Season 20/21: The Official QPR v Swansea City Match Thread

[PSumbler]

That second Michu goal is still my favourite Swans goal. It was perfect.

Remember it being so bloody hot that afternoon too - absolutely great day out. My one and only visit to Loftus Road too

 

[Swanjaxs]

I think Coops will use the squad for this one, can see Palmer, Gyökeres and Manning starting.

1-1

 

[swansnews]

In the opposition dugout

View attachment Warburton 1.jpg

Mark Warburton

In the opposition dugout this week is former Brentford, Rangers and Nottingham Forest manager Mark Warburton.

He was appointed into the role in May 2019 having been sacked at Nottingham Forest in December 2017 after just nine months in charge.

After a pretty uneventful playing career that was largely spent in non-league football, his options to play was cut short by a series of cruciate injuries. He started a part-time coaching career alongside being a trader but then convinced his wife that he wanted to follow a career in coaching and travelled around Europe learning methods from clubs such as Sporting Lisbon, Ajax, Valencia, Barcelona and Willem II.

Warburton moved into a coaching role at Watford, where he was appointed academy manager in 2006 before leaving in 2010 and appointed first team coach at Brentford the following year. It was at Griffin Park that he was handed his first managerial role when he turned down the chance to follow Uwe Rosler to Wigan in 2013 and instead was given the chance to manage the first team, an opportunity which he grabbed with both hands. He was awarded the League One manager of the month title in his first two months in charge and it was February before he experienced defeat and one more manager of the month award followed as he led Brentford into the Championship at the end of the season.

As the Bees pushed for the play offs in them Championship the following season, things were not good behind the scenes and it was announced mid season that Warburton would leave at the end of the campaign due to differences with the owners remodelling of the management structure. He left Brentford at the end of that season after they narrowly missed out on the play offs.

Two years in Scotland followed with Rangers, who he led into the Premiership in his first season together with a Scottish Cup win but another disagreement in the boardroom saw him depart in February 2017 although a legal battle ensued as to whether he had resigned as the Glaswegian club had claimed.

A nine month spell at Nottingham Forest followed and now it is just over 18 months at QPR for a manager who is certainly far from popular in West London.

View attachment Warburton Cooper.jpg

QPR have won just one of their last ten games and and are hovering just four points above the relegation zone with just 4 wins in their 20 games so far this season. Reports already suggest that Warburton's time at the club is coming to an end and there is speculation that he could even be removed ahead of the visit of the Swans on Saturday.

A quick glance at the Twitter feed of QPR fans after the weekend draw with Wycombe suggests that very few tears would be shed if that were indeed to be the case.

https://twitter.com/dunners1980/status/1340698908922695689

https://twitter.com/LoftforWords/status/1340355427792547843

https://twitter.com/batstone12/status/1340347314804801537

https://twitter.com/JackM_QPR/status/1340910942457126912

View attachment Warburton 2.jpg

 

[Blackpooljack]

Bloody Hell and i thought Coops used to be unpopular. We should really get at these from kick off, an early goal and their heads may drop ( assuming the players share the fans view of him )

 

[KarlHRummenigge]

Coops and the team will be pumped for this. The confidence instilled by Coops is overflowing. Warburton's woes could be terminal.

1-3 Lowe hat trick.

Coops fists will be pumping, again.

 

[Swanjaxs]

I'd normally be confident for this one, then I remember Derby, take a draw now

 

[Swanseaborn]

I'd normally be confident for this one, then I remember Derby, take a draw now

I think the caution is right, however, I have a feeling that coops and the team will want to try and prove that they can be consistent. I’m going for a nervy 2-1 win

 

[swansnews]

We've met before

Tom Carroll



I think it is only fair to start this section of our matchday build up with this description of Tom from his Wikipedia page. We can only assume from reading it that Tom himself wrote it or maybe a member of his close family.

The wording reads "Carroll plays as a deep-lying creative central midfielder, and is particularly valued for his high passing percentage accuracy and creativity. Carroll's style of play has drawn comparisons with former teammate Luka Modrić."

I think it is fair to say that having watched him on many occasions for the Swans then the only comparisons to be drawn with Modric are he is a midfielder, used to play for Spurs and has a C in his surname. But that aside, let's move on...



Carroll signed professional terms with Tottenham back in 2010 but time in the team at White Hart Lane was limited and loan spells at Leyton Orient, Derby and QPR were all under his belt before he joined the Swans for the 2014-15 season. He made 13 appearances for the Swans that season before returning to North London where he scored his first goals for the club the following season.

