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Dowie named new QPR boss

14/05/2008

Former Coventry City manager Iain Dowie has been appointed as the new first-team coach of Queens Park Rangers.

The 43-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Loftus Road outfit and takes over from Luigi de Canio, who left by mutual consent last week.

Dowie is a former Rangers player and also spent time at the club in a coaching capacity as caretaker manager, and then assistant manager under Gerry Francis between 1998 and 2001.

"This is a very exciting long-term project," Dowie said.

"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."

Dowie said he has been "thoroughly impressed" by the club's new owners, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone and Renault boss Flavio Briatore, saying they have brought a "fresh, aggressive and innovative approach to all sporting matters".

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

Speaking about the appointment, QPR sporting director Gianni Paladini said: "Iain Dowie has a proven track record in the Championship and we're delighted to have him on board."

QPR parted company with De Canio at the end of the Championship season following a 14th-place finish.

However, the board suggested the decision to axe the Italian had been part of a long-term rebuilding process with a view to achieving Premier League status as soon as possible.

It is thought Dowie will be afforded a substantial transfer fund to build a team capable of challenging for promotion next year.