Mark Hughes gets boot as QPR manager

Hughes was under increasing pressure from owner Tony Fernandes and the QPR board, especially after last weekend's 3-1 home defeat to fellow strugglers Southampton.

QPR denied he had refused to budge after being asked to resign on Monday evening.

But they announced today that the 49-year-old, who took over at Loftus Road in January, had got the boot.

The club said in a statement: "Queens Park Rangers Football Club has today terminated the contract of manager Mark Hughes with immediate effect.

"This decision has been taken after careful consideration by the board of directors, following numerous meetings over the last few days.

"The board of directors wish to thank Mark for his commitment, hard work and dedication.

"Mark has shown integrity and professionalism throughout his time here, but ultimately the circumstances we find ourselves in have left the board of directors with very little choice but to make a change."

QPR are lining up Harry Redknapp as a replacement.

Redknapp's agents Triple S said: "Contact has been made between QPR and us. Talks will be beginning shortly."

Coaches Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki will take charge for tomorrow's trip to Manchester United.

Fernandes allowed Hughes to spend big in the transfer market over the summer and had repeatedly backed him in public after recent bad results.

But derision at Loftus Road during the 3-1 loss to Southampton suggested Hughes had lost the backing of the fans.

Fernandes's hand may have been forced by rumours linking Redknapp with the vacant Ukraine manager's job.

Whoever replaces Hughes faces the challenges of closing the five-point gap between QPR and safety, and getting the best out of expensive signings such as Park Ji Sung, Junior Hoilett, Julio Cesar, Jose Bosingwa and Esteban Granero.