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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

MK Dons braced for Liam Manning approach from QPR as Watford close in on Rob Edwards appointment

QPR are considering an approach for MK Dons manager Liam Manning

(Picture: Getty Images)

MK Dons are braced for an approach from QPR for their manager Liam Manning.

Manning, who is only 36, enjoyed a brilliant debut season at MK Dons this year by guiding them to a third-placed finish in League One before they were beaten in the play-off semi-finals by Wycombe.

Clubs have taken note of Manning’s work and QPR are one of those particularly keen on him as they look for a successor to Mark Warburton.

Manning has emerged as a strong contender for the job and, while MK Dons have not received an official approach yet, they are prepared for one to arrive.

Watford had also been keeping their eye on Manning as they look to replace Roy Hodgson this summer. The Hornets want to hire a young, British coach and Manning was one of those on their radar.

Rob Edwards is expected to join Watford after leaving Forest Green Rovers (Getty Images)

However, Watford now look set to appoint Rob Edwards, whose departure from Forest Green Rovers was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon.

Edwards guided Forest Green to the League Two title this season and the manner of his exit has angered the club.

“FGR confirms the departure of Head Coach Rob Edwards,” they said in a statement. “Rob was a key part of the team that gained promotion to League One this season. We’re disappointed that our support, loyalty and honesty towards Rob has been repaid in this way - with negotiations taking place behind our backs.

“We had no contact from Watford, from whom we might expect less, but in any event this kind of behaviour gives football a bad name. We thank Rob for all his work at FGR - forgive him the manner of his departure and wish him well.”

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