QPR 1 Tottenham 0

Spurs lost at Loftus Road to an Adel Taarabt goal scored directly from a free-kick in the first half.  With ten minutes remaining QPR were reduced to ten men when the goalscorer was shown a second yellow card but Spurs never looked like saving a point and now find themselves in fifth place in the Premier League, three points behind Newcastle United.

Spurs Season Continues to Capitulate

Queen's Park Rangers 1  Tottenham Hotspur 0

Scorer: Taarabt

Team: Friedel; Walker, Gallas, King, Assou-Ekotto (Rose); Sandro (Lennon), Parker (Giovanni); Van der Vaart, Modric, Bale; Defoe  Subs: (unused) Cudicini, Livermore, Smith, Khumalo

After a minute of the game at Loftus Road, Chris Waddle commented that Spurs had started brightly - it was a comment he was to regret as Spurs' play quickly lost momentum and direction, faced with a determined Queen's Park Rangers team.  Tottenham once again lacked anyone to lift the game and make an impression on behalf of the team and it quickly became a re-run of what has happened for the past two months as Spurs have seen their Champions League aspirations slowly disappear in an unprecedented capitulation.

Injuries to Emmanuel Adebayor and Louis Saha meant that Jermain Defoe started the match as the lone striker with Sandro and Scott Parker in central midfield behind a three of Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Rafael Van der Vaart.  William Gallas and Ledley King again played in front of the returning Brad Friedel.  Injury to Ryan Nelsen and Younes Kaboul saw Khumalo and Adam Smith on the bench.

Spurs had an early strike when Benoit Assou-Ekotto shot over following a free-kick but almost immediately, Mackie on the right caused the left back problems with a powerful run and shot which went past.  Kyle Walker was playing wide on the right and Assou-Ekotto was also looking to get forward with Bale and Van der Vaart drifting infield.

A period of QPR pressure showed the first signs that the Spurs defence was looking shaky and uncomfortable as they played themselves into trouble when Friedel delayed in clearing a back pass.  Spurs then had the greater possession but were making little headway against a well organised home team who defended in numbers and looked to attack on the break.  Spurs constantly tried to play through the middle where QPR had greatest numbers but their passing was too slow and ponderous.  

The next threat came from a Van der Vaart corner which Bale headed goalwards but Kenny saved. From the resulting corner the ball came back out to Van der vaart and Kenny saved his powerful shot at full stretch.

Queen's Park Rangers were awarded a soft free-kick when Sandro touched the ball with his hand as he fell backwards after making a good tackle.  From the free-kick, the former Spurs player, Adel Taarabt, lifted it over the wall and past a slow to react Friedel who was troubled throughout the first half with the low setting sun.  It was a poor goal to concede and the home side's only real threat on goal.

Spurs continued to cause themselves difficulty in defence but on the half-hour another Van der Vaart shot was saved by the goalkeeper with Defoe heading the rebound over.  Spurs had the more possession but QPR coped well with the limited threat they posed.  In the final minutes before the interval a dangerous run by Modric saw Van der Vaart back heel an effort towards goal and then in the final minute Barton shot over.

Aaron Lennon replaced Sandro at half-time but it was the home side who started the better with Spurs only effort on goal being a Defoe header from a Van der Vaart free-kick which was saved by Kenny.  The home team were growing in confidence and with their hard work were comfortably holding on to the lead.  

With thirteen minutes remaining there was confusion as Taarabt was sent off after being shown a yellow card for kicking the ball away.  A few seconds later the referee then produced a red card, realising that it was the goalscorer's second yellow card.  For the rest of the match QPR were encamped on the edge of their box to deny Spurs with only the occasional break.  For all this possession, Spurs didn't actually look like getting an equaliser as their only efforts on goal were shots from Modric, Van der Vaart and Giovani which Kenny dealt with easily.

Three points greatly enhance QPR's hopes of retaining their Premier League status for another season but no points for Spurs looks as if their hopes of Champions League football next year are all but over.  This loss of form is a mirror image of the way Spurs ended last season and once again Harry Redknapp seems incapable of turning it around.  The loss of what earlier in the season had seemed a certainty will be even harder to accept than the last day defeat at West Ham which denied them a Champions League place under Martin Jol.

None of the players are playing with any confidence.  Their play which was so bright and quick earlier in the season is now ponderous and easy for a team to defend against.  No-one comes out of this match with any credit and with only one Premier League win since thrashing Newcastle in mid-February, that is only one win in nine games, Spurs look incapable of winning any of their final four matches even though they are against teams at the lower end of the table.  There is every likelihood they will slip below Chelsea in a season which was being heralded as one where they were playing the best best since the 1960s - a disappointing end to the season which had held such promise.

Spurs Away Record against QPR

For Spurs, requiring three points to re-ignite their Champions League challenge, a visit to Loftus Road is not the most appealing of venues where they have only won on five occasions in twenty one previous meetings.  The task, even ignoring Spurs own poor recent form, will be made even more difficult with Queen's Park Rangers need for points to avoid an immediate return to Championship football next season. 

