MAC PRIMED FOR R’S HOTSEAT AS OLLIE’S SACKED
STEVE McClaren is poised to become QPR’s new manager following Ian Holloway’s midweek sacking.
The former England boss, who concluded a second spell in charge of Derby in March last year, is thought to have already agreed to take over at Loftus Road following Holloway’s departure on Thursday.
The 57-year-old, who left his coaching consultancy role at Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv last December, caught QPR owner Tony Fernandes’ eye during a two-month stint as part of Harry Redknapp’s coaching team back in 2013.
Meanwhile, R’s CEO Les Hoos says that Holloway’s dismissal, which came after he oversaw a 16thplaced finish in the Championship, was necessary to help the club continue ‘a vital period of transition’.
“On behalf of the board, we are hugely grateful to Ian for his incredible efforts during his time with us,” said Hoos.
“He joined us at a critical stage as we looked to reduce the wage bill, bring in younger talent and remain competitive on the pitch at the same time.
“That is no easy task and it was down to his desire, love for the club and hard work that he achieved those goals.
“However, we are now looking to take the next step as we continue to work through what is a vital period of transition for the football club.”
Former Crystal Palace and Millwall chief Holloway, who was also QPR boss between 2001 and 2006, came back to west London in November 2016 and won 26 of his 80 games in charge during his second spell.
The R’s finished 18th in his first season at the helm and once again struggled to trouble the top half of the table in 2017-18.
QPR director of football Les Ferdinand added: “His enthusiasm and passion for the club can never be questioned and we are immensely grateful to him for helping us during his time here.”