Queens Park Rangers are considering Anthony Barry as a candidate to become their new manager following Michael Beale’s departure.
QPR probably thought they were out of the woods when Beale rejected a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers in January.
However, Beale has now decided to leave QPR and return to former club Rangers, becoming the new man in the Ibrox dugout.
QPR will now want a replacement before Championship action returns in just over week and appear to have targets in mind.
Queens Park Rangers are considering Anthony Barry
The Mirror (30/11, p51) report that QPR have made Neil Critchley their top target for the job.
That’s somewhat ironic given that Critchley replaced Beale as an assistant coach at Aston Villa over the summer.
Critchley isn’t the only man in the running though as QPR are also considering Anthony Barry and former Cardiff City boss Steve Morison.
Barry is a very interesting suggestion.
The 36-year-old may be remembered by some for his playing days with the likes of Accrington Stanley, Yeovil Town and Fleetwood Town.
Barry turned to coaching with Wigan Athletic but now finds himself in a key coaching role at QPR’s West London neighbours Chelsea.
Barry is currently at the World Cup though as he also serves as part of Roberto Martinez’s coaching staff with the Belgium national team.
A highly-regarded coach, it seems like only a matter of time until Barry secures himself a managerial job.
The Sun’s Alan Nixon reported in August that Sunderland considered Barry as a potential replacement for Alex Neil before picking Tony Mowbray.
Barry was also considered by Wolverhampton Wanderers after Beale rejected them, highlighting his reputation within the game.
Barry may not be the favourite for the QPR job right now but he is a name to keep a close eye on moving forward.
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