Piglet Retrospective XVII

I'd like to say that this post of Piglet is in solidarity with the Euros Round of 16 footy match tonight between Croatia & Spain. However, tbh, Piglet isn't that much of a fan. Of course he has been to Loftus Road several times (#COYRS) but that is more a family loyalty than any real interest. 

Meanwhile, this shot recalls for me my very first trip to Italy. It was a lovely birthday gift of a long weekend in Rome with my mother, and I remember that when Piglet was done posing, I cooled off in the fountain at the bottom of the steps.

When We Need a Little Joy

Someone just posted this photograph on the RetroQPR Facebook page. It is from the 89th minute of the Championship Final at Wembley in 2014 between Derby County & QPR. We had played most of the match down to 10 men after Gary O'Neil had been sent off for a professional foul. Our defence was valiant, but we really didn't look like scoring. Then, from a throw-in on the right, Junior Hoilett made it to the by-line and sent a cross over. Derby's Keogh misplayed it and Bobby Zamoooooooooooooooooora blasted the ball into the top left-hand corner of the net. In the 89th minute. Of a 90-minute match.

At first look, you might notice that the ball, the goalie indeed all the players are out of focus at this important moment. And then you realise, the ball is about to cross the line, but it hasn't yet. And what is in focus? The crowd. Look at the faces. Everyone in a moment of anticipation. In about three seconds, they will all explode with joy. I remember that I did. It is one of my great football memories. Seven years ago. Wishing everyone can find some joy today. Good luck to Swansea and their fans this weekend. COYRS!

Another Season, Another Divisive Kit Choice

Here we go again - the new football season approaches, and the new kits are being revealed. My beloved QPR is known for its hoops (NOT stripes), and while there is often debate regarding the thickness of the hoops, and whether or not they all go all the way round, the first team shirt rarely departs from the classic blue and white. So what may be changed in order to force fans and parents to stump up for the latest version? 

The most subtle change is to reverse the order of the hoops. Last season, the badge was white on a blue hoop, and the sponsor on a white hoop (we'll get to the trim in a minute):

This season, they are the other way round:

This little change renders the previous shirt utterly passé, and another £47 (plus more for any names or numbers on the back) must be found. Unless you are a season ticket holder or member, who doesn't mind waiting for a flash sale, or until the end of the season when you may use your "QPR Pounds" at the Club Shop.

Then there is the collar. In the end, I suppose that one is either a crew neck, a V neck or a polo shirt style collar fan. I'm a crew neck kind of person myself.

Finally, the trim. It is usually either more blue/white, or sometimes there is a red element in there. This year, however, INNOVATION! We have "gold". For me, gold is usually suggestive of some kind of great achievement. Certainly, the fans should wear gold in honour of their unfailing loyalty no matter who is manager, owner, chairman or playing (Bosingwa!). Not sure the players have yet earned that right.

Did I say finally? I know last season many people were blown away by the idea of a fuchsia pink away shirt. Some of us hated it, and some of us loved it. I love my pink shirt. I'm wearing it right now as I type. This season, my instinctive response to the aqua blue shirt without a hint of hoop and that gold trim, writing, badge and number is, che schifo! (Italian for YUCK!) I'm not sure if it is the shirt I would wear when invited for drinks on your yacht, or if it is the shirt that your crew would be wearing as they served my drink. It doesn't feel like a professional footballers' shirt. It doesn't feel like a QPR shirt. I'm hoping that the photo doesn't show that at least there is some kind of inferred hoop or two somewhere.

Meanwhile, the club has stated that if there is a clash with the aqua, the old pink kit will be the third one. Otherwise, for 2020 Errea have recycled it with our friends in the North.

Why so sad, Grimsby man? 

Whatever, of course, it is, now & always, COYRS & RTID!

Great Away Games to Remember

One of the greatest things about being a football fan is the last 30 minutes before kick-off. In that moment, anything is possible. Optimism is high. You have hope. There is no greater feeling than hope! My QPR team kicks off away to Derby County in just under 30 minutes. This photo reminds me of another night when the odds seemed against us, but we were delightfully surprised. COYRS!