QPR's Marti Cifuentes not on West Brom shortlist after being placed on gardening leave

Queens Park Rangers are expected to begin their search for a new manager after placing Marti Cifuentes on gardening leave.

Speculation had been rife about Cifuentes' future at Loftus Road with the Spaniard linked to West Bromwich Albion.

Reports surfaced last week that Cifuentes' representatives had been in contact with West Brom concerning their managerial vacancy. However, it's since been revealed by the Express & Star that Cifuentes is not on the club's shortlist to be the new head coach at The Hawthorns.

Cifuentes has also been linked with Norwich City, who are in the process of finding a replacement for the departed Johannes Hoff Thorup.

QPR's decision to place the 42-year-old on gardening leave was made to ensure the club receive compensation for when he departs.

In an official statement, QPR chief executive Christian Nourry said: “This is naturally a disappointing situation for everyone concerned.

“I fully understand and appreciate supporters’ frustrations at this time.

“As a club, we are working to ensure this matter is resolved as swiftly as possible so we can start preparations in earnest for the future.”

Assistant coaches Kevin Betsy and Xavi Calm will take charge of the QPR team for their final fixture of the season against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Cifuentes succeeded Gareth Ainsworth at QPR in October 2023 when the club were bottom of the Championship before steering the R's to 18th, six points clear of the relegation zone.

A difficult start to the 2024/25 campaign followed with QPR rooted to the bottom of the table at the end of November, but Cifuentes hauled them clear of troubled waters and had the team lurking around the play-offs at the end of January before injuries derailed their progress.

Cifuentes' final match was the 5-0 home defeat to promoted Burnley, a result which left QPR 15th in the table.

Jaquob Crooke

• Queens Park Rangers F.C.
• Championship
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