QPR sack Gregory - Vialli tipped to take over

QPR have sacked manager John Gregory following the club's poor start to the season.

The Loftus Road side are rooted to the bottom of the Coca-Cola Championship following yesterday's 5-1 defeat by West Brom at The Hawthorns and are yet to win from seven games.

Gianluca Vialli was immediately installed as favourite to take over, possibly in time for next Monday's home game against Norwich. Ten days ago, London-based Vialli was in the directors' box at Loftus Road for the 1-1 draw against league leaders Watford.

Although the 43-year-old Italian stressed he was there simply as a guest of countryman and new owner Flavio Briatore, his presence was enough to have fans chanting his name during yesterday's 5-1 defeat at West Brom. Vialli, currently a pundit with Sky Italia, won five trophies in three seasons in charge at Chelsea but he fared less well at Watford.

His extravagant transfer dealings at Watford, which resulted in the club attaining only 14th place in the First Division in 2002, and the payout on his subsequent departure contributed to the Hornets being taken to the brink of financial collapse.

Yesterday's result left QPR still seeking their first league win of a season and they are the only side not to have recorded a victory in the top four divisions.

Briatore was unavailable for comment. But in a statement on QPR's website, chairman Gianni Paladini said: "The club would like to thank John for everything he has done during a difficult period, in particular for saving us from relegation last season.

"However, the performances and results this season have not met with our expectations. The club have decided to act swiftly in time to turn things around for the remainder of the season."

First-team coach Mick Harford will take temporary charge for Wednesday's Championship game at Colchester.

Other names in the frame for Gregory's job include Martin Allen, Dave Bassett and former QPR captain and boss Gerry Francis.

Francis said: "I felt he would have had a few more games to get himself out of the situation, but that's football.

"The most important thing is there is investment in the club because that's been very difficult for John and the managers before him.

"You need the financial backing and the financial help because you need to get players capable of performing at a certain level."