QPR woes kept me up at night - Gorkss - Ealing Gazette
Times Online
QPR woes kept me up at night - Gorkss
Ealing Gazette
KASPARS Gorkss admits he will finally be able to get some shut-eye after QPR's first clean sheet in 25 games. The Rangers defence secured their only ...
QPR boss has toughened up Rangers flops, admits Gorkss Fulham Chronicle
QPR manager Neil Warnock eyes up move for disgraced ex Wigan striker Marlon King Daily Mail
Reggae Boy scores in 2-0 win for QPR Jamaica Observer
Tribalfootball.com - Yahoo! Eurosport - The Herald
all 81 news articles »
QPR boss has toughened up Rangers flops, admits Gorkss - Fulham Chronicle
QPR boss has toughened up Rangers flops, admits Gorkss
Fulham Chronicle
NEIL Warnock ordered his QPR players to wear shin pads at his first training session in a bid to get his players stuck in from the start. ...
QPR Shortlisted For Another Award: For "Digital Content"...Neil Warnock Photoshop Competition
-
-QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
- Visit the growing QPR and football-only QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi-blog)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
- PHOTOSHOP NEIL WARNOCK...and Win a Prize
ANOTHER QPR AWARDS SHORTLISTED (Congratulations to QPR!)
Football League
SHORTLIST IN FOCUS: DIGITAL CONTENT
Posted on: 11.03.2010
The 2010 Football League Awards take place on Sunday 14th March and all this week in the build-up to the prestigious ceremony we will be focusing on those in contention to receive awards on the night. Here we focus on the nominations for the 'Fleishman-Hillard Best Digital Content' award.
FLEISHMAN-HILLARD BEST DIGITAL CONTENT
JUDGING CRITERIA:
Judges were looking for a the official club website which best demonstrates excellence in the delivery of digital content including, editorial, features, video and audio. The entry may be for a one-off activity or regular features.
SHORTLIST:
CARDIFF CITY:
Cardiff City wanted to create a different matchday experience for fans through digital communication with the opening of their new stadium. The club got in contact with Sony who agreed to provide the club with top recording and editing equipment and also spoke to i Stadia who provided the networking infrastructure and content management software. Cardiff City installed a subsequent amount of HD televisions around the new stadium and decided to offer something aside from a sports news channel and opted to produce their own television channel 'Bluebirds TV'. The channel consists of archive highlights from previous matches, as well as clips from Player. Bluebirds TV allows Cardiff to advertise their Player and interact with fans via SMS/Bluetooth. Efforts were also undertaken to help the local community by contacting the university and through this avenue hired the camera operators and various operators to work on 'Bluebirds TV'. Overall, a professional entry with varied content and entertaining to fans.
CRYSTAL PALACE:
The entry from Crystal Palace took the form of an online blog from Assistant Manager Mick Jones. Published every Thursday on the official website, it enables the fans to get an account of what goes on behind the scenes at the club from a management perspective. The blog runs throughout the season and aims to encourage fans to visit the website on a regular basis. It also contains within it a question and answer element which enables fans to have their own input to which Mick responds with some great answers that have helped to make the blog the success it is. The judges found that it was a very focused entry with the club knowing exactly what they wanted to achieve and it is this that has helped them produce such a fantastic end result. What particularly impressed the judging panel was the uniqueness of the entry as it is rare to get such insight into a club directly from the management team. The blog has successfully raised page impression statistics and monthly unique visitors to the site which shows it is not only the judges who really rate this great content but the fans too!
DERBY COUNTY:
Derby County for the last 12 months have focused on the "Rams Player" section of the website with an aim to produce high quality content to drive subscriptions, as well as improved and innovative content to help enhance the aims and objectives across all other club departments. Derby have introduced the policy of 'Rams Player' exclusive, ensuring all major interviews and club announcements are announced first in video format. Alongside this though 'Rams Player' contains really engaging clips with great features, with exclusive access to the first team squad and the innovative ideas to show the players in a different environment, behind the scenes information that has never been seen before, such as player quizzes and a Pot Black Pool Challenge, giving fans what they really want and can't get anywhere else. The judges were tremendously impressed with Rams Player's slick production and the quality of the features, clearly demonstrating the investment and work the club have put into it. The Club has made huge strides forward in terms of production quality, using multi camera shoots, cut-a-ways and new branding. It was this together with the use of exclusive access that really made their content stand out as a leading contender. It goes to show that a small investment into software, time and forging strong relationships with the footballing arm of the club, can help the club in many different ways, and Derby's nomination for Best Digital Content is due recognition for the efforts they have made in this area.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST:
Nottingham Forest produced a range of content over the Christmas period to provide subscribers with better as well as more, high quality content, but highlighted two main pieces in particular for the judges focus on. The first was a 'Forest Player Christmas Special' which was a 30 minute programme with a 'chat show' feel and exclusive interview with Stuart Pearce. The second was a 'Brian Clough feature' which was a video featuring his most famous quotes and his final interview with Forest. The main aim behind the features was to provide more unique and exclusive content which was not available elsewhere online. The content produced great results for Forest as over December (when the content was shown) the subscriptions to 'Forest Player' increased as a result. The judges felt the videos showed very high production values and were very polished, professional broadcast quality items, and that the Brian Clough piece in particular was a fantastic use of archive content to engage fans.
