QPR have sacked manager Neil Critchley after just 12 games in charge at Loftus Road. The club have gone 10 Championship games without a win and currently sit 17th in the table, eight points above the relegation zone. Critchley was appointed in December as Michael Beale’s successor as he left for Rangers.
His first game in charge was a 1-0 victory away at Preston but since then, he has only picked up five points from the available 30. His last game in charge was the 3-1 defeat at third placed Middlesborough on Saturday. His assistants Mike Garrity and Iain Brunskill have also left the club.
Critchley had a stint as assistant to Steven Gerrard earlier in the season after two years at Blackpool, but went on to agree a three-and-a-half-year deal with the R’s.
QPR CEO Lee Hoos said that “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,” Hoos added in a statement on the club website.
“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.”
QPR’s statement added that announcement regarding Critchley’s replacement would be made in due course. Their next game is at home against seventh-placed Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
They have won one of their past 17 matches in the league and have gone eight without victory at Loftus Road.
They are the fourth Championship club to make a second managerial change this season after Cardiff City, Wigan Athletic and Huddersfield Town.