OTD in 2007: QPR Axe John Gregory

Gregory's QPR Record & What Was Said When He was Appointed

A Look Back at John Gregory's Year at QPR

When Gregory replaced Gary Waddock in mid-September 2006, QPR had 1 victory from 8 league games this season and were in the bottom three (1 win, 3 draws and 4 defeats - 6 points). (Including the results from the end of the 2005-2006 season, QPR were actually on "a run" of 1 win in their last 19 games. (3 wins in Waddock's 22 game QPR managerial career).
QPR's record last season under Gregory was 47 points from 38 games.

(Played 38: 13 wins - 8 draws - 17 defeats)

The following season: 7 league games: 4 losses and 3 draws - 3 points.

Gregory's first game in charge: At Home to Hull, which QPR won 2-0. QPR's team for Gregory's first Game:
Jones; Bignot, Rehman, Stewart, Rose (Kanyuka); Cook, Bircham (Lomas), Bailey (Ward), Rowlands; Jones, Blackstock. - Subs: Royce, Baidoo. Scorers Jones and Blackstock in the second half.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2006 - OFFICIAL SITE - GREGORY APPOINTED
John Gregory has been appointed as QPR First Team Manager with immediate effect.
Gary Waddock will now work under the former Aston Villa boss in an Assistant Manager's role.
In an exclusive interview with www.qpr.co.uk, Chairman Gianni Paladini revealed his delight at the appointment: "It's a fantastic scoop for the Club.
"John is a proven manager at the highest level and is very eager to get back in to the managerial game.
"He's sat down with Gary and talked everything through and the situation is perfect as we look to climb the Championship table.
"I'd like to wish the pair of them the very best in their new roles.''
Gregory - who has been out of the game since leaving Derby County in 2003 - commented: "I'm back in the hot-seat and it's a huge challenge.
"QPR are very close to my heart and it's a fantastic opportunity for me.
"This is a job I can very much get my teeth into and I'm relishing the challenge that lies ahead.
"Winning matches is what matters most in the business and we aim to do that, starting Saturday.''
Waddock said: "It's the right decision for the club, I'm just thankful that Gianni thinks enough of me to keep me here as Assistant Manager.
"I look forward to working with John, we both played together under Terry Venables and have the same work ethic.
"I'll learn a lot from him and I'm sure that this appointment will benefit the club I love."


September 20, 2006 - QPR OFFICIAL SITE - GREGORY IN PROFILE
www.qpr.co.uk brings you an exclusive insight into the professional career of the R's new gaffer John Gregory.
John Gregory served his managerial apprenticeship at a variety of clubs.
He started his career with Portsmouth, before a brief spell at Plymouth Argyle.
Soon after he joined Leicester City in a coaching capacity, before being appointed First Team Coach at Villa Park in November 1994.
He left Villa to become manager of Wycombe Wanderers in October 1996.
After taking over a struggling Wanderers squad, he steered them clear of relegation in the 1996/97 season by eight points.
He led Villa to the top of the Premiership following an unbeaten start to the season in 1998, which lasted a club record 12 matches. However, they were not able to sustain their title tilt and fell away in the second half of the season.
In his four years in charge at Villa Park, the Villains never finished outside the top eight, finishing seventh in his first half-season as manager, sixth in 1999 and 2000 and eighth in 2001.
Noted for speaking his mind, Gregory had his fair share of run-in's with players and Chairman Doug Ellis alike, but he was always 100 per cent committed to the club and was unfortunate not to taste success in the FA Cup Final in 2000, losing to a single goal from Chelsea's Roberto di Matteo.
He had criticised the club for failing to invest sufficiently in new players, but his passion and determination to lead Villa to glory remained undiminished.
His departure came as a shock to players and fans alike and his achievements at Villa Park will be long-remembered by everyone connected with the Midlands club.
He was immediately linked with the managerial vacancy at his old club Derby County and, after being contacted by the club about the position, he was unveiled as Colin Todd's successor on January 30 2002.
His first priority at Pride Park was to keep The Rams in the Premiership, but with Derby lying second from bottom and six points adrift from safety at the time of his arrival, he was unable to save them.
Despite a slight improvement in their results, The Rams were relegated to the First Division, and Gregory eventually left the Club in March 2003.
As a player, Gregory enjoyed a distinguished career, which saw him play for several teams.
He was signed from apprentice at Northampton Town before moving to Aston Villa in 1977, where he spent two years before signing for Brighton.
From there he went to QPR, in 1981, making 188 appearances for the R's, before signing for Derby County in 1985, staying with the Rams for two years before effectively hanging up his boots.
Gregory was a tireless midfielder who made nearly 600 appearances in his career, scoring 83 goals, and winning six full international caps for England.


