Queens Park Rangers FC was formed in 1882, when a team known as St Jude's merged with Christchurch Rangers. The resulting team was called Queens Park Rangers, because most of the players came from the Queens Park area which is in North-West London. QPR became a professional team in 1889 and played their home games in 14 different stadiums, a league record, before permanently settling in Loftus Road in 1917
Stan Bowles scores against Everton in the 5-0 victoryA school friend and I attended this match and were rewarded by being able to witness QPR’s 5-0 demolition of Everton. We were most likely inspired by this being the most successful League campaign in the club’s history. Dave Sexton led them to the runners-up spot in the First Division, missing out on the Championship by a single point. After completing their 42 game season QPR sat at the top of the league 1 point ahead of Liverpool. Liverpool had to win their final game of the season, at Wolverhampton Wanderers to clinch the title. Because of Liverpool appearing in the then two-legged UEFA Cup Final, the game was held over for ten days. Despite Wolves taking the lead and holding it until the 77th minute, Liverpool scored 3 times to win 3-1 and win the League Championship.
The QPR team contained a number of seasoned professionals from the London scene including Frank McLintock, David Webb and John Hollins. Then of course there were the flare players such as Dave Thomas and the multi talented Stan Bowles (right). Bowles was very popular at Loftus Road and that venue was popular with him as White City greyhound meetings were just over the road!On this occasion we travelled to Shepherds Bush (Central Line) and walked to the stadium. In later years I discovered that Shepherds Bush (Hammersmith & City Line) and White City (Central Line) are as convenient.
Attendance: 23,435
Queens Park Rangers FC
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