QPR appoint Hughes
Queens Park Rangers have confirmed the appointment of Mark Hughes as their new manager.
The 48-year-old has been locked in talks with Rangers since Monday following the departure of Neil Warnock on Sunday.
Hughes has now agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal to take charge at Loftus Road, which sees him return to management for the first time since he left Fulham last year.
“It’s a great feeling to be back in football and to be the manager of QPR,” said Hughes.
“I’m fully aware of the challenge in the short and long term and I am genuinely excited about the ambition of the owners.
“It’s a great feeling to be back in football and to be the manager of QPR”
Mark Hughes
Quotes of the week
“Nobody can doubt the history of this great football club and the passion of its fantastically loyal supporters.
“Now the immediate priority is to consolidate our place in the Barclays Premier League, but beyond that, the future is very bright and fills me with great enthusiasm.”
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Hughes confirmed he was ready to take charge by starting work on Wednesday.
“It has all happened quite quickly and I am looking forward to getting to work, and I am now going to the training ground to introduce myself and get ready,” he said.
“I am a football person, it is what I do so I am looking forward to it.”
The club’s hierarchy were also delighted to have sealed the appointment, with PPR chairman and owner, Tony Fernandes, saying: “Mark has a proven track record in the Premier League, bringing a wealth of experience at both club and international level.
“He has a great passion to achieve as a manager and has already been hugely successful in his career.
“His ambitions match those of the board and we are delighted to have him at the helm.”
QPR vice-chairman, Amit Bhatia, added: “Mark has a great managerial pedigree and has proven over the years to be a very astute manager.
“I am looking forward to working with him to bring success to the club.”
QPR CEO, Philip Beard, said: “Having spoken at length with Mark, I know he is brimming with enthusiasm and anticipation about the challenge of taking QPR forward and I believe he is the perfect choice to deliver the success we all desire.”
