A Photo Look Back at QPR 1974-1977: The Dave Sexton Years (which Ended 35 Years Ago Today)

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Flashback: 35 Years ago today, Dave Sexton Managed QPR for the last time

May 23rd 1977: QPR's last game of the 1976/1977 season (Season ended late by this season - or any season's standards!). QPR drew that final game 2-2 against Birmingham (Masson and Webb scoring for QPR. QPR's team: - Parkes - Gillard Webb McClintock Hollins - Kelly Leach Masson Thomas - Givens Eastoe - Sub Abbot

Thus ended the 2 1/2 Year Dave Sexton era, in which Sexton basically inherited the Gordon Jago team and first guided to safety; the following season guided QPR to the League Championship (except QPR were 'robbed' at the very end!). And the following season guided the team to the League Cup Semi-Finals and EUFA Cup Quarter-Finals (again robbed!)..
A few weeks later, Dave Sexton was appointed manager of Manchester United (after initially seeming set to coach at Arsenal. And Frank Sibley was QPR's new manager.
Opinions vary among QPR fans whether Sexton was QPR's "Greatest-ever" manager or just one of the top two or three; but he's certainly right up there, along with Alex Stock, Gordon Jago and Terry Venables.






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Rangers finished runners - up with 59 points to the Champions Liverpool on 60 points. Played 42, Won 24, Draws 11, Lost 7. Goals For 67, Against 33.





New signing John Hollins trying out the new weight-lifting apparatus that had been installed pre-season. His signature is on the opposite page.

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Dave Webb No.6 scores with a flying header to beat Manchester Utd 1-0 in front of a crowd 29,237 at Loftus Rd.



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Dave Thomas takes a corner against Stoke City. Rangers win 3-2.





8,500 supporters turned up for the Mick Leach Testimonial. Rangers won 4-0.



The Red Star Star players signed the team photo.



The late and great Dave Clement with wife Pat and son Paul who was three at the time.



Dave Webb celebrates scoring the winning goal at Logtus Rd against Manchester City with Gerry Francis and Dave Thomas about to join in. Rangers won 1-0. Attendance: 29,883

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In the last home game of the season Rangers won 2-0 with goals from Dave Thomas and Stan Bowles in front of the largest home crowd of the season with 31,002.

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Gerry Francis, Frank McLintock and Manager Dave Sexton celebrate in the Directors box after the Leeds game.



In the Directors Box Dave Clement, Don Masson Phil Parkes, Dave Webb and Stan Bowles break out the cigars and bubbly.

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And 1976/77





Division 1 1976-77 Season

Rangers finished the season in 14th position with 38pts in Division 1 with 13 wins, 12 draws and 17 defeats. Goals for 47 and 52 against.
Stan Bowles & Don Givens were equal top goalscorers with 19 apeice.
Largest home attendance was 29,832, against Liverpool ending in a 1-1 draw.

Rangers played in the UEFA Cup for the first time and reached the quarter - final stage before being knocked out by AEK Athens.

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Pre - Season Tour










Stan Bowles entertains at the Open Day




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Pre- Season Ian Gillard & Stan Bowles



Opening game of the season Rangers lose 0-4. On the front cover: Phil Parkes & former World Welterweight champion John H Stracey



























Phil Parkes tips over a shot as Joe Royle & Dave Webb look on.






Manager Dave Sexton watches Don Givens from above.









Don Givens












Don Givens scores from the penalty spot against Slovan Bratislava to claim his hatrick.




Stan Bowles scores his ninth goal in the competition against Slovan Bratislava.












In training John Hollins, Eddie Kelly, Dave Clement & Dave Webb.



Stan Bowles at West Ham Utd finishes reading the paper.



Phil Parkes claims a cross as Trevor Brooking, Dave Clement & John look on.



















Rangers drew 0-0 in the League Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg.





Rangers drew 2-2 aet, in the 2nd Leg. Scorers Francis, Eastoe.



Rangers lost the replay at Highbury 3-0.







Despite the cover showing Wembley Stadium the match was played at Loftus Rd.



















Last game of the season was at home to Birmingham City and ended 2-2.

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Thanks one again to Bushman for the photos...and to QPR for the memories

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