside you will be greeted by memorabilia, photographs and paintings, alongside a signed Republic of Ireland football shirt. By the end of the evening, once a few typically expensive pints of Guinness have been drunk, be sure to keep an eye out for the Spaniards’ hilarious attempts at Irish dancing.

Barcelona, despite the lusciousness of its location, and the innate beauty the city holds, is not an especially expensive destination. Culinary-wise, the cuisine in Barcelona is excellent, consisting largely of seafood, rich, dark meats and obviously, tapas. It would be rather lazy of me to simply recommend paella as a potential stomach-filler, so I’ll offer a rather more specialised potential menu for your delectation. I am not sure if these dishes are unique to Barcelona, but for me they are definitely worth trying if you are in or around the region. The first is paella con arroz negro, a normal seafood paella turned jet black courtesy of its immersion in squid ink. The ink shrouds this normally ubiquitous dish in some sort of mystery, whilst injecting it with a salty taste, with perhaps a little too much garlic prior to a romantic evening.

The second is Fiduea, a relatively standard paella dish in terms of taste, but formed, not of rice, but of small noodles. Unquestionably worth a go, although beware; if the portions applied to said dish are the same as given over to normal paella, if your physique is even slightly similar to that of myself, you will struggle to finish. Now for somebody usually capable of eating far beyond socially acceptable limits as dictated by the particular restaurant or dish, this proves just how filling Fiduea is. As a final salvo on the food front, the delectable Patatas Bravas are a firm favourite as well. Yet the area where my expertise can really be applied, is in terms of liquid accompaniment.

Beer is a must in Barcelona, as with every city. Yet with the searing heat, and the perspiration and thirst generated by the requirement to walk everywhere in this beautiful metropolis, it cannot be avoided in Barcelona. Now the primary local lagers are Estrella Damm – sponsors of FC Barcelona and easily available everywhere – as well as San Miguel, Spain’s entry to the mass market of European lagers. Estrella is slightly stronger at 5.5%, and therefore nicer in my opinion, but San Miguel is pleasant enough. Far more refreshing and palatable than swill such as Carling, Fosters, it weighs in at an extremely reasonable 5%, so the same as beers such as Kronenbourg and Stella, yet without the latter’s potential to wreak domestic violence.

On my particular trip I was lucky enough to stay in a hotel with a magnificent selection of German beers, albeit at extortionate prices, but for those looking for something more local and less common than Estrella, I was unable to find much. Disappointingly, having put some research in following the trip, I found two beers – Moritz and San Miguel sister beer Voll-Damm – the latter a strong, German-style darker beer, which will be worth trying on any subsequent visits. Yet on this subject my advice would be, for those on a budget, avoid the sea front’s extortionate prices and head for a beer in the Universitat district or l’Eixample, where cafes open until the early hours will sell you a cold Estrella or San Miguel for a Euro.

Back to the more cultured aspects of tourist life in Barcelona. Museum-wise, there is a lot on offer, including the Joan Miro museum in the hills of Montjuïc, but by far the best of all the museums in Barcelona, in my view, is the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. With regularly revolving exhibitions and a broad, impressively detailed display of art, as well as one of the most picturesque locations in the city, which is no mean feat, it is worth a few hours of your time. Furthermore, with the addition of yet another useful piece of local knowledge, entry can be yours for free. This can only occur with the purchase of a Barcelona Card. When booked on its own, said card costs 45 euros, but as part of my holiday booking it was just over 30.

Yet what the Barcelona Card offers is free travel on all transport within the city itself, and huge discounts on certain attractions, moderate discounts on others, and free entry onto/into yet more. The Monument a Colom, for instance, becomes free with the Barcelona Card, and despite lacking the incredible vistas of Mount Tibidabo, it offers a formidable view of the city and port area from the incredibly narrow viewing platform at the top. Furthermore, the Barcelona Card allows for discounts in restaurants, bars and a free ride on one of the Golondrinas, which sail around the harbour and port area, a refreshing break from the stifling heat of the city centre.

Naturally, no trip to Barcelona would be complete without a visit to the world-famous Rambla, or Sagrada Familia Cathedral, which has undergone huge refurbishment work since I last visited, and now has all the trappings of the working church which Gaudi presumably envisaged when he began his key work all those years ago. Whether the Sagrada Familia ought to have undergone continued construction or not is a huge bone of contention, but I happen to think the developers and cultural committees who rule on such questions have found the correct solution. The Sagrada Familia was always meant as a testament to nature, and the incredible power of the mind of one individual, Antonio Gaudi. Yet it was meant to be an extraordinary place of worship, and at this moment in time, it is close to fulfilling this purpose.

La Rambla, meanwhile, extending from the port area around Drassanes Metro to Plaça de Catalunya, typically cannot be missed either in the day or at night time. With a motley crew of entertainers, street sellers, mime artists and seemingly every tourist in Barcelona, La Rambla at night is an experience indeed. Yet whilst a visit is definitely worthwhile, even for just a brief stroll, don’t feel you have to eat here. La Rambla’s international reputation means the prices are extortionate on either side of this wide, pedestrianized boulevard, unless you pick the right place. Furthermore, there can be something slightly off-putting when a street seller approaches you during your main course trying to sell you a luminous piece of plastic. So the best bet is to find a restaurant in upmarket Gracia or l’Eixample, and then head down to La Rambla before, if you’re that way inclined, a night on the tiles at Port Vell.

