With the season just over I thought that I would give everyone a quick look at what former R’s are celebrating or in some cases commiserating their seasons in the Premier League and The Championship.

We start in the Premiership and at Birmingham City where Ireland international Steven Kelly is contemplating life in the Championship. Kelly, who had a brief loan spell with the R’s culminating in appearing in the play-off final a few years back, has played in every game for Brum this season.  

At Everton former England number one and Rangers favourite Chris Woods is celebrating the Toffees UEFA Cup qualification. Woods is currently goalkeeping coach at Goodison Park.  

Lee Cook’s much rumoured return to QPR looks in doubt now as unfortunately Fulham were saved from relegation and live to fight another day!  

Rafa Benitez’s scandalous treatment of Peter Crouch continues at Anfield. Crouchy was axed from the final squad of the season and is linked with a move to either Portsmouth or Aston Villa. Let’s hope he signs for another one of his former clubs outside of the Premiership over the summer!  

Popular former loan Ranger Martin Cranie sat out the remainder of the season after suffering a nasty injury whilst playing for us. The England under 21 defender could be on his way out of Pompey in the summer though. Here’s hopping that his destination will be Loftus Road.  

Rangers legend Clive Allen led the Spurs reserves side to a mid-table finish. I personally would like to see Allen return to Rangers in a coaching role.  

At West Ham Nigel Quashie is up for sale, Quashie has only made a handful of appearances this season and the Scotland international is rumoured to be linked with a move to Stoke. The current goalie coach at Upton Park is Ludek Miklosko. Big “Ludo” was a favourite of mine and I always remember him charging up field in the closing stages of games trying to grab a Ranger’s equaliser in the bad old days!  

Moving on into the Championship and we start with Blackpool. The Tangerines were many peoples tip for the drop this year but they comfortably survived thanks in some part to Ian Evatt. Who was signed by Ian Holloway before being bombed out by John Gregory last season. Also enjoying life at the seaside is Marcus Bean. The 21 year old midfielder made just a handful of appearances this season but has just been released from his contract.  

Surprise story of the season Bristol City had an ex R going to Wembley in the form of goalkeeper Adriano Basso. The big Brazilian had a trial at QPR back in 2004.  

Burnley had another steady season and my old favourite Clarke Carlisle has been a permanent fixture in the back line all season.  

FA Cup finalists Cardiff City have decided to part company with Trevor Sinclair. After missing out on the cup Trev departed Ninian Park the following week.   

Across London at the Valley the highly talented Jerome Thomas has had a good season; Thomas was on loan from Arsenal way back in 2001 he also had another promising loan spell in 2003.  

Relegated Colchester have a couple of ex R’s in their ranks. Kevin McLeod has been a regular starter; the cheeky scouser was a popular figure in his three years at Loftus Road. Joining him is Kevin Lisbie. Big Kev made just two appearances on loan from Charlton back in 2001 but he has hit 17 goals this year and is tipped for a move away from Essex.  

A surprising name in the Colchester squad is former Nigerian International Goalie Ademola “George” Bankole! George sighed for Colchester in January as player coach after playing for a staggering FOUR different clubs this season. No wonder Colchester were relegated if they had this man coaching the keepers!  

At the Rico Arena Leon Best has had a decent season in front of goal. The Republic under 21 international is rumoured to be on his way out this season, possible destination QPR. Well it makes sense he was signed by Ian Dowie and we do have the money to tempt cash strapped Coventry.  

At Selhurst Park 2 former R’s featured in the play off semi final. Scott Sinclair is on loan from Chelsea of course and has done well at Palace despite dividing supporters during his spell at Loftus Road. Another former loan Ranger in South London is Mark Kennedy. Kennedy was a superb sighing back in 98 and helped us survive with his sizzling skills down the left when on loan from Liverpool.

There will be three ex Rangers at Wembley on Saturday as Hull take to the field. Wayne Brown (on loan from Ipswich in 2001), Dean Marney (loaned from Spurs in 2003) and goalkeeper Mark Tyler who was at Rangers as a youth player before joining Peterborough. And let us not forget Simon Walton who is still technically a Rangers’ player.  

A terrible season at the Walkers stadium for former R’s DJ Campbell, Ricky Sappleton and of course Ian Holloway resulted in relegation to League One for the first time ever and Olly soon paid the price at the hands of mad Milan! I would assume the same fate awaits Tim Breaker, Des Bulpin and Garry Penrice who are all on the Leicester coaching staff.  

Former Loftus Road legend Glen Roeder did his job and kept Norwich up by the skins of their teeth, ably assisted by the goals of Jamie Cureton.  

At Preston second choice ‘keeper Wayne Henderson has made a handful of appearances. He spent a period on trial with us a few years back.  

Still rolling back the years for relegated Scunthorpe is Ian Baraclough who also helps out on the coaching side of things as well.  

Elsewhere in the Championship, Sheffield Wednesday had a big R’s connection with Frankie Simek, Ben Sahar, Leon Clarke Adam Bolder all playing a part in securing Wednesdays Championship survival.  

At St Marys Southampton just about survived the drop. They were helped by Andrew Davies at the back and Inigo Idiakez in midfield.

Promoted Stoke City have an old loan Ranger, Marlon Broomes, in their squad who has been unlucky with injuries this season. He had a spell on loan from Blackburn way back in 2001.  

I’m having a laugh at Watford’s expense as the Hornets miss out on promotion and stay in the Championship as personally I believe Aidy Boothroyd is the most arrogant manager outside of the Premiership! Boothroyd however does have two ex R’s play at Vicarage Road.  

Matt Jackson had a very popular loan spell from Everton way back in 1996 and of course the man mountain that is Dan Shittu also plays at the back. Big Dan fell out of favour with the manager around Christmas time but managed to play his way back in the team for the run in. Let’s hope Dowie tries his best to sign him up this summer. Imagine a back line consisting of Big Dan and Fitz Hall next year! Also anyone else remember former kit man Bob Oteng? No? Well he currently holds that position with the Hornets.  

Finally onto Wolves and they have Rangers fan and popular former loan man Darren Ward in their squad. Ward was born in Harrow and has made no secret of his affinity to Rangers; he was on loan from Watford back 1999.  

That’s all from the Premiership and Championship but I’ll be back in a few days time to have a look back over Leagues 1 and 2.   

paul_j_curran@yahoo.co.uk