London Football News

Former QPR star explains why Ainsworth should take over

Bradley Allen is convinced Gareth Ainsworth should take over as QPR manager.

The former striker’s connection with Rangers runs deep – he, his brother Clive, father Les and cousin Martin all played for the club. 

And Bradley is in no doubt that Ainsworth, who was a hugely popular QPR player and now manages Wycombe, is the right man for the job at Loftus Road.

Speaking on the Open All R’s podcast, he said: “The one for me that understands the club, he’s done his apprenticeship, who would know the lower leagues and maybe be able to pluck gems and get them really competitive at Championship level, would be Gareth Ainsworth. He more than deserves a shout now.

“I think he’s proved that he’s a developer of young players. Wycombe are an example of a club that have had to scrap.

“There’s been hardly any money at the club and he’s had to really galvanise a team spirit and work with what’s at his disposal.

“We’re hearing that Queens Park Rangers have massively got to slash their wage bill over the summer months. I think he could certainly go in and work with a much smaller squad.

“He could galvanise the team. I think the guy has got tremendous energy and enthusiasm and would relish the opportunity.

“And just sometimes you’ve got to have a punt on someone and give them a chance. For me he deserves an opportunity.”

Meanwhile, Talksport are suggesting that Ainsworth’s former R’s team-mate Marc Bircham could be closing in on the job.

West London Sport recently reported that Bircham has been interviewed for the position along with several others but that Tim Sherwood is director of football Les Ferdinand’s first choice, with Michael Appleton and Mark Warburton in the frame should Sherwood turn it down.

But Talksport reports that Bircham impressed at his interview and is very much in contention to take over, with Sherwood having reservations about the direction of the club.

Football.London say Rui Almeida, manager of French second-tier side Troyes, is in the running.




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