Dave McIntyre writes in this week’s Gazette that the former England boss could be on his way to Loftus Road.
QPR could be set to offer former England boss Glen Hoddle the Manager’s job at Loftus Road. Rangers approached Hoddle on Thursday after cooling their interest in Glenn Roeder. Hayes-born Hoddle, who had spells in charge of Chelsea and Tottenham, has been out of the game since his reign as Wolves Manager ended in July last year. If he shows an interest, Hoddle will become the first genuine frontrunner for the Rangers hotseat despite a number of others being touted as the favourite.
QPR’s incoming new owners, a group fronted by Formula One magnates Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, were keen to appoint a foreign Coach. But former R’s defender Roeder emerged this week as a genuine contender after being recommended by a number of respected figures in the game. Roeder remains a highly regarded Coach despite troubled spells as Manager of Newcastle, West Ham, Watford and Gillingham. But by yesterday (Thursday) morning, his chances were fading fast as the Rangers Board heeded concerns about Roeder’s suitability for the role.
Hoddle’s time in charge of England, Spurs and Wolves ended under a cloud. But he does tick many boxes in that he is a high-profile name and experienced Manager, who built the foundations for Chelsea’s success and led Swindon Town to the top flight in his first managerial role. Meanwhile, Rangers have installed Italian Franco Ceravolo, formerly of Juventus, as chief scout as part of an overhaul following the dismissal of John Gregory. Ceravolo will be based in London but is expected to use his European contacts.
Steve Russell