The area to the left of La Rambla, El Raval, is perhaps the most traditional and, dare I say, ‘authentic’ in all of Barcelona. Home to around 200,000 people, it is built around windy, narrow streets and feels extremely different to the vast majority of the city. Traditionally a home for new immigrants to Barcelona, and notorious for its nightlife as well as its crime and prostitution, don’t be surprised to see varyingly clad ladies standing on most street corners in the Raval, and keep an eye on your valuables. Obviously crime can happen anywhere, and you’re probably no more likely to be robbed in El Raval than on La Rambla, where pickpockets are active, Raval has the feel of a place you ought not to spend too much time in. Having said that, with the quality of some of the merchandise being flogged from nearly every building along La Rambla, you’d perhaps not feel too short changed if your money were stolen from you rather than wasted on certain ‘gifts’.

Having said all this, Barcelona feels safe. There is crime in every city, even squeaky-clean Vienna, so this is not a measure of anything at all, merely a fact worth noting wherever you travel. It is an inviting, attractive and homely city, with all you could ever want within a few square miles. Further to this, I believe, it is a deeply underrated holiday destination, with sufficient longevity and the range of attractions to keep you coming back. It is reasonable to get to, eat in, stay in, and there is plenty to be done for free. It is perhaps the only other city in the world I could see myself living in, which is a testament to Barcelona, in my opinion the crown jewel of the Iberian Peninsula.

Sir Bobby Robson: the loss of football's great gentleman who touched the hearts of so many

Achieving universal popularity is not at all easy. Not only do your interests, aims and desires have to chime with people from wildly varying backgrounds, but you have to maintain a very public sense of actually caring about each and every person you meet. This is a challenge even for the most skilled of PR operators. Yet Sir Bobby Robson was no PR man; he didn't need an entourage of assistants, or any notes or guides on how to act to make him look good. He achieved respect from his peers, success in the field, and a legacy that will long outlive him through his tenacity, dedication, humility and sheer talent. A working class hero, Robson's footballing career took place alongside employment as an electrician and colliery worker.

Netting 68 times for Fulham in 152 games in the early 1950s, a club described by the inside-forward as a "nice, sociable club" but not one capable of challenging for honours was a highlight of his playing career. His 56 goals in 239 games for West Bromwich Albion also constituted a purple patch for Robson, between 1956 and 1962. 20 England caps followed, as well as four strikes against France, Scotland and Mexico, but it was in management where Robson really cemented his reputation as a winner, and a man of the people. The farming lands of Suffolk proved fertile ground for Robson from 1969-1982; victories over Arsenal in the 1978 FA Cup Final, and AZ Alkmaar in 1981, in the UEFA Cup, made Robson a deserving recipient of his towering statue outside Portman Road.

England followed for Robson, and his and the Three Lions' failure to qualify for the 1984 European Championships was forgotten as the then 51 year old went on to manage England to two of the most famous, enigmatic, legendary defeats in the country's international footballing history. The first of these was in the Quarter Final at Mexico '86, where England were cruelly denied by Maradona's now infamous 'Hand of God' goal, which followed arguably the greatest strike in the history of the sport. The next tragedy was Italia '90, where Robson led England to their greatest finish in the World Cup since their 1966 triumph. Devastation followed as West Germany progressed on penalties, but in the minds of most England supporters, the tournament will long live in the memory.

Robson achieved tremendous success by moving into continental management, taking over PSV Eindhoven, Sporting Lisbon, FC Porto and FC Barcelona respectively between 1990 and 1999, picking up two Dutch league titles, two Portuguese top division crowns and a domestic cup trophy, before striking the big time with Barcelona. In one season, largely courtesy of the ingenious signing of Ronaldo, Los Cules won the European Cup Winners' Cup, Spanish Super Cup and Spanish Cup, with Robson being voted European Manager of the Year for 1996-1997. Geordie Robson returned to the promised land in 1999, taking over as manager of Newcastle United. After a slightly uneasy start, he took the Magpies to the Champions League in 2002, securing successive top five finishes.

With these magnificent achievements in mind, it was never likely that the respect, adoration and popularity built up by Robson during his early and latter managerial career would ever fall. Yet whilst football supporters may respect figures such as Arsene Wenger, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Jose Mourinho, they may feel little to no affection or emotional attachment towards them unless of course they happen to support the clubs managed by these three. Sir Bobby Robson was truly loved, and taken from us far too soon at the age of just 76. Having previously fought off cancer and other threats to his life as British football’s lauded elder statesman, Robson’s lung cancer was diagnosed in 2007 as terminal.

Whilst everyone knew that sooner or later this Geordie fighter would leave us, nothing could prepare for the day when Robson’s smiling face and passion for football would be lost from the world. The launch, in 2008, of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, and Robson’s heroic dedication of his final years to fighting for others experiencing the devastating disease, ensured his untouchable status as a true gentleman. By the end of 2008 the charity had earned £1million, a testament to the man who founded it, and by 2011 has raked in more than £2.5million to aid the battle against lung cancer.

When Robson passed away, peacefully at his home in County Durham, the world’s footballing flag flew at half-mast. Few of us knew Robson, but we all felt as though we did. His popularity surpassed generations, and by the time of his passing nobody could have found anything negative to say about him, no matter how hard they may have tried. Knighted in 2002 for services to football, Robson’s tributes know no end. One of thousands of fitting tributes came from close friend Michael Parkinson: “Robson will be remembered long after the present lot are old bones. By his decency, his humour, his love of the game's traditions and origins and confusion at what it had become, he made present day football look what it is – shabby by comparison. I can think of no more fitting epitaph.” Neither can I. Gone but never, ever forgotten.

