No matter how good Zenit St. Petersburg played in the UEFA Cup Final last night and how deserved to win it (I purely hate verb “to deserve” in sport-related issues!), it’s a bit sad to see the Rangers fans. Anyway, Walter Smith made some mistakes underestimating the opposition team and had to pay for it. I do really agree with the match report delivered by the Guardian, Kevin McCarra in particular.
But those few words are not about the Glasgow Rangers, but the London ones. The recent changes at Queens Park Rangers remind my how my love affair with Chelsea began. Moreover, I believe the R’s can chase the West London pattern on the way to success, as Chelsea commenced, followed by Al-Fayed’s Fulham FC. Analysing random factors, I have realised how those things are similar to each other.
Impressive story began when Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore decided to invest some money in the Shepherd’s Bush club.
Although those two Formla 1's men are rich enough to manage the club, Lakshmi Mittal, also involved in this trade, the world's fourth wealthiest man gives them a huge investment boost. Analysing the QPR financial situation I am still confused how those three gentlemen want to share the power within the club and future financial income, however it was exciting to watch the interview with Briatore in the BBC.
He might be the one who is more bothered about the fame and the London splendour than financial success. He wants to bring more and more luxury into the West London club. World’s top models are already among the list of guests at the R’s games, what is already notable achievement for him. Premiership, although main sports destination for QPR, can wait, as Briatore wants to get there within four years. In comparison, in the first five years under regency of Roman Abramovich at Chelsea, the Champions’ League title was expected. The Italian F1 Renault team , rather than about the football achievements, speaks about establishing “worldwide brand”. Sounds like a new fashion designer, doesn’t it?
In Italy people are talking about it. Every Sunday and Monday in the La Gazzette Dello Sport is the result of QPR, in Spain Marca is talking about QPR, in Europe people are talking about QPR, in England everybody is talking about QPR. The name is great!
The name is great, everyone talks about it!
If Briatore and probably Ecclestone are already happy with the brand new and its popularity, what can make Mittal content? Money and financial income may not matter, but it is nice to own a good football club in the neighbourhood, as he is a resident of Kensington.
Moving from one ground to another should not be a problem for the R’s, as they hold the title of most home ground in the football history, with the number close to 20. Capacity of the Loftus Road stadium (less than 20k seats) is not great, and something serious has to be done. The Italians are willing to bring some former stars to play/coach at QPR (Zidane? Figo?). Understanding the wealth of the trio of co-owners, impossible is really nothing and everything can happen in the West London club.
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