QUEENS PARK RANGERS AWAY 1983-86
QPR’s classic ‘Dennis the Menace’ red and black hooped away kit design by Adidas lasted from 1983 until 1989, but was probably most well-known when sponsored by Irish brewing giants, Guinness, from 83-86.
The Loftus Road club had languished in Division Two since 1979, but once Terry Venables took the helm in 1980, things began to improve. A cup final appearance against Spurs in 1982 was followed by promotion back to the top tier in 82-83; QPR running out convincing winners of the Second Division.
Venables left for Barcelona after guiding Rangers to fifth place in 1983-84. A succession of managers tried and failed to recreate El Tel’s achievements until the Bald Eagle Jim Smith arrived in 1985.
With the likes of Gary Bannister, John Byrne, Terry Fenwick and Martin Allen in the side, Smith and the infamous plastic pitch at Loftus Road reached the 1986 Milk Cup final where they were soundly beaten by Robert Maxwell’s favourite play-thing, Oxford United.
On their way to Wembley, they defeated west London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the quarter-final.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6m3dQd7ITs&w=420&h=315]
Classic retro shirts now available at Campo Retro www.camporetro.com