PRESTON NORTH END:
Preston North End submitted a particular video of first team player Sean St Ledger showing viewers around his home for their entry and it really impressed the judges. The idea of the video was taken from a popular TV series using the same style of editing, script and music. The result of the video was very professional and the content was highly engaging, with the entertainment factor alone making it worth watching. The objective of the video was for the fans to see the player in a different and engaging way which it certainly succeeded in doing. The judges found the video humorous with one commenting they just wanted to keep watching! In conclusion, this was an example of a high class piece of content that the judges felt it was as good as anything that can be seen online.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS:
The objectives set out by QPR for their entry were very fresh and innovative. They introduced a new template for their QPR Player that as well as enabling them to offer 'features', enabled them to offer fresh, daily bulletins which are informative and promote off-the-pitch as well as on-the-pitch activities. The club set out to showcase the positive work that QPR does in the community and that they believe their role as a football club is more than providing 90 minutes of football on a Saturday afternoon. As well as providing video coverage of events such as the club's Family Fun Day, players visiting a local hospital for Christmas and service men and women being guests of honour at a match, they also interviewed players and key personnel to get their views on the Club's activities. The judges felt that what was achieved was not only executed well but that it really portrayed the message of community. The link to external community projects was also clear with mentions of Help for Heroes, the official charity partner of The Football League, which helps to promote not only club projects surrounding this but also places the issue within a wider framework. A clear objective, combined with an excellent execution and good production values make this a great example of fantastic digital content. Football League
Neil Warnock pinpoints one of the problems: "I've said to them if they want to stick around then do what I say and if they don't then they will be leaving," he said.I suppose in the past they must have thought 'we'll be all right in a couple of weeks'." Teamtalk
- Lakshmi Mittal #5 World's Richest Billionaires Forbes "...Upped stake in struggling British soccer team QPR in February..."
- QPR Shortlisted for Community Club of the Year
- Magilton Suing Ipswich
- Ex-QPR Zesh Rehman Shortlisted for PFA's PLAYER in The Community
-QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
- Visit the growing QPR and football-only QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi-blog)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
- PHOTOSHOP NEIL WARNOCK...and Win a Prize
ANOTHER QPR AWARDS SHORTLISTED (Congratulations to QPR!)
Football League
SHORTLIST IN FOCUS: DIGITAL CONTENT
Posted on: 11.03.2010
The 2010 Football League Awards take place on Sunday 14th March and all this week in the build-up to the prestigious ceremony we will be focusing on those in contention to receive awards on the night. Here we focus on the nominations for the 'Fleishman-Hillard Best Digital Content' award.
FLEISHMAN-HILLARD BEST DIGITAL CONTENT
JUDGING CRITERIA:
Judges were looking for a the official club website which best demonstrates excellence in the delivery of digital content including, editorial, features, video and audio. The entry may be for a one-off activity or regular features.
SHORTLIST:
CARDIFF CITY:
Cardiff City wanted to create a different matchday experience for fans through digital communication with the opening of their new stadium. The club got in contact with Sony who agreed to provide the club with top recording and editing equipment and also spoke to i Stadia who provided the networking infrastructure and content management software. Cardiff City installed a subsequent amount of HD televisions around the new stadium and decided to offer something aside from a sports news channel and opted to produce their own television channel 'Bluebirds TV'. The channel consists of archive highlights from previous matches, as well as clips from Player. Bluebirds TV allows Cardiff to advertise their Player and interact with fans via SMS/Bluetooth. Efforts were also undertaken to help the local community by contacting the university and through this avenue hired the camera operators and various operators to work on 'Bluebirds TV'. Overall, a professional entry with varied content and entertaining to fans.
CRYSTAL PALACE:
The entry from Crystal Palace took the form of an online blog from Assistant Manager Mick Jones. Published every Thursday on the official website, it enables the fans to get an account of what goes on behind the scenes at the club from a management perspective. The blog runs throughout the season and aims to encourage fans to visit the website on a regular basis. It also contains within it a question and answer element which enables fans to have their own input to which Mick responds with some great answers that have helped to make the blog the success it is. The judges found that it was a very focused entry with the club knowing exactly what they wanted to achieve and it is this that has helped them produce such a fantastic end result. What particularly impressed the judging panel was the uniqueness of the entry as it is rare to get such insight into a club directly from the management team. The blog has successfully raised page impression statistics and monthly unique visitors to the site which shows it is not only the judges who really rate this great content but the fans too!
DERBY COUNTY:
Derby County for the last 12 months have focused on the "Rams Player" section of the website with an aim to produce high quality content to drive subscriptions, as well as improved and innovative content to help enhance the aims and objectives across all other club departments. Derby have introduced the policy of 'Rams Player' exclusive, ensuring all major interviews and club announcements are announced first in video format. Alongside this though 'Rams Player' contains really engaging clips with great features, with exclusive access to the first team squad and the innovative ideas to show the players in a different environment, behind the scenes information that has never been seen before, such as player quizzes and a Pot Black Pool Challenge, giving fans what they really want and can't get anywhere else. The judges were tremendously impressed with Rams Player's slick production and the quality of the features, clearly demonstrating the investment and work the club have put into it. The Club has made huge strides forward in terms of production quality, using multi camera shoots, cut-a-ways and new branding. It was this together with the use of exclusive access that really made their content stand out as a leading contender. It goes to show that a small investment into software, time and forging strong relationships with the footballing arm of the club, can help the club in many different ways, and Derby's nomination for Best Digital Content is due recognition for the efforts they have made in this area.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST:
Nottingham Forest produced a range of content over the Christmas period to provide subscribers with better as well as more, high quality content, but highlighted two main pieces in particular for the judges focus on. The first was a 'Forest Player Christmas Special' which was a 30 minute programme with a 'chat show' feel and exclusive interview with Stuart Pearce. The second was a 'Brian Clough feature' which was a video featuring his most famous quotes and his final interview with Forest. The main aim behind the features was to provide more unique and exclusive content which was not available elsewhere online. The content produced great results for Forest as over December (when the content was shown) the subscriptions to 'Forest Player' increased as a result. The judges felt the videos showed very high production values and were very polished, professional broadcast quality items, and that the Brian Clough piece in particular was a fantastic use of archive content to engage fans.
