Harry Rednapp Resigns As QPR Boss

Harry Redknapp has stepped down as head coach of English Premier League club Queens Park Rangers (QPR).

The 67-year-old cited his imminent knee surgery, due for the coming weeks, as a deterrent to his job at Loftus Road. The Englishman tendered his resignation on Tuesday morning with the club 19th in the table with 19 points from 23 games.

“Sadly I need immediate surgery on my knee which is going to stop me from doing my job in the coming weeks,” Redknapp said. “It means I won’t be able to be out on the training pitch every day, and if I can’t give 100 per cent I feel it’s better for someone else to take over the reins.”

He joined the club in November 2012 and took charge of 105 matches. The former Southampton, Portsmouth and Tottenham Hotspur coach guided the R’s back to the English top flight.

Harry Redknapp Steps Down as QPR Boss to Have Knee Surgery. Image: Getty.
Harry Redknapp Steps Down as QPR Boss to Have Knee Surgery. Image: Getty.

His win percentage has been adjudged the worst of any QPR boss in the Premier League with just 9 out of 48 matches. The west London outfit became the first team to lose their opening 11 away games of a top-flight season since Liverpool in 1953/54, having fired blunt on the road early on this season. They have won just five games so far, the last of which was a 3-1 defeat by Stoke City.

There were no new arrivals at the club on conclusion of the newly shut winter transfer window, with their deadline day pursuit of a selection of targets, such as: Emmanuel Adebayor, Aaron Lennon and Matt Jarvis falling through.

A fortnight ago, Chairman Tony Fernandes, said the club was determined to continue with Redknapp, however, such reality certainly look likely not to unfold beyond Saturday’s defensive frailties at the Britannia stadium.

“My relationship with Tony Fernandes has been one of the highlights of my footballing career and I wish the club every success. I am confident they will survive in the Premier League this year.”

Speaking on behalf of the QPR board, Fernandes added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Harry for everything he has done for the club during his time in charge.

“We part on good terms and I would personally like to wish him all the best for the future.”

Former player Les Ferdinand and Academy boss Chris Ramsey will serve as caretaker managers until further notice.

QPR are at home to Southampton on Saturday.