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My name is Tracy Stent. I was born and brought up in Hayes, Middlesex, which is one of the West London suburbs from which some of the QPR fanbase originate. I currently live in Hendon, which is North West London, about 8 miles away from the home of football, Loftus Road! And I have supported them since I was little girl since the 1970’s.
What was your first game?
First ‘live’ game was our first home one of the 75/76 season in which we played Liverpool (and won!). I was hooked after that and it sure was a good season to begin my love affair with the hoops as that was the one when we almost won the 1st division title, just being pipped to it on the last game.
Describe the most memorable and worst game you've seen and why?
Most memorable is the play off 2nd leg game from a couple of years ago at LR versus Oldham. The win that night secured our place in the 2nd division play off final. The excitement and party atmosphere that night will I believe be a very hard one to surpass.
Worst game for me was a match played at Oxford United a few years ago (at their old Manor Ground). We got thumped 4-1 and due to the manner of the way in which we played that afternoon it gradually began to sink in that actually we were in dire and grave trouble.
If QPR was a Celebrity, who would it be and why?
Emmerdale’s Bob Hope! Bob’s character is fun, warm and welcoming. He’s guaranteed to make you smile when you least expect it. Just like QPR!
Who do you consider as your current local rivals, and why?
Chelsea. Even though we haven’t played them for a number of years now in the same league, they will always traditionally be our local West London rivals purely because of the rivalry that used to occur between the clubs from years ago. The regular Boxing day game between the two sides used to be eagerly looked forward to by both sets of fans.
Who are the best and worst players you have seen?
The ever youthful 36-year-old Paul Furlong has become a legend with fans over the last couple of years. He’s currently on 17 goals so far this campaign and his desire for the game and commitment to the cause is quite astonishing. We’re lucky to have him. Matthew Rose is a central defender who joined us 8 years ago from the Arsenal reserves. Just lately he has been playing at left back where he has been a revelation, and whilst he does have a tendency to be rather injury prone he is without a doubt an integral part of our defence. Talking of defence, big Danny Shittu has become an awesome figure at the centre for us. We signed him from Charlton 4 years ago now and it has been a pleasure to watch him go from strength to strength. I don’t really get into worst player stuff though there are a number of players whose contracts are up at the end of this season.
Which current or former Rotherham player impressed you most?
Well, David Seaman was born in Rotherham! Seriously, I have heard good things about young Andy Monkhouse but I understand he does have a tendency towards being injury prone?
How did you fare last season?
We were promoted automatically from the then 2nd division. That did for us!
Did you expect to fair this season?
Consolidation in this league, and not to go straight back down was the aim
Think you could make the play-offs??
I didn’t at the start of the season but I most certainly think we could now
QPR have had their problems, is there money to build on this season's success?
The taxman has been paid. However we do owe millions to a mysteriously named ABC corporation and so as regards squad strengthening at the present moment in time I think most fans accept that players on loan and those on free transfers are really all we can go for…at the very least until the start of the next campaign when Ian Holloway can start again on his player’s budget.
So what do you think of The Millers?
I like Rotherham United. And I was saddened to hear of the various financial problems it found itself in this season. With the exception of Saturday’s game I wish the Millers05 group all the best in their aim to start a new and exciting era for the club.
Is your manager barking mad?
Totally. However, to quote him from one of his Ollyisms “Every dog has its day” and he is most definitely enjoying his days at Rangers currently.
Are you happy with your Chairman/Backroom staff?
The Chairman is a QPR fan. He put money into the club a couple of years ago which helped to stave off the taxman at that particular time and we now have 3 different groups who each have a stake/shareholding within the company. We don’t really know too much in depth about any of the groups, so whilst all fans are grateful for their help in steadying the ship, I personally do not feel it does any harm to just show a little caution on the various matters and issues over which the supporters in general have very little control over.
Which team do you want to beat the most this season and why?
I suppose the answer to this should be Cardiff City because of the way they beat us in the play off final a couple of years ago…at Cardiff! However, because they are now facing big problems themselves, and as a supporter of a club who knows how that feels, I can’t feel any real animosity towards them
What sort of line-up can we expect from you?
4-4-2. Furlong and Gallen up front. With our new loan signing, Andrew Davies from Middlesboro, playing at the back alongside Danny Shittu.
Predicted score?
0-2 to QPR (Sorry)
Who's going up?
Sunderland and Wigan automatically. QPR in the play offs! (ever the optimist)
Who's going down?
Rotherham (sorry again, if you weren’t 12 points away from the nearest club at this stage in the season then it might be different), Nottingham Forest and Coventry.
Pie - What Flavour?
Meat and potato (I trust they are nice ones at Millmoor?!)