PRESTON NORTH END:
Preston North End submitted a particular video of first team player Sean St Ledger showing viewers around his home for their entry and it really impressed the judges. The idea of the video was taken from a popular TV series using the same style of editing, script and music. The result of the video was very professional and the content was highly engaging, with the entertainment factor alone making it worth watching. The objective of the video was for the fans to see the player in a different and engaging way which it certainly succeeded in doing. The judges found the video humorous with one commenting they just wanted to keep watching! In conclusion, this was an example of a high class piece of content that the judges felt it was as good as anything that can be seen online.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS:
The objectives set out by QPR for their entry were very fresh and innovative. They introduced a new template for their QPR Player that as well as enabling them to offer 'features', enabled them to offer fresh, daily bulletins which are informative and promote off-the-pitch as well as on-the-pitch activities. The club set out to showcase the positive work that QPR does in the community and that they believe their role as a football club is more than providing 90 minutes of football on a Saturday afternoon. As well as providing video coverage of events such as the club's Family Fun Day, players visiting a local hospital for Christmas and service men and women being guests of honour at a match, they also interviewed players and key personnel to get their views on the Club's activities. The judges felt that what was achieved was not only executed well but that it really portrayed the message of community. The link to external community projects was also clear with mentions of Help for Heroes, the official charity partner of The Football League, which helps to promote not only club projects surrounding this but also places the issue within a wider framework. A clear objective, combined with an excellent execution and good production values make this a great example of fantastic digital content. Football League
Neil Warnock pinpoints one of the problems: "I've said to them if they want to stick around then do what I say and if they don't then they will be leaving," he said.I suppose in the past they must have thought 'we'll be all right in a couple of weeks'." Teamtalk
- Lakshmi Mittal #5 World's Richest Billionaires Forbes "...Upped stake in struggling British soccer team QPR in February..."
- QPR Shortlisted for Community Club of the Year
- Magilton Suing Ipswich
- Ex-QPR Zesh Rehman Shortlisted for PFA's PLAYER in The Community
Jim Magilton sues former club Ipswich Town for £350000 in lost wages - Daily Mail
Daily Mail
Jim Magilton sues former club Ipswich Town for £350000 in lost wages
Daily Mail
An alternative claim of around £242000 takes into consideration the fact that he spent seven months as manager of QPR before being sacked in December 2009 ...
Magilton sues Town Ipswich Evening Star
Magilton Claiming £350000 TWTD.co.uk
all 4 news articles »
Vital Football Communication
Vital Football Communication
Vitalfootball: Q.P.R.: 11/03/2010 15:33:00
Communication from Vital Towers on memberships, registration, sites and so much more!
Vitalfootball: Q.P.R.: 11/03/2010 15:33:00
Communication from Vital Towers on memberships, registration, sites and so much more!
Lee hails Hart impact - Yahoo! Eurosport
Lee hails Hart impact
Yahoo! Eurosport
The former Portsmouth boss was drafted in after Neil Warnock's move to QPR and charged with keeping the Eagles in the Championship after their 10-point ...
Ruston Allows Train To Take The Strain Official Crystal Palace Website
all 4 news articles »
Sheffield United v QPR - Fulham Chronicle
Sheffield United v QPR
Fulham Chronicle
Our prediction: QPR to continue unbeaten run at Bramall Lane. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest QPR news.
Warnock cannot wait for Blades return Yahoo! Eurosport
all 5 news articles »
Reggae Boy scores in 2-0 win for QPR - Jamaica Observer
The Guardian
Reggae Boy scores in 2-0 win for QPR
Jamaica Observer
Stewart scored soon after the break as QPR sailed to their second win in three days under new coach Neil Warnock. The result moved resurgent QPR up to 15th ...
QPR manager Neil Warnock eyes up move for disgraced ex Wigan striker Marlon King Daily Mail
QPR boss Warnock confident getting best out of Spurs starlet Taarabt Tribalfootball.com
We shot ourselves in foot - Mariner Yahoo! Eurosport
The Herald - Clubcall - Fulham Chronicle
all 74 news articles »
Championship - Warnock warns dissident players
QPR boss Neil Warnock feels the club's players are benefiting from knowing he has signed a long-term contract at Loftus Road.
We shot ourselves in foot - Mariner
Plymouth head coach Paul Mariner admitted his side only had themselves to blame for the 2-0 defeat by QPR at Loftus Road.
Warnock- Im in it for the long haul
Warnock is Rangers' fifth manager of the season but, following the departure of controversial chairman Flavio Briatore, his appointment on a three-and-a-half-year deal looks set to usher in a rare period of stability in west London...
Warnock cannot wait for Blades return - Yahoo! Eurosport
Warnock cannot wait for Blades return
Yahoo! Eurosport
Boss Neil Warnock is relishing his latest return to his old manor when he takes QPR to Sheffield United this weekend. Warnock was in charge of the Blades ...
Sheffield United's court challenge to Wednesday smacks of sour grapes The Guardian
all 4 news articles »
Warnock in for long haul
QPR boss Neil Warnock feels the club's players are benefiting from knowing he has signed a long-term contract at Loftus Road.
Blades return excites Warnock
Warnock was in charge of the Blades for more than seven years and guided them to the Premier League in 2006 before leaving after they were relegated a year later...
Warnock cannot wait for Blades return
Boss Neil Warnock is relishing his latest return to his old manor when he takes QPR to Sheffield United this weekend.
Jim Magilton joined QPR after leaving Ipswich Town - Ipswich Evening Star
Daily Mail
Jim Magilton joined QPR after leaving Ipswich Town
Ipswich Evening Star
A lesser amount of around £242000 makes up a second 'alternative' claim by Magilton, which takes into account his time spent as manager of QPR between June ...
Jim Magilton sues former club Ipswich Town for £350000 in lost wages Daily Mail
Magilton Claiming £350000 TWTD.co.uk
all 4 news articles »
QPR Snippets: Mittal Wealth...Warnock Pinpoints a Change...Agyemang....QPR Shortlisted for Community Club Award and Marketing Award
-
-QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
- Visit the growing QPR and football-only QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi-blog)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Neil Warnock pinpoints one of the problems: "I've said to them if they want to stick around then do what I say and if they don't then they will be leaving," he said.I suppose in the past they must have thought 'we'll be all right in a couple of weeks'." Teamtalk
- Lakshmi Mittal #5 World's Richest Billionaires Forbes "...Upped stake in struggling British soccer team QPR in February..."
