Palace appointment will have to wait

By Ben Kosky FANS left Loftus Road disappointed again on Tuesday – but this time due to a lack of football rather than lack of quality. Referee Mike Russell postponed QPR s derby against Crystal Palace after a second pitch inspection, ruling that a heavy

By Ben Kosky

FANS left Loftus Road disappointed again on Tuesday - but this time due to a lack of football rather than lack of quality.

Referee Mike Russell postponed QPR's derby against Crystal Palace after a second pitch inspection, ruling that a heavy downpour around 7pm had made the surface unplayable.

Rain had been falling throughout the day, but the referee initially decided that the match could go ahead after inspecting the pitch at 6.45pm.

Rangers boss Jim Magilton said: "The groundsman and his staff have done everything they can to get the game on, but unfortunately the weather has won.

"We apologise to the fans that were looking forward to a good game, both our own and the Palace faithful. We're bitterly disappointed, but we've got to accept the decision."

No date has yet been announced for the rearranged fixture.

QPR striker Heidar Helguson has returned to former club Watford on loan after tumbling down the pecking order at Loftus Road.

The Iceland international, 32, has faced criticism from Rangers supporters this season following a string of lacklustre displays.

And, although Middlesbrough also showed an interest in taking Helguson on loan, the player has opted for a move to Vicarage Road - where he was once a hero with the Hornets fans - until the end of the year.

Helguson initially made a good impression after joining Rangers on loan from Bolton 10 months ago, scoring three goals before completing a �700,000 transfer.

But he has rarely looked like matching that standard since and could rejoin Watford permanently in the new year if they agree to take over the 18 months left on his contract.