Who next for QPR?

Mark Hughes has been sacked as manager of QPR after failing to win any of their opening 12 Barclays Premier League fixtures this season.

Fri, 23 Nov, 2012 - 11:33

Mark Hughes has been sacked as manager of QPR after failing to win any of their opening 12 Barclays Premier League fixtures this season.

Despite votes of confidence to the contrary, there had been mounting speculation that Hughes was coming under increasing pressure from owner Tony Fernandes and the QPR board, especially following last weekend’s 3-1 home defeat to fellow strugglers Southampton.

The club refuted suggestions the Welshman had refused to budge after being asked to resign in a meeting at the club’s training ground on Monday evening.

But now they have issued a statement confirming the 49-year-old, who took over at Loftus Road in January, has had his contract terminated.

The statement read: “Queens Park Rangers Football Club has today (Friday) terminated the contract of manager Mark Hughes with immediate effect.

“This decision has been taken after careful consideration by the Board of Directors, following numerous meetings over the last few days.

“The Board of Directors wish to thank Mark for his commitment, hard work and dedication in his 10 months in charge. Mark has shown integrity and professionalism throughout his time here, but ultimately the circumstances we find ourselves in have left the Board of Directors with very little choice but to make a change.”

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The sacking comes just 24 hours before QPR travel to face Manchester United at Old Trafford and, with ex-Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp the overwhelming favourite to step in, the club confirmed they are looking at appointing a new manager as soon as possible.

“The Board will now be working actively to put a new managerial structure in place as soon as possible,” the statement continued.

“Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki will take charge of the R’s trip to Manchester United in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

“The club will be making a further announcement in due course.”

Rangers then cancelled their pre-match media conference which was scheduled for this afternoon.

QPR contenders

We look at the contenders to fill the vacancy at Loftus Road.

HARRY REDKNAPP

Hughes has undoubtedly been under more pressure because of the availability of Redknapp following his departure from Tottenham in the summer. Rangers fans have been calling for Redknapp to step in and it would be a major surprise if a man with so much Premier League experience did not head owner Tony Fernandes’ list.

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON

If Fernandes is after a big-name manager then Eriksson could fit the bill. The Swede’s most recent position in England was as Leicester boss last year but his Premier League experience with Manchester City as well as the five years he spent as England manager could sway the Rangers chief.

ALAN CURBISHLEY

Curbishley has been linked with many managerial vacancies since leaving West Ham more than four years ago but this might turn out to be the one that sees him return to the game. His achievements with Charlton remain hugely impressive.

GIANFRANCO ZOLA

The 46-year-old is well liked and would add a touch of Italian flair to Loftus Road. Did a solid if unspectacular job with West Ham while his current side, Watford, are two points off the Championship play-off spots.

GUS POYET

If Fernandes looks outside the Premier League then Poyet may well be the man who catches his eye. The former Chelsea and Tottenham midfielder has taken Brighton from the League One relegation zone to the Championship promotion race in three years.

ROBERTO DI MATTEO

Di Matteo’s stock is high after his time at Chelsea which came to an end on Wednesday. The Italian led the Blues to Champions League and FA Cup glory last season after stepping in, initially on a temporary basis, when Andre Villas-Boas was sacked.