New QPR boss Hughes set for spending spree

MARK HUGHES left little doubt QPR’s ambitions matched his own yesterday after signing a two-and-a-half-year contract to manage the west London club.

Having quit Fulham at the end of last season because he did not believe they shared his vision, Hughes predictably sought assurances on that front before committing himself to Loftus Road until 2014.

The 48-year-old former Manchester City and Wales boss was clearly won over by the plans of Malaysian tycoon Tony Fernandes, who sacked Neil Warnock on Sunday after seeing Rangers slump to within a point of the Premier League relegation zone.

Reports suggest Fernandes is ready to bankroll a January recruitment drive which could see up to £30m (€) of new talent arrive at Loftus Road, with plans for a new 30,000-seater stadium also in the pipeline.

Hughes said: “It’s a great feeling to be back in football and to be the manager of QPR.

“I’m fully aware of the challenge in the short and long-term and I am genuinely excited about the ambition of the owners.

“Nobody can doubt the history of this great club and the passion of its fantastically loyal supporters. Now the immediate priority is to consolidate our place in the Premier League, but beyond that, the future is very bright and fills me with enthusiasm.”

Chairman Fernandes said: “Mark has a proven track record in the Premier League, bringing a wealth of experience at club and international level.

“He has a great passion to achieve as a manager and has already been hugely successful in his career.

“His ambitions match those of the board and we are delighted to have him at the helm.”

Hughes will be joined at QPR by assistant manager Mark Bowen, first-team coach Eddie Niedzwiecki and goalkeeping coach Kevin Hitchcock.