QPR LEANING TO CRITCHLEY

NEIL CRITCHLEY is a front-runner to succeed Michael Beale at QPR.

Former Blackpool boss Critchley (above), who was Steven Gerrard’s No.2 at Aston Villa, fits the mould of a young head coach wanted again by the Championship club.

Critchley, 44, impressed at Bloomfield Road and boasts a track record of developing players and working on a small budget.

QPR also have Chelsea coach Anthony Barry and ex-cardiff boss Steve Morison in the mix. They want the new man in charge for their next match – against Burnley at Loftus Road on December 11.