Spurs League Record at Loftus Road (inc. PL)

P  21  W  5  D  7  L  9  For  25  Ag  32

Away PL Record against QPR

P  4  W  1  D  1  L  2  For  6  Ag  9 

March, 1949  Div. 2   Draw 0 - 0
Spurs and Queen's Park Rangers first met in the 2nd Division in season 1948-49 following QPR's promotion.  The first match at Loftus Road in March, 1949 ended in a scoreless draw as Spurs finished the season in 5th place, once again missing out on promotion.  Many of the players who were to become the famous 'Push and Run' team of 1949 on, were already at White Hart Lane - Ted Ditchburn, Bill Nicholson, Ron Burgess, Len Duquemin, Eddie Baily and others - but it was to take a change of manager at the end of the season when Arthur Rowe replaced Joe Hulme, for all of the pieces to fall into place.

April, 1950  Div. 2  Won 2 - 0  Medley, Baily
The following season Spurs had their first success in West London with a 2 - 0 victory in April, 1950 which ensured their promotion to the 1st Division for the first time since 1934-35, an absence of fifteen years.  While QPR were battling against relegation, it was an exciting match, which a newspaper report of the time described as having 'the characteristics of a cup-tie.  It was fast, it was exciting and there was a sprinkling of really good football'. 

Spurs went ahead after seventeen minutes when Les Medley scored and secured their victory when Eddie Baily added a second with fifteen minutes remaining.

The clubs didn't meet again until 1968-69 when QPR were promoted to the 1st Division for the first time in their history following a meteoric rise from the 3rd Division and success in the League Cup as a 3rd Division side in 1967.

Feb. 1968  Div. 1  Draw 1 - 1  Greaves
The most notable fact from this match was that the Morgan twins, Ian and Roger, who had been part of the QPR success story of previous years were on opposite sides as Roger had joined Spurs the previous February for a fee of £110,000.  QPR were relegated at the end of the season and didn't to the 1st Division until 1973.

March, 1974  Div. 1  Lost 1 - 3  Chivers (pen)

March, 1975  Div. 1  Won 1 - 0  Duncan
A vital win for Spurs in a season of turmoil.  Bill Nicholson had resigned the previous August and was replaced by Terry Neill.  in a difficult year Spurs were in a constant battle against relegation and the points gained at Loftus Road when new signing John Duncan who had cost £140,000 when signed from Dundee, scored the only goal of the match, helped secure their survival come the end of the season.  It was Spurs second successive victory, having beaten Wolves 3 - 0 the previous day.  Duncan scored after 23 minutes but the win came as the result of a strong defensive display and an outstanding performance from Pat Jennings.

Nov. 1975  Div.1  Draw 0 - 0

Jan. 1977  Div. 1  Lost 1 - 2  Duncan
Duncan again scored Spurs only goal but it wasn't enough to gain any points and come the end of the season Spurs, now under Keith Burkinshaw, were unable to avoid relegation.

Dec. 1978  Div. 1  Draw 2 - 2  Lee, Taylor (pen)
The Boxing Day fixture came a few days after the humiliating five goal home defeat to Arsenal but Spurs re-grouped to take a point with goals from Colin Lee and a Peter Taylor penalty.  QPR were relegated at the end of the season but returned in 1983.

April, 1984  Div. 1  Lost 1 - 2  Archibald
Spurs finished the season in 8th position but newly promoted QPR were three places above them.  Steve Archibald scored Spurs only goal in one of his last games for the club as he joined Terry Venables at Barcelona in the summer.  Archibald had an excellent finale to his time at Spurs, scoring five goals in his last five matches.

Jan. 1985  Div. 1  Draw 2 - 2  Falco, Crooks

April, 1986  Div. 1  Won 5 - 2  Falco (2), Allen, C. (2), Hoddle
In a disappointing season, Spurs finished with a flourish, winning five of the last seven games and scoring fourteen goals in the final three games.  Such improved form was not enough to save Peter Shreeve from the sack and he was replaced by David Pleat.

April, 1992  Div. 1  Won 2 - 1  Gray, Durie

Sept. 1995  Div. 1  Won 3 - 2  Sheringham (2) (1 pen), Dozzell
Teddy Sheringham maintained his record of scoring at Loftus Road, having been responsible for all of Spurs goals in their previous three visits.  In the last match the two clubs played at QPR, the home side had a two goal advantage early in the second half, only for Sheringham to score with a penalty two minutes later.  The turn around continued in the second half with two goals from in a minute from Jason Dozzell and Sheringham to give Gerry Francis victory over his former club.

This Season's Match at White Hart Lane: Spurs 3 QPR 1

Transfer Rumours Start Again

The January 'Transfer Window' is still over seven weeks away but rumours of clubs looking to sign Tottenham's best players, Luka Modric, Gareth Bale, Jermain Defoe, are already surfacing across the media.

