Andriy Shevchenko: From Hero to Hero

FA Cup Semi-Final: Fight to Win

Beating Arsenal in the Sixth Round of the FA Cup saw us into the FA Cup Semi-Final, where we would be facing high-flying Manchester City.

The likes of Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero, David Silva, and Yaya Toure made me think we would be crushed. The media didn't seem to think otherwise.


We would be coming to City on the back of a very very narrow 3-2 loss to Manchester United, and also a deserving 2-1 win over Everton. The Citizens' last two matches included only draws against Chelsea in the Premier League, and Girondins Bordeaux in the Europa League.

We had also pulled off an unlikely 4-0 win over Arsenal in the Sixth Round despite failing to do the same a week later in the Premier League.

Maybe, just maybe...

Gary Neville: Hello everyone, and today you join us at the Etihad Stadium, where Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers face off against each other.

Niall Quinn: Indeed, Gary.

Gary Neville: Queens Park Rangers have gotten far, with Andriy Shevchenko having led them to wins against the likes of Arsenal to get this far, while Manchester City have had it easy, brushing aside Charlton, Fulham, Cardiff, and Watford.

Niall Quinn: Of course, everyone will be betting on Manchester City to win this one easily but Andriy Shevchenko's side are known for pulling off major upsets. Firstly, let's take a look at the line-ups for today.


Gary Neville: Interestingly, Manchester City have opted for Gomes instead of the ever-reliable Joe Hart in goal. Richards is also fielded instead of Maicon and Zabaleta and Nastasic is given a rare start. This represents that Roberto Mancini is underestimating QPR, don't you think, Niall?

Niall Quinn: Definitely Gary. I think they should have at least used Maicon at right back and Joe Hart instead of Gomes. Yaya Toure and Marouane Fellaini will be causing problems for Rangers in the City midfield today, and so will Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero, who are huge threats. However, Markel Susaeta gets a rare nod to start the match.

Gary Neville: Lastly, up front for City we have Mario Balotelli instead of Carlos Tevez.

Niall Quinn: In goal for QPR is Julio Cesar. At right back is Jose Bosingwa, with Fabio playing on the left. Doria, Onuoha, and Mbia forms the primary defensive trio.

Gary Neville: An extremely strong defense there for QPR. Mbia, Onuoha and Doria is a great three-man team and with just a bit of luck they could handle Aguero, Nasri, and Balotelli.

Niall Quinn: Esteban Granero partners Alejandro Faurlin in midfield, with Park Ji-Sung on the right wing. Wellington Nem is on the left after Junior Hoilett's horrible showing against Everton last week, and Djibril Cisse will lead the Rs' attack. QPR's line-up holds little surprises.

Gary Neville: Right you are, Niall, now let's proceed with the match.


1' - Hello, and welcome to the Etihad Stadium.

23' OWN GOAL - Aguero looks to shoot... and Nedum Onuoha has got it, great tackle. Unfortunately Onuoha accidentally hits it into his own net. Terrible mistake from the defender.

45' - HT: Man City 1-0 QPR. A fairly uneventful first half.

45' - Wallace will come on for Jose Bosingwa at the half-time break.

52' - Some good play from the QPR attackers and Cisse has the goal at his mercy, but Joe Hart scrambles to it before anything can happen.

53' - City's counter-attack only sees Marouane Fellaini shoot the ball way wide of the goal.

61' - Shevchenko attempts to freshen things up as Hoilett comes on for Wellington Nem. Manchester City also boost their defense with the arrival of Joleon Lescott, at the expense of Nastasic.

67' - A brilliant save by Julio Cesar to deny Aguero!

81' - Fabio is injured, and Ryan Nelsen will replace the on-loan defender. A couple of defensive changes to accommodate the newly-introduced New Zealand man, as Wallace moves to left-back and Nedum Onuoha moves to right-back.

82' - A reckless challenge by Samir Nasri on Junior Hoilett in the box results in the referee pointing to the spot. PENALTY FOR QPR!

