Soccer: Francis steps down as QPR boss

Gerry Francis is to step down as manager of relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers.

Gerry Francis is to step down as manager of Queens Park Rangers.

A new manager will be appointed to take immediate control of first-team affairs.

But Francis will remain at the club until the end of the season.

Rangers are bottom of the Division One table with just four victories from 30 games.

They have lost four of their last five matches - and the pressure has increased on Francis after the 6-0 home FA Cup drubbing by Arsenal and last weekend's 5-0 reverse at Preston.

QPR face fellow strugglers Barnsley at Loftus Road tomorrow.