- QPR Shortlisted for Community Club of the Year
- Magilton Suing Ipswich
- Ex-QPR Zesh Rehman Shortlisted for PFA's PLAYER in The Community
- Could-have-been QPR Zimbabwean international Onismor Bhasera to Plymouth
- 25% Premier Season Ticket Holders May Not Renew
- One (Non-Football) Fan of Flavio Briatore
- Next: Sheffield United
- Ex-QPR, Tommy Cunningham Update
- An Italian Interest in Buying QPR?
- QPR Ladies Reach The Cup Final
- Chelsea Face Questions over Unlicensed Agent
- Portsmouth Axe 85 (non-playing) Staffers
- Two QPR Interviews with Gianni Paladini
- Football League Support for National Association of Disabled Supporters (NADS)
- Best Football League Programmes Shortlist
- Football League's Shortlist for "Family Club" Awards
QPR Official Site - NW: 'SUPPORT ON THE ROAD IS VITAL'
- Gaffer Neil Warnock has called on the R's faithful to turn out in great force for the trip to his boyhood Club, Sheffield United, on Saturday afternoon.
- The Rangers boss spent seven and a half successful seasons at Bramall Lane and knows more than anyone the important role the travelling support can play in the Steel City.
- "Make no mistake, it's a tough place to go - but the R's fans can play a massive role," he told www.qpr.co.uk.
- "I saw the impact the visiting fans can have in my many years there and all I ask is that the Rangers supporters turn out in great numbers to show their support."
- Tickets for the Bramall Lane clash are still available. To guarantee your seat…
- *Click here - *Call 08444 777 007 - *Visit the QPR Box Office - QPR FC, Loftus Road Stadium, South Africa Road, London, W12 7PJ QPR
QPR On The List - Football League - SHORTLIST IN FOCUS: MARKETING
Posted on: 11.03.2010
The 2010 Football League Awards take place on Sunday 14th March and all this week in the build-up to the prestigious ceremony we will be focusing on those in contention to receive awards on the night. Here we look at the best marketing campaigns clubs have run in the last year and that are in contention for the 'Perform Best Marketing Campaign' award.
PERFORM BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN
JUDGING CRITERIA:
Judges were looking for the club that best demonstrated results they had achieved during 2009 by running a innovative marketing campaign which engaged fans. This could be either a club initiative or a partnership with a sponsor. Clearly defined objectives and innovative execution were integral to the short listed entries as well as an understanding of the drivers of fans engagements backed up by good results.
SHORTLIST:
CARDIFF CITY ('PLATINUM AMBASSADOR'):
Cardiff City launched their Platinum Ambassador campaign in 2009 in a marketing initiative that aimed to sign up 10,000 season ticket holders by December 31st. They demonstrated good use of different media channels such as sending Cardiff City players into the community to encourage fans to sign up. The judges were particularly impressed with the way the campaign utilised effective marketing techniques by recognising the target market and approaching them in a one to one fashion to make it more personal, such as by sending out personalised Christmas cards. By targeting the communication directly at the fans individually rather than using an umbrella campaign it made the fans feel valued and central to the marketing campaign. As a result, Cardiff City had very successful response with the uptake of the Platinum Ambassadors, not only achieving their target but surpassing it by 1,000 season tickets.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC ('SEASON-TICKET MARKETING CAMPAIGN'):
After relegation from the Championship to League 1 in 2009, Charlton Athletic recognised that they had the difficult task of trying to keep moral amongst supporters high, especially season ticket holders so this year their campaign had a single and clear objective - to retain as many existing season ticket holders as possible, especially after the loss of a previously successful 'free' season-ticket offer. A reduction in season ticket prices, a video and poster campaign and the influence of using Charlton legend Keith Peacock to encourage fans to stick with the club as they had overcome much worse situations in the club's history all combined to produce a very effective campaign. The judges felt that the campaign was extremely well put together and showed real character, successfully tapping in to the identity and heritage of the club. The campaign showed swift results as well as 9,000 season tickets were purchased in just 10 weeks, testament to a great campaign.
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN ('"KEEP IT UP" CAMPAIGN'):
2009 saw Huddersfield Town enter a new era and set about transforming themselves to become 'The Yorkshire Club'. As part of this the club donated the sponsorship space on the front of their shirt to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and together they created a dedicated campaign called 'Keep It Up', where for every £1 raised 50p would go towards the charity and 50p would go towards the Huddersfield Town Academy. A whole range of activities were organised, including sponsored cycle rides, charity dinners and even a naked calendar, to giving families, fans and businesses alike the opportunity to contribute and be part of it. The target set was to raise a total of £100,000, with £50,000 going to each partner and after just 6 months £80,000 had already been collected. Coverage of the campaign has been achieved across local and national media, not only helping the club to raise a lot of money but generating fantastic awareness of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and underpinning Huddersfield's 'Yorkshire Club' branding. It is clear that Huddersfield had put a big effort behind the campaign, and this has clearly paid dividends with the judges highlighting in particular the fantastic results achieved.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS ('RE-POSITIONING THE OFFICIAL SUPPORTERS CLUB'):Queens Park Rangers wanted to improve the relationship and communication between the club and its supporters. Firstly, they conducted primary research amongst their supporters to gain key insights. They then repositioned the Official Supporters Club (OSC) as the vehicle for supporters to use in which to provide regular feedback to the Club, as well as using the OSC as a key brand ambassador for the Club. The creation of a new identity and logo for the OSC, which they had never had previously, was commissioned by the Club and then placed on all Season Ticket and membership cards for the first time ever in order to highlight the fact that all Season Ticket Holders and members are automatically members of the OSC. The role of the OSC was redefined, and information was provided on how supporters could utilise it to their benefit. A constitution was also created and shared with supporters. The key findings of the research were shared with the OSC and used as a template for ongoing supporter feedback. The judges were really impressed with this marketing campaign as it is a great example of real business practice applied to football. Extensive and sophisticated market research resulted in key insights on fan segmentation, customer relationship management and supporter experience, while trials of different product initiatives such as a '5 pack' of tickets for those who cannot commit to a season ticket, early bird food offers and prepaid food packages were successfully received. QPR have effectively brought different, wide ranging concepts together in an extremely well thought through campaign.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST ('MIXED FAMILY AREA'):