82' GOAL - Faurlin runs up to hit the penalty... AND HE SCORES! A well-taken penalty as Gomes guesses the correct way, but is too slow to prevent the ball from hitting the back of the net. A dramatic late comeback from QPR!

90' - After an hour of being in the lead, Nasri's mistake has led to Faurlin scoring the equaliser in the 82nd minute, and the two teams will now go into extra-time.

105' - HT in Extra Time: Man City 1-1 QPR. Will this be heading to penalties?

106' - Balotelli runs with the ball and he hits it! ... Only to see his ball go wide, he should have done a lot better with that chance.

110' - Ryan Nelsen has picked up a knock, but there is no more subs left and the veteran defender looks able to carry on anyway.

111' GOAL - Park Ji-Sung runs all the way up into the box... AND SCORES! WHAT A TURNAROUND! MAN CITY 1-2 QPR!

115' GOAL - And it looks like it'll be heading to penalties after all! Mario Balotelli gets free of the defenders and strikes it beautifully! 2-2!

118' - Park Ji-Sung tries again but this time his shot is blocked by Gomes.

120' - FT: Man City 2-2 QPR. It will go to penalty shootouts, after all. QPR have done very well to contain an exciting Manchester City side.

GOAL - It will be Djibril Cisse to hit the first penalty, and he does it easily.

GOAL - Aguero scores his penalty for Manchester City as well!

GOAL - Faurlin takes his second penalty of the match, and he hits in the bottom corner. Another well-taken penalty.

GOAL - Barry also scores his penalty. It looked to be going wide, but thankfully for the Manchester City fans, the ball found the upper corner of the net.

GOAL - QPR are not backing down as Granero also scores his penalty, a beautiful shot to the left as Gomes jumps to the right.

GOAL - Balotelli is booed as he takes his penalty, but he doesn't let it affect him. Right into the bottom corner.

GOAL - Park, QPR's hero earlier, takes his penalty, and the captain sees his shot right in the back of the net. Well-taken.

MISS - After seven consecutive penalties hit in, Fellaini fails to emulate his previous three teammates and sees his weak shot saved by Julio Cesar.

GOAL - Junior Hoilett has the chance to bring glory to his club... if he scores this one, QPR are going to be in it, the FA Cup Final. He steadies himself, and takes the penalty coolly. AND HE SCORES! RIGHT IN THE BOTTOM LEFT! WHAT A PENALTY! WHAT A MATCH, AND WHAT A WIN BY QPR! Their players are all running towards Hoilett now, all mobbing him! Andriy Shevchenko looks mighty pleased! Queens Park Rangers are in the FA Cup Final!

2012-12-11 17:07#71879 Arvind K : So you're leaving QPR at the end of the season?

We'll see....

April: Up the Table

"We have moved from 11th to 9th in the league. There's just a few more games left until the end of the season," said Mark.

"I think I had a pretty good first season," I replied happily.

"Oh, yes, here is the April monthly report. You will be presented your monthly report next month right after our last league match."

"Alright," I nodded, proceeding to go over the report.





Premier League
Everton 1 - 2 QPR
Doria
Owen

West Bromwich 1 - 1 QPR
Onuoha

QPR 2 - 0 Newcastle
Cisse
Cisse


FA Cup
Man City 2 - 2 QPR (3-5 pen.)
Faurlin
Park

"Well, this has been a rather crazy season," Mark admitted. "We are in the FA Cup Final."

"Against Leeds, is that right?"

"Yes, Leeds, they caused a major upset there, in the Semi Final like us. Beat Chelsea. Say, you played for them, didn't you Andriy?"

I smiled. "Yes, yes I did."

QPR Player of the Month

Doria


Doria's performances have been so good each month that we cannot find any more words to describe him. What a player.

I blinked. "Well, I guess Doria is going to be the best signing I've ever made."

Mark laughed. "I think I'm going to have start seeing more of young Doria and his face in these Player of the Month things."

"Yes," I chuckled.

"Hey, your managerial contract is going to expire soon, Andriy. Aren't you planning to go up and ask Tony about a contract renewal?"

I looked away, frowning. "Hm. I may do that."