Money talks, but silence has fallen over W12

Exasperation and disbelief have long been core components of QPR fandom. From the inconceivably disastrous days of Gerry Francis’ second managerial spell at the club, to the jaw-droppingly ludicrous procession of misguided hirings and firings during the 2009/2010 season, there’s nearly always a dark cloud above Loftus Road. The opening of the Summer Transfer Window yesterday will do little to lift the gloom, either, as Rangers supporters watch their closest rivals for Premier League safety, Norwich City and Swansea City, take intelligent, measured steps in the transfer market. The Canaries’ signings of Bradley Johnson from Leeds United and Millwall’s Steve Morison should see them well-placed to mount a survival bid, especially if the irrepressibly brilliant Paul Lambert remains at the helm.

What of QPR, the Championship’s best team last season and deserved winners of their first title since 1983? Well, as frustrated R’s fans will tell you, besides the niggling rumours surrounding Neil Warnock’s future at the club, and the constant Adel Taarabt transfer-merry-go-round, it’s all quiet on the Western Avenue. Those who crave behind-the-scenes drama and the sort of Goodfellas’-style scenario we had a few years ago – with the ‘Guns in the Boardroom’ saga – would probably love to hear of an epic power-struggle going on between QPR’s two ownership ‘blocs’. However, there is no evidence to point to this. Indeed it appears very much that the Cowboys, namely ‘Tango’ and ‘Cash’ – Messrs’ Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone – have irrevocably claimed the upper hand over the Indians – the ‘steelionaire’ Mittals.

Yes, there have been rumours, none of them pleasant, mind you. The prospect of our ‘big signings’ to keep us in what is unarguably one of the toughest leagues in the world being Fulham’s Andy Johnson and Hull City’s Jimmy Bullard is hardly appealing. Jay Bothroyd’s astronomical wage demands of allegedly £50,000 per week have, fortunately, priced him out of a move to West London, so what sort of new arrivals can we expect? Well, perhaps it’s best to ask Mr. Gianni Paladini, the man with seemingly no appreciation of when it’s right to cut your losses and leave. He is, without a doubt, past his sell-by date, an awkward amalgamation of a Godfather-type figure mixed with an East-End used car dealer who has long ceased to be of any benefit to proceedings at Loftus Road. His ‘limited’ evidence to the Tribunal over QPR’s signing of Alejandro Faurlin – a wonderful Argentine midfielder whose popularity knows no bounds amongst R’s supporters – shows him up as the morally dubious and inherently damaging and shady figure fans have long believed him to be.

The returns from their respective loan spells of Italian flops Matteo Alberti and Alessandro Pellicori, unless greeted with their imminent departures, might just sum up the current malaise. The only players we are able to obtain are those others don’t want; the board are unwilling to bid for potential signings whom other teams are interested in (see Craig Mackail-Smith for details); and the club is still controlled by men who would be more suited to running an illicit gambling den in London’s seedy backstreets. One thing is certain; over the past few years Paladini has acquired a reputation as a man willing to turn Loftus Road into a ‘rest home’ for footballers who are either on their way out or chronically injury prone (Fitz Hall and Dean Sturridge come to mind). If this summer is characterised by more of the same, don’t be surprised to see Sir Neil Warnock cut his losses and leave this over-priced, farce of a football club behind. He and QPR fans fundamentally deserve better.

QPR - So many unanswered questions

Queens Park Rangers supporters finally received the news they had been waiting eagerly for since the final match of last season against Leeds United on 8 May. Neil Warnock’s men will kick off their first year back in the top flight since 1996 against Bolton Wanderers, themselves a model of how to achieve Premier League survival, and subsequent stability. Seeing such illustrious names as Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea on the fixture list was something rather special. However as discussed previously, the cost of attending these matches is such to render them little more than pipe dreams for a significant proportion of the W12 faithful.

Not only are the QPR owners’ misguided attempts to cash in on top-flight football tainting what ought to be the divine calm before the ferocious storm, but the club looks in worse shape than any other entering the Premier League fray previously. The dearth of signings at Loftus Road has already been discussed, sometimes with deep acrimony, but this is by no means the full extent of the problem. For in almost certainly the most commercially valuable summer in recent memory for Rangers, we have, catastrophically, not released our 2011-2012 season kit. The reason for this is that, since 8 June, Queens Park Rangers have been without a sponsor, the contract with Gulf Air running out without replacement. Thus not only is the club losing out on vital revenue, its standing is diminishing by the day from an already low base.

Perhaps some suggestions as to a future sponsor would be welcome to Messrs Ecclestone and Briatore. Considering that it has long been acknowledged that neither is capable of organising the proverbial ‘piss-up in a brewery,’ it would be apt for Carlsberg to take over the reins. Although from another perspective, in light of their recent record, maybe Sony would like to bring its unique brand of professional service to W12? Or we could just let Bill – the café owner from the high street – sign a multi-thousand pound advertising contract. That would, based on the current misery amongst formerly proud wearers of the blue and white hoops, reflect the esteem in which the club’s owners are currently held.

Moving swiftly back to the football, and the terrifying prospect of Shaun Derry lining up to take care of Luka Modrić on October 22, can Neil Warnock’s men stay in the Premier League? Realistically, based on what is essentially last season’s team sheet, the answer is no. Team spirit, a solid if unimpressive defence, managerial stability and organisation can see a team fly the Championship nest, but the Premier League is more akin to a pit of snakes, who don’t take kindly to newcomers. With enigma, ‘captain’ and whinger-in-chief Adel Taarabt constantly pining for a move to Newcastle United, or more realistically Chelsea, Real Madrid and Arsenal, will he want to play for the R’s up to his usual standard when the inevitable happens and other clubs say no to the player who is probably more trouble than he’s worth? Even if he does want to play for QPR still, will it make any difference? So many unanswered questions remain, and unless things become abundantly clear over the next month or so, Queens Park Rangers may well face a rude awakening in August.