Gareth Bale

Spurs have always attracted media attention and are continually linked with transfer gossip, both in-coming and out-going.  While supporters are always attracted by news of new players being linked with the club, they are less receptive to the rumours of imminent departures.  This was particularly true last summer with the media fueled interest from Chelsea in their pursuit of Tottenham's Croatian international midfielder, Luka Modric.  Chairman, Daniel Levy took a stand on the issue, saying that the player was not for sale.  He held out against increasing speculation and the player not appearing in Tottenham's opening matches at Hearts and Old Trafford.  A less than willing appearance by Modric against Manchester City encouraged further thought that he would be gone by the end of the month.

Fortunately, for Tottenham, the frantic transfer activity of the final day of August did not include the departure of Modric.  He remained at the club and has played an important part in Tottenham's revival after two defeats against the Manchester clubs.  Spurs supporters want this improvement in fortune to continue in the coming weeks and don't take kindly to the speculation that Chelsea are still interested in the player.  Their faltering start under their new manager and with an ageing team has fuelled the thought that Modric is just the type of player who could solve their obvious problems. 

Supporters will just have to hope that the Chairman will be as resolute in his resolve to retain Modric as he was during the summer months.  The last thing that Tottenham needs now, as the team has started to come together as a unit to produce an eight match unbeaten run in the Premier League, is for one of their top players to leave.

Such has been the success of Emmanuel Adebayor and Rafael Van der Vaart as a strike partnership, that Jermain Defoe has been unable to get a starting place in the team.  Relegated to brief appearances from the substitutes' bench for League games and helping the younger players in the Europa League, it has been suggested that Defoe may look to leave in order to further his England career.  Defoe has looked sharp in the appearances he has made, scoring two goals after coming on as a substitute against both Newcastle United and Fulham.  These and his two goals against Liverpool and Wigan, plus two in European matches show that he still has the potential to be a leading scorer this season after his poor return last year.

It was rumoured that Queen's Park Rangers might be interested in signing him as they bid to strengthen their team following last year's promotion.  A hard-working and skilful team, Rangers lack a natural goal scorer and Defoe could fit the bill.  Such a move could suit the player as he would remain in London providing him with the opportunity to attract the attention of the England manager.

The latest disconcerting transfer story is of Barcelona's interest in Gareth Bale.  Every Tottenham fan is aware that Bale is destined to move away from White Hart Lane at some stage of his career but they're hoping that that day will be delayed as far into the future as possible.  Bale has started the season stronger and fitter than last year and the team are benefiting from the threat that he provides to opposing defences.  Two players have already been dismissed as they resorted to illegal tactics in their efforts to prevent Bale from causing havoc in their penalty area.  He has still managed to be both a creator and scorer of goals which have been the end product of some exciting passing and movement as Tottenham have, this year, produced some of their best football for many seasons.

The suggestion that Barcelona will, next summer, offer Tottenham £35 million for Bale would appear to be an under-valuation of the player's worth especially as Liverpool paid that sum to Newcastle United for Andy Carroll.  However, if the Spanish club were to use that figure as a starting point with negotiations taking the sum higher, Tottenham might find it difficult to resist the offer and also to persuade the player that he should remain at White Hart Lane, especially as Bale as intimated that he would be interested in going abroad and clubs don't come any bigger than Barcelona, the reigning Champions of Europe.

Other rumours of departures from Spurs would be less contentious - Roman Pavlyuchenko, Heurelho Gomes and Sebastien Bassong have found themselves out of favour this season and could well be leaving the club in January. 

Pavlyuchenko has been linked with clubs in his home country and in Europe on a number of occasions but has remained at the club despite making few appearances in the starting line-up for the Premier League.  He has dropped to fourth choice striker, playing in the Europa League where he scored with a tremendous free-kick against Rubin Kazan in London. 

Gomes has also been restricted to sharing European games with Carlo Cudicini and has dropped to third choice as Harry Redknapp appears to have lost patience with his unreliable goalkeeper.  Gomes who is a great shot stopper is prone to errors and misjudgements which bring unnecessary pressure on his defensive colleagues. 

Bassong looked to be leaving the club in the summer to join Queen's Park Rangers but the deal was stopped by Spurs on the last day for transfers when they were unable to conclude a deal for Gary Cahill.  Bassong who had such a positive start at the club has lost confidence and is only selected when others are injured, with Ledley King, Younes Kaboul, William Gallas and Michael Dawson ahead of him.

From now until the last day of January speculation will increase over possible transfers both in and out of the club.  It creates uncertainty on all fronts but hopefully it will not distract Tottenham as they return to League and European games after the break for the internationals.

Scott Parker the 'New' Dave Mackay

Scott Parker had high praise lavished on him after Tottenham's victory over Queen's Park Rangers when his manager compared his display with that of the Spurs' legend from the successful era of the 1960s, Dave Mackay.  Parker was thoroughly deserving of his 'Man of the Match' award for an all round performance that allowed Spurs to showcase all their skills as they overcame their west London rivals.

