Michael Beale dealt veiled Rangers exit dig by QPR in Les Ferdinand 'stability' point with successor axed after 12 games

QPR hinted at the "difficult situation" surrounding Michael Beale's exit as they sacked his replacement after just 12 games in charge.

Beale started well at Loftus Road and rejected the chance to join Wolves before being lured back to Rangers in November. That led to criticisms in the English media especially after Beale had earlier professed his loyalty to the club only to leave weeks later but he insisted the chance to return to Ibrox, where he was previously Steven Gerrard's assistant, was too big to turn down.

QPR's form had begun to tail off prior to his move back to Glasgow as they took just one point from his final five matches and those struggles have continued since. Critchley, who was lured from Blackpool, won just one game and was yet to pick up a victory in 2023, and they announced on Sunday they had sacked him after plummeting to 17th in the table.

And CEO Lee Hoos expressed sympathy for Critchley, nodding to the "difficult situation" Beale left them in. He said: “It is hugely disappointing to have to make such a decision so early into Neil’s tenure with the club. However, after seeing the team slip from play-off contenders to one being drawn into a relegation battle, the board felt it had to act.

“There is no doubt Neil inherited a difficult situation when he joined and we would like to acknowledge his superb work ethic and professionalism throughout our dealings. He is a fantastic man and we have no doubts he will go on to be a success elsewhere, just as he was at Blackpool.”

Director of Football Les Ferdinand then added their season has "presented challenges which have denied us stability," in another reference to Beale's departure. He said: “Unfortunately, things have not worked out how any of us