After promotion comes reality - Survival seems a million miles away for the half-finished project that is QPR

The past few weeks have very much been a hangover for Queens Park Rangers, with fans quickly forgetting the club’s first promotion since 2004 in the face of astronomical season and match ticket price rises. Despite being arguably the least equipped of all the promoted sides joining the Premier League next season – as stated, this is very much open to debate – the board at Loftus Road have seen fit to institute charges of more than £750 to keep a cramped, uncomfortable, plastic seat warm in W12 for a year in which the R’s will probably be relegated without a whimper. Those who see this as fair are almost certainly in a minority, given all the suffering the truly loyal Rangers supporters have had inflicted upon them in the past decade and a half.

There haven’t even been wallet-bursting transfers to lift the malaise over Shepherds Bush, yet this hasn’t stopped the typical lazy media coverage – Craig Mackail-Smith for instance had better decide where he is going before he is actually linked to every Premier League club in the bottom half of the table – which has naturally resulted in no concrete information whatsoever. The rumours have been enjoyable, however, particularly those prophesising the imminent arrival of Premier League stalwarts Robbie Keane and Jermaine Jenas, who may look average in their respective Tottenham Hotspur shirts, but would surely be a cut above Rangers currently paltry array of talent.

Assuming the more volatile and less football-savvy members of the Loftus Road board can see past their own noses, Neil Warnock should at least be staying with QPR, that is, until the first mini-blip provides Ecclestone and Briatore with a chance to use their recently rested trigger fingers. Indeed, his continuation in the W12 hot-seat could be, at least for a few weeks, the best signing the R’s make. To sack the sometimes hot-headed Yorkshireman now would be, quite honestly, nothing short of madness and likely followed by the footballing equivalent of a nuclear winter; that is, where self-belief and a tremendous team spirit evaporates amidst board interference, a succession of lacklustre replacements, and a club ruled by Formula One dictators more suited to race-fixing and pointing international motor-racing unflinchingly in the direction of money, at the cost of the sport’s integrity.


As for the fixtures, most Rangers fans will rightly be salivating at the prospect of an opening day trip to Anfield, Old Trafford or St. James Park, cathedrals of modern football where QPR were once regular visitors. Here’s hoping that by the time they are announced, R’s supporters will have more of an idea as to their side’s probable chances against England’s footballing elite. Safe to say that whatever slightly weaker areas identified last year have become even more pressing concerns, and unless some sort of transfer movement takes place soon, there will be a few concerned as to the direction the board wishes to take the club, after an already turbulent post-title-winning month.

The road to the title - 10 results which won QPR the league

QPR's path to the Championship title was not an easy one. From the dizzying high of the R's away drubbing of Ipswich Town in September to the unimaginable low of that defeat at Glanford Park, it has undoubtedly been a roller-coaster ride for the W12 faithful. Yet from this emotional goldmine there were 10 games, all at varying moments in the season, which ultimately proved crucial to Rangers lifting the Championship trophy aloft against Leeds United on 8 May. Thus, in chronological order, here are the '10 results which won QPR the title'. Not necessarily all victories, but looking back on the past year these scorelines were what took Neil Warnock's side from relegation fodder to the Premier League in just over a year.

1) QPR 4-0 Barnsley - 7 August 2010

What a way to start a season. There are few years which begin with such a consummate mauling, perpetrated by a QPR side which, even at this stage, clearly meant business in the Championship. Neil Warnock said the score-line "flattered" his side, which was probably fair, but with the match even featuring a veritable collector's item - only his 12th career goal - it was a special introduction to a very special year. Hall's 81st-minute strike was, incredibly, his third goal for QPR, the centre-back's hat-trick of strikes all coming against Barnsley, on the opening days of the 2008-09 and 2010-11 season. Beat that for a random statistic.

2) Derby County 2-2 QPR - 28 August 2010


This was the moment we knew 2010-11 would be a special season in the history of Queens Park Rangers Football Club. The phrase 'dead and buried' doesn't even begin to cover the hopelessness of the R's position in this match, when the Fourth Official's board went up to indicate the length of time the hosts would have to play out before being crowned match-winners. In all honesty, few QPR fans would have put money on Heidar Helguson's 62nd-minute replacement by goal-shy Patrick Agyemang making any difference whatsoever to the outcome of the match, which by then looked decided, with Derby deserved 2-0 up on the hour mark.

Even fewer would have expected Jamie Mackie, the stand out performer in those first few epic weeks, to pop up with a 95th-minute equaliser and send the R's fans who'd stayed into raptures. A host of humorous and slightly tragic stories about QPR fans who had departed early reaching the station only to find out their train was delayed and they'd missed the greatest comeback of the season did, predictably, emerge in the aftermath of the match. Yet despite their inevitable agony, they might probably have realised that Neil Warnock's men had laid down a marker, and showed this division that they could not only win comfortably, but fight back from a truly impossible position in a matter of just a few frantic minutes.