Scott Parker - the 'new' Mackay

Since joining Tottenham at the end of the summer transfer window, Scott Parker has played in seven Premier League games and helped Spurs to six wins and a draw.  That sequence of results followed on from the two heavy defeats by the Manchester clubs when they conceded eight goals.  At the end of the home loss to City, Spurs looked a thoroughly demoralised and dispirited side.

Throughout the summer, Harry Redknapp made it clear that Parker was the player he really wanted to sign but the transfer saga dragged on to the bitter end with neither Spurs or West Ham willing to come to an agreement.  Then  other teams became interested and it looked as if Parker would once again complete a transfer but not to White Hart Lane.  Coming from West Ham, Parker was not every Spurs supporters favourite player and even though he'd won the Player of the Year award last season, many weren't convinced about this thirty year old.  However, he signed on the last day of August and has brought experience and an authority to central midfield.  With his style of play, Parker's presence in midfield has granted Luka Modric a greater freedom to use his sublime creative skills further up the pitch to the benefit of the attacking force of Rafael Van der Vaart, Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon.

Composed on the ball, determined when not in possession, tough in the tackle and careful in his distribution, Parker has brought a decade of Premier League experience to White Hart Lane and the team has a much better balance in its play.  Parker captained the side at Blackburn in the absence of the injured Ledley King and even without the armband he leads by example, going in where it hurts and not afraid to hold back when looking to win the ball.  His reading of the game enables him to intercept passes that could have led to dangerous situations if the move  had been completed and his energy throughout is such that he appears 'out on his feet' before the end of a gruelling match.

On Saturday, Tottenham displayed all their attacking skills and freedom of movement, especially in the first half, as they took a two goal interval lead against QPR.  The second half was less swashbuckling as Rangers greatly increased their efforts but at the end while people discussed Tottenham's exciting, intricate and pacy attacking play, the excellent goals they scored and Gareth Bale's and Rafael Van der Vaart's contribution to the victory, there was a universal acknowledgement that it was Scott Parker's display which deserved the 'Man of the Match' award.

It's unusual after an exciting attacking performance with a player scoring twice, for the central, holding midfield player to be receiving such praise.  Even in the first half when Spurs were totally dominant Parker was putting in a hard working performance to win the ball, pass it on to an attacking player and then be there to disrupt any thoughts Rangers might have had on putting pressure on the Tottenham defence.  It was his endeavours throughout the game which allowed Spurs the freedom to attack on all fronts and he gave his best display in a Tottenham shirt, allowing everyone to see why Harry Redknapp was so insistent on signing him for Spurs.  If Tottenham had been more clinical in their finishing, Rangers could have suffered another heavy defeat.

Dave Mackay 'Legend'

To have been compared with the legendary Dave Mackay is an incredible accolade.  Spurs supporters are only too aware of the tremendous influence Mackay brought to the 'Double' team and he received a tremendous reception when presented to the crowd at White Hart Lane in the Europa League game against Hearts.  The success achieved during the 1960s was greatly dependent on his 'never say die' approach, his total commitment and his amazing skills.  Such praise from his manager will give Parker something to live up to but if he goes anywhere near achieving the standards of the great Scot, Spurs will have spent the £5 million they gave to West Ham United very wisely.

So often Spurs supporters think, 'If only we had Dave Mackay in the present team.'  If Harry Redknapp is correct we might have the next best thing, another Scott - Scott Parker.

Tottenham 3 QPR 1

Tottenham maintained their unbeaten run as they defeated Queen's Park Rangers at White Hart Lane.  Two goals from Gareth Bale and one from Rafael Van der Vaart secured the three points as Spurs return to fifth in the Premier League, level on points with Chelsea and Newcastle United.

Tottenham Hotspur 3 Queen's Park Rangers 1

                            Scorers: Bale (2), Van der Vaart          Bothroyd 

Team: Friedel; Walker, King, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Parker (Sandro), Modric, Bale; Van der Vaart, Adebayor.  Subs: (unused) Cudicini, Gallas, Bassong, Livermore, Defoe, Pavlyuchenko.

Tottenham opened with an obvious intent to score an early goal against their London neighbours.  The team showed one change from last week's success with Ledley King restored to central defence in place of Sebastien Bassong.  William Gallas was on the bench for the first time this season.  

Two goal hero - Gareth Bale

Rafael Van der Vaart could have scored in the opening moments but Kenny saved as the Dutchman looked to score for the fifth successive game.  Spurs were playing fluent football, creating more chances which came and went as they dominating possession and chances.  Emmanuel Adebayor headed narrowly wide but in the twentieth minute Gareth Bale scored his first goal at White Hart Lane since New Year's day in the one goal defeat of Tottenham's next opponents, Fulham.  It followed a Friedel goal-kick, flicked on by Adebayor to Van der Vaart who passed to Aaron Lennon coming infield to find Gareth Bale free on the left to shot past Kenny.