Nottingham Forest set out with the clear objective of purposefully integrating home and away fans in a ground-breaking initiative that encouraged families to enjoy football together in a friendly atmosphere. Affordable tickets were an integral part of the campaign to promote families to sit in the mixed home and away family area with a £25 family ticket permitting 2 adults and 2 children to watch the match against Doncaster Rovers in November. Forest ensured the area operated a zero tolerance attitude to bad language, while furthermore a lounge was used to run activities with attending families through a local partnership with South Nottingham College such as face painting and Nintendo Wii games. Students used the experience as part of their involvement in the 'City United' community scheme by helping run the day's activities. Doncaster Rovers were able to whole heartedly support the initiative, helping to engage their family supporter base in the lead up to the game as well as being integral to the success on the day, and providing financial support. Players from both teams also attended a signing session before the game whilst Robin Hood and Donny Dog took to the field in a mascot race held during the half term interval, and each child went home with a goody bag and a big foam hand, embezzled with both club logos. It is with thanks to a number of other partners including Sovereign Security, Print Force and the Nottingham Forest Supporters Club the goody bags and foam hands were made possible. The judging panel found this campaign a pioneering idea which had great coverage and wonderful results. The full allocation of tickets was sold prior to the day and there were no reports of bad language or other issues ensuring the day was a tremendous success.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST ('MOTIV 100% CHALLENGE'):
Nottingham Forest worked alongside 'Motiv' Reward and Nottingham City Council by offering family tickets and a 'sports reporter for the day competition' as prize incentives to increase attendance in all Primary and Secondary Schools in Nottingham. The campaign involved over 100 schools and over 35,000 pupils by rewarding children who have achieved 100% attendance with the chance to win the prizes. The judges found it refreshing to see a campaign with non - commercially led objectives and motivation. It should be applauded for being a great concept with really high engagement as there are clear signs of improvement in levels of attendance in the campaign results. For example, Welbeck Primary School saw a 78% improvement in the numbers of children making 100% attendance. Offering tickets to families as a way of celebrating their child's attendance gave families and opportunity to sample a trip to The City Ground and the club the chance to encourage them to visit more often. A selection of children were invited to experience a match day in the life of a sports reporter visiting the press room, press box and meeting the BBC Sport presenter, Mark Clemmit and Forest's Press Officer before researching each team and writing their very own match report. The association with pupils striving for excellence in attendance and attainment across the schools network was extremely valuable in promoting the club on both a community and a marketing level.
SOUTHEND UNITED ('THE BLUES WORLD CUP WINNER COMPETITION'):
Southend United recognised that encouraging supporters to buy season tickets during a difficult economic climate is tough. Therefore, they chose to capitalise on the upcoming World Cup 2010 by creating an early offer to supporters to purchase next year's season ticket promising they will get their money back if England win the World Cup! The objective of the campaign was to raise £100,000 in season ticket sales for the 2010/2011 by 21st December 2009. The scheme was launched on the same day as the World Cup draw to arouse the attention of the local press looking for a World Cup angle. The judges found the campaign very original and a really interesting idea with good use of digital marketing such as SMS and e-marketing to remind fans about the offer. The campaign results proved to be very successful as sales reached £125,000, 25% above the target set. The results seem an even greater achievement given the limited budget Southend ran the campaign on.
SWINDON TOWN ('STAND BUY ME' AND 'NAME IN LIGHTS'):
The 'Stand Buy Me' initiative was designed by Swindon Town FC to offer supporters and local businesses the opportunity to participate in a lottery to raise funds for the Club's Youth Development Department, but with a unique prize - the chance to have the County Ground East Stand named after them for a three-year period. The lottery was launched live on Soccer AM and was timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Swindon Town's League Cup win in 1969. Tickets were therefore, limited to 1,969 at £10 per ticket giving the opportunity for supporters and Swindon's local businesses to engage with and support the Club in an innovative, cost effective way. In terms of results, all 1,969 tickets were sold, raising over £15,000 and proving to be extremely popular amongst all those who participated. The success of the Stand Buy Me initiative encouraged the club to follow it up with the 'Your Name in Lights' promotion, where the opportunity was for the winner to be the Main Sponsor of the Swindon Town vs. Huddersfield Town evening fixture in November. Overall, the judges were particularly impressed at how well both initiatives were put together and executed and felt it was heartening to see the money raised being used for such a worthwhile purpose. Football League
Mirror/Alan Nixon - Arsenal starlet is Celtic target
- Celtic boss Tony Mowbray is chasing Arsenal striker Jay Simpson as he looks to add more pace to his team for next season.
- Mowbray watched Simpson in action for QPR - where he is on loan from the Gunners - and is keen to snap up the speedy attacker in the summer.
- Simpson was with Mowbray at West Brom last season, only scoring one goal as they battled to beat the drop in the Premier League.
- However Mowbray thinks the former England youth international is still potentially good enough to be a big hit in the SPL where his side have had mixed success up front.
- Mowbray knows it is unlikely he will be able to keep Robbie Keane next season and is scouring around for replacements on the cheap - with Simpson an attractive alternative.
- Simpson has caught the eye for Rangers at times this season but may fancy a move to a glamour club like Celtic to advance his career. His chances of cracking it at Arsenal seem limited. Mirror
Daily Mail - QPR manager Neil Warnock eyes move for disgraced ex Wigan striker Marlon King
- Disgraced: King was jailed in October 2009
QPR manager Neil Warnock will consider giving jailbird Marlon King a route back into football.
King has been in prison since October, serving an 18-month term for sexual assault and causing actual bodily harm following an attack on a 20-year-old woman in 2008.
But the 29-year-old striker is hoping for an early release and could be back in action at Loftus Road next season.
