New QPR head coach Neil Critchley has attacking mindset

Neil Critchley has promised his QPR side will be attack-minded.

Critchley joined QPR on a three-and-a-half-year deal after Mick Beale departed for Rangers just six months into his tenure at Loftus Road.

Critchley had also replaced Beale as Steven Gerrard’s assistant at Aston Villa in the summer – leaving his permanent role as Blackpool boss – to move up to the Premier League.

Former Liverpool youth team boss Critchley left Villa after Gerrard was sacked in October.

“It’s a hugely proud moment for me in my life to be given the opportunity to come and lead this great football club,” said Critchley, who has been appointed QPR head coach.

“From speaking with the owners, [sporting director] Les Ferdinand and Lee Hoos [chief executive], you get a feel of the people. The way that the club is run and how the team want to play, there is a clear alignment in my thinking and their thinking.

“It’s so important moving forward. I’m really optimistic about the future and what lies ahead.”

QPR are ninth in the Championship and without a win in their last six outings after a 3-0 home defeat to table-toppers Burnley on Sunday.

“They have played 22 games already, so you’re not starting from the summer and starting from afresh,” said Critchley.

“You always pay respect and have an awareness of what was before you, but it’s also important that you stay true to your principles and how you want to play.

“There will be slight changes – that’s inevitable when there is a change in the head coach.

“I have asked the players to be open-minded and to be ready for that. There will be differences, but while the group aren’t in a great moment, there is no doubting the quality of the squad.

“We have to remind them what they’re good at and get back to that. As quickly as you can lose a few games in the Championship, you can very quickly win a few and the feeling can change very quickly.”

Blackpool won promotion to the Championship via the play-offs and finished 16th in their first season back in the second tier under Critchley.

“I have always been used to being a number one [the manager] at youth level and development level,” said Critchley.

“I’m used to coaching teams, managing teams, managing players, preparing teams and making decisions on a daily basis.

“That was slightly different at Aston Villa, but it was a different role. It was a different experience, but it has helped me to improve.

“Going on a coaching journey is about having experiences – good or bad – and learning from them.

“I have learned from all my coaching experiences so far, and it’s brought me to where I am today and given me this opportunity.”