Announcement of Gregory's Two Year Contract
April 23, 2007 - QPR Official Site -GAFFER STAYS ON
The Club are delighted to announce that John Gregory has agreed a two year extension to his current contract.
In the wake of the R's guaranteeing their Championship status with victory against Cardiff City on Saturday, Gregory has activated a clause within his existing contract that will see him remain at Loftus Road until the end of the 2008/09 campaign.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Gregory said: "I'm delighted to accept the offer made to me by Chairman Gianni Paladini.
"I feel very honoured to have been the Manager of QPR for the last seven months and to have been given the task of keeping us in the Championship. Now that has been secured, the rebuilding has to begin.
"We need to put some concrete in the foundations to make sure the Club does not sink to the appalling depths that it has done this season. That means making changes throughout the Club, which will not always be popular ones.
"I personally have never been happier. I look forward to working alongside Gianni, as we strive to build a better future for our loyal fans. All you need is love.''
Gregory joined the R's on September 20th 2006, replacing Gary Waddock, whose ten games in charge in all competitions at the start of the season heralded just two victories.
His impact was immediate, as the R's clinched back-to-back wins in his first two games, before four wins in five outings, culminating in Saturday's 1-0 win against the Bluebirds, confirmed the R's place in the second tier of English football.
Chairman Gianni Paladini expressed his delight at the news, commenting: "John Gregory has done a fantastic job in his short time in charge here and we are all delighted that he has agreed to be part of our future.
"The impact he has made since he arrived here in September has been quite staggering. The signings he has made have been inspirational and he's proven what a top Manager he is.
"He has our one hundred per-cent backing and he is most definitely the right man to lead us to what we hope will be a very bright future.''


2006-2007 Results Under John Gregory

QPR 2-0 Hull City 23-09-2006
Southampton 1-2 QPR 30-09-2006
QPR 3-3 Norwich 14-10-2006
QPR 1-2 Derby 17-10-2006
Sheff Wed 3-2 QPR 21-10-2006
QPR 1-1 Leicester 28-10-2006
West Brom 3-3 QPR 31-10-2006
QPR 4-2 C Palace 04-11-2006
Luton 2-3 QPR 11-11-2006
Cardiff 0-1 QPR 17-11-2006

QPR 0-1 Coventry 25-11-2006
QPR 1-2 Sunderland 28-11-2006
C Palace 3-0 QPR 02-12-2006
Stoke 1-0 QPR 09-12-2006
QPR 0-1 Wolves 16-12-2006
QPR 1-0 Barnsley 23-12-2006
Birmingham 2-1 QPR 26-12-2006
Norwich 1-0 QPR 30-12-2006
QPR 1-0 Colchester 01-01-2007
Hull City 2-1 QPR 13-01-2007

QPR 0-2 Southampton 20-01-2007
Barnsley 2-0 QPR 30-01-2007
QPR 3-1 Burnley 03-02-2007
Southend 5-0 QPR 09-02-2007
Leeds 0-0 QPR 20-02-2007
QPR 1-1 Plymouth 24-02-2007
Ipswich 2-1 QPR 03-03-2007
QPR 1-1 Sheff Wed 10-03-2007
Derby 1-1 QPR 13-03-2007
Leicester 1-3 QPR 17-03-2007

