Gillard honoured to be given QPR role

Ian Gillard has said it is “a huge privilege and an honour” to have been made life president of QPR’s newly-formed ex-players’ association The Forever R’s Club.

The Rangers legend, a former England international, was a product of the youth system at Loftus Road and made 479 appearances for the  club.  

Gillard, made his first-team debut in 1968, was a key player in QPR’s famous 1975-76 team and his final appearance came in the 1982 FA Cup final.

He formally accepted the honorary position last month and will officially be inducted into his new role when QPR host Reading on 15 October.

“It’s a huge privilege and an honour,” he told the club’s website.

“QPR was my home throughout my professional career and the club means so much to me and my family, so this really means a lot to me.”

He added: “The club has made positive steps when it comes to engaging with former players over the past few seasons and the formation of The Forever R’s Club will only serve to enhance that relationship we, as ex-players, have with QPR.”