King was unceremoniously sacked by Wigan chairman Dave Whelan, who hoped he was finished in football.
'It will be very, very difficult for any club to stick their neck out and take Marlon on, I cannot really see him coming back as a professional.
'A lot of people will say you do something wrong and you get a sentence, and when you've completed it, you should be allowed to go back in. I wouldn't allow him back in.'
King was signed by Steve Bruce for £3million from Watford in January 2008 but scored just once in 19 appearances. Daily Mail
Bristol Evening Post - Johnson rues Bristol City's injury jinx as concern grows over Agyemang
- Patrick Agyemang has become the latest Bristol City new-boy to fall foul of the club's injury jinx.
Signed on loan from Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers in January, he managed just four appearances for the Robins before being struck down by illness.
And the former Ghana international striker, pictured left, has now sustained a groin injury which could keep him out of action for the foreseeable future.
City boss Gary Johnson and his medical team are so concerned that they have sent Agyemang for a hospital scan and are awaiting the results.
- Should the problem be worse than first thought, and Wolves decide to recall Chris Iwelumo after the weekend, City's manager could find himself short of attacking options.
- He will still be able to call upon 11-goal top scorer Nicky Maynard, Scottland international David Clarkson and winger-cum-forward Danny Haynes, but may no longer have the option of selecting an experienced targetman who can hold the ball up and win headers.
- "It is a bit of a concern," admitted Johnson, who has decided to keep young striker John Akinde at Ashton Gate as a precaution, rather than send him out on loan.
"First of all, Patrick had an illness which kept him out for a couple of games, and now it's an injury which is stopping him.
"We've taken medical advice, he has had a scan and all we can do now is wait and keep our fingers crossed."
Agyemang is the latest in a series of new signings to experience misfortune after joining the Ashton Gate staff this season.
- Lithuanian international forward Andrius Velicka arrived on loan from Scottish giants Rangers in August, but lasted just five minutes before rupturing his cruciate ligament after he came on as a second-half substitute in the home game against QPR.
Former Motherwell hit-man Clarkson had managed only a handful of outings before he was struck down by a mystery illness, which also affected fellow newcomers Lewin Nyatanga and Dean Gerken.
In Clarkson's case, it was December before he was fit enough to resume first-team duties." Evening Post
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Neil Warnock pinpoints one of the problems: "I've said to them if they want to stick around then do what I say and if they don't then they will be leaving," he said.I suppose in the past they must have thought 'we'll be all right in a couple of weeks'." Teamtalk
- Lakshmi Mittal #5 World's Richest Billionaires Forbes "...Upped stake in struggling British soccer team QPR in February..."
- QPR Shortlisted for Community Club of the Year
- Magilton Suing Ipswich
- Ex-QPR Zesh Rehman Shortlisted for PFA's PLAYER in The Community
- Could-have-been QPR Zimbabwean international Onismor Bhasera to Plymouth
- 25% Premier Season Ticket Holders May Not Renew
- One (Non-Football) Fan of Flavio Briatore
- Next: Sheffield United
- Ex-QPR, Tommy Cunningham Update
- An Italian Interest in Buying QPR?
- QPR Ladies Reach The Cup Final
- Chelsea Face Questions over Unlicensed Agent
- Portsmouth Axe 85 (non-playing) Staffers
- Two QPR Interviews with Gianni Paladini
- Football League Support for National Association of Disabled Supporters (NADS)
- Best Football League Programmes Shortlist
- Football League's Shortlist for "Family Club" Awards
QPR Official Site - NW: 'SUPPORT ON THE ROAD IS VITAL'
- Gaffer Neil Warnock has called on the R's faithful to turn out in great force for the trip to his boyhood Club, Sheffield United, on Saturday afternoon.
- The Rangers boss spent seven and a half successful seasons at Bramall Lane and knows more than anyone the important role the travelling support can play in the Steel City.
- "Make no mistake, it's a tough place to go - but the R's fans can play a massive role," he told www.qpr.co.uk.
- "I saw the impact the visiting fans can have in my many years there and all I ask is that the Rangers supporters turn out in great numbers to show their support."
- Tickets for the Bramall Lane clash are still available. To guarantee your seat…
- *Click here - *Call 08444 777 007 - *Visit the QPR Box Office - QPR FC, Loftus Road Stadium, South Africa Road, London, W12 7PJ QPR
QPR On The List - Football League - SHORTLIST IN FOCUS: MARKETING
Posted on: 11.03.2010
The 2010 Football League Awards take place on Sunday 14th March and all this week in the build-up to the prestigious ceremony we will be focusing on those in contention to receive awards on the night. Here we look at the best marketing campaigns clubs have run in the last year and that are in contention for the 'Perform Best Marketing Campaign' award.
PERFORM BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN
JUDGING CRITERIA:
Judges were looking for the club that best demonstrated results they had achieved during 2009 by running a innovative marketing campaign which engaged fans. This could be either a club initiative or a partnership with a sponsor. Clearly defined objectives and innovative execution were integral to the short listed entries as well as an understanding of the drivers of fans engagements backed up by good results.
SHORTLIST:
CARDIFF CITY ('PLATINUM AMBASSADOR'):
Cardiff City launched their Platinum Ambassador campaign in 2009 in a marketing initiative that aimed to sign up 10,000 season ticket holders by December 31st. They demonstrated good use of different media channels such as sending Cardiff City players into the community to encourage fans to sign up. The judges were particularly impressed with the way the campaign utilised effective marketing techniques by recognising the target market and approaching them in a one to one fashion to make it more personal, such as by sending out personalised Christmas cards. By targeting the communication directly at the fans individually rather than using an umbrella campaign it made the fans feel valued and central to the marketing campaign. As a result, Cardiff City had very successful response with the uptake of the Platinum Ambassadors, not only achieving their target but surpassing it by 1,000 season tickets.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC ('SEASON-TICKET MARKETING CAMPAIGN'):
After relegation from the Championship to League 1 in 2009, Charlton Athletic recognised that they had the difficult task of trying to keep moral amongst supporters high, especially season ticket holders so this year their campaign had a single and clear objective - to retain as many existing season ticket holders as possible, especially after the loss of a previously successful 'free' season-ticket offer. A reduction in season ticket prices, a video and poster campaign and the influence of using Charlton legend Keith Peacock to encourage fans to stick with the club as they had overcome much worse situations in the club's history all combined to produce a very effective campaign. The judges felt that the campaign was extremely well put together and showed real character, successfully tapping in to the identity and heritage of the club. The campaign showed swift results as well as 9,000 season tickets were purchased in just 10 weeks, testament to a great campaign.
