Neil Warnock is reportedly in the running for a surprising return to Championship football, potentially taking over as the manager of Queens Park Rangers (QPR) following the dismissal of Gareth Ainsworth. Ainsworth, who assumed the role in February, departs with QPR hovering just above the bottom of the Championship table and six points away from safety, following their recent defeat to league leaders Leicester.
During his tenure, Ainsworth managed to secure only five victories out of 28 matches and oversaw just one home win for the Championship club. In the wake of Ainsworth’s departure, there have been reports connecting Neil Warnock with a sensational return to QPR, the team he led to promotion in 2011.
The Telegraph has indicated that QPR is poised to approach the 74-year-old former manager of Leeds United and Crystal Palace after his recent departure from Huddersfield Town earlier this season. Sky Sports has also echoed this, suggesting that QPR will reach out to Warnock to potentially become their new manager in the coming days. Warnock previously managed QPR for nearly two years from 2010 to 2012, successfully guiding them to Premier League promotion during his first full season in charge at Loftus Road.
QPR has faced a challenging season, losing 10 out of 14 league matches. QPR CEO Lee Hoos, while expressing regret over Ainsworth’s departure, acknowledged the necessity of the change due to disappointing results this season. He praised Ainsworth’s commitment and professionalism and expressed respect for him, with the announcement of a new head coach expected in the near future.
“Many supporters have told me in recent months that they have never wanted someone to succeed more than Gareth, which is an indication of the fondness everyone associated with QPR has for him.
“Unfortunately, results this season haven’t gone the way we all wanted and we feel a change is necessary.
“Gareth has been a pleasure to work with from the moment he arrived and I am truly sorry this has not worked out as we all had hoped.
“On behalf of the board, I wholeheartedly thank Gareth for his commitment, desire, passion and professionalism. We all have the utmost respect for him, and he will always be welcome here.
“We understand the importance of appointing a new head coach quickly and an announcement on this will follow in the coming days.”