QPR manager in frame?

Following speculation linking Mike Newell to the vacant manager?s position at Leicester City, new rumours surfaced about QPR Manager Ian Holloway being a leading candidate.

In a new development today, Queens Park Rangers have suspended Holloway because of recent poor results, which they put down to the uncertainty generated by Leicester?s alleged interest in him for the position.

Chairman Gianni Paladini told the club?e official website, ‘QPR has not sacked Ian, but we are concerned about recent performances and the effect speculation about Ian joining Leicester City might have on the players.’

Meanwhile, Leicester denied Hollowaywill be offered the position and said: ‘The process of finding a new manager is still taking place. We won’t be commenting on speculation. There is no timescale for when we will appoint a new manager.’

Holloway has been placed on leave by QPR,after they have slipped down 15th in the Championship table, and Holloway has faced mounting criticism from fans.

Paladini has allegedly told Holloway that he is suspended whether or not he takes the Leicester job and coaches Tim Breaker and Gary Penrice are suspended along with him, all three on full pay.

Coach, Gary Waddock, has been placed in temporary charge.
Paladini added: ‘I hope we can sort something out with Ian as soon as possible.

‘QPR will always be enormously grateful for the contribution he has made for the past five years, in particular gaining promotion for us in 2004.

However, it is crucial the team are focused and able to move forward, which is why we have appointed Gary as caretaker manager.’

Paladini is also said to be keen to install ex-QPR manager Jim Smith as director of football.

Over the weekend, Mike Newell admitted that he has spoken to Leicester City about the vacancy, and stated that it was with Luton?s knowledge.

However, he refused to confirm the likelihood that he will be offered the job.

‘They’ve not offered me the job and until that happens there’s nothing to talk about,’ he said.

‘They approached Luton and asked to speak to me, which they have done, but I am sure they have spoken to a lot of other people as well.

I’m not considering going until something comes up that I’d consider going for.

Leicester have not offered me the job. If they did then I’d have to think about it, but that hasn’t happened and I’m enjoying the job here.’

Meanwhile, Leicester fans are not amused at the prospect of Holloway landing the position, and QPR fans are suggesting that the Holloway to Leicester rumours may have been started by them as a smokescreen to oust the under fire manager.



click Club Forums, click 100% football to have your say on this or any other topic.