Neil Warnock signals intentions at QPR after jumping into caretaker role

Warnock denies wanting to reprise his role as permanent head coach at QPR

NEIL WARNOCK has ruled out a permanent return to the dugout at QPR after insisting he is only keeping the hot-seat warm.

 

Warnock is back in charge at Loftus Road, three years on after being sacked, to take temporary charge following Chris Ramsey dismissal this week.

But Warnock, who has been parachuted in from his new advisory role, has no plans to head back on a full-time basis.

QPR have already been inundated with applications - but Warnock, 66, won't be one of them.

 

Warnock said: "This is a club close to my heart.

"I'm disappointed how it's worked out for Chris. I spoke with him the other night and he wished me all the best.

"But the situation for me is help to steady the ship. It's as simple as that.

"Me being here gives the club a bit more time to get the right one."

Burton boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Hibernian chief Alan Stubbs are among the front-runners for the job.

 

Burton Albion boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has been lined up as boss at QPR

Glasgow Rangers' Mark Warburton and the out of work Nigel Pearson have also been mooted.

Rangers, who are languishing in 13th place, host Preston today and Warnock added: "Some people have told me this squad is better than the one we had when we got promoted.

"Technically it is very good but in the Championship sometimes you need more than that. You need more desire at times and more passion at times."

Warnock is no stranger to success in the second-tier. He is still revered for leading Rangers up into the Premier League in 2011 and there will be a clamour for his return if he can spark a turnaround.

He added: "I'm looking forward to seeing if the lads can come up with that little bit more.

"Everybody is going to have to be on their toes and we are going to have to be better than what we've been."

 

QPR's poor start has left them in danger of being cut adrift. They are 12 points behind leaders Hull, who host fellow high-flyers Middlesbrough.

Hull manager Steve Bruce wants his side to lay down a marker in the promotion race and said: "Nothing is going to be decided from the outcome, but it will give you an idea of where you are and where you're up to.

"We've played very, very well of late and we're on a good run so let's hope that we can continue that against one of the in-form teams."

Elsewhere, Brighton and Burnley could also go top if they beat MK Dons and Wolves respectively.

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