Appearances though were remaining limited and in January 2017 Carroll as identified by the Swans transfer policy of meeting three of the four criteria needed for a January transfer to the Liberty - those being played for us before, costs too much money and has been picked by the Chairman. Reports that Tom was prepared to grow dreadlocks and change his name to Marvin never turned out to be more than a rumour.

In his early days back at the club, Carroll looked like a man possessed as he helped us to a first ever win in the league at Anfield and was a key part in driving the Swans onto Premier League safety under Paul Clement. His one and only goal for the Swans came in a win over Stoke that April and the Swans earned a 7th season in the Premier League.



When Carroll had been at Spurs, then youth team manager Tim Sherwood had said of the midfielder ""He could play for Barcelona, no question. He's got the lot. He's technically good enough, sees a pass, can pop it round the corner and only Jake Livermore runs more than him in a game in the first team."

When he left Spurs though the criticism was that he was too slight, knocked off the ball too easily and just didn't have the strength to make it at the highest level. This was what Swansea fans saw in the 17-18 season as Carroll kept a place in a midfield that was lacking in any unity and a team that was heading towards relegation. The sideways pass was often the pass of choice of Carroll and, like the team, his time in the Premier League was coming to an end.

Despite starting the season in Graham Potter's plans in the Championship, Carroll fell out of favour at the Liberty and a loan move to Aston Villa followed on transfer deadline day in January 2019. A loan move with an option to make it permanent was ended after just 35 minutes of football thanks to a hip injury and Carroll was a Swansea player once again.

Steve Cooper had replaced Potter by this time and he described Carroll as one of four number eights at the club "We've no complaints with Tom, but my job is to try to pick the right team and the right balance to play the next game. Sometimes players will feature, and sometimes they won't. It's as simple as that really. But he's got a great attitude and trains well and I've got no doubt that when called upon he'll be more than ready." Carroll didn't feature much and it was no real surprise when his contract was terminated earlier this year - ironically perhaps his last appearance was against QPR when we crashed in the FA Cup 5-1 back in January.

Carroll re-signed for QPR in September after training with the club for a few weeks a signing which was greeted with Warbuton saying “He brings Premier League experience and Premier League quality, in terms of his technical ability.

“He’s had a frustrating time over the last couple of months, but I think we have a very experienced and very talented player who is hungry to prove a point." Carroll has featured in all of QPR's games to date this season in the Championship.

View attachment Carroll QPR.jpg

 

[Hammy]

We've met before

Tom Carroll

Carroll Swans.jpg

I think it is only fair to start this section of our matchday build up with this description of Tom from his Wikipedia page. We can only assume from reading it that Tom himself wrote it or maybe a member of his close family.

The wording reads "Carroll plays as a deep-lying creative central midfielder, and is particularly valued for his high passing percentage accuracy and creativity. Carroll's style of play has drawn comparisons with former teammate Luka Modrić."

I think it is fair to say that having watched him on many occasions for the Swans then the only comparisons to be drawn with Modric are he is a midfielder, used to play for Spurs and has a C in his surname. But that aside, let's move on...

Modric.jpg

Carroll signed professional terms with Tottenham back in 2010 but time in the team at White Hart Lane was limited and loan spells at Leyton Orient, Derby and QPR were all under his belt before he joined the Swans for the 2014-15 season. He made 13 appearances for the Swans that season before returning to North London where he scored his first goals for the club the following season.

Appearances though were remaining limited and in January 2017 Carroll as identified by the Swans transfer policy of meeting three of the four criteria needed for a January transfer to the Liberty - those being played for us before, costs too much money and has been picked by the Chairman. Reports that Tom was prepared to grow dreadlocks and change his name to Marvin never turned out to be more than a rumour.

In his early days back at the club, Carroll looked like a man possessed as he helped us to a first ever win in the league at Anfield and was a key part in driving the Swans onto Premier League safety under Paul Clement. His one and only goal for the Swans came in a win over Stoke that April and the Swans earned a 7th season in the Premier League.

Carroll Scores.jpg

When Carroll had been at Spurs, then youth team manager Tim Sherwood had said of the midfielder ""He could play for Barcelona, no question. He's got the lot. He's technically good enough, sees a pass, can pop it round the corner and only Jake Livermore runs more than him in a game in the first team."

When he left Spurs though the criticism was that he was too slight, knocked off the ball too easily and just didn't have the strength to make it at the highest level. This was what Swansea fans saw in the 17-18 season as Carroll kept a place in a midfield that was lacking in any unity and a team that was heading towards relegation. The sideways pass was often the pass of choice of Carroll and, like the team, his time in the Premier League was coming to an end.