Spurs continued to enjoy their football and created patterns of passing and movement all round the pitch.  Such a passage of possession ended with Van der Vaart unmarked and in front of goal as a shot from Ledley King was deflected to him.  He scored with ease from the edge of the area.  That goal was Van der Vaart's sixth in the last five Premier League games.  Two goals up and cruising to such an extent that Spurs should have had four goals and could easily have had six if they hadn't spurned so many of the chances they created. 

In the second half it all changed.  Neil Warnock introduced two substitutes with former Spur Adel Taarabt being substituted and Queen's Park Rangers came out fired up to put Spurs under pressure.  This they did and gradually came into the game - no longer were Spurs able to play their intricate passing game and after an hour they scored a well deserved goal.  Jay Bothroyd who had made a nuisance of himself since coming on at half-time was on hand to head in from a corner which Spurs failed to clear.

Tottenham took five minutes to regain their composure and then created a couple of chances to add a third when Kenny denied van der Vaart.  Then on 72 minutes Bale received the ball from Lennon to shoot past Kenny from the edge of the box.  The goal drained Rangers confidence as Spurs started to control the game again.  They failed to add to the score and it took two goal line clearances by Lennon and Bale in injury time to preserve the three points as QPR made a late effort to snatch a point.


if Rangers had succeeded in that late final surge Spurs would have been thoroughly down-hearted as they had so dominated the game in the first half and failed to make the most of it before relinquishing the advantage to QPR in the second period.


Another win takes Tottenham to fifth place, level on points with Chelsea and Newcastle United.  Undefeated Newcastle visit Stoke tomorrow night and a defeat by two goals would see Spurs move above them on goals scored and with a game in hand.

             

They Played for Tottenham and QPR

Over the years many players have pulled on the shirts of both Tottenham and Queen's Park Rangers.  Three of the current QPR squad are former Tottenham players, Luke Young, Adel Taarabt and Radek Cerny.  Clive Allen who is currently on the coaching staff  at White Hart Lane had two spells at Loftus Road as well as a very productive time with Spurs.  Two former Tottenham and QPR players have also managed the club, Les Allen and Terry Venables who has also managed Tottenham.

Les and Clive Allen

The famous footballing family pairing have both had time playing at Tottenham and QPR.  Les Allen was a member of the Tottenham 'Double' winning team in 1960 - 61 and a few weeks after winning the FA Cup at Wembley his son, Clive, was born.   

Clive Allen (Son)

Les Allen (Father)

Les Allen joined Spurs in 1959 from Chelsea and formed a superb goal scoring partnership with Bobby Smith.  The duo scored 60 League and Cup goals in the 'Double' winning triumph with Allen contributing 27 himself.  

Allen was unfortunate to be displaced when Jimmy Greaves was signed the following November but he remained at the club until 1965 when he opted to join Queen's Park Rangers for £21,000.  After being part of the successful QPR team which won the League Cup in 1967 as a 3rd Division club and also gained successive promotions to the 1st Division he took on the manager's role in 1968, remaining in charge for three years.

Clive Allen had two spells with Queen's Park Rangers.  he started his career at Loftus Road and then had a season away at Arsenal, without playing, and at Crystal Palace before returning to QPR.  Three years later, in 1994 he signed for Tottenham for £700,000.  Injury restricted his appearances in his first two seasons at White hart Lane but at the beginning of the 1986 - 87 season, under new manager, David Pleat, Allen scored a hat-trick against Aston Villa.  in that season Allen set new goalscoring records at Tottenham, beating those set by legendary goalscorer, Jimmy Greaves.  Playing as a lone striker, he scored 33 League goals and 16 in the two Cup competitions.  Unfortunately, this didn't lead to trophies as Tottenham managed to fall short in each competition - 3rd in the League, losing FA Cup Finalists and losing League Cup semi-finalists.  In total he scored 60 League goals from 105 appearances in his four years at the club before joining Bordeaux for £1 million.  He played for England on five occasions but failed to score.

Terry Venables
Terry Venables joined Spurs from Chelsea in May, 1966 for £80,000 and the following season helped Tottenham win the FA Cup.  He remained at the club for three seasons before joining QPR for £70,000 but was never totally accepted by fans who had been spoiled by the skills of the team of the early 1960s.  He was at QPR for five years and then moved to Crystal Palace but injury forced him to retire.  he then turned to coaching and became manager at Crystal Palace.  He then went to QPR in 1980 and helped them  reach the 1982 FA Cup Final where they lost to Spurs after a replay.  He had three seasons in Spain as manager of Barcelona before returning to manage Spurs.  He brought star players like Gary Lineker and Paul Gascoigne to the club and in a difficult financial situation he led Tottenham to the 1991 FA Cup Final triumph.  He was also instrumental in working with Alan Sugar to save the club from going out of existence.  However, in the early 1990s, just as the team was showing promise, he lost his position of Chief Executive at Spurs because of disagreement with Sugar over the financial issues at the club.  He later went on to manage England.

Another, player who had a distinguished career at Tottenham and who later had a time as manager of Queen's Park Rangers was Alan Mullery.  The former Tottenham and Fulham player was manager at Loftus Road for six months from June to Cecember, 1984.

