[Atouk]

QPR -- 11th in Championship last season
v.
Blackpool -- 16th in the Championhip last season
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8 August 2009 15:00
Loftus Road
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Sky match preview

BBC match preview

("Of the 15 ex-Premier League clubs in the Championship, Rangers have now been outside the top division the longest. They were relegated in 1996.")

("If selected, defender Damion Stewart will be making his 150th club career start.")

Blackpool Gazette match preview

Rangers News:

The season begins! Jim Magilton makes his debut as QPR manager. We're fairly healthy -- Leigertwood returned to training this week, as did Buzsaky and Connolly, who missed the Southampton game. Faurlin and Cook are unavailable, but the remainder of the squad appears to be available for selection.

The Opponent:

Blackpool finished just 5 points behind QPR last season, their second back in the Championship. R's legend Ian Holloway took over as manager after last season. Blackpool knocked off Everton in their final pre-season game. Former R Danny Nardiello is in the squad.

The Series:

The R's lead the series with 13 wins, 7 draws, and 3 losses. The clubs first met in 1967/68 and this will be only the 10th season in which they have played in the same division. In league play, it's QPR 11 wins, Blackpool 3 wins, and 4 draws. The R's have 2 wins and 3 draws against the Seasiders in cup play. The R's won 4 points off Blackpool last season while the home side won both meetings in 07/08.

Last Season:

The R's won 3-0 at Blackpool in January behind goals by Helguson (2) and Ephraim. Last September, the teams drew 1-1 at Loftus Road with Blackstock scoring in the 79th to earn a point for the R's.

[QPR Kevin H]

Thanks!

And COME ON YOUUUUU RRRRRRRRRRR's!

[doolittledog2]

I know I've asked this before. But is the season starting earlier than in the past? I always thought the season started around Aug. 20th or so.

[doolittledog2]

With Ollie at Blackpool, the post match quotes should be interesting this time. We should get a links page set up for his quotes this season.

[Atouk]

Just took a look back on the official site. Looks like it's been about the same for awhile.

First game 08/09 -- August 9
First game 07/08 -- August 11
First game 06/07 -- August 5
First game 05/06 -- August 6
First game 04/05 -- August 7
First game 03/04 -- August 9
First game 02/03 -- August 10
First game 01/02 -- August 11

[doolittledog2]

Originally Posted by Atouk

Just took a look back on the official site. Looks like it's been about the same for awhile.

First game 08/09 -- August 9
First game 07/08 -- August 11
First game 06/07 -- August 5
First game 05/06 -- August 6
First game 04/05 -- August 7
First game 03/04 -- August 9
First game 02/03 -- August 10
First game 01/02 -- August 11

Turning 40 must have turned my brain to mush

Prepare for me to ask this same question again early next August

[QPR Kevin H]

Originally Posted by doolittledog2

Turning 40 must have turned my brain to mush

Prepare for me to ask this same question again early next August

...

[QPR Kevin H]

And following a very nice minute's applause for Bobby Robson, the League season is underway in Middlesbrough (v Sheffield United).

Match is available on BBC Five Live

[Atouk]

Love your new avatar, Kevin! (I'm tempted to copy it! )

[QPR Kevin H]

Originally Posted by Atouk

Love your new avatar, Kevin! (I'm tempted to copy it! )

I tempted to ditch work and have a pint of Guinness!