QPR sack Hughes

Mark Hughes has been sacked as manager of QPR after failing to win any of their opening 12 Barclays Premier League fixtures this season.

Despite votes of confidence to the contrary, there had been mounting speculation that Hughes was coming under increasing pressure from owner Tony Fernandes and the QPR board, especially following last weekend's 3-1 home defeat to fellow strugglers Southampton.

The club refuted suggestions the Welshman had refused to budge after being asked to resign in a meeting at the club's training ground on Monday evening. But now they have issued a statement confirming the 49-year-old, who took over at Loftus Road in January, has had his contract terminated.

The statement read: "Queens Park Rangers Football Club has today (Friday) terminated the contract of manager Mark Hughes with immediate effect.

"This decision has been taken after careful consideration by the Board of Directors, following numerous meetings over the last few days.

"The Board of Directors wish to thank Mark for his commitment, hard work and dedication in his 10 months in charge. Mark has shown integrity and professionalism throughout his time here, but ultimately the circumstances we find ourselves in have left the Board of Directors with very little choice but to make a change."

The sacking comes just 24 hours before QPR travel to face Manchester United at Old Trafford and, with ex-Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp the overwhelming favourite to step in, the club confirmed they are looking at appointing a new manager as soon as possible.

"The Board will now be working actively to put a new managerial structure in place as soon as possible," the statement continued.

"Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki will take charge of the R's trip to Manchester United in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday afternoon. The club will be making a further announcement in due course."

Rangers then cancelled their pre-match media conference which was scheduled for Friday afternoon.