QPR 1-2 West Brom 31-03-2007
QPR 1-0 Preston 03-04-2007
Coventry 0-1 QPR 07-04-2007
QPR 3-2 Luton 09-04-2007
Sunderland 2-1 QPR 14-04-2007
QPR 1-0 Cardiff 21-04-2007
Wolves 2-0 QPR 28-04-2007
QPR 1-1 Stoke 06-05-2007

And the touted replacements...


This is London- QPR sack Gregory - Vialli tipped to take over
QPR have sacked manager John Gregory following the club's poor start to the season.
The Loftus Road side are rooted to the bottom of the Coca-Cola Championship following yesterday's 5-1 defeat by West Brom at The Hawthorns and are yet to win from seven games.
Gianluca Vialli was immediately installed as favourite to take over, possibly in time for next Monday's home game against Norwich. Ten days ago, London-based Vialli was in the directors' box at Loftus Road for the 1-1 draw against league leaders Watford.
Although the 43-year-old Italian stressed he was there simply as a guest of countryman and new owner Flavio Briatore, his presence was enough to have fans chanting his name during yesterday's 5-1 defeat at West Brom. Vialli, currently a pundit with Sky Italia, won five trophies in three seasons in charge at Chelsea but he fared less well at Watford.
His extravagant transfer dealings at Watford, which resulted in the club attaining only 14th place in the First Division in 2002, and the payout on his subsequent departure contributed to the Hornets being taken to the brink of financial collapse.
Yesterday's result left QPR still seeking their first league win of a season and they are the only side not to have recorded a victory in the top four divisions.
Briatore was unavailable for comment. But in a statement on QPR's website, chairman Gianni Paladini said: "The club would like to thank John for everything he has done during a difficult period, in particular for saving us from relegation last season.
"However, the performances and results this season have not met with our expectations. The club have decided to act swiftly in time to turn things around for the remainder of the season."
First-team coach Mick Harford will take temporary charge for Wednesday's Championship game at Colchester.
Other names in the frame for Gregory's job include Martin Allen, Dave Bassett and former QPR captain and boss Gerry Francis.
Francis said: "I felt he would have had a few more games to get himself out of the situation, but that's football.
"The most important thing is there is investment in the club because that's been very difficult for John and the managers before him.
"You need the financial backing and the financial help because you need to get players capable of performing at a certain level."


The Times - Antonio Conte and Franco Baresi on QPR’s list - Gary Jacob

Queens Park Rangers have lined up Antonio Conte and Franco Baresi as candidates to become their next manager after John Gregory was dismissed. The former Italy internationals have been sounded out about the post by representatives of Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone, the Formula One businessman, who will complete their takeover next month.

Gregory had dinner with the new owners two weeks ago, when he was assured of his position and offered funds for new players. However, Briatore told Gianni Paladini, the QPR chairman, to dismiss Gregory after the 5-1 defeat away to West Bromwich Albion on Sunday. Paladini did so at about 10.30pm and appointed Mick Harford, the first team coach, as caretaker manager.

Many of the consortium behind the takeover of the Championship side have links to Juventus. Franco Ceravolo, a former scout at the Italian club, is expected to be confirmed as sporting director, while Conte played in midfield for Juventus for 12 years from 1992. He has since been coach of Arezzo in Serie B in Italy. Baresi, the former defender, has been a youth team coach at AC Milan since he retired from playing for the club.

Didier Deschamps has also been mentioned as a possible manager, but Gianluca Vialli, the former Chelsea manager, has said that he is not interested.


