The Official Site finally confirmed the appointment of Neil Warnock as First Team Manager after weeks of speculation:
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Neil Warnock as First Team Manager with immediate effect. Warnock has today signed a three-and-a-half year contract at Loftus Road after a compensation agreement was reached with his former club, Crystal Palace FC. Warnock, who guided Sheffield United to the Premier League in 2006, said: “I am delighted to be joining a club with the history that QPR has. As a Manager, Loftus Road is always a place I loved because of the fantastic atmosphere there. Looking from afar, I believe this is the perfect time to come in, with the new structure and Chairman in place. Together we can give the club the stability that it needs. I am really looking forward to the challenge that’s in front of me.”
QPR Chairman Ishan Saksena said: “Neil was always our number one target and so we are delighted to announce him as our Manager. He has great experience in English football and a phenomenal track record. I believe he is the right man to help QPR achieve its ambitions. Neil was given the full support of the Board and I know our fans will give him their full backing as well.”
Caretaker Manager Mick Harford and his assistant Tony Coton have stepped down from their respective roles. Harford said: “I was more than happy to help the club out when they asked me, and I did the best I could during my time in caretaker charge. The club needs an experienced Manager in order to move forward, and I wish Neil every success. He has joined a fantastic football club with brilliant supporters, and I sincerely hope he does well. The club is in good hands now with the new structure, Ishan Saksena and Gianni Paladini, and I believe QPR has a very bright future.”
However the following day, Brendan Guilfoyle, the administrator told the Palace website that confirmation of his departure were premature: “The club is aware of the statement issued by Queens Park Rangers last night,” said Guilfoyle. “The club believes that this is somewhat premature. Discussions are ongoing regarding the release of Neil Warnock and members of his managerial team but these remain subject to agreement of relevant documentation.”
There was to be no final twist in the saga, Mick Jones and Keith Curle have now joined him to remain part of his Management team and incidentally Paul Hart has been appointed as his replacement at Crystal Palace.
Steve Russell