Roger Morgan
Twins, Ian and Roger Morgan were part of the exciting QPR team of the late 1960s and scored their first goal at Wembley as they won the League Cup.  In 1969 Bill Nicholson paid £110,000 to sign Roger.  It took him time to settle in to the team but early in the 1970 - 71 season he sustained a serious knee injury playing against Swansea Town in the League Cup, a competition that Spurs went to win.  He never fully recovered and although he made attempts at a comeback he never regained full fitness and was forced to retire in 1973.

Terry Fenwick
Terry Venables gave Terry Fenwick his first chance at Crystal Palace and then took him to QPR.  He also followed his mentor to Spurs in 1987.  He took time to settle but scored eight goals for Spurs, all in the one season, 1988 - 89 and all penalties.  He broke his leg in 1989 and on recovering he broke his ankle early in 1991 in pre-match preparation for an FA Cup tie at Portsmouth, missing the opportunity to appear in the Final against Nottingham Forest.  He joined Swindon in 1993 and was manager at Portsmouth for three years from 1995.

QPR Current Squad
Luke Young made 76 appearances in four years at Tottenham.  He played mostly at full back but with Stephen Carr having such an influential role in Spurs play Young's opportunities to develop his career were limited.  He joined Charlton Athletic in the summer of 2001 for £4 million and shortly after that Carr suffered a knee injury which kept him out for the whole season.  If only he had been a little more patient.  however, he progressed at The Valley and after six seasons was transferred to Middlesbrough.  He also represented England and joined Aston Villa in 2008, returning to London and QPR in the summer.  An industrious player, he has an eye for goal, scoring for Boro against Spurs with an absolute screamer.

Adel Taarabt joined Spurs in Janauary, 2007, on loan, from Lens.  He completed his transfer the following summer.  A very talented player, Taarabt has great skill but Spurs found it difficult to harness his obvious talent into a team situation.  He made 15 substitute appearances for Spurs and went out on loan to QPR in March, 2009.  He remained there on loan until QPR signed him in August, 2010.  He captained their team to the Championship title scoring 19 goals and being the inspiration behind their exciting play.  He has lost the captaincy to Joey Barton but will have a point to make against Spurs.

Radek Cerny joined on loan as reserve goalkeeper at Tottenham, behind Paul Robinson for three seasons from 2005.  He was an experienced and reliable goalkeeper when required to play.  He joined QPR in 2008 but has now dropped down to third choice at the club. 

Of the current Tottenham team, Kyle Walker spent the first half of last season at Loftus Roald, helping them in the initial stages of their promotion to the Premier League.  He was highly regarded and they had hoped to keep him for the season but Spurs preferred him to get experience at the higher level with Aston Villa.

More Players who Played for both Clubs
Many players have appeared in both the white of Tottenham and the hoops of QPR although not all have been direct transfers between the clubs.  Some younger players have also had periods on loan at QPR to further their development.  Stephen Kelly and Dean Marney spent time at Loftus Road to gain experience before they played for Spurs.

Les Ferdinand started his League career at QPR before joining Newcastle United and then Tottenham.  Mark Falco left Spurs for Watford but later had a time at Loftus Road while Andy Sinton was at QPR for four years before he signed for Spurs from Sheffield Wednesday.

Others were: Ossie Ardiles, Alan Brazil, Steve Hodge, Neil Ruddock, Andy Gray, David Kerslake, Paul Walsh, Clive Wilson, Steve Slade and Dave McEwen.

Older players who were at both clubs were defender Horace Woodward who played for Tottenham in the 2nd Division after the war before moving to QPR in 1949.  Harry Gilberg also had two seasons at White Hart Lane after the war until 1948 and was with QPR in the early 1950s.

Three payers from Tottenham's earliest days in the Football League, Frank Drabble (goalkeeper), Bert Middlemiss (winger) and Charlie Rance (defender) spent time with QPR towards the end of their careers.

Middlemiss was in the Tottenham team that made its Football League debut in September, 1908 defeating Wolves 3 - 0.  He was an ever present that season scoring 13 goals as Spurs won promotion to the 1st Division.

Tottenham's Home Record against Queen's Park Rangers

Tottenham return to White Hart Lane for their fourth home Premier League of the season on Sunday.  It is the last day of the month, making it is rather amazing that Spurs have played so few home games, even allowing for the postponement of the match against Everton.  Queen's Park Rangers will be Spurs' second London derby of the season, having defeated Arsenal at the beginning of October.

Tottenham Hotspur v Queen's Park Rangers

Rangers arrive at White Hart Lane for the first time since December, 1995 when a single Teddy Sheringham goal was sufficient to give Spurs the points and complete the 'double' over their west London rivals.  Last weekend QPR defeated Chelsea in a fractious encounter at Loftus Road when an early penalty by Helguson won a match where the visitors were reduced to nine men for nearly an hour.  Rangers have had an encouraging start to the season having gained promotion as Champions last year and are currently tenth in the League, four points behind Spurs.