Daily Mail - The Screamer
Mick Harford will be given a brief chance to make the QPR manager's job his own after John Gregory was sacked yesterday.
The axe fell after Rangers lost 5-1 at West Bromwich on Sunday to leave them three points adrift at the foot of the Championship.

Harford, 48, will take charge for the visit to Colchester tomorrow then has home games against Norwich and Ipswich and a trip to Preston to show new owners Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone he is the man for the job.
However, Gianluca Vialli, former QPR midfielder Martin Allen and Tony Adams are also in the running, while Paul Jewell is believed to have ruled himself out.
Harford, a coach at Colchester last season, said: 'I'd be naive if I didn't think some big names would be applying but I'm going to give it my best shot.
'I'm sad about John Gregory as he brought me in, but when I told him that the chairman Gianni Paladini offered me the caretaker job he told me to go for it.
'I know what the situation is. You win games, you get the opportunity to be manager.'
Harford moved quickly to stiffen his team, last night signing Preston's former Wigan midfielder Jason Jarrett on loan.


QPR Official Site EXCLUSIVE: HARFORD SPEAKS
Mick Harford has revealed that he took the job of Caretaker Manager with the blessing of John Gregory.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, the 48 year-old spoke of his admiration for his predecessor and insists the players owe it to him - and the fanatical R's supporters - to start producing the goods.
"Gianni called me last night and told me what had happened," said Harford.
"I spoke to John at length and told him the Chairman had offered me the job as Caretaker Manager. John told me to go for it and to look after the Club.
"It's a shame that John has gone because he is a good man and a good Manager, who put a good infrastructure in place."
Harford added: "It's a good opportunity for me, but in difficult circumstances. I have been in this position before at Wimbledon and Nottingham Forest. I know what the situation is - if you win games then you get an opportunity to manage the Football Club. It's all about winning, and that's what I am here to do.
"We came in this morning and the Chairman was here. He asked me if I was ready for the task and I told him 'Of course I am.' We then had a meeting with the players, although I think the news had filtered through to a lot of them by then.
"They were surprised because John was a great character around the place, and the players liked him a lot. I think they know that they owe him. Hopefully we can win on Wednesday and the players can credit the victory to John."
Harford, who joined the R's from our forthcoming opponents Colchester United in the summer, added: "Player selection will be down to me and I will pick what I believe is the best team to beat Colchester.
"There are a lot of ironies in football. It's amazing, all of a sudden, that I am managing QPR and taking them to the team that I recently left.
"The Rangers fans are a great bunch and they deserve a lot of respect for travelling far and wide to support the team. All I ask is that they get behind us at Layer Road, and I am sure the players will put out for them. I will certainly be driving them on to do exactly that." QPR

Ecclestone: QPR Talking to Vialli..Speaks of Ambitions for QPR
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Telegraph - Vialli in talks with QPR, says F1's Ecclestone By Kevin Garside

QPR's new joint-owner, Formula One billionaire Bernie Ecclestone, has said that the club are in talks with Gianluca Vialli.

Rangers, who sacked coach John Gregory yesterday, hope to have a replacement within a week. Ecclestone's partner, Flavio Briatore, is leading the chase.

Top of the list: Ecclestone and Briatore target Vialli
"I don't know whether Vialli is good or bad," Ecclestone said. "Flavio knows him. He has been talking to him.

"From a coach you need someone who motivates all the players. The guy sitting there can't tell them what to do. They know to kick the ball in the goal. You don't have to tell them that unless they are really dumb.

"You want then to feel that they can win when they go out on the pitch. Chelsea played for Jose Mourinho. He commanded enormous respect."

Ecclestone pledged to spend big to take QPR back into English football's top flight. According to him, the only way is up.

"We have big ambitions for the club. It has a terrific fan base. We didn't buy the place to make money. We want to give the stadium a big face lift. We will spend what it takes to get the job done. I want to see it looking as good as it can look and get these guys kicking the ball a bit better. It is hard to go down any lower," he said.

