Steve McClaren appointed QPR manager on two-year deal

By Andrew Dickson

QPR boss Steve McClaren say he will look to develop young talent at Loftus Road

Steve McClaren has been confirmed as the new manager of QPR on a two-year contract.

The former England boss replaces Ian Holloway at Loftus Road after he was sacked by the Championship side last week.

QPR are the fifth English club McClaren has managed, following previous stints at Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest, Derby and Newcastle.

He told the club's website: "It's great to be back - and it's a challenge that I'm excited by.

"I must admit I've followed the club closely over the last five years because of the three months I had here.

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Image: McClaren replaces Ian Holloway, whose second spell in charge ended last week when he was sacked

"From the outside, I've seen the progress, work and changes that have gone on - especially over the last two years - in streamlining the squad and getting the budget down. The board and owners deserve credit for that

"The introduction of younger players has been a breath of fresh air and it's exciting for the future.

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"I like to play attractive, attacking football - and we've got young, hungry footballers here who can play that way.

"The priority is to win football matches - but we want to win them in a certain style."

McClaren's appointment sees him return to work in English football for the first time since he was sacked by Derby in March last year.

He has previously worked for the west London club, having been on the coaching staff under Harry Redknapp between July and September 2013 before leaving for his first spell at Pride Park.

Image: McClaren has previously worked at QPR, spending time there in 2013 as a coach under Harry Redknapp before leaving for Derby

McClaren has most recently been working for Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv in a consultancy role but left them just after Christmas.

He will now be tasked with getting QPR back into the Premier League for the first time since their relegation in the summer of 2015. They finished 16th in the second tier last term.

Image: QPR director of football Les Ferdinand believes McClaren can help the club's young players develop

Director of football Les Ferdinand added: "We are delighted to bring Steve to the club. He has a fantastic reputation in the game for coaching and developing players.

"When you look at the average age of our squad and the exciting young talent starting to emerge, he is the perfect fit for us. We want Steve to use his expertise and experience to help our players grow.

"We are delighted with this appointment and, speaking with Steve, I know how excited he is to be here and how determined he is to be a success."

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