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN ('"KEEP IT UP" CAMPAIGN'):
2009 saw Huddersfield Town enter a new era and set about transforming themselves to become 'The Yorkshire Club'. As part of this the club donated the sponsorship space on the front of their shirt to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and together they created a dedicated campaign called 'Keep It Up', where for every £1 raised 50p would go towards the charity and 50p would go towards the Huddersfield Town Academy. A whole range of activities were organised, including sponsored cycle rides, charity dinners and even a naked calendar, to giving families, fans and businesses alike the opportunity to contribute and be part of it. The target set was to raise a total of £100,000, with £50,000 going to each partner and after just 6 months £80,000 had already been collected. Coverage of the campaign has been achieved across local and national media, not only helping the club to raise a lot of money but generating fantastic awareness of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and underpinning Huddersfield's 'Yorkshire Club' branding. It is clear that Huddersfield had put a big effort behind the campaign, and this has clearly paid dividends with the judges highlighting in particular the fantastic results achieved.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS ('RE-POSITIONING THE OFFICIAL SUPPORTERS CLUB'):Queens Park Rangers wanted to improve the relationship and communication between the club and its supporters. Firstly, they conducted primary research amongst their supporters to gain key insights. They then repositioned the Official Supporters Club (OSC) as the vehicle for supporters to use in which to provide regular feedback to the Club, as well as using the OSC as a key brand ambassador for the Club. The creation of a new identity and logo for the OSC, which they had never had previously, was commissioned by the Club and then placed on all Season Ticket and membership cards for the first time ever in order to highlight the fact that all Season Ticket Holders and members are automatically members of the OSC. The role of the OSC was redefined, and information was provided on how supporters could utilise it to their benefit. A constitution was also created and shared with supporters. The key findings of the research were shared with the OSC and used as a template for ongoing supporter feedback. The judges were really impressed with this marketing campaign as it is a great example of real business practice applied to football. Extensive and sophisticated market research resulted in key insights on fan segmentation, customer relationship management and supporter experience, while trials of different product initiatives such as a '5 pack' of tickets for those who cannot commit to a season ticket, early bird food offers and prepaid food packages were successfully received. QPR have effectively brought different, wide ranging concepts together in an extremely well thought through campaign.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST ('MIXED FAMILY AREA'):
Nottingham Forest set out with the clear objective of purposefully integrating home and away fans in a ground-breaking initiative that encouraged families to enjoy football together in a friendly atmosphere. Affordable tickets were an integral part of the campaign to promote families to sit in the mixed home and away family area with a £25 family ticket permitting 2 adults and 2 children to watch the match against Doncaster Rovers in November. Forest ensured the area operated a zero tolerance attitude to bad language, while furthermore a lounge was used to run activities with attending families through a local partnership with South Nottingham College such as face painting and Nintendo Wii games. Students used the experience as part of their involvement in the 'City United' community scheme by helping run the day's activities. Doncaster Rovers were able to whole heartedly support the initiative, helping to engage their family supporter base in the lead up to the game as well as being integral to the success on the day, and providing financial support. Players from both teams also attended a signing session before the game whilst Robin Hood and Donny Dog took to the field in a mascot race held during the half term interval, and each child went home with a goody bag and a big foam hand, embezzled with both club logos. It is with thanks to a number of other partners including Sovereign Security, Print Force and the Nottingham Forest Supporters Club the goody bags and foam hands were made possible. The judging panel found this campaign a pioneering idea which had great coverage and wonderful results. The full allocation of tickets was sold prior to the day and there were no reports of bad language or other issues ensuring the day was a tremendous success.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST ('MOTIV 100% CHALLENGE'):
Nottingham Forest worked alongside 'Motiv' Reward and Nottingham City Council by offering family tickets and a 'sports reporter for the day competition' as prize incentives to increase attendance in all Primary and Secondary Schools in Nottingham. The campaign involved over 100 schools and over 35,000 pupils by rewarding children who have achieved 100% attendance with the chance to win the prizes. The judges found it refreshing to see a campaign with non - commercially led objectives and motivation. It should be applauded for being a great concept with really high engagement as there are clear signs of improvement in levels of attendance in the campaign results. For example, Welbeck Primary School saw a 78% improvement in the numbers of children making 100% attendance. Offering tickets to families as a way of celebrating their child's attendance gave families and opportunity to sample a trip to The City Ground and the club the chance to encourage them to visit more often. A selection of children were invited to experience a match day in the life of a sports reporter visiting the press room, press box and meeting the BBC Sport presenter, Mark Clemmit and Forest's Press Officer before researching each team and writing their very own match report. The association with pupils striving for excellence in attendance and attainment across the schools network was extremely valuable in promoting the club on both a community and a marketing level.
SOUTHEND UNITED ('THE BLUES WORLD CUP WINNER COMPETITION'):
Southend United recognised that encouraging supporters to buy season tickets during a difficult economic climate is tough. Therefore, they chose to capitalise on the upcoming World Cup 2010 by creating an early offer to supporters to purchase next year's season ticket promising they will get their money back if England win the World Cup! The objective of the campaign was to raise £100,000 in season ticket sales for the 2010/2011 by 21st December 2009. The scheme was launched on the same day as the World Cup draw to arouse the attention of the local press looking for a World Cup angle. The judges found the campaign very original and a really interesting idea with good use of digital marketing such as SMS and e-marketing to remind fans about the offer. The campaign results proved to be very successful as sales reached £125,000, 25% above the target set. The results seem an even greater achievement given the limited budget Southend ran the campaign on.
