Taken from today’s Hammersmith Times (14/7/04): -
QPR have failed with an audacious bid to sign Chelsea duo Carlton Cole and Robert Huth on loan.
Cole joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan this week after being approached by Rangers, while centre-back Huth has made it clear he wants to join a Premiership club.
It is the second time QPR boss Ian Holloway has missed out on Cole, having first expressed an interest in taking him on loan two years ago.
Rangers' hopes of capturing the 20-year old were boosted last week when Chelsea indicated that they would be willing to lend him to their neighbours.
But the lure of the top flight proved to be too strong and Cole, who spent last season with Charlton, opted for a move to the Midlands.
He was highly thought of by ex-coach Claudio Ranieri and has been told he does have a future at Chelsea under recently-appointed boss Jose Mourinho.
Holloway's chances of landing Huth never seemed more than very slim. The German, who turns 20 next month, looks likely to spend the new campaign away from Stamford Bridge but is not keen to drop down a division.
Holloway is still looking to add to his squad ahead of the big kick-off at home to Rotherham on August 7.
He was in Italy looking at potential targets before heading to Scotland for his side's trip to the Highlands where they will begin their pre-season programme with a match against Nairn County this evening.
Lewis Hamilton, a youngster released by Derby County earlier this year, is still with the R's having impressed while on trial.
The versatile defender made a number of appearances for Rangers' reserves last season and was invited back for the start of pre-season training.
Taken from the today’s (14/7/04) Sun :-
Boss Holloway took his Championship squad to Scotland for an activity break. And he said: "We’re doing everything — boxing, abseiling, running.
"I took them orienteering on Monday — and two of them got lost!
"We had to go out in a van to get them. I can’t tell you who they are because they are a little bit embarrassed."
Midfielder Marc Bircham cut short his trip after suffering an ankle injury
Taken from the Bucks Free Press today (14/7/04): -
The Coca-Cola Championship League side approached SYCOB after the game and the three parties are now believed to be in talks.