QPR manager hails ‘shining light’ Paladini
QPR manager Neil Warnock has hailed former chairman Gianni Paladini as a “shining light” during some dark days at Loftus Road.
Paladini acquired a stake in the club in 2004 and won a boardroom battle that led to the ousting of lifelong Rangers supporter Bill Power the following year, before continuing as chairman under the unpopular ownership of Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore.
Rangers confirmed on Wednesday that the Italian’s involvement with the club was over – 90 days after he was removed as chairman following the Tony Fernandes-led takeover.
“There have been times when it would have been very difficult without Gianni,” Warnock said. “Yes we had problems but we overcame them and now we are where we are – in the Premier League.
“He’s been the shining light for me through one or two grey days during previous ownerships. He’s really helped me and I would like to say a big thank you to him for that. I’ve had such a good time with him.”
He added: “I’m sure he’ll have a part to play in football over the months and years because you won’t keep him out. I’ll miss his Italian accent and I just hope we will still get to go to Italy on pre-season tours.”
Rangers travel to Stoke on Saturday after positive performances against Tottenham and Manchester City both ended in defeat before the international break.
But striker Jay Bothroyd, who scored in both matches, says the R’s will be looking to take the momentum gained up to the Britannia Stadium in search of a third away win of the season.
Bothroyd said: “Stoke are a very good side and tough to beat away, but we look at this as a game we can impose ourselves on.
“Hopefully we can get some points from the next three games because we’ve come together – we believe in ourselves now.”
