QPR Nears Deal with Wycombe’s Gareth Ainsworth as New Manager
Queens Park Rangers are on the verge of appointing Wycombe Wanderers boss Gareth Ainsworth as their new manager, according to exclusive sources at Six6s. The Championship club has been in advanced talks with the 49-year-old, and there’s growing confidence he’ll be in the dugout for this weekend’s crucial match against Blackburn Rovers.
This potential appointment comes just days after QPR parted ways with Neil Critchley following a dismal run of results. The former Blackpool manager managed just one win in twelve matches since taking over in December, leaving the club dangerously close to the relegation zone after starting the season as surprise promotion contenders.
From Player to Potential Savior: Ainsworth’s QPR Connection
Ainsworth‘s potential return to Loftus Road represents a full-circle moment for the charismatic manager. The former winger made 152 appearances for QPR between 2003 and 2010, even serving as caretaker manager twice during his playing days. His deep understanding of the club’s culture and passionate fanbase could prove invaluable as QPR looks to stabilize their season.
“Gareth understands what QPR means to its supporters,” former teammate and current pundit Danny Shittu told Six6s. “He played with heart every time he wore the shirt, and I’ve no doubt he’ll manage with that same passion.”
The Challenge Ahead: Rescuing QPR’s Faltering Season
QPR’s dramatic decline has been one of the Championship’s most surprising stories this season. After topping the table in October following a win against Wigan, the team has managed just one victory in their last 17 league matches, slipping to 17th place – just six points above the relegation zone.
QPR’s recent form has seen them plummet down the Championship table
Ainsworth’s Impressive Wycombe Legacy
At Wycombe, Ainsworth established himself as one of English football’s most respected managers. As the second longest-serving manager in the Football League, he achieved back-to-back promotions, taking the Chairboys from League Two to the Championship between 2018 and 2020. His current side sits seventh in League One, having won six of their last seven matches.
“Gareth’s work at Wycombe has been nothing short of remarkable,” noted football analyst Martin Tyler. “He’s consistently outperformed expectations with limited resources – exactly the kind of manager QPR needs right now.”
Critical Fixtures Loom for New Manager
Whoever takes charge at QPR faces an immediate test with these crucial upcoming fixtures:
QPR’s Next Five Championship Matches
- Blackburn Rovers (H) – February 25
- Rotherham United (A) – March 4
- Watford (H) – March 11
- Blackpool (A) – March 14
- Birmingham City (H) – March 18
Club Leadership Calls for Stability
QPR CEO Lee Hoos emphasized the need for swift action after Critchley’s dismissal: “After seeing the team slip from play-off contenders to relegation candidates, the board felt compelled to act. We recognize the need for stability and believe Gareth’s appointment could provide that foundation.”
Director of Football Les Ferdinand added: “This season’s challenges have denied us stability. We must learn from recent experiences and unite to move forward.”
A Decade of Managerial Turnover at QPR
QPR’s search for stability is underscored by their recent managerial history:
QPR Managers Since 2013
- Harry Redknapp (2012-2015)
- Chris Ramsey (2015)
- Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink (2015-2016)
- Ian Holloway (2016-2018)
- Steve McClaren (2018-2019)
- Mark Warburton (2019-2022)
- Michael Beale (2022)
- Neil Critchley (2022-2023)
Six6s Verdict: Ainsworth’s Potential Impact
Gareth Ainsworth’s potential appointment represents more than just a new manager – it’s a statement of intent from QPR to reconnect with their identity. His combination of club knowledge, proven lower-league success, and charismatic leadership could be exactly what’s needed to halt QPR’s alarming slide.
As the Six6s team will be closely monitoring this developing story, we encourage fans to share their thoughts on whether Ainsworth is the right man to lead QPR forward. Can the former fan favorite become the long-term solution QPR has been searching for? Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain – the Championship just got more interesting.
