QPR have SACKED manager Neil Critchley after just two months in charge.
The former Liverpool development coach took over from Michael Beale in December but won just one of his 12 matches in charge.
Now the West London outfit have axed Critchley with the club languishing 17th in the Championship.
His assistants Iain Brunskill and Mike Garrity have also left their roles, it has been confirmed.
CEO Lee Hoos said: “It is hugely disappointing to have to make such a decision so early into Neil’s tenure with the club.
“However, after seeing the team slip from play-off contenders to one being drawn into a relegation battle, the Board felt it had to act.
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“There is no doubt Neil inherited a difficult situation when he joined and we would like to acknowledge his superb work ethic and professionalism throughout our dealings.
“He is a fantastic man and we have no doubts he will go on to be a success elsewhere, just as he was at Blackpool.”
QPR lost 3-1 at Middlesbrough on Saturday was their third in a row and left them eight points above the relegation zone.
It is an incredible fall for the R’s, who were top of the table in October under Beale – poached by Rangers – but are sliding at an alarming rate.
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Director of Football Les Ferdinand added: “Unfortunately, things have not worked out how any of us would have liked.
“As we enter into a critical stage of the season, we understand the need for a swift appointment to be made.
“Stability is key to the success of a football club and this season has presented challenges which have denied us that stability.
“For us to move forward we must all learn from what has happened and pull together.”
Speaking after the Boro defeat, Critchley was adamant he could turn it around with the current crop of underperforming players.
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The 44-year-old said: “When I see the players play like they did today, in that type of atmosphere, I’ve got full belief that we can.
“We just need a bit of luck and things to go for us. It’s just not quite happening.
“All I can do is concentrate on trying to help the players improve. They need to feel my support.
“I saw a group that was together today. They’re still playing, in my opinion.”
Critchley spent seven years at Liverpool, working in the academy and taking charge of the first team twice when Jurgen Klopp was unavailable.
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He had two years as Blackpool’s head coach – winning promotion via the League One play-offs in 2021 – before joining Aston Villa as Steven Gerrard’s assistant for a brief spell.
QPR host play-off-chasing Blackburn at Loftus Road in their next match on Saturday.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
