Neil Warnock was branded QPR’s “number one target” – they need similarly inspired appointment now.
Neil Warnock wasn’t just another name on the revolving door of Loftus Road managers when he arrived in March 2010.
Warnock’s appointment as QPR’s “number one target” inspired the club, which had previously changed managers five times in a year. Fast forward to 2025, and the same level of decisiveness is all too familiar.
Marti Cifuentes left a complex legacy.
Marti Cifuentes arrived at Loftus Road in October 2023 from Swedish club Hammarby, taking over a team six points adrift of Championship safety after a six-game losing streak. By the end of the season, he had led the club to survival, defeating champions Leicester and destroying Leeds 4-0 along the way. His calm authority and playing style drew admiration.
However, that goodwill has waned in recent months as a result of frustration. According to West London Sport, Cifuentes became dissatisfied with internal operations at Loftus Road. Former captain Shaun Derry expressed similar concerns in an interview with talkSPORT.
“It didn’t surprise me,” said Derry, who made 92 appearances for Rangers. “It’s a brilliant football club and one that I feel is still in that rebuild phase, and the talk around the football club, especially with the hierarchy there, was that they wanted to sit with Cifuentes and move forward and build, and I think that this has shocked them inside.”
Representatives initiated talks with West Bromwich Albion to replace Tony Mowbray, which surprised many.
The Baggies eventually passed on Cifuentes. However, QPR had already suffered significant damage by that point. In a statement issued by the club, CEO Christian Nourry stated: “This is obviously a disappointing situation for everyone involved.” We are working to have this matter resolved as soon as possible.”
Compensation complicates matters further. According to West London Sport’s article on the Cifuentes situation, QPR’s decision to place him on gardening leave rather than dismiss him appears to be a calculated legal move. If he is still employed, the club may seek compensation if he takes another job. However, this strategy puts QPR in a limbo, as they are unable to replace him and he cannot freely move on.
A look back on Warnock’s arrival
Taarabt is associated with Warnock’s time in West London, with the manager stating: “Tarbs is the sort of exciting player QPR should have.”
A stark comparison can be drawn between Warnock’s arrival and QPR’s current situation
What is most striking about the current situation at Loftus Road is how it echoes the chaos of 2010 in terms of the club’s drift away from purposeful leadership. When Warnock arrived in West London 15 years ago, QPR were mired in a cycle of managers and muddled ambition. They finished 13th in the Championship, with unrest in the dressing room and uncertainty in the boardroom after Flavio Briatore’s departure in February 2010.
Crucially, Warnock’s appointment provided clarity. The board identified their man and supported him. Warnock understood the chaos of the Championship better than anyone else. His track record gave him authority, and his personality provided QPR with much-needed direction. Within months, the club appeared to have completely transformed itself, not only in terms of the league table, but also in terms of identity.
Just over a year after his arrival, QPR were promoted to the Premier League as well-deserved Championship winners under Warnock’s management.
Looking ahead to 2025, Cifuentes’ reign has ended in ambiguity and off-pitch drama. As outlined below, whoever joins QPR is entering a club in desperate need of guidance.
| Category | 2009-10 (Warnock arrival) | 2024–25 (End of Cifuentes era) |
|---|---|---|
| Manager | Neil Warnock | Marti Cifuentes (on gardening leave) |
| Appointment Timing | March 2010 (club in disarray) | October 2023 (six points adrift from safety) |
| League position | 13th | 15th |
| Points | 43 | 56 |
QPR must make a bold and clear appointment again.
Back in 2010, QPR knew what they needed and took action. They decided not to settle for a caretaker or take a chance on potential. They brought in one of the best leaders in the industry.
As he has done throughout his 40-year career, Warnock built a team in his image and, as a result, earned promotion the following season after just over a year in charge.
As of now, in 2025, QPR cannot afford another long-term, experimental project without a plan. They require a manager capable of imposing structure, uniting a fractured squad, and demonstrating to Loftus Road supporters that there is a path to advancement.
The club’s next appointment must reflect the urgency of the situation. Cifuentes’ tenure showed promise, but familiar pressures led to his downfall. If QPR wants to break free from this cycle for good, they need more than just a head coach; they need a figurehead. Just like Warnock.
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