Holloway pays emotional tribute after QPR legend Francis loses both parents
Ian Holloway has paid tribute to Gerry Francis and the QPR legend’s parents, who both recently died.
Roy and Pauline Francis passed away within days of each other.
Rangers manager Holloway, who played under the Chiswick-born Francis at Bristol Rovers before joining him at Loftus Road in 1991, said: “I went to a funeral this week. My mentor Gerry Francis lost his mum and his dad within a week.
“It was an absolute privilege to be there. QPR everywhere: Phil Parkes, Ian Gillard, Frank Sibley.
“I just want to say that as a QPR person it was an honour to have known them. They were very special people.
“Gerry, you did them proud and they did you proud as well.”
Ex-QPR players Gavin Peacock and Lee Harper posted on Twitter to express their sympathy for the former England captain, who had two spells in charge at Rangers and is regarded as one of the club’s greatest-ever players.
Peacock, who said he had spoken to his former boss, described him as “a great leader, manager, coach and counsellor – and above all, a family man.”
Just spoke to Gerry Francis after the death of his parents, Roy and Pauline, within days of each other. Gerry is a @QPRFC legend; a great leader, manager, coach and counsellor – and above all, a family man. I’m sure the thoughts of all Rs fans are with him as his family grieves.
— Gavin Peacock (@GPeacock8) January 20, 2018
So sad to hear of my former #QPR
Manager and ledgend Gerry Francis losing both of his parents in a very short space of time puts all into perspective thoughts are with Gerry at this sad time— Lee Harper (@LeeHarperGK) January 20, 2018
21/01/2018 @ 1:41 pm
I’m sure all true Rs supporters would send Gerry Francis their condolences,to lose one parent is hard enough to take,both within a week,must be devastating.Our thoughts are with you.