Ecclestone, a close confidante of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and a regular at Stamford Bridge, has no plans to be hands on like the Russian oligarch.

"Flavio will be the one wearing the big tie," he said. "I have only been there once but thought the good thing about it was that you could just lean over and ask the guy for his autograph while he was running down the wing." Telegraph

And then this went on for some time!...

Allegedly An Italian Manager for QPR
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Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - The Italian job

"QPR are set to appoint the first foreign manager in the club's history after sacking John Gregory last weekend....
The task of lifting them up the table will be entrusted to one of two Italian legends - either former Chelsea and Watford boss Gianluca Vialli or AC Milan stalwart and assistant coach Alessandro Costacurta.
Whoever gets the nod from owners Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone will become the first manager from beyond British shores in QPR's 125-year history.
Both men possess impressive CVs, having played for Italy on numerous occasions and won European Cups (Vialli with both Sampdoria and Juventus and Costacurta five times with Milan).
Rangers are also expected to appoint a director of football, probably with top-level experience in Italy, to work alongside the new boss - who could be installed in time for next Monday's home game against Norwich.
Chairman Gianni Paladini has indicated that caretaker manager Mick Harford, who takes charge for tonight's match at Colchester, is not a candidate for the full-time job. ...
After witnessing Sunday's 5-1 hammering at the Hawthorns, a grim-faced Paladini headed for the visitors' dressing-room to inform Gregory that his two-year contract was being terminated....
Perhaps Gregory's greatest failing, though, was his tendency towards bizarre team selection and refusal to pick particular players - such as Matthew Rose, Mauro Milanese and Nick Ward - under any circumstances.
Even on Sunday, it was difficult to understand why the substitutes' bench included three full-backs, while central defender Zesh Rehman was being given a torrid time on the right.
Or why Stefan Moore was again pressed into service as a winger, with Martin Rowlands moved into the centre and the likes of Ward and Stefan Bailey nowhere to be seen.
The infamous training ground punch-up with the Chinese Olympic team, persistent takeover talk and numerous changes to the backroom staff all ensured that Gregory's reign was never dull.
But it had run its course. Having set a precedent this time last season, the board's decision was inevitable" Kilburn Times

today.
He is still a hero with QPR fans after leading them to the 1982 FA Cup Final - despite the defeat to Tottenham.
And he has emerged ahead of Gianluca Vialli as the favoured candidate of prospective new owners Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore.
The club's hierarchy were impressed by the way Roeder led Newcastle out of trouble after the regime of Graeme Souness crumbled.
And they are also aware his achievement in taking West Ham to a seventh-place finish in his first season at Upton Park which has long been underrated.
It is felt at Loftus Road he would be the ideal candidate to lead the club away from the foot of the Championship to safety.
Qpr have completed a one-month loan signing of Birmingham frontman Rowan Vine, 25. He is expected to go straight into the squad for tonight's match at Colchester.
Mirror

Daily Mail - Roeder set to take over as QPR manager
Former Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder has shot to the top of the wanted list at QPR.
Roeder, who was club captain under Terry Venables at Loftus Road in the 1980s, will be interviewed today, reports the Daily Mirror.
Roeder is still a hero with Rangers' fans after leading them to the 1982 FA Cup Final - which they lost to Tottenham.
And he now emerged ahead of Gianluca Vialli to take the QPR hotseat as the favoured candidate of owners Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore following Monday's departure of John Gregory.
Roeder took West Ham to seventh in the Premiership when he was in charge but never made a real impression at Newcastle who sacked him last season. Mail

Roder's QPR career: Signed by Frank Sibley from Orient, in the summer of 1978, who then resigned. Initially didn't play much under Steve Burtenshaw in QPR's relegation season . Then played for Tommy Docherty and Terry Venables as QPR captain. Sadly missed the FA Cup Final replay against Spurs because he'd been sent off (against Luton). Lost his place to Terry Fenwick as central defender and moved on to Newcastle.