3) Ipswich Town 0-3 QPR - 14 September 2010

"We never win at Ipswich" were the immortal words I faithfully uttered to a friend of mine. Suitably convinced, he and I shelled out twenty of our hard-loaned pounds to go and watch the runaway league leaders test their mettle at a veritable bogey ground. Despite all the historical predecents, there was also the not-inconsiderable matter of the Tractor Boys having had a strong start to the season under Roy Keane, and being just two points off the R's going into the game. Imagine my surprise then, when Warnock's boys put on one of the most devastating counter-attacking displays any Championship supporter will have seen all season. Jamie Mackie and Adel Taarabt led the line with the sort of deadly precision which rocketed Rangers to the summit and most importantly kept them there. Taarabt's vision and Mackie's pace, which seemed to utterly dumbfound the Ipswich back-line, were the winners on the day, and after 42 minutes the home side were well and truly out of the game.

Despite all the positives, however, I spent all 90 minutes of this game trapped in the home end of Portman Road, whilst my fellow QPR supporters went mad in the away fans area, looking as though they were having the time of their lives. So consummate was the victory, and so exquisite Taarabt's performance, that on this day a new chant was born. It wasn't a particularly complicated composition - simply the Moroccan's surname chanted to the tune of the Pink Panther theme. Whilst the visiting R's supporters, drunk on their team's unexpected victory and probably quite a few celebratory pints at half-time, created the only notable noise inside the ground, I was left bemoaning the defensive qualities and positioning of left-winger Jaime Peters, bizarrely employed at left-back, and veteran Gareth McCauley. Safe to say my Ipswich-supporting friend was slightly annoyed by 9.45pm. Undoubtedly the most satisfying away day of the season.

4) Crystal Palace 1-2 QPR – 2 October 2010


Another late show from the R’s, this time at home to Crystal Palace, but none the less frantic and spectacular, and in the long run, crucial to the outcome of the title race. Ask me which two things I would never have expected to see that confronted me this season, and I would probably start with my club winning the trophy and being promoted to the Premier League. Yet my undoubted second choice would be witnessing former Dutch midfield dynamo Edgar Davids playing on the hallowed turf of Loftus Road. Not only did he play in this match, but he provided the opener with a lacklustre back-pass just after half-time. His mistake set up Jamie Mackie, who unselfishly squared for Adel Taarabt to slot home, but Rangers supporters thought we’d lost this when Kieron Cadogan fired past Paddy Kenny in the 89th-minute.

Yet just a couple of minutes later Heidar Helguson rose to meet Tommy Smith’s cross and head home the winner to send the visiting R’s fans into raptures. Not quite as dramatic as the Derby comeback a month earlier, but nonetheless vital in keeping Rangers six points clear of Cardiff at the top of the table. Furthermore, it was quite an emotional victory for Warnock over his old side, who certainly suffered without his guidance in a turbulent season. Heidar Helguson’s goal-scoring contribution, often entirely overlooked by commentators who preferred to focus on big names such as Grant Holt and Scott Sinclair, would prove vital throughout the most successful season in the R’s recent history.

5) QPR 2-1 Cardiff City – 27 November 2010

The first of two season-defining games involving perennial W12 enemy Cardiff City, whose enormously potent strike-force pushed the eventual title winners all the way, before falling at the final hurdle once again. Yet, as proven by this game, it was the Bluebirds’ defence which would prove fatal in their efforts to reach the Premier League at the third time of asking. Despite taking the lead in this match – Jay Bothroyd capitalising on an error from Kaspars Gorkss and playing in Craig Bellamy to score – the R’s showed their fighting spirit, and quickly levelled proceedings. Five minutes after Bellamy’s opener Gorkss made amends, heading home Tommy Smith’s floating cross.

It looked for a while as though these two title contenders (for by this stage of the season QPR were certainly in this category) would be content to take points off each other. Bothroyd could have made it 2-1 after a fine solo run but his shot was saved by Paddy Kenny, before Tom Heaton pulled off a string of fine saves, denying Alejandro Faurlin’s 25-yard pile-driver, and tipping over an effort from Jamie Mackie which looked set for the top corner. Yet he couldn’t stop the irrepressible Taarabt; the Moroccan finishing off a delightful jinking run past three Bluebirds defenders by firing past Heaton into the roof of the net, and sending the Loftus Road faithful into ecstasy.

Victories over Cardiff, as rare as they are, are always special for the W12 masses, yet this match was different. Now it wasn’t a little club from West London causing an upset against the promotion front-runners, it was the league leaders claiming a huge scalp against their biggest rivals. And what a scalp it was too. Dave Jones’ customarily bleating post-match conference – where he argued vociferously that Matthew Connolly had felled Bothroyd – just served to make the victory ever so sweeter. Jones’ demise and post-match prowess will be covered at length a little later on.

6) QPR 4-0 Swansea City – 26 December 2010

If the victory against Cardiff was tight and slightly fortunate, this was anything but. It needed to be as well, with Rangers having lost their 19 game unbeaten run in front of the Sky cameras at home to Watford, before slumping to a dismal 2-0 defeat at Elland Road against Leeds. Throughout the season, commentators and pundits constantly referred to Rangers as a ‘one-man team’, not so much built around the tremendous ability of Adel Taarabt as boasting attacking potential based solely on the temperamental Moroccan. However, if one result summed up the value of Taarabt to QPR it was this one. He was in sensational form, setting up Jamie Mackie to open the scoring early on and ease the nerves of a few R’s fans who may have thought the table-toppers could be experiencing more than just a blip.

