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Gareth Ainsworth is Queens Park Rangers’ new head coach, agreeing a three-and-a-half-year deal at Loftus Road.
After spending more than a decade as manager of Wycombe Wanderers, Ainsworth returns to Rangers, a club he made 152 appearances for between 2003 and 2010.
Ainsworth, who had two spells as caretaker manager in W12 during 2008/09, was a hugely popular figure amongst the fans for his passion and commitment in the blue and white hoops – and now he can’t wait for his new chapter with the R’s to begin.
“This is all a little bit surreal,” Ainsworth said. “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.”
Looking ahead to life in the QPR dugout, Ainsworth explained, “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 CEO 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.”
Director of Football Les Ferdinand 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.”
Following Ainsworth from the Chairboys, Richard Dobson joins QPR as assistant head coach while Josh Hart comes in as a first-team analyst.
