QPR sack Neil Critchley after 12 games as manager

Neil Critchley has been sacked as the head coach of Queens Park Rangers after a desperate run of form.

Critchley’s assistants, Iain Brunskill and Mike Garrity, have also left the club. The move to dispense with Critchley’s services comes after QPR’s 3-1 defeat by Middlesbrough on Saturday, a result which left them 17th in the Championship table.

The 44-year-old joined QPR on a three-and-a-half-year deal in December after Michael Beale left for Rangers but the Championship club have won just once in 12 games. They are now eight points above the relegation zone.

The QPR chief executive CEO Lee Hoos said: “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 playoff 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 and we would like to acknowledge his superb work ethic and professionalism throughout. 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.”

The 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.”