He then did something that frustrated QPR supporters by its absence in many games this season, which was to run full-pelt at the Swans backline. They, like many other teams, simply couldn’t handle his pace and relentless energy, particularly Ashley Williams, who felled the R’s skipper in the box. Heidar Helguson stepped up to make it 2-0 from the spot, with his customary coolness, to put further daylight between the two sides. By now both were playing with ten-men, Alan Tate and Clint Hill having been sent off inside 20 minutes after an ugly challenge by Tate on Kyle Walker. With Taarabt having been instrumental in setting Rangers on their way, he went into play-making overdrive. His first goal of the day – thoroughly deserved after 70 minutes of unbridled brilliance – was rather disappointingly mundane, Dorus De Vries failing to stop Taarabt’s weak low effort squirming under his body.

Yet if the third goal was a little bit lucky, the fourth was sheer class, fit to grace any Premier League ground with its audacity and majesty. Taarabt, by now a show-boater of the highest order, knocked the ball through the legs of Swansea winger Joe Allen, who could only stand bewildered and watch as QPR’s captain curled a delicious shot into the bottom-right hand corner. Cue yet another ovation from the Loft for Taarabt, a vital three points for Rangers at a time when their title credentials were under serious scrutiny, and a clear message sent to the rest of the league. Given Swansea City’s promotion in the Play-Off Final, this result looks even more impressive upon subsequent revisits. A fantastic day, and a real Champions’ performance, engineered by a midfield thoroughbred destined for a greater stage than this.

7) Reading 0-1 QPR – 4 February 2011

It doesn’t get much more satisfying than a 1-0 away victory, particularly your first at a relatively new ground, against local rivals with whom recent history has been a little fraught. This is exactly what the R’s triumph at Reading in February constituted; it was, in a word, crucial. Wayne Routledge, surprisingly not Taarabt, was the hero of the hour for QPR, but his 82nd-minute winner was by no means the full story at the Madjeski Stadium. Failing to register a shot on target in the first half, Rangers were hardly displaying their credentials as long-time league leaders. Yet whilst the R’s have been capable of putting on the type of swashbuckling displays which often characterise champions of the Football League, a great deal of the success of Warnock’s side has been the steely determination and resilience he has been able to instil into his players in just over a year.

This hard-working tenacity was even more necessary than ever after Hogan Ephraim was shown a straight red card 40 minutes into the match. Whether the decision was fair or not, it galvanised QPR and gave them a reason to feel slightly hard done by, and an even greater willingness to win the game. Paddy Kenny was, once again, a colossus between the sticks. Rarely in the recent history of Queens Park Rangers has £800,000 been better spent on a member of the playing staff. Yet it was a rather more expensive acquisition – Alejandro Faurlin – who played a sublime pass through to Routledge, the on-loan Newcastle winger finishing it off with aplomb, leaving the R’s just ten minutes to hold out for three crucial points. They did so, and Rangers’ promotion train rolled gently on. One cannot imagine many in W12 underestimating just how vital this win was, even at the time, let alone now.

8) QPR 1-0 Leicester City – 5 March 2011

This was another narrow victory for the 2011 Championship winners, achieved even later than the Reading triumph courtesy of a player who never really settled in at Loftus Road. Ishmael Miller, on loan from West Bromwich Albion, only scored one goal in 12 appearances for the R’s, and it was even later than Routledge’s strike a few weeks’ earlier, this time after 88 minutes. The tall forward, an 86th-minute replacement for the uninspiring Adel Taarabt, didn’t look capable of winning this game on his own. Yet when he took off past Sol Bamba with two minutes to go until full-time, he showed strength and class to slot the ball past former Portuguese international ‘keeper Ricardo in front of the Loft.

Kenny once again came to the rescue with a couple of fantastic saves to deny Darius Vassell and Andy King as Rangers held firm to move eight points clear of Swansea City in second place. It should have been easy from here on in, with such an advantage, but the fact that it wasn’t is a testament to the truly unpredictable nature of the Championship, which has led to such a diverse array of results in this list. It’s not as though Leicester were easy competition either, having been drastically reassembled at monumental cost under Sven-Goran Eriksson, and this game received top billing as a result, with City chasing a Play-Off spot. However they were unable to topple the league leaders at home, a feat only Leeds and Watford were able to achieve over the course of 46 incredible games.

9) Barnsley 0-1 QPR – 12 April 2011

Two months earlier an 82nd-minute goal secured all three points for QPR at the Madjeski Stadium. A month prior to this match Miller’s strike two minutes from normal time saw off Leicester City. This time it was Adel Taarabt, netting in less than a minute at Oakwell against Barnsley. The following 89 minutes were some of the tensest and most fraught any QPR fan would have had to sit through at any point during the season. Taarabt himself could have been sent off for displaying the more petulant and questioning aspect of his game, but he remained on the pitch and in the end led by example with his early winning goal. At this point the R’s were 10 points clear with five games remaining, this win important in reversing the damage inflicted by the R’s egregious defeat at Glanford Park, 4-1 to eventually relegated Scunthorpe United.

10) Cardiff City 2-2 QPR – 23 April 2011

The second of two vital results against the Bluebirds, this was the one which truly made the difference. The R’s emphatically could not afford to lose this match, despite being eight points clear of Cardiff going into proceedings. With the match live on the BBC, and the coverage leaving much to be desired with its somewhat greater focus on the hosts and ignoring of the visiting league leaders, the omens didn’t look especially good. Lose, and Cardiff would leapfrog Norwich City into second, cutting the gap to four points. Win, and the title would be heading to West London, but this in reality was beyond Neil Warnock’s men. This became especially clear when Jay Bothroyd stepped inside Clint Hill and lashed the ball into the top corner, beyond the reach of Paddy Kenny. Cue scenes of vitriolic celebration, aimed at the visiting QPR fans, by the ‘Family Club’ of the year.