Despite starting the season in Graham Potter's plans in the Championship, Carroll fell out of favour at the Liberty and a loan move to Aston Villa followed on transfer deadline day in January 2019. A loan move with an option to make it permanent was ended after just 35 minutes of football thanks to a hip injury and Carroll was a Swansea player once again.

Steve Cooper had replaced Potter by this time and he described Carroll as one of four number eights at the club "We've no complaints with Tom, but my job is to try to pick the right team and the right balance to play the next game. Sometimes players will feature, and sometimes they won't. It's as simple as that really. But he's got a great attitude and trains well and I've got no doubt that when called upon he'll be more than ready." Carroll didn't feature much and it was no real surprise when his contract was terminated earlier this year - ironically perhaps his last appearance was against QPR when we crashed in the FA Cup 5-1 back in January.

Carroll re-signed for QPR in September after training with the club for a few weeks a signing which was greeted with Warbuton saying “He brings Premier League experience and Premier League quality, in terms of his technical ability.

“He’s had a frustrating time over the last couple of months, but I think we have a very experienced and very talented player who is hungry to prove a point." Carroll has featured in all of QPR's games to date this season in the Championship.

Carroll QPR.jpg

Guess whose going to score against us this time !!

 

[swansnews]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO2XmkA0XHU

 

[swansnews]

https://twitter.com/LoftforWords/status/1341775043706105858

 

[Manselton Jack]

I take it that this one isn't free to us season ticket holders - it'll be £10 to watch it?

 

[Official Site News]

STEVE COOPER | IT'S ABOUT THE RIGHT ATTITUDE AND COMMITMENT

Source: Official Site

Steve Cooper wants Swansea City to again show the right attitude and commitment to prosper on their travels as they face Queens Park Rangers on Boxing Day.

The Swans head to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on the back of a strong opening few months of the season.

They lie third in the table, and take on a QPR side who are winless in seven and sitting in the lower reaches of the standings.

Cooper and his side know full well not to take anything for granted in the Championship, having recently suffered defeat at a Derby side who had been without a home win.

And, for the head coach, it is about calling on the mentality that has allowed the Swans to steadily accumulate points in a demanding schedule.

“They are a good footballing team and they’ve got players that on their day can be really dangerous and they are at home,” said Cooper of the Rs.

“This league, every game is difficult, in one way, shape or form.

“As always, the approach has to be to try to bring our game to the table as much as we can.

“It’s about attitude and commitment and trying to make sure we hit the ground running from the first whistle.”

 

[Official Site News]

View attachment Mascots.jpg

This afternoon we welcome our virtual mascots, Alys Lloyd-Jones and Dewi Richards.

Alys is aged seven, comes from Powys and her favourite player is Yan Dhanda .

Dewi is from Kent and plays football for Deal Town Rangers Youth. His favourite player is Andre Ayew and will be celebrating his 11th birthday tomorrow. Happy birthday Dewi!

 

[swansnews]

Go out there and play!

Source: QPR Official Site

MARK Warburton wants to see his team showcase their capabilities when they host high-flying Swansea City at Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on Boxing Day.

The R’s face a difficult test against the Swans, who sit third in the table and boast the meanest defence in the division, conceding just 12 goals in 20 Championship outings.

But the QPR chief is keen for his men to put on the sort of performance which was in evidence against Bournemouth and Watford earlier in the campaign.

“When we played against Bournemouth and Watford we showed what we can do,” Warburton said.

“Those games were very tight but you saw us create numerous chances.

“We are full of respect for Steve Cooper and his team, they are in a very strong position in the league, they have very talented players and are an expensively-assembled squad as well.

“We will have to be prepared, we will have to do our jobs and be diligent in our responsibilities, but also play. We have to make sure we go out there and play.”

The run of nine matches in 28 days came to an end with last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Wycombe, and the gaffer is honest in his assessment of that period which yielded seven points.

“There have been highs and lows but the biggest low is we didn’t take the points from games that you have to take,” he said.

“There were some good performances without getting the rewards, hence the frustration again.

“The underlying thought is we are in a difficult league position because we haven’t taken the points from games where we have played some very good football and created a lot of chances, but the game is about goals.”

Warburton has made the most of no mid-week fixture this week and believes the extra time with the players at Harlington has been invaluable.

“It really has been beneficial,” he said. “It sounds ludicrous to suggest two extra days is so helpful but it really is.

“It allows the boys to recover and it allows us time to do work on the training pitch which we have not had for a long period of time, so you can do pattern work, shape and individual work which is really pleasing.”

Lee Wallace and Ossie Kakay remain unavailable for Saturday’s fixture. Wallace is expected to be sidelined for a further week, while Kakay is likely to be missing for a fortnight.