QPR’s manager, Gareth Ainsworth, has been dismissed following a disappointing home defeat to Leicester City. The club confirmed Ainsworth’s departure immediately after their 2-1 loss, and the decision was not made lightly, given the high level of respect for Ainsworth and his assistant, Richard Dobson. QPR’s CEO, Lee Hoos, expressed the difficulty of parting ways with individuals held in high regard by the club and its supporters.
Ainsworth had been a beloved figure at QPR, having played for the club for seven seasons between 2003 and 2010. His return as a manager in February had been met with optimism, particularly due to his successful stint as the manager of Wycombe Wanderers for 11 years. However, this optimism quickly faded as the team’s performance took a nosedive. The season had been marred by a series of poor results, leaving the Rs without a win in 12 league and cup games since their victory over Cardiff on August 12. As a result, they found themselves languishing in 23rd place in the Championship, a mere six points away from the relegation zone.
Despite the team’s struggles, Gareth Ainsworth’s work ethic was commended by QPR’s CEO. Hoos expressed his gratitude for Ainsworth’s dedication, passion, and professionalism, acknowledging that the decision to part ways was a difficult one. He made it clear that Ainsworth would always be welcome at the club, emphasizing the respect and admiration the board held for him. The club recognized the need to swiftly appoint a new head coach, and an announcement regarding this would be made in the coming days.
The timing of this decision raised questions, as QPR’s upcoming game against Rotherham United, who were just a point ahead of them in 22nd place, was deemed crucial. The new manager would face a challenging task of turning the team’s fortunes around and securing a better position in the league.