I’m staying at QPR, declares Warnock

QPR manager Neil Warnock has moved to end speculation over his future by insisting he will be in charge of the club in the Barclays Premier League next season.

Warnock, 62, was responding to rumours that the Loftus Road board were considering the appointment of a big-name manager, with Marcelo Lippi and Claudio Ranieri reported to have been among possible targets.

But in a statement, former Sheffield United boss Warnock said: “I want to reiterate to our supporters that, having spoken to the board at QPR — Bernie Ecclestone, Flavio Briatore and Amit Bhatia — in the last few days, they have assured me that my future is not in any doubt whatsoever and they’re looking forward to helping me acquire the players to make next season just as successful as the one we’ve just enjoyed.

“Hopefully all the speculation now will be put to bed once and for all and we can concentrate on what promises to be a memorable first season back in the Premier League for the club and our supporters.”

Warnock steered QPR to npower Championship safety after being appointed two months before the end of the 2009/10 campaign and then led Rangers back to the top flight for the first time since 1996 in his first full season in charge.