The Main Business of the Summer was Preparing for the Move to the White City Stadium’
On 7th May 1931, Rangers beat Bournemouth 3-0 at Loftus Road. During the close season a director of the Club, John Bowman briefly replaced Bob Hewison as manager.
However, due to illness he was replaced by fans favourite, Archie Mitchell, before the new season got underway.
Promoted as a ‘great step forward for the Club’ the main business of the summer was preparing for the move to the White City Stadium.
The following article appeared on 8th August: ‘Arrangements are now almost complete, the “Middlesex County Times” learns, for Queen’s Park Rangers to play their home matches at the White City, Shepherd’s Bush, during the coming season.
For some time, the directors have been negotiating with the present proprietors to secure a lease.
Agreement has been reached on the more important points, an official of the Club informed the “Middlesex County Times” yesterday, and as soon as one or two minor matters are dealt with the contract will be signed.
It is hardly likely that the Football Association or the Football League will withhold their consent to this arrangement, which will mean that Queen’s Park Rangers will possess one of the three finest grounds in the kingdom, capable of holding over 80,000 spectators.
The Rangers have been playing for a number of years at Loftus Road, which is practically next door to the White City. The Club will continue to use their present ground for training purposes.’
Reserve team games were also played at Loftus Road during the course of the season.
After a 0-1 defeat at Griffin Park on the opening match of the season, Rangers then drew 1-1 against Bristol Rovers.
For the first home league game on 5th September, a crowd of 18,938 witnessed a 0-3 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth & Boscombe.
Rangers had previously played at the Stadium on two occasions in April 1912.
Steve Russell
Thanks to Colin Woodley for unearthing the newspaper article and also my thanks as always to Gordon Macey (Rest in Peace).