Gareth Ainsworth seals QPR return – signing three-and-a-half year contract after quitting Wycombe
Gareth Ainsworth has been appointed as QPR’s new head coach.
Ainsworth had been the second longest-serving boss in England’s top four divisions, taking charge of Wycombe Wanderers in September 2012.
But he has opted to join the R’s, who he played 152 matches for, after they parted company with Neil Critchley over the weekend.
Ainsworth has signed a contract until the summer of 2026.
“This is all a little bit surreal,” Ainsworth told QPR’s website. “It has been a whirlwind two days and leaving Wycombe Wanderers was very tough because of the connection there.
“But this is QPR and when I spoke about something special forcing me away from Wycombe, this was pretty special.
“It’s the club where I was most known for playing and you get moments in your career that resonate with you forever.
“I loved my time here as a player and hopefully I can go on and love my time here as a manager as well.
“I really want to challenge myself. This is going to be a real challenge because the club is so special to me, and so huge as well.
“I want to get Loftus Road absolutely rocking again and I hope the fans will get right behind me and right behind the team.
“To be trusted by the board here and those above me, I want to be able to pay them back in droves. I will be giving my absolute everything for this football club.”
QPR chief executive Lee Hoos said: “We are delighted to have been able to bring Gareth in so quickly.
“I would like to thank Wycombe Wanderers for their professionalism. We have the utmost respect for them and are hugely sympathetic as we recognise the challenging nature of these circumstances.
“We wish them only the best for the remainder of the season and the future.
“Gareth’s determination to be a success is very evident and we are excited to see the impact he will have.”
Les Ferdinand, the R’s director of football, added: “After an encouraging start, this season has provided enormous challenges.
“We understand the frustration of the fans and are hugely grateful for their support.
“I know Gareth is looking forward to seeing them at Loftus Road on Saturday and he can’t wait to get going.”
Richard Dobson joins QPR as assistant head coach with Josh Hart coming in as a first-team analyst.
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