QPR have appointed Gareth Ainsworth as manager on a three-and-a-half year contract, following Neil Critchley’s sacking.
Critchley departed the Hoops on Sunday (19 February) following a disastrous two-month spell in which the club won just one of 13 matches in all competitions, during which the club has slipped down to 17th in the Championship and now face a uphill battle to reach the play-offs.
QPR have consequently moved swiftly to sign former player – Ainsworth from League One’s Wycombe where he had been manager for the last 11 years, during which he had led the Chairboys to promotion in League Two and League One respectively.
Ainsworth also previously enjoyed two caretaker spells at QPR during 2008-09 season, where he was a player between July 2003 – November 2009.
Speaking about his return to Loftus Road, Ainsworth describing returning to West London as “a little bit surreal,” amidst poigancy at leaving Wycombe as he added: “It has been a whirlwind two days and leaving Wycombe Wanderers was very tough because of the connection there.
“But this is QPR and when I spoke about something special forcing me away from Wycombe, this was pretty special.”
On what it means to be back at QPR and this time as permanent manager, Ainsworth commented: “It’s the club where I was most known for playing and you get moments in your career that resonate with you forever.
“I loved my time here as a player and hopefully I can go on and love my time here as a manager as well.”
Having spent much of his managerial career in the lower realms of the English Football League, except for 2020-21 season which he spent in the second-tier with Wycombe who suffered instant relegation following a tense final day battle for survival.
Ainsworth is therefore eager to make the step up and prove his managerial credentials at a higher level, as he added: “I really want to challenge myself. This is going to be a real challenge because the club is so special to me, and so huge as well.
“I want to get Loftus Road absolutely rocking again and I hope the fans will get right behind me and right behind the team.
“To be trusted by the Board here and those above me, I want to be able to pay them back in droves. I will be giving my absolute everything for this football club.”
QPR CEO, Lee Hoos is “delighted” to have signed Ainsworth quickly and paid tribute to Wycombe for their support in Ainsworth’s move, as he commented: “I would like to thank Wycombe Wanderers for their professionalism.
“We have the utmost respect for them and are hugely sympathetic as we recognise the challenging nature of these circumstances.
“We wish them only the best for the remainder of the season and the future.”
Hoos also iterated that the club are eager to see Ainsworth return the club to former glories, as he continued: “Gareth’s determination to be a success is very evident and we are excited to see the impact he will have.”
QPR’s Director of Football, Les Ferdinand added that this season has produced “enormous challenges”, which has provoked “frustration” of supporters but remain “hugely grateful” for their support through the difficult times.
Ainsworth will be joined by Richard Dobson as Assistant Head Coach and Josh Hart joins as First-Team Analyst, with all three set to be in place for QPR’s home game against Blackburn on Saturday 25 February, 3pm GMT.