QPR FACE TICKET ANGER
By Dave McIntyre
QPR are facing a fans' revolt over plans to increase season ticket prices by nearly 50 per cent.
Chairman Bill Power insists the massive rise is necessary to avoid another financial crisis at
He said: "We're doing this with a heavy heart. We know it's a big increase but we've done the sums and there's no other way.
"The previous board didn't want to put prices up and then, in the middle of the season, the cash ran out and fans were putting money in buckets to keep the club afloat.
"There will be no going back to those days. We desperately need the money and promise supporters that this time it will be for the season.
"We'll use the money to carry on paying debts and try and push for promotion, which we honestly think we can achieve next season."
The club must find £80,000 a month simply to keep paying off the interest on a £10million loan it took out to satisfy creditors and come out of administration in 2002.
Power added: "We're on top of it but we need to put season ticket prices up to stay on top of it and move forward."
But Paul Finney of the QPR Loyal Supporters Association warned: "I fear some fans just won't stand for this.
"We sold a record number of season tickets when we were in our darkest hour in the Second Division and a lot of people will feel this is a kick in the teeth.
"It just doesn't seem fair and I hope the club think again."
_________________________
CREAM OF THE CROP
By Mike Anstead
Willesden Constantine manager Larry Bascoe was delighted after Stefan Bailey made his Queens Park Rangers debut against Sheffield United.
The 17-year-old was signed by the Championship side two years ago following a series of superb displays for Bascoe's side.
The Middlesex County League Premier Division side have produced a number of players in recent years that have gone on to play for professional teams.
Former Rangers midfielder Richard Langley and forward Junior Agogo, now at
Bailey is the latest name to come off the conveyer belt - and Bascoe has tipped the youngster to reach the top of his game.
"I definitely think he can make it at QPR and go even higher," said the Willesden boss. "I said to everyone here and at QPR that he would be in the first team by the time he was 18.
"He rang me on Saturday night and he was over the moon. He says he will come to watch us next time we have a home game and he is off.
"He was a very good player at 15. He did the simple things, read the game well and I'm absolutely delighted for him."
Bailey came on to replace Martin Rowlands just before the end of the first half against United at
The youngster is now expected to be involved again for the first team against Leeds United at
Bascoe has revealed that scouts are now looking at 23-year-old forward Nathan Thomas, who scored the opener in Willesden's 4-0 victory over Walthamstow Avenue 2000 on Saturday.