Adel Taarabt then stole the show with an exquisite lob over Stephen Bywater four minutes later, curled into the corner of the net from an extremely tight angle in the manner of Marco Van Basten (sort of). Rangers perhaps didn’t deserve their equaliser, and Cardiff could and probably should have retaken the lead earlier than they did. Bothroyd turned provider for Craig Bellamy, who profited from abysmal defending from Matt Connolly to make it 2-1. Taarabt then wrote the evening headlines with 19 minutes to go, latching on to a pass from Routledge and taking on the static Kevin McNaughton. His curled effort creeped inside the far post, past the flailing arms of Bywater, to make it 2-2.

QPR held out, however, and even managed to survive the post-match assassination by bitter Bluebirds manager Dave Jones, who claimed his side took the R’s ‘to the cleaners’, an assertion that only appears plausible if all the facts are ignored. His bitterness just shows how important a result this was; Jones knew he and City had blown it, and how right they were. A couple of months on and Cardiff remain in the Championship, with Jones at the back of the managerial dole queue. Thus, on balance, this must be one of the most important 2-2 draws secured by any recent Championship champions, and the most vital score-line in QPR’s journey from the relegation zone to the Premier League.

Friday Football Feature - The best game from midweek that you may not have seen

Tottenham Hotspur 3-3 Arsenal
English Premier League
Wednesday 20 April 2011

For video highlights visit: http://bit.ly/fAfVG8

Perhaps not the most hidden of the midweek encounters, this was truly a must-win game for both sides; Arsenal, on a run of draws and in danger of falling further behind leaders Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur, desperately hoping to pip Manchester City to fourth place and qualify for another season in the Champions League. Recent encounters between these two bitter rivals suggested that the game would be a high-scoring affair; add to this the fact that neither side exactly possesses a reputation for defensive solidity, and their immense attacking potential, and Wednesday’s night’s game looked set to be explosive from the start.

The visitors were first to break the deadlock, taking advantage of a heavy touch from Tom Huddlestone to win possession just inside their own half. After neat passing between Abou Diaby and Cesc Fàbregas, the Arsenal captain sidestepped past the challenge of William Gallas, playing in Theo Walcott. His superbly-timed run broke the Spurs offside trap, and the Gunners’ winger slotted calmly past Gomes to hand Arsenal the lead after just five minutes.

Shortly after Arsenal's opener Tottenham levelled proceedings, patient build-up involving Players’ Player of the Year Gareth Bale, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Tom Huddlestone and Luka Modrić playing in Vedran Ćorluka in space on the right. He was given too much time and space by the visiting midfield, chipping the ball to Rafael Van Der Vaart, who held off the challenge of Diaby to slam home the equaliser in the narrow gap left by Arsenal ‘keeper Wojciech Szczeşny.

Minutes later Arsenal reclaimed the lead, Samir Nasri and Fàbregas keeping possession on the left, before Nasri cut inside, playing a clever one-two before drilling the ball into the bottom left-hand corner, giving Gomes no chance. It looked as though Arsenal had made the game safe in the 40th minute when Bacary Sagna’s difficult cross from the right wasn’t properly dealt with by the Spurs defence. Walcott managed to prevent the ball going out, ballooning an awkward ball back towards Robin van Persie. His initial header was straight at Gomes, but the rebound fell perfectly for the Dutchman to slam the ball into the roof of the net in front of the downbeat home supporters, who could only watch on.

Spurs were given a route back into the match thanks to yet more shaky defending in the North London Derby. Full-back Benoît Assou-Ekotto launching the ball deep and high into the Arsenal box. Pavlyuchenko headed the ball back across the box, but Fabregas’ clearance was weak and fell to long-range shot specialist Huddlestone, whose stinging drive beat Szczeşny, who didn’t even move. Assou-Ekotto was also at the heart of Spurs’ third, the all-important final equaliser. His exquisite through ball played in Aaron Lennon, and his pace allowed him to reach the ball just before the onrushing Szczeşny; Lennon managed to poke the ball onwards, but the Arsenal goalkeeper had committed himself, hauling the Spurs winger down with twenty minutes to go. Having hit his previous five penalties down the left, missing two, Van Der Vaart this time chose right, confusing Szczeşny who dived according to the Dutchman’s spot-kick form, only to watch the ball nestle in his opposite corner, the game now deadlocked at 3-3.

That was how it remained; an enthralling, end-to-end game but ultimately a result which benefited neither side. Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Birmingham City saw them leapfrog the Gunners into second place, but with games Manchester United and Chelsea to come, Arsenal can still claw back the six-point gap to the leaders to hand Arsène Wenger his first trophy in six years. Tottenham, meanwhile, remain in fifth, but with Bale’s achievements having been recognised by his peers and Van Der Vaart’s incredible debut season in English football, a finish outside the coveted Champions League places could exact a huge blow on Harry Redknapp’s excellent squad-building exercise at White Hart Lane.

Photos courtesy of (in order): Daily Mail, Arsenal, Caught Offside, Arsenal Latest, Premier League, 888 Sport Zone

Monday Match Report: The best game of the weekend that you may not have seen

FC Porto 3-2 Sporting CP
Portuguese Primeira Liga
Sunday 17 April 2011

For video highlights visit: http://bit.ly/i3YalO

Imperious Portuguese champions FC Porto were narrow victors in an extraordinary game at the Estádio do Dragão over Três Grandes rivals Sporting CP. With a vast goal difference of +50, and having conceded just 11 goals all season, Porto were understandably favourites against fourth-placed Sporting. In one of the highest-profile games in the Portuguese league season, neither side disappointed, producing a classic affair that further underlined exactly why the top three sides in the Primeira Liga occupy all but one of the semi-final places in this year’s Europa League competition.

