I found it interesting today watching Gino Padula being inducted into the Forever R's club. I haven't really paid much attention to the Forever R's but something he said today really sparked my cynicism. He mentioned that he loved his time at Loftus Road, and has thought of his time at QPR often since he left, however, he also said today was his first time at Loftus Road since he left in 2005. He hasn't been back in 13 years. Now, as much as I enjoyed watching Padula play, and appreciate the sentiment, for me inducting a player who hasn't been to the club since he left 13 years ago, suggest that really, he isn't an R forever. Yes, he played more games (90) for us than any other club, but then he also played less than 10 games for six of his ten clubs. I'd love to know if I am the only one, but I don't consider myself stupid and ignorant of obvious PR stunts. Getting in lots of old players that we, the fans, love, is a great way to up the spirit and get us all feeling warm and fuzzy feelings for our club. I'd feel far more excited about it if it really was a select group of players who really excelled whilst playing for QPR. In reality, a group of club legends is diluted by a number of players who just came and went. Am I the only cynic, or do others love it and get really excited to see the likes of Bignot and Baraclough back on the pitch at half-time?
How many times has Bignot been back? Lee Cook - proper QPR fan - when was he last here? Paul Furlong was at Wembley.
You are not alone Dave, it is rather cynical - induct 1 or 2 true legends per season. Surely only 90 appearances can't guarantee "legend" status, you would have to be truly outstanding in those 90 games. The "Forever Rs" club is diluted by the addition of journeymen into it's ranks.
They should induct a couple of thousand fans who go to watch the club day in and day out thru good times as well as bad rather than induct players who get paid a fortune to turn up every week.
100% agree with the OP. Legend status shouldn't be granted so easily, it just becomes meaningless. Luongo played his 100th game yesterday, legend?
To be fair to Gino, he did move abroad not that long after he left us and in the period before he left the country I personally did see him in the stands with us when we played away (possibly Reading). He’s definitely one of our characters.
Peacock and Tony Roberts tonight. I have fond memories of Peacock, and he scored some good goals. Roberts was always a good back-up in my mind, especially given he made 122 appearances in 11 years.
