Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Andy Pakes previews this Sunday afternoon clash in the first edition of Game of the Week for 2012
Dave Hughes tells us about his sporting hero, Wes Morgan
Craig Dobson looks at Manchester United's recent stutter against Blackburn Rovers and the weaknesses within their side
Love him or loathe him, it’s hard not to feel any sympathy for Neil Warnock this week. Within one season, the veteran had succeeded where no fewer than five of his short-lived predecessors had failed. With Warnock at the helm, QPR achieved Premier League status for the first time in fifteen years. Eight months later, the man who not only survived but doggedly thrived under the tenure of one F1 supremo has been cast aside at the first sign of alarm by another. Only now does it become apparent that, for all he achieved in a short space of time at the club, Neil Warnock was only ever afforded a stay of execution, albeit a prolonged one.
In two seasons, Warnock transformed the London club from potential League One underachievers to Premier League material. Despite only being outspent by Burnley and Middlesbrough in their Championship-winning season, the financial clout of wealthy motorsport moguls did not guarantee success; the mid-table second-tier status of clubs like Hull and Leicester stands as a testament to that. It’s easy to forget that Warnock saved the club from relegation the previous season using more traditional methods: motivation, tactical nous and passion. Between March and May, he didn’t spend a penny.
Neil Warnock probably heard similar exaltations about passion last week, whilst being ushered warmly out of the door by owner Tony Fernandes. Unfortunately for Neil, his reputation as a promotion specialist precedes him. Having taken seven clubs to the divisional Promised Land in his largely successful career, the entertaining moan machine seems to have carved himself an unfortunate niche as the go-to Football League manager. His one brief spell on England’s greatest stage ended with heartbreaking relegation for his hometown club Sheffield United. Few outside of Sheffield will remember that it went down to goal difference; all that matters is that they went down.
Tony Fernandes doesn’t care how close it was. Why should he? As chairman, he’s only concerned with the hard facts. Ifs and buts will be no good to the Malaysian tycoon if his club spends the next five years spiralling into decline. The timing of QPR’s eight game winless streak is absolutely perfect for a board looking to get rid. The facts, in their eyes, provide ample justification. A poor league position, a relatively injury-free squad, losses to fellow relegation candidates; it all adds up.
That’s not to say the dismissal isn’t harsh. With the promised funds to bring in a centre-back, another central midfielder to cover for Faurlin and an out-and-out goalscorer, Warnock’s side would have survived. However, that money will go to his successor. The outspoken coach has done his job and is no longer of use. In the eyes of the board, he was employed to get the club promoted. Once there, the board could attract a higher calibre of sponsors, a higher calibre of players, and, ultimately, a higher calibre of manager. It is not the first time a coach has been dismissed unexpectedly from ambitious promoted sides – Hughton and Di Matteo are two recent examples – and judging by the respective success of the policy, it will not be the last. The outpouring of outrage from the supporters will blow over in a fortnight’s time. The process has already begun, with many fans warming to the idea of Mark Hughes as manager.
The Welshman is the ideal fit for the club. Having left Fulham after just one successful season, the former Man City boss is considered in some quarters to be a managerial mercenary. That’s exactly what Fernandes wants: an ambitious manager looking to better himself. Hughes will see QPR as a stepping stone - and vice versa. If QPR become a top half side in two seasons, Fernandes will not begrudge Hughes leaving for sunnier shores. It comes as no surprise that a man as ruthless as he is affable should appoint a similarly ruthless manager. It remains to be seen whether players will give 110% for a manager who lacks the same honesty and commitment as his predecessor.
What of Neil Warnock? Like any football management martyr, he will inevitably be canonised. A victim of the nature of the business, his reputation will remain intact at Loftus Road, regardless of the final standings in May. At 63, it may well be his last job in the top flight, and I believe the Premier League will miss his enthusiasm, his down to earth nature, and his love of all things football. The boys at QPR might just find themselves missing it too.
Although given Warnock's success last year his sacking certainly seems harsh, I sympathise with QPR's decision. They are right now in a relegation battle and have spent the last few weeks falling lower and lower down the league table.
In recent seasons there have been cases of clubs struggling at the bottom, like QPR, sacking their manager mid-season, and subsequently have a boost in form that ensures they avoid relegation. Last season Roy Hodgson kept West Brom up, in 2010 Bolton climbed to safety after sacking Megson for Coyle, and in 2008/09 Roy Keane's resignation and Ricky Spragia's run as caretakes manager saw them climb out the relegation zone. And in cases like the sacking of Hughes from Man City and Hughton from Newcastle, which were widely criticised at the time, have in hindsight sparked vast improvement for both clubs. And, most recently, look how well Sunderland have done since bringing in O'Neill. I think, given the calibre of Mark Hughes, QPR will be better off in both the short and long run.
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