Dowie named new QPR boss

The 43-year-old replaces Italian coach Luigi de Canio, who left the club last week by mutual consent after little over six months in charge.

The former Crystal Palace, Charlton Athletic and Coventry City manager returns to the Loftus Road helm following a stint as assistant to Gerry Francis 10 years ago.

QPR sporting director Gianni Paladini said in a statement on the club's official website: "Iain Dowie has a proven track record in the Championship and we're delighted to have him on board."

Dowie, who has signed a two-year deal with the west London club where he spent the final three years of his playing days and started his coaching career, said: "This is a very exciting long-term project.

"I'm very privileged to have been given the opportunity under the new ownership to return to the club where I served my managerial apprenticeship.

"I've been thoroughly impressed by the new investors and their fresh, aggressive and innovative approach to all sporting matters, as well as the marketing and commercial aspect of this football club.

"QPR is a fantastic club, with a steep and successful history and I'm going to relish the challenge that lies ahead."

QPR finished 14th in the Championship last season, after spending the first part of the season at the bottom of the table with no wins from their first 12 matches, which led to the sacking of then manager John Gregory and the appointment of De Canio.

Their ambitions for next season are sure to extend much higher than survival, however, following the takeover by Formula One owner Bernie Ecclestone and team boss Flavio Briatore, as well as Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, the world's fifth-wealthiest man according to Forbes.