Gareth Ainsworth is the odds-on favourite to take over as Queens Park Rangers manager after the sacking of Neil Critchley. Ainsworth, who has been in charge for 11 years at Wycombe, has been contacted by the Championship club.
QPR called time on Critchley’s stint as manager after Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at Middlesbrough. The 44-year-old was appointed in December and had just 12 games in charge at Loftus Road.
Critchley was handed a three-and-a-half-year deal by the R’s after Michael Beale left for Scottish giants Rangers but the club are winless in 10 and sit 17th in the league table. Critchley's assistants Mike Garrity and Iain Brunskill have also departed the side.
READ MORE: Why Jorginho shouted at Ben White as Arsenal's title hopes restored following Arteta masterclass
QPR CEO Lee Hoos tole the club's website: “It is hugely disappointing to have to make such a decision so early into Neil’s tenure with the club.
“However, after seeing the team slip from play-off contenders to one being drawn into a relegation battle, the Board felt it had to act.
“There is no doubt Neil inherited a difficult situation when he joined and we would like to acknowledge his superb work ethic and professionalism throughout our dealings.
“He is a fantastic man and we have no doubts he will go on to be a success elsewhere, just as he was at Blackpool.”
Director of Football Les Ferdinand added: “Unfortunately, things have not worked out how any of us would have liked. As we enter into a critical stage of the season, we understand the need for a swift appointment to be made.
“Stability is key to the success of a football club and this season has presented challenges which have denied us that stability. For us to move forward we must all learn from what has happened and pull together.”
Ainsworth, 49, is considered the leading candidate to take over. The Guardian reports that the QPR board are long-term admirers of his success with Wycombe and have offered their former midfielder the chance to return to the club.
According to the report, former QPR midfielder Shaun Derry and Chris Wilder are also shortlisted candidates. Here is a look at what the bookmakers think:
QPR next manager odds
Gareth Ainsworth 2/5
Nathan Jones 4/1
Shaun Derry 7/1
Chris Wilder 16/1
Paul Hall 20/1
Alex Neil 25/1
Marti Cifuentes 25/1
Brian Barry-Murphy 33/1
Steven Gerrard 33/1
Odds via SkyBet and correct at the time of publishing.
READ NEXT:
Neymar to Chelsea transfer takes next step as Todd Boehly holds ‘direct’ meeting
Man United takeover bidders net worth compared to Chelsea and Arsenal as Qatar update emerges
Premier League's 'third man' rule explained after Ruben Dias incident
Neymar to Chelsea transfer could force Todd Boehly into Christian Pulisic decision
Champions League away goals rule explained for Chelsea and Tottenham ties
