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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Giuseppe Muro

QPR sack manager Neil Critchley and plot ‘swift appointment’ amid relegation fears

Queens Park Rangers have sacked manager Neil Critchley amid fears they were sleepwalking towards relegation to League One.

The decision to part company with Critchley was taken after Saturday’s 3-1 defeat Middlesbrough left QPR 17th in the Championship, eight points above the bottom three.

Critchley departs Loftus Road after just 12 games in charge.

He was appointed on a three-and-a-half year deal in December following the departure of Michael Beale.

QPR were three points off of the play-off places when he took over but have managed just one win in the Championship since then.

Director of football Les Ferdinand says the club are plotting a “swift appointment” to replace Critchley.

QPR 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.

“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.”

Director of football 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.”

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