Their results have been a mixed - beating Chelsea (1 - 0) and winning at Wolves (3 - 0) but losing at home to Bolton (0 - 4) in the first game of the season and at Fulham (0 - 6).  Other impressive results have included a win at Everton (1 - 0) and draws against Aston Villa and Newcastle United who were both undefeated at the time.  They lost at Wigan (0 - 2) and drew at home to Blackburn two weeks ago.

Their leading goalscorer is Heidar Helguson with two goals in the last two games while DJ Campbell, Joey Barton, Alejandro Faurlin and Tommy Smith have one each.  Neil Warnock has developed QPR into a very hardworking side with experience and players capable of producing moments of flair.  Former Tottenham defender Luke Young joined QPR in August from Aston Villa, Anton Ferdinand came from Sunderland and Barton from Newcastle United have all brought experience with Barton taking over the captaincy.  Campbell and Smith have both played in the Premier League while Adel Taarabt and Shaun Wright-Phillips bring pace and flair to the team.

They Played for Tottenham
Adel Taarabt who was the star and captain of last year's promotion winning team will be determined to show all his skills at White Hart Lane, having left the club just over a year ago.  He made 9 League appearances for Spurs.  He has made over 100 League appearances for QPR, scoring 27 goals.  he has represented Morocco in 11 games and scored four goals.

Luke Young has been Rangers hardest running player in their past two games, involved from right back although it would be hoped that Gareth Bale will keep him occupied on Sunday.  Since leaving White Hart Lane in 2001 for £4 million, Young has played for Charlton Athletic, Middlesbrough and Villa.  He has also represented England on five occasions.  He made 58 League appearances for Spurs and has played almost 300 League games for his other four clubs.

Radek Cerny is another former Tottenham player at Loftus Road although he has now dropped to third choice keeper.  At Tottenham he was understudy to Paul Robinson and made only 16 appearances in three seasons.  He joined Rangers in 2008 and has played 73 league games for them.

Premier League Record (Home) v QPR

P  4  W  2  D  1  L  1  For  6  Ag  5

Home League Record v QPR 

P  21  W  11  D  7  L  3  For  36  Ag  21

Last 7 League  Games v QPR at White Hart Lane

Dec. 1995  PL Won 1 - 0  Sheringham  

Oct. 1994  PL  Draw 1 - 1  Barmby

May 1994  PL  Lost 1 - 2  Sheringham

Feb. 1993  PL  Won 3 - 2  Sheringham (2), Anderton
The first game of the Premier League era saw Tottenham take a three goal lead but two late goals by the visitors gave Spurs a few nervy moments.

Sept. 1991  Div. 1  Won 2 - 0  Lineker (2)

Mar. 1991  Div. 1  Draw 0 - 0

Sept. 1989  Div. 1  Won 3 - 2  Lineker (3)

Memorable Match v QPR

Phil Beal

In January, 1969 Spurs met QPR at White Hart Lane for the first time in the 1st Division.  they won the game 3 - 2 which over time has turned out to be quite a regular scoreline between the two clubs.  Phil Beal who played over 400 games for Tottenham scored only one goal in 13 seasons.  He made his debut in place of Danny Blanchflower in September, 1963 against Aston Villa but it was a number of years before he established himself a s a regular member of the team.  In the latter half of the 1960s he formed a very effective central defensive partner ship with Mike England and together they went on to win numerous trophies in the early 1970s.  The goal that Beal scored against QPR was a goal to remember.  He broke up an attack on the edge of the Spurs area and carried the ball forward, exchanging passes with Jimmy Greaves and on reaching the edge of the Rangers box, he cracked an unstoppable shot, in off the bar.  Alan Gilzean and David Jenkins scored the other Spurs goals.

Another Sunday game for Tottenham so they will be playing catch-up once more, knowing the results of the matches for the teams around them.  Tottenham will be looking to make home advantage count against a team who will be high on confidence following last week's win over Chelsea.  As it's a London derby, both sides will be totally committed and Spurs will know what to expect from a team managed by Neil Warnock.  They won't give Tottenham the time nor the space to play their football and will look to hit them quickly on the break with the defence being put under pressure at every set-piece opportunity.  Hopefully, Spurs will start as they did against Liverpool and get into a high tempo quickly with Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale looking to cause difficulty from wide on the wings with Kyle Walker as another option.  Rafael Van der Vaart will be looking to continue his goal scoring form and Emmanuel Adebayor will want to get back on the score sheet after a number of blank games although he has contributed well to the overall performances of the team.  Tottenham had a poor record against the promoted teams last year so will be looking to get a better return from this game in order to improve on last season's record.

  

Spurs in History - 28th June

28th June, 1941

Bert Middlemiss

One of the players who was involved in Spurs’ early days passed away on this date in 1941, aged 52 years.

Bert Middlemiss was signed from Stalybridge in November, 1907, although Spurs had to pay a fee to Stockport who had persuaded him to sign professional forms with them.

