Post by QPR Report on Apr 15, 2009 14:41:49 GMT
James Gill/The London Paper
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QPR in controversy as search for new manager continues
THE fear factor has hit Loftus Road with QPR’s fans torn over co-owner Flavio Briatore.
The flamboyant Formula One supremo saved the club from financial ruin when he took over in 2007.
Yet, under the Italian, the manager’s job has become an increasingly impossible job. Iain Dowie got the bullet last October amid rumours of boardroom interference. And Paulo Sousa was fired last week, with further allegations of upstairs meddling.
"People are scared because [Briatore] has money and has put money in to try to improve the club," said Mark Dunbar, of the QPR Loyal Supporters’ Association.
"People don’t want him to go as they’re frightened we’ll go back to how we were before he came."
Dennis Wise has been linked with the manager’s job, but there are fears another relatively high-profile appointment would drain finances further.
"It would get a mixed reaction," said Dunbar. "Personally, I don’t think it would be too bad. However, unless things change and unless the board give the manager the autonomy to do the job and succeed or fail on his own, it doesn’t matter who they bring in. They are just going to be a puppet."
Gareth Ainsworth, caretaker until the end of the season, would certainly be a cheaper alternative and could be more inclined to accept the demands of the current regime.
"I wouldn’t see the point in wasting money elsewhere," said Dunbar. "One good thing with Ainsworth is that he’s well
respected by fans and players. If you want someone to steady the ship, he’s the best choice. "
Sousa had claimed he knew little about top-scorer Dexter Blackstock’s loan to Nottingham Forest. The striker said: "I think everyone can see what is happening.
"The manager and players didn’t want me to go."
www.thelondonpaper.com/thelondonpaper/sport/football/qpr-in-controversy-as-search-for-new-manager-continues
l
QPR in controversy as search for new manager continues
THE fear factor has hit Loftus Road with QPR’s fans torn over co-owner Flavio Briatore.
The flamboyant Formula One supremo saved the club from financial ruin when he took over in 2007.
Yet, under the Italian, the manager’s job has become an increasingly impossible job. Iain Dowie got the bullet last October amid rumours of boardroom interference. And Paulo Sousa was fired last week, with further allegations of upstairs meddling.
"People are scared because [Briatore] has money and has put money in to try to improve the club," said Mark Dunbar, of the QPR Loyal Supporters’ Association.
"People don’t want him to go as they’re frightened we’ll go back to how we were before he came."
Dennis Wise has been linked with the manager’s job, but there are fears another relatively high-profile appointment would drain finances further.
"It would get a mixed reaction," said Dunbar. "Personally, I don’t think it would be too bad. However, unless things change and unless the board give the manager the autonomy to do the job and succeed or fail on his own, it doesn’t matter who they bring in. They are just going to be a puppet."
Gareth Ainsworth, caretaker until the end of the season, would certainly be a cheaper alternative and could be more inclined to accept the demands of the current regime.
"I wouldn’t see the point in wasting money elsewhere," said Dunbar. "One good thing with Ainsworth is that he’s well
respected by fans and players. If you want someone to steady the ship, he’s the best choice. "
Sousa had claimed he knew little about top-scorer Dexter Blackstock’s loan to Nottingham Forest. The striker said: "I think everyone can see what is happening.
"The manager and players didn’t want me to go."
www.thelondonpaper.com/thelondonpaper/sport/football/qpr-in-controversy-as-search-for-new-manager-continues