Rangers axe Holloway and turn to McClaren

Ian Holloway has lost his job as QPR manager.

The club confirmed Holloway’s departure on Thursday afternoon and want Steve McClaren to take over at Loftus Road.

Holloway, who was in his second spell as Rangers boss, had a year left on his contract.

He succeeded Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in November 2016 and this season guided QPR to a 16th-placed finish.

The former R’s midfielder, who also managed the club between 2001 and 2006, fulfilled his brief in terms of stabilising them in the Championship on a reduced budget and bringing in younger players.

But his managerial style caused consternation among the Rangers hierarchy, who have long been minded to make a change at the end of the campaign.

In a club statement announcing the news, director of football Les Ferdinand said: “We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Ian for all his efforts.

“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.

“He will always be welcomed back to Loftus Road with open arms.”

Former England boss McClaren is well respected at QPR, having had a brief spell on the coaching staff in 2013 during Harry Redknapp’s time in charge.

He left for the first of two spells in charge at Derby. He has also managed Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest, FC Twente and Wolfsburg.

McClaren established himself as a coach during a highly successful stint as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United, prior to which he worked under former QPR manager Jim Smith at Oxford United.