I agree mate. If we kept him on, i think we would be in the prem now.

Ah...bump...

Seven years ago...

ANd then after several weeks and other names, Guidolin (spelling)


Luigi De Canio


Monday, October 29, 2007

Luigi De Canio Appointed Manager of QPR- Official Announcement
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De Canio has been officially appointed QPR manager on a 2 1/2 year contract. Mick Harford leaves QPR immediately. And theQPR Directory is already updated.

QPR Official Site - EXCLUSIVE: DE CANIO APPOINTED
Posted on: Mon 29 Oct 2007
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Luigi De Canio as First Team Coach.
The contract period runs until the end of the 2009/10 season.
The 50 year-old has an extensive coaching pedigree having taken charge of Udinese, Napoli, Reggina, Genoa and most recently Siena in Serie A - who he helped keep in the top-flight for two consecutive seasons before leaving.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, De Canio said: "I am very excited at this fantastic opportunity to join Queens Park Rangers as their First Team Coach.
"For me, it will be an honour to work for Queens Park Rangers, a Club which is backed by Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, two businessmen with an incredible track-record of success in sport and other fields.
"I would like to thank them and tell them I will not disappoint their expectations. I am fully committed to the project and I am looking forward to getting to work with the players in preparation for our forthcoming home fixture against Hull City on Saturday."
On behalf of the new management of QPR, Chairman Gianni Paladini expressed his delight at the capture of De Canio, commenting: "The Club is going through a phase of total restructuring and for us the appointment of Luigi De Canio is the first important step ahead in our long-term strategy.
"De Canio is a highly motivated professional, whose dynamic and aggressive approach fits perfectly with the image and philosophy of the new Management."
Paladini added: "De Canio is fully aware of the high standards and objectives that the new Management has set for the future of the Club, and he is ready and eager to take up the challenge"
Mick Harford, who has acted as Caretaker Manager since the departure of John Gregory in early October, has left the Club with immediate effect.
Paladini added: "We offered Mick a role within the new set-up and we're disappointed that he has turned this down. He has done a fantastic job since he arrived here in the summer and his contribution will never be forgotten.
"We all wish him the very best for the future."
*The Club will be making no further comment at this stage. QPR

De Canio Profiled - QPR Official Site

After a ten year playing career in the Italian lower leagues, Luigi De Canio started his coaching career in the late nineties with Pisticci, who he guided to Serie D.
He spent four more seasons with the Club, before joining Serie C outfit Savoia during the 1993/94 campaign.
De Canio enjoyed a successful start to life at his new Club, leading them to promotion, albeit via the play-off's, in his first season in charge.
A switch to Serie C1 side Siena followed in 1995/96, with De Canio achieving an eighth place finish in his first season in charge of the Robur.
Short stints at Carpi and Lucchese followed, before De Canio showed his undoubted managerial credentials at Pescara.
He led the Club to the brink of promotion to Serie A, which led to interest from a number of top-flight Clubs in the Italian league, including Udinese, who secured his services in 1999/2000.
De Canio adjusted to life in the top-flight accordingly, guiding the Biaconeri to an eighth place finish and a place in the UEFA Intertoto Cup.
UEFA Cup football duly followed after a successful Intertoto campaign, but despite an encouraging start to the new season, a dreadful run of form, which culminated with a home defeat to Parma, resulted in his departure in March 2001.
Napoli swooped to secure his services in 2001/02, but a fifth place finish in Serie B was deemed a failure and De Canio consequently parted company with the Azzurri.
Serie A Club Reggina was his next port of call, before De Canio replaced the legendary Roberto Donadoni at the helm of Serie B side Genoa.
Despite staving off the ever-looming threat of relegation with a 16th place finish, De Canio was sacked on the eve of the 2004/05 campaign.
He spent six months out of the game before re-joining Siena, whom he managed a decade earlier. Fourteenth and seventeenth placed finishes followed, prior to the appointment of Mario Beretta for the start of the 2006/07 season.
Today, in his 28th season in the professional game, he joins Queens Park Rangers as First Team Manager, succeeding Caretaker Manager Mick Harford. QPR