He made 248 League appearances for Spurs and scored 51 goals, some record for a winger, although he had the ability to cut inside his defender to create goal scoring opportunities for himself.

The War cut four seasons from his football career and although he returned to Spurs once it was over he only made four appearances in that 1919-20 season when Spurs won promotion to the 1st Division.

On his release from Spurs in 1920 he signed for Queen’s Park Rangers.

Spurs in History - 27th May

27th May, 1982

Spurs 1 Queens Park Rangers 0 F.A.CUP FINAL REPLAY at Wembley.

This was Spurs 66th competitive game of the season and Captain Steve Perryman had been an ever present. It was hoped that the replay would be more entertaining than the first game and Spurs started brightly, taking the lead from a Glenn Hoddle penalty after Graham Roberts had been brought down on a strong run from midfield.

Spurs controlled the game without looking like adding to the score but in the second half Q.P.R. came at Spurs who had to defend doggedly with Ray Clemence making a number of good saves.

In the end Spurs were just relieved to hold on and have some reward for their long and exhausting season. They finished fourth in the League, reached the Final of the League Cup losing to Liverpool in extra time and were defeated in the semi-final of the European Cup Winners Cup by Barcelona. They retained the FA Cup and were still undefeated in seven F.A.Cup Finals, the defeat by Liverpool being their first defeat in a domestic Cup Final and their first in a Final at Wembley.

Team: Clemence; Perryman (Capt), Miller, Price, Hughton; Hazard (Brooke), Roberts,Hoddle, Galvin; Archibald, Crooks.

Spurs in History - 22nd May

22nd May, 1982

Spurs 1 Queen’s Park Rangers 1 F.A.CUP FINAL at Wembley (aet).

In their Centenary year, it was now down to this game if Spurs were to have any reward for a long and exhausting season which at one point had looked so promising. Fourth in the League, they had reached the League Cup Final and ECWC semi-finals and now success depended on this one game against 2nd Division Q.P.R., managed by Terry Venables.

It wasn’t a great game, Spurs, without Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa, were lethargic with weariness taking over and the doggedness of QPR making it very difficult. Scoreless after ninety minutes, Spurs went ahead in extra-time with a shot from Glenn Hoddle only for QPR to level and another replay was required.

Team: Clemence; Perryman (Capt), Miller, Price, Hughton: Hazard (Brooke), Roberts, Hoddle, Galvin: Archibald, Crooks.

Spurs in History - 30th March

30th March, 1903

Spurs 3 Queen’s Park Rangers 0 (London League)

In these non-League days, Spurs played in three Leagues, the Southern League, the Western League and the London League as well as different Cup competitions.

This victory in a London League match ensured that Spurs won that competition finishing four points ahead of West Ham United. The goals were scored by Hughes (pen), Copeland and Chalmers.

Hughes and Copeland had both been members of the 1901 F.A.Cup winning team. This was the last season that Spurs played the first team in the London League as from the following season it became a reserve competition.

Spurs in History - 15th February

Ian and Roger in their QPR days, the twins were on opposite sides as

Roger made his debut for Spurs at Loftus Road

15th February, 1969

Queens Park Rangers 1 Spurs 1 1st Division

Earlier in the month Spurs had signed Roger Morgan, a left winger from Q.P.R. for £110,000, equaling the highest cash transfer fee between English clubs. Roger and his identical twin, Ian, had helped Q.P.R. gain promotion to the 1st Division and had played all their football together.

At the end of January Spurs had defeated Q.P.R. at White Hart Lane in a game re-arranged from November because of heavy rain. After signing, Roger Morgan had been unable to play in Spurs next match as he was cup-tied so his debut was at Loftus Road against his former club and facing his twin brother. The match was close and finished all square with Spurs goal being scored by Jimmy Greaves, his 30th of the season.

Spurs in History - 3rd January

3rd January, 1970

Bradford City 2 Spurs 2 (FA Cup 3rd Round)

At the beginning of the year F.A.Cup 3rd Round ties are the order of the day and Spurs had been given a difficult match away at Third Division, Bradford City watched by 23,000 spectators.
Spurs took a two nil lead through goals from Jimmy Greaves and Roger Morgan but Bradford pulled the two goals back to earn a 2 – 2 draw and a replay at White Hart Lane the following Wednesday.

Jimmy Greaves

Spurs won the replay 5 - 0 with goals from Greaves (2), Pearce (2) and Morgan. At the time no-one realised that they were witnessing the last Cup goals to be scored by Jimmy Greaves, Spurs greatest goalscorer.




Team: Jennings, Kinnear, Knowles, Mullery, England, Beal, Johnson (Pearce), Greaves, Gilzean, Perryman, Morgan.

In the next round Spurs had been drawn at home to Crystal Palace, whom they had defeated twice in the League.



3rd January, 1981

A scoreless draw at Loftus Road against Queen's Park Rangers set Spurs off on a Cup run that would eventually lead to them winning the FA Cup for the sixth time, Manchester City being their opponents in the 100th FA Cup Final and all the memories of Ricky Villa's winning goal.