Gary Patrick Waddock is 50 today. His place in QPR folklore is secure. Born in Kingsbury, London he joined QPR at the tender age of 13 and progressed through the youth and reserve teams before making his debut in 1979. The Loftus Road faithful instantly took to the redheaded dynamo, this affection barely wavering throughout his 200 appearances over the next eight seasons including the 1983 FA Cup Final. His energetic and fully committed displays in midfield standing him out as the type of solid, dependable professional that is essential for any top side. His unselfish work in midfield releasing other more creative players from their more mundane duties enabling them to flourish. Each of his eight goals were wildly received, with cries of âshootâ echoing around Loftus Road whenever he had the ball anywhere near the opponents penalty area. Ruptured knee ligaments curtailed his career at the top level, but his still managed to continue playing for another ten season such is his love for the game. He reappeared briefly at QPR during that spell but did not make a first team appearance. Ian Holloway appointed him as a youth coach and he was catapulted into temporary managership when Ollie was placed on gardening leave. His attempt to bring through some of the younger players and return to a more entertaining style of football was not especially successful and he was replaced by John Gregory. Gary was initially retained as assistant manager, but when Gregory brought in Richard Hill in this role demoting Gary back to coach his days were clearly numbered. He resigned in October 2006. The step up to manager arrived to early for him. I still like Gary Waddock. From the early days of watching him tear around the middle of the park, to his determination to bring some style back to our football. He always understood the history of the club and what the supporters wanted. Much as we like winning matches, we want to win with style. We want a âStan Bowlesâ in the number 10 shirt. Q.P.R. has always attracted maverick players, we welcome them in when other clubs reject them as they donât fit into a system. Waddock understood this, but didnât have the time or the resources to realise it. Happy Birthday Gary, QPR legend.
I was always a big fan of Waddock's. Played with his heart on his sleeve and is Irish of course. Loved seeing a QPR player representing Jacky Charlton's green and white army.
Good piece Rolly. Not to get all bloody Irish on this, but he was a true QPR man and the fact that he was Irish (no getting away from that with that head of red hair), was all the more sweeter! I do have some thoughts on other topics outside of Ireland, believe me......
Great player and a good read thank you what of today's team? A disgrace to the badge Like today our team is grey and drizzle and running away down the drain of life Nice to remember better days
I met Gary Waddock and Alan Mc Donald when they were manager and joint manager a few years back. Have a lot of respect for them both.
Bit harsh Swords, he was dropped in it with little experience and no money, didn't stand a chance following Olly. Proved himself at lower level...
Wycombe fans like the bloke ... but think that he's useless as a manager. They have been calling for his resignation for ages. The only reason he hasn't got the boot is because it would cost Steve Hayes too much. Lucky for him the results have been better in the last few weeks.