SWINDON TOWN ('STAND BUY ME' AND 'NAME IN LIGHTS'):
The 'Stand Buy Me' initiative was designed by Swindon Town FC to offer supporters and local businesses the opportunity to participate in a lottery to raise funds for the Club's Youth Development Department, but with a unique prize - the chance to have the County Ground East Stand named after them for a three-year period. The lottery was launched live on Soccer AM and was timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Swindon Town's League Cup win in 1969. Tickets were therefore, limited to 1,969 at £10 per ticket giving the opportunity for supporters and Swindon's local businesses to engage with and support the Club in an innovative, cost effective way. In terms of results, all 1,969 tickets were sold, raising over £15,000 and proving to be extremely popular amongst all those who participated. The success of the Stand Buy Me initiative encouraged the club to follow it up with the 'Your Name in Lights' promotion, where the opportunity was for the winner to be the Main Sponsor of the Swindon Town vs. Huddersfield Town evening fixture in November. Overall, the judges were particularly impressed at how well both initiatives were put together and executed and felt it was heartening to see the money raised being used for such a worthwhile purpose. Football League
Mirror/Alan Nixon - Arsenal starlet is Celtic target
- Celtic boss Tony Mowbray is chasing Arsenal striker Jay Simpson as he looks to add more pace to his team for next season.
- Mowbray watched Simpson in action for QPR - where he is on loan from the Gunners - and is keen to snap up the speedy attacker in the summer.
- Simpson was with Mowbray at West Brom last season, only scoring one goal as they battled to beat the drop in the Premier League.
- However Mowbray thinks the former England youth international is still potentially good enough to be a big hit in the SPL where his side have had mixed success up front.
- Mowbray knows it is unlikely he will be able to keep Robbie Keane next season and is scouring around for replacements on the cheap - with Simpson an attractive alternative.
- Simpson has caught the eye for Rangers at times this season but may fancy a move to a glamour club like Celtic to advance his career. His chances of cracking it at Arsenal seem limited. Mirror
Daily Mail - QPR manager Neil Warnock eyes move for disgraced ex Wigan striker Marlon King
- Disgraced: King was jailed in October 2009
QPR manager Neil Warnock will consider giving jailbird Marlon King a route back into football.
King has been in prison since October, serving an 18-month term for sexual assault and causing actual bodily harm following an attack on a 20-year-old woman in 2008.
But the 29-year-old striker is hoping for an early release and could be back in action at Loftus Road next season.
King was unceremoniously sacked by Wigan chairman Dave Whelan, who hoped he was finished in football.
'It will be very, very difficult for any club to stick their neck out and take Marlon on, I cannot really see him coming back as a professional.
'A lot of people will say you do something wrong and you get a sentence, and when you've completed it, you should be allowed to go back in. I wouldn't allow him back in.'
King was signed by Steve Bruce for £3million from Watford in January 2008 but scored just once in 19 appearances. Daily Mail
Bristol Evening Post - Johnson rues Bristol City's injury jinx as concern grows over Agyemang
- Patrick Agyemang has become the latest Bristol City new-boy to fall foul of the club's injury jinx.
Signed on loan from Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers in January, he managed just four appearances for the Robins before being struck down by illness.
And the former Ghana international striker, pictured left, has now sustained a groin injury which could keep him out of action for the foreseeable future.
City boss Gary Johnson and his medical team are so concerned that they have sent Agyemang for a hospital scan and are awaiting the results.
- Should the problem be worse than first thought, and Wolves decide to recall Chris Iwelumo after the weekend, City's manager could find himself short of attacking options.
- He will still be able to call upon 11-goal top scorer Nicky Maynard, Scottland international David Clarkson and winger-cum-forward Danny Haynes, but may no longer have the option of selecting an experienced targetman who can hold the ball up and win headers.
- "It is a bit of a concern," admitted Johnson, who has decided to keep young striker John Akinde at Ashton Gate as a precaution, rather than send him out on loan.
"First of all, Patrick had an illness which kept him out for a couple of games, and now it's an injury which is stopping him.
"We've taken medical advice, he has had a scan and all we can do now is wait and keep our fingers crossed."
Agyemang is the latest in a series of new signings to experience misfortune after joining the Ashton Gate staff this season.
- Lithuanian international forward Andrius Velicka arrived on loan from Scottish giants Rangers in August, but lasted just five minutes before rupturing his cruciate ligament after he came on as a second-half substitute in the home game against QPR.
Former Motherwell hit-man Clarkson had managed only a handful of outings before he was struck down by a mystery illness, which also affected fellow newcomers Lewin Nyatanga and Dean Gerken.
In Clarkson's case, it was December before he was fit enough to resume first-team duties." Evening Post
Plymouth Land Former QPR Target - Vitalfootball
BBC Sport
Plymouth Land Former QPR Target
Vitalfootball
Former QPR target Onismor Bhasera has penned a deal with Plymouth Argyle pending international clearance. The defender has been in a contract wrangle with ...
Pilgrims set for N'Gala loan SkySports
all 37 news articles »
Bates Refs Blades Clash
Bates Refs Blades Clash
Vitalfootball: Q.P.R.: 11/03/2010 07:49:00
ANTHONY Bates from Staffordshire will take charge of Neil Warnock's return to Sheffield United this weekend.
Vitalfootball: Q.P.R.: 11/03/2010 07:49:00
ANTHONY Bates from Staffordshire will take charge of Neil Warnock's return to Sheffield United this weekend.
One Day In History - Sheffield United 1970-71
One Day In History - Sheffield United 1970-71
Vitalfootball: Q.P.R.: 11/03/2010 07:45:00
RANGERS travelled to high-flying Sheffield United as they looked to rekindle some form in the Second Division promotion race.
Vitalfootball: Q.P.R.: 11/03/2010 07:45:00
RANGERS travelled to high-flying Sheffield United as they looked to rekindle some form in the Second Division promotion race.