FA Cup Final: The Finish Line

"You guys," I looked at the players surrounding me in the dressing room. They all looked determined, all ready to go out there and fight, to complete the race. "Give it your best shot."

"Yes, boss!"

"Do you still remember the tactics we've been going through?" I asked. No way in hell would they forget.

"Yes, boss!"

I smiled.

"Now go out there and show them all why you've got to this stage of the competition, and show why you deserve to bring back that FA Cup! Show them why this QPR team deserves to lift the trophy for the club, for the very first time! Make history! Let's do it!"

"YEAH!"


1' - We kick off here at Wembley Stadium! Leeds and QPR face off against each other today. Both team's managers have done very well to get their respective clubs to the stage they are, and regardless of the result of this, I am sure both will be hailed by their respective supporters.

4' GOAL - Norris crosses in for Davide Somma to leap up and head the ball into the goal! Leeds take the lead!

15' - Alejandro Faurlin has picked up a knock, but he appears to be able to carry on.

32' - Now Esteban Granero has picked up a knock as well...

40' - Cisse plays Park through, SHOT ON GOAL...! But the QPR captain's shot is blocked, unlucky!

45 + 2' - GOAL - Granero crosses in the corner and some good combination by Doria and Wellington Nem sees the ball advance to Nedum Onuoha, and the former City defender strikes it hard into the net.

45' - HT: QPR 1-1 Leeds. Half-time here at Loftus Read sees the two sides on equal terms after Queens Park Rangers fought back following an early lead from Leeds' Davide Somma. Faurlin and Granero, two key players in the Rs' midfield have picked up knocks that may be troublesome for the next 45 minutes.

45' - We kick off the second half. Fabio replaces Wallace, who was having a torrid time at left-back.

46' OWN GOAL - Terrible mistake by Tom Lees! Wellington Nem gets a beautiful cross in but the Leeds defender beats Park Ji-Sung to it, however Lees accidentally hits the ball past his own keeper instead of clearing it. QPR take the lead!

63' - Michael Owen comes on for Djibril Cisse.

76' GOAL - Leeds' defenders are having an absolutely horrible day! Tom Lees passes back to Patrick Kisborno, and the Australian is chased closely by Michael Owen. Kisborno attempts a pass-back to the keeper, but Michael Owen takes it, and left unmarked, the number 16 places it in the back of the net with a typical finish, just 13 minutes after his introduction.

78' - Ross McCormack blasts a fierce shot, and Julio Cesar saves it with his hands, wonderful save from the Brazilian.

90' - FT: QPR 3-1 Leeds. QUEENS PARK RANGERS HAVE WON THE FA CUP! FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THEIR HISTORY!

Aftermath

In just my first season, I have led Queens Park Rangers to EUROPA LEAGUE QUALIFICATION!

You can't leave now!

U can leave with your head held high, but i suspect you'll stay if Tony offers you some cash to spend!

Great acheivement though feel a bit for Leeds, all them giant killings and they lose to...QPE lol

May: Finishing the Season

"Well, that was a great way to end the season, wasn't it, Andriy?"

"Yes, Mark... a 3-4 win over Stoke.. not to mention the FA Cup win."

"Here's the final monthly report for this season," Mark patted his boss on the shoulder. "You've done well!




Premier League
Reading 0 - 2 QPR
Park
Park

Stoke 3 - 4 QPR
Cisse
Nem
Huth
Faurlin


FA Cup
QPR 3 - 1 Leeds
Onuoha
Lees
Owen

A smile formed on my lips as I looked through this month's results. Not a bad way to end the season at all.

QPR Player of the Month

Stephane Mbia


Mbia played primarily in defensive midfield this month with Doria and Nedum Onuoha taking his places in central defense. He completely excelled and rendered opposing attackers with many problems.

"This is it, huh?" I grinned. "The last monthly report."

"Not the last you'll ever get though," Mark teased. "Say, you haven't signed that contract extension yet, have you?"

I sighed. "No, Mark."

"Are you putting it off or has Tony not handed you one?" My assistant manager had a curious look on his face, taking a seat opposite me.

