More in The League Paper

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  STEPHAN RUES AN OFF-KEY RESTART

  REALITY: Stephan QPR head coach Julien Stephan bemoaned the start to the second half against Southampton as they conceded twice before the hour mark. Stephan said: “The scoreline is the reality for this high level. “When you have some opportunities, you have to take it. “I think we had enough...

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  AFTER SHEPHERD’S EARLY RED

  Reds and Stendel hopes the result can be used as a springboard for the rest of the season. “We tried some things in training, but I think the biggest change for the heads today was the applause after 1-1. It was a good feeling.” Referee Oliver Mackey was in the...

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  CLARETS PUT THEIR FAITH IN LOPEZ & CELESTINI

  By Tom Blackett CHANCE: Fabio Celestini in his Basel days AFTER a nightmare start to life back in the Championship, Burnley are hoping two key appointments will help turn their season around. The Clarets sacked hapless Belgian boss Nicky Hayen after last weekend’s 4-1 drubbing at Lincoln left them in...

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  ROCK BOTTOM AND SHOT-SHY

  DEFEAT for struggling Preston, who remain rooted to the foot of the table, was their fourth in five league games since appointing manager Graham Alexander as Paul Heckingbottom’s successor. And a frustrated Alexander was disappointed his side failed to have a shot on target. He said: “It was a performance...