QPR appoint Michael Beale as new head coach

QPR have appointed Michael Beale as their new head coach on a three-year contract.

The 41-year-old was on Charlton Athletic’s shortlist of managerial candidates after owner Thomas Sandgaard dispensed with Johnnie Jackson at the start of last month.

Beale cut his coaching teeth with the Addicks after injury forced him to quit playing at the age of 21.

He moved on to work in the academies at Chelsea and Liverpool. Reds legend Steven Gerrard made him a key man in his coaching team at both Glasgow Rangers and Aston Villa.

Beale said: “It’s fantastic to be here. I’ve been looking for the right opportunity and I have that now – the right club, the right people, the right ambition and the right support.

“I’m a London boy and know everything this club stands for. This is a wonderful opportunity for me and a really good time for the club as well. I’ve been left a solid platform by Mark Warburton, which I’m obviously pleased about, and that enables me to kick on from hereon in.

“I want us to be a front foot and high-intensity team, in and out of possession. I want Loftus Road to be a real cauldron for us – I’ve been to games here and I know just how much the fans can impact the team on the pitch.

“We’ve got a young, hungry team and everyone has their best days in front of them. I’m absolutely excited about working with the players that we already have here.

“The players played in an attractive style last season and now I’m looking to add my stamp to that, so that we can kick on even further.”

QPR chairman Amit Bhatia said: “This has perhaps been the most comprehensive search that we’ve conducted during my time at the club.

“A lot of work went into the process – there were interviews with a number of impressive candidates. We wanted to give the process the consideration it deserves.

“That’s what we’ve done and we’re thrilled with the outcome in appointing Michael. He was the unanimous first choice of the board, taking into consideration a number of different metrics, and we’re thrilled to have landed our man.

“His pedigree is clear and all of the feedback we received on Michael was incredibly encouraging.”

PICTURE: QPR FC