See Also: Wikipedia Profile of De Canio Wikipedia on Luigi De Canio

Teams managed
Savoia
Siena
Carpi
Lucchese
Pescara
Udinese
Napoli
Reggina
Genoa
Siena




Monday, October 29, 2007

How QPR's De Canio Appointment and Harford Departure is Being Reported
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Mail -QPR ditch Harford and give job to De Canio
QPR have appointed former Napoli and Siena boss Luigi De Canio as their new first-team coach, according to the club's website.
Caretaker manager Mick Harford has left the Championship club.
The 50-year-old succeeds John Gregory, who was sacked four weeks ago today, and has agreed a contract at Loftus Road until the end of the 2009-10 season.
Mick Harford, who led Rangers to two wins and two draws as caretaker manager to guide them off the foot of the Coca-Cola Championship table, turned down a coaching role at the club and has left with immediate effect. Mail

Goal.com - Luigi De Canio Takes Charge At QPR
Former Siena and Napoli manager Luigi De Canio has been named as the new boss of English second-tier outfit Queen's Park Rangers...
Queen's Park Rangers have announced that Luigi De Canio has taken over as first team manager.
The Loftus Road club confirmed this morning that the ex-Napoli coach will take immediate charge of the struggling outfit, with the Italian boss eager to get started.
He remarked to the official club website, "I am very excited to have this fantastic opportunity - it will be an honour.
"I am looking forward to getting to work with the players in preparation for our game against Hull on Saturday."
The Championship strugglers are currently second bottom of the table with 11 points from 12 games, although a win against Hull City could potentially lift them into the safety zone.
John Gregory was fired as boss at the Shepherd's Bush team earlier in the season, with Mick Hartford now leaving the club after being relieved of his caretaker managerial duties in favour of De Canio.
The experienced 50 year old has penned a three year deal at Loftus Road for his first management job since leaving Siena in 2006.
Previously, he served clubs including Genoa, Reggina, Napoli and Udinese as boss, having had an undistinguished career as a player with clubs ranging from Serie C2 to Serie B.
The Italian connection at QPR runs as far as presidential level, the current club chief being Gianni Paladini. Goal.com


BBC - Former Napoli boss takes QPR role
De Canio is the new first-team coach at Loftus Road
Queens Park Rangers have confirmed the appointment of Italian Luigi de Canio as first team coach.
The 50-year-old has led Udinese, Napoli, Reggina, Genoa and more recently Siena. He has signed a three-year contract at Loftus Road.
Mick Harford, who had been in caretaker charge following the recent sacking of John Gregory, has left the club.
"I am very excited at this fantastic opportunity. It will be an honour," De Canio told QPR's website.
"I am looking forward to getting to work with the players in preparation for our game against Hull on Saturday."
The incoming new owners at QPR - a group fronted by Formula One magnates Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone - were keen to appoint an Italian.
They turned to De Canio after a bid to install former Palermo and Monaco boss Franceso Guidolin stalled.
"De Canio is fully aware of the high standards and objectives that the new management has set for the future of the club," said chairman Gianni Paladini.
"He is ready and eager to take up the challenge."
Paladini added: "We offered Mick Harford a role within the new set-up and we're disappointed that he turned it down.
"He has done a fantastic job and his contribution will never be forgotten.
"The club is going through a phase of total restructuring and for us, the appointment of Luigi de Canio is the first important step ahead in our long-term strategy." BBC


The TImes - October 29, 2007 Luigi De Canio confirmed as QPR coach Times Online and Agencies
Queen's Park Rangers have appointed Luigi De Canio as their new first-team coach.

