The Return of QPR

I was at Wembley to watch QPR overcome Derby in the Playoff Final yesterday, and was amongst the QPR fans when Bobby Zamora hit the back of the net in the last minute of normal time.

The game itself was a tense affair. The first half was very even, and it seemed obvious that neither team wanted to commit too many men forwards as it came to a close at 0-0. The moment that changed the game was O'Neil's red card in the 60th minute. At the time it looked like a straight red, and it was no surprise to me to see the referee pull that card out of his top pocket.

Derby had started the second half brightly, and the challenge O'Neil made was one of pure desperation as he was never going to reach the ball. It is questionable if he was indeed the last man, but he had no intent to win it and he prevented a clear goal scoring opportunity. It was a silly challenge, and the pressure Derby put on for the rest of the half was relentless.

That said, there were only a couple of times when I feared they may score. They had a few half chances, but nothing clear cut and Rob Green was dominant in his box, as well as having the wall of Onuoha and Dunne in front of him. Dunne in particular was rewarded with the man of the match award, having performed his duties admirably.

The second half was essentially attack vs defence, with QPR sitting back and dealing with everything Derby had to throw at them. Having won many games this season 1-0, QPR were well equipped for a tight finish and as the minutes rolled on it felt like we were heading to extra time.

At one point I said to the chap sitting next to me "just imagine if QPR sneak one" and he laughed at me. He said it'd be brilliant, but that it was simply not going to happen. The Rangers fans were resigned to clinging on, and were hoping to reach penalties.

But then that man, Bobby Zamora, placed the ball into the top corner of the goal with an instinctive left foot strike, capitalising on a bad touch from the Derby centre back. The elation, jubilation, relief and pure ecstasy felt in the stands was something I will never forget. Everybody was hugging everybody, and nobody could quite believe what had just happened. Of all players, Bobby bloody Zamora had scored the winner! 

He had fallen out of favour with the QPR fans the last time I'd seen them play. Against Bolton he had come on as a sub when there were chants of "How shit must you be? Zamora's up front!". It looked as though he would be amongst those being shipped out at the end of the season, and nobody would have questioned it.

This one goal for Zamora that secured QPRs return to the Premiership has seen his reputation transformed. Yes, the elation of the game had everybody in high spirits, and that may be a factor - but it looks as though Bobby is getting a new contract when it seemed so unlikely just a few months ago. Football really is a fickle game.

I had a tremendous time at Wembley. Being a Crewe fan, I've never been to a game so important. Yes I've seen Crewe promoted at Wembley, and I've seen them raise the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, but neither of these are worth hundreds of millions to one club. This was another level.

I will be following QPR next season, and I hope they do well. They loaned a lot of players out this season, so will have to cut down their squad but they will also need to strengthen in a few areas. Of those returning from loan I'd like to think Remy will stay on and strike up a partnership with Charlie Austin. They'll need to improve their defensive options, but generally they've got the make of a decent squad and should be competitive.