Loftus Road Ground Improvements in 1947 – ‘No Outside Labour was Available for this Work, which was carried out by our own Players’ 

The pic shown below comes from a 1947 weekly newspaper, headlined: ‘Footballers Make Ground Improvements’, and the caption reads: 

‘Players of the Queen’s Park Rangers football club assisting in the installation of 500 tip-up seats purchased from an East End cinema. 

This is part of the London club’s plans for providing better accommodation and comfort for their spectators.’ 

And the 1946/47 Handbook reported that: 

‘You may ask, “What happens to our money and is it wisely spent?” Take a look round the ground and note the improvements. 

The pitch itself has been lengthened and has never looked so trim; thanks to half-a-ton of grass seed, and the untiring efforts of Jimmy Eggleton. 

The old wooden fencing at each end of the pitch has been replaced by a permanent concrete wall, which has become known as: ‘The Mangnall Wall’, as the supervision of this was under the able guidance of our popular manager. 

No outside labour was available for this work, which was carried out by our own players, who included Alf Ridyard, Les Blizzard, Alec Farmer, Dickie March, and our old player Tommy Cheetham, whilst Johnny Pattison supplied the necessary finishing touches.  

Terracing too has been greatly improved, and those who use the Loftus Road entrance will be more than pleased with conditions under foot.  

Building permits, time, and labour shortage have not permitted us to do more this close season, but vast ground improvements and development are in the offing and will be carried out as soon as possible.’ 

Later, the Club paid £26,250 to purchase the freehold of the ground, together with the thirty-nine houses adjoining in Ellerslie and Loftus Roads. 

This money was raised through the issue of shares. 

Steve Russell