The former Napoli and Siena manager succeeds John Gregory and has agreed a contract at Loftus Road until the end of the 2009-10 season. Gregory was sacked a month ago.

Mick Harford, who led Rangers to two wins and two draws as caretaker manager to guide them off the foot of the Coca-Cola Championship, turned down a coaching role at the club and has left with immediate effect.

De Canio has also managed Udinese, Reggina and Genoa and notably kept unfashionable Siena in Serie A for two seasons before leaving last summer.

"I am very excited at this fantastic opportunity to join Queens Park Rangers as their first-team coach," De Canio said.

"For me it will be an honour to work for QPR, a club which is backed by Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, two businessmen with an incredible track record of success in sport and other fields.

"I would like to thank them and I will not disappoint their expectations. I am fully committed to the project and I am looking forward to getting to work with the players in preparation for our forthcoming home fixture against Hull City on Saturday."

Gianni Paladini, the QPR chairman, said: "The club is going through a phase of total restructuring and the appointment is the first important step in our long-term strategy.

"De Canio is a highly-motivated professional whose dynamic and aggressive approach fits perfectly with the image and philosophy of the new management."

Harford left his role as assistant manager at Colchester in the summer to become Gregory's No 2, and had expressed his desire to take on the permanent job. "We offered Mick a role within the new set-up and we're disappointed he has turned this down," Paladini said. "He has done a fantastic job since he arrived and his contribution will never be forgotten." The Times


Telegraph - Luigi De Canio named as new QPR coach By Patrick Nathanson and agencies
QPR have appointed former Napoli manager Luigi De Canio as their new first-team coach.
De Canio, 50, succeeds John Gregory, who was sacked four weeks ago today, and has agreed a contract at Loftus Road until the end of the 2009-10 season.
Mick Harford, who led Rangers to two wins and two draws as caretaker manager to guide them off the foot of the Coca-Cola Championship table, turned down a coaching role at the club and has left with immediate effect.
De Canio has also managed Reggina and Genoa and notably kept unfashionable Siena in Serie A for two seasons before leaving last summer.
"I am very excited at this fantastic opportunity to join Queens Park Rangers as their first-team coach," he said.
"For me it will be an honour to work for QPR, a club which is backed by Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, two businessmen with an incredible track record of success in sport and other fields.
"I would like to thank them and I will not disappoint their expectations. I am fully committed to the project and I am looking forward to getting to work with the players in preparation for our forthcoming home fixture against Hull City on Saturday."
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini said: "The club is going through a phase of total restructuring and the appointment is the first important step in our long-term strategy.
"De Canio is a highly-motivated professional whose dynamic and aggressive approach fits perfectly with the image and philosophy of the new management." Telegraph

AP - Queens Park Rangers appoints Luigi de Canio as coach on contract until 2010
LONDON: Queens Park Rangers appointed Luigi de Canio as its first team coach on Monday on a contract until 2010.
De Canio replaced John Gregory who was fired a month ago by the League Championship side.
De Canio, 50, has coached Italian clubs Udinese, Napoli, Reggina, Genoa and Siena. He left Siena at the end of the 2005-06 season — after twice helping the club avoid relegation from the Serie A — and hasn't coached since.
De Canio said he was lured to QPR by new owners, Formula One heavyweights Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore.
"I would like to thank them and tell them I will not disappoint their expectations," De Canio said. "I am fully committed to the project and am looking forward to getting to work with the players."
De Canio's first game in charge is against Hull on Saturday.
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini said De Canio's appointment was part of a total restructuring of the west London club.
"De Canio is a highly motivated professional whose dynamic and aggressive approach fits perfectly with the image and philosophy of the new management," Paladini said.
Mick Harford, who led Rangers to two wins and two draws as caretaker manager, left the club Monday after turning down a coaching role.
QPR is in 23rd place out of 24 teams in the League Championship — the division below the Premier League — with 11 points from 12 games. AP

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