QPR Fans Plan Protest

QPR Fans Plan Protest At Cup Tie

Members of QPR’s Loyal Supporters Association are urging Hoops fans to take part in a planned demonstration urging former owner Chris Wright to hand over his shares in the club. Wright retains an interest in QPR, though it is unclear how many shares he actually holds. The Loyal Supporters Association will use next Tuesday’s Carling Cup match with Swansea at Loftus Road to highlight the ongoing controversy and are confident of gaining widespread support from those in attendance. They plan to leaflet fans before the game and unveil banners during the match appealing to Wright to walk away. The LSA is one of the largest of its kind in the country with over 1,000 members. It was set up after the proposed merger with Fulham in the mid-80s. Spokesman Paul Finney said: "Chris can give himself some credibility and show he really cares about the club by handing over his shares to the new QPR board." One man unlikely to witness the protest is the man in question. Wright is believed not to have attended a QPR game since coming in for personal criticism from fans at a match in 2001. That hasn’t put off the supporters group and they are also seeking to arrange a meeting with Wright to explain their fears. Finney added: "We would also like Chris Wright to meet us and explain what happened during his time in charge and tell us the value of his shares." Meanwhile, Rangers have been boosted by a £550,000 cash investment from the Monte Carlo investment group Barnaby Holdings. They have completed the purchase of a 10 per cent stake in the club and have the option to increase their share by another 19.9 per cent in the future. New chairman Bill Power said: "We look forward to working with people who are committed to helping move our club forward."

Source: Fulham & Hammersmith Chronicle 19 August 2004

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