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Saturday 11th July 2009
Pre-season Friendly
The Recreation Ground
Kick-off: 15:00
Aldershot Town V Queens Park Rangers
By thegodfather

Queens Park Rangers begin their series of pre-season friendlies with a trip to the Recreation Ground to face Gary Waddock's Aldershot Town on Saturday. Waddock, of course, had a brief, unsuccessful spell as QPR manager back in 2006. Summer friendlies tend to be rather dull affairs, but with the match representing the Shots boss’ first opportunity to gain revenge on his former club, the game could be more competitive than many expect.

Aldershot Town

Since Gary Waddock was appointed as the manager of the Shots in May 2007, the club’s progress has been nothing short of extraordinary. In his first season, the former Rs boss guided Town to the Conference title, with a record-breaking final total of 101 points. Sixteen years after the demise of Aldershot FC, the Shots had finally regained their Football League status.

Many expected Aldershot to struggle in the fourth tier of English football. Waddock retained much of the squad from the previous season, only making a few signings. Despite lacking Football League experience, the team started the 2008/09 campaign well and put distance between themselves and the relegation zone. The Shots achieved a respectable finish of 15th position in the league table.

Aldershot’s supporters hope that the club could push for a top-half finish during the forthcoming campaign. It is therefore very important that the team makes the most of pre-season and Waddock will be hoping for a good performance against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

Men to watch

Waddock has a couple of former QPR players at his disposal. Rangers fans will remember midfielder, Scott Donnelly, who made his first appearance for the Hoops at the age of 16 back in 2004. At the time he was seen as a hot prospect for the future by the Loftus Road faithful but he struggled with injuries and was eventually released in 2007. Since joining Aldershot at the start of the 07/08 campaign, the 21 year-old has played a key role for the team in the heart of midfield. I remember watching Donnelly during his QPR days and his skill on the ball was very impressive. He could be one to watch on Saturday.

Another former R is goalkeeper, Nikki Bull, who was a member of the QPR squad between 2000 and 2002. He never quite managed to break through into the first-team and moved to Aldershot Town. The 27 year-old became a favourite with supporters of the Shots with his excellent performances and was rewarded with a regular place in the starting line-up. He was named Conference Goalkeeper and Non-League footballer of the year during Town’s promotion-winning campaign.

Up front, Waddock could select the experienced John Grant. With a proven goalscoring record in the lower divisions of English football, Aldershot secured his services in 2006. Since then, he has scored 44 goals in 110 appearances for the Shots.

Marvin Morgan could partner Grant in attack. The former Wealdstone, Yeading and Woking man signed for Aldershot during the summer of 2008. The tall striker will pose a real threat, particularly from set-pieces, so it is very important that the QPR defenders mark him closely.

In the heart of defence, Chris Blackburn played a crucial role in the Shots’ success last season. The 26 year-old, who has played for Morecambe and Swindon Town in the past, joined Aldershot during the summer of 2008. He made 36 appearances last season and impressed the supporters with some very solid performances as a centre-half. Blackburn can also play as a right-back or as a midfielder if required.

QPR Team News

New signing, Alejandro Faurlin, will not be available for tomorrow’s match as he awaits the international clearance of his transfer. Damion Stewart is on Gold Cup duty with Jamaica and Lee Cook is out with a knee injury. Rs fans, however, can expect to see Akos Buzsaky and Martin Rowlands at the Recreation Ground. The two players, who suffered serious injuries during last season, are expected to play at least 45 minutes of the match. 32 year-old David Connolly will also be involved in tomorrow’s game. A trialist, the former Sunderland striker will be hoping to impress Magilton with a goal against the Shots.

Prediction

There is no doubt that Aldershot will provide a real challenge for Queens Park Rangers. The Shots will certainly fancy their chances at their home stadium. However, in my view, QPR will just have too much quality for Waddock’s side and I think that Rs fans travelling to the game can expect a comfortable victory for the away team.

Aldershot 1-3 Queens Park Rangers