Visitors Sporting, however, started the brightest, taking the lead after 11 minutes. With Porto failing to clear their lines, the ball fell to André Santos on the edge of the area. His low drive was deflected past the helpless Helton, who had dived according to Santos’ initial effort and not accounted for Matías Fernandéz’ unknowing deflection. There appears to have been some debate as to whom the goal should be allocated, but in the end it is clear that Fernandéz’ touch was crucial in diverting Santos’ effort home, and thus the strike is widely accredited to him.

Porto soon got into their stride, however, Radamel Falcao’s drive on the rebound from Fredy Guarín’s stinging effort well saved by Rui Patrício. Falcao was then denied again, this time by the post, his strong header not quite accurate enough to force an equaliser. Patrício proceeded to rescue Sporting once again, Brazilian striker Hulk putting Falcao through on goal only for the visiting ‘keeper to block his powerful effort. The Columbian wasn’t to be denied for long, however, crucially improving on his earlier headed effort to level the scores just before the half-hour mark. Jumping highest once again, he imperiously met a sweeping cross from the left, directing it over Patrício for the equaliser.

Having been deservedly pegged back, Sporting should have reclaimed the lead soon after, Yannick Djaló heading wildly over when unmarked from six yards out. Porto then began to turn the screw once again, Hulk playing in Joao Moutinho in the corner, before the midfielder gleefully made his way into the box, chipping an exquisite cross which Falcao met with an unstoppable diving header in the 50th minute. Jaime Valdés really ought to have pegged back Porto when clean through, but under pressure from the recovering Porto defender, he pitifully dragged his shot wide of the onrushing Helton.

Mariano González then broke down the left for Porto, launching an inch-perfect cross into the path of the hungry Falcao, but this time his header was straight at Patrício, falling harmlessly into the goalkeeper’s arms. In what was fast becoming a shooting gallery, Patrício was forced to make further saves before Porto made the game safe three minutes from time; Rúben Micael’s miscued effort finding its way to young Brazilian forward Walter, who slotted home coolly after breaking through the static Sporting defence.

Yet it wasn’t to be quite so simple for the Portuguese champions, as Sporting made them sweat for the final few minutes, Fernandéz picking the ball up inside the area before finding the top left-hand corner with a sweet drive. The result leaves Porto top of the Primeira Liga on 77 points, 19 clear of second-placed Benfica with a Europa League semi-final to come in a couple of weeks’ time.

Photos courtesy of (in order): Yahoo, Day Life, Livre Indirecto, Ole Ole, FourFourTwo

Friday Football Feature - The best game from midweek that you may not have seen

PSV Eindhoven 2-2 Benfica
UEFA Europa League
Thursday 14 April 2011

For video highlights visit: http://bit.ly/fTadpL

PSV went into this match hoping to reverse the pattern of Portuguese dominance which has characterised this year's Europa League competition. With Benfica leading 4-1 on aggregate following an extremely one-sided first leg, the pressure was all on the hosts to overturn the deficit against the current Primeira Liga leaders. PSV didn't make it easy for themselves, however, with a couple of defensive errors almost letting in the visitors early on. Marcelo was unable to cope with the footwork of classy Benfica forward Oscar Cardozo, who crossed for Argentine Nicolás Gaitán to fire over from close range, having lost his marker Stanislav Manolev.

Next an extremely sloppy pass from Marcelo across his own box was intercepted by the alert and experienced Javier Saviola, but his initial touch was too heavy, and in the end his poked effort was easily saved by the onrushing Andreas Isaksson. PSV then moved into their stride, winning the ball in midfield before setting pacy winger Jeremain Lens free down the right-hand side. His inch-perfect cross was smashed home by Hungarian attacking midfielder Balázs Dzsudzsák to begin the process of erasing the visitors' 4-1 aggregate advantage.

PSV proceeded to put the tie firmly in the balance, Jeremain Lens set clean through after the persistence of midfielder Otman Bakkal won the ball in midfield, sending it through the gap in the Benfica defence. His initial effort was well-saved but the rebound fell immediately to Lens, who chipped the ball neatly into the bottom left-hand corner to the delight of manager Fred Rutten. With PSV 2-0 up on the night after just 25 minutes Benfica took their turn at defensive sloppiness, allowing Dzsudzsák through on goal, but once again 'keeper Roberto stood up strong and palmed the shot away.

Yet what PSV needed the most - to go in at the interval still in the tie - was denied them in the final moments of first half stoppage time, Luisao inventively firing into the top corner of the net after Isaksson had flapped at Benfica's cross from the right and failed to gather the rebound. Benfica then won a penalty in the 62nd minute after a piercing run into the box by César Peixoto was abruptly ended by Marcelo, whose gravely mistimed challenge felled the Benfica winger and completed a poor display at the heart of the PSV defence. Cardozo stepped up confidently, shooting down the middle well clear of Isaksson's dive to settle the tie, and end any hope PSV may have had just before Luisao's strike.

The result leaves the Europa League a distinctly Portuguese, if not Iberian, affair, with Braga, Villarreal, Benfica and Porto contesting the semi-final. Next up for Benfica is Braga, narrow victors against Dinamo Kiev on away goals, whilst Porto face Villarreal, guaranteeing an all-Portuguese final in Dublin on 18 May.

Photos courtesy of (in order): Pics United