No move for Ainsworth as QPR eye Bircham and Moore

QPR have not made an approach for Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth, London Football News understands.

Ainsworth is the latest odds-on favourite for the manager’s job at Loftus Road, where he is a popular figure from his days as an R’s player.

But former winger Ainsworth is not among the managers QPR have spoken to as they look for a replacement for the sacked Steve McClaren.

Two men very much in the running are Darren Moore and Ainsworth’s former QPR team-mate Marc Bircham.

Director of football Les Ferdinand recently confirmed that talks had taken place with Bircham and Moore as well as Tim Sherwood, Michael Appleton and Mark Warburton.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Ferdinand hinted that Bircham is in the club’s thoughts despite his lack of managerial experience.

Ferdinand said: “Whether he’s ready for this job I am not quite sure but that’s something we need to discuss and go over.”

Bircham made more than 150 appearances for the club during his playing career and has since been at Loftus Road as a coach and as assistant manager.

He was Ian Holloway’s right-hand man but left soon after Holloway was replaced by McClaren, who was sacked last month.

Moore, controversially sacked by West Brom, is also in the running.

Ferdinand said: “We’ve spoken to Darren. I’ve been impressed with Darren and what he did at West Brom but, as I have said, we’re compiling that list and trying to be diligent in what we do, to do our homework.”