"I actually rejected a contract extension a month ago," I said sheepishly.

"Why?" Mark gasped.

"Nevermind that..." I stood up.

"Come on, Andriy, you've gotta stay. You led us to Europa League qualification."

I stared at Mark and gave him a slight smile. "We'll see. I'm just not happy with Tony. He hasn't gave me much of a transfer budget, just because of my predecessor's transfer failures," I scowled, talking about Mark Hughes. "And he looks like he's been losing interest in me and the club within the past few months. Anyway.... we will see, we will see."

2012-12-11 23:49#71903 smcann77 : You can't leave now!

Like Andriy said, we shall see!

2012-12-11 23:53#71905 MCFCDAP : U can leave with your head held high, but i suspect you'll stay if Tony offers you some cash to spend!

Great acheivement though feel a bit for Leeds, all them giant killings and they lose to...QPE lol

Thanks for the feedback! Yes I will definitely stay if Mr. Fernandes gave me a giant budget. Unfortunately that won't happen, considering our insecure financial status

2012/13 Round-Up

Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur
Champions' League Qualification: Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal
Europa League Qualification: Liverpool, West Bromwich, Queens Park Rangers
Relegated: West Ham, Sunderland, Reading
Capital One Cup: Manchester United
FA Cup: Queens Park Rangers
Champions' League: Real Madrid
Europa League: Manchester City

2012/13 Premier League Awards

Golden Glove
Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur)


Footballer of the Year
Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)


Goal of the Season
Chris Brunt (Everton)


Manager of the Year
Andre Villas-Boas (Tottenham Hotspur)


Players' Player of the Year
Yaya Toure (Manchester City)


Players' Team of the Year
Lloris; Walker, Vidic, Koscielny, Baines; Aguero, Gerrard, Toure, Sosa; Crouch, Jelavic


Players' Young Player of the Year
Javier Hernandez (Manchester United)


Golden Boot
Nikica Jelavic (Everton)

Negotiations Stall: Shevchenko set for QPR exit?

QPR manager Andriy Shevchenko now looks set for the Loftus Road exit, just a few weeks after leading his Rangers side to the FA Cup, beating Arsenal and Manchester City along the way. Shevchenko, now a fan favourite within the QPR fanbase, also guided his team to 9th in the league, and Europa League qualification thanks to their FA Cup win.

Shevchenko's one-year contract expires in a month and it is understood that chairman Tony Fernandes has offered the Ukrainian contract extensions various times, but have been rejected.

Now, Shevchenko is prepared to commit his short-term future to Queens Park Rangers, but it is understood contract talks with Fernandes hit a snag this morning.

The former AC Milan player requested that the contract be only until June 2014. However, Fernandes insisted it to be until 2017.

Despite looking set to leave, Shevchenko has convinced Michael Owen, a January signing, to sign a one-year extension to his six-month contract with the Hoops, after the Englishman's impressive six months at QPR. Chief scout Steve Hitchen has also signed a new contract, but veteran Shaun Derry looks set to leave.

New Contract: Signed!

Andriy Shevchenko has put pen to paper on a new four-year contract with Queens Park Rangers, after leading them to the FA Cup, Europa League qualification, and an impressive 9th place finish. The Ukrainian's deal was set to expire in a week but he has now committed his future to the club, putting the Rangers fans at ease.

2012/13 QPR Awards

Fans' Player of the Year
Stephane Mbia


Top Goalscorer
Djibril Cisse (25 goals)


Top League Goalscorer
Djibril Cisse (21 goals)


Top Assists
Wellington Nem (14 assists)


Best Eleven
Cesar; Bosingwa, Onuoha, Mbia, Wallace; Granero, Faurlin, Derry; Park, Nem; Cisse

The New Season: Starting Fresh

"Wow, Andriy, you've released a heck lot."

"Yes, I have Mark," I acknowledged my assistant manager in front of me. "I didn't really want to, but they were taking up space and some of their salaries were too high for their status..."


Andreas Ibertsberger


Kieron Dyer


Rob Hulse


Ryan Nelsen


Shaun Derry