Director of Football Les Ferdinand explains why QPR re-hired Ian Holloway

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One of the most likeable men in football is back in a dugout he knows well.

QPR Director of Football Les Ferdinand has told the club’s official Twitter account that Ian Holloway’s experience in managing in the Championship and knowledge of the club was central to his appointment.

A number of names were linked with The Hoops, who sacked Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink earlier this month with the club stalling in mid-table of the Championship, with youthful duo Paul Clement and Tim Sherwood among the early favourites.

However, QPR eventually turned to an old hand after struggling under the relatively inexperienced Hasselbaink, Holloway returning to take over the club he managed for four seasons between 2001 and 2005.

The appointment represents the Bristolian’s first managerial role since he departed Millwall towards the end of the 2014/15 season, managing a win rate of just 22 per cent, the lowest of his career.

However, that did not deter QPR from rehiring a man they sacked over a decade ago, with Ferdinand admitting that the 53-year-old quickly emerged as the outstanding candidate.

“We were told that Ian might be interested in the job and once we went to interview him, along with some others, there was some good candidates,” Ferdinand told the club’s official Twitter account.

“His enthusiasm, as well as him knowing what this football club is all about, the fact that he’s done well in this division before [meant he was the ideal choice].”

“He’s got experience, he’s got 700 and odd games as a manager under his belt in this division and he’s done well.

“So we felt, with all those ingredients, he was the right man for the job.”

Holloway managed to galvanise a struggling QPR during his first spell at Loftus Road, guiding them back into the Championship and consolidating their position in the second tier with an impressive 11^th placed finish.

However, the ambitions of owner Tony Fernandes will certainly extend beyond a mid-table placing, and Holloway will be required to deliver a sharp upturn in fortunes.