Queens Park Rangers recorded a third Premier League win of the season on Saturday, yet still Harry Redknapp cannot be assured of his future at the club.
The capital club secured a much-needed three points after edging out Leicester City by the odd goal in five, in what was a remarkable match at Loftus Road. The visitors went ahead through Esteban Cambiasso after just four minutes, but the hosts found themselves 2-1 up before the interval thanks to a Wes Morgan own-goal which was followed by a Leroy Fer effort.
Nigel Pearson’s side drew level on 67 minutes, but a Charlie Austin goal – his seventh of the season – six minutes later proved to be the decisive strike of the match. This was just the third win in 13 matches for QPR, and it was enough for them to move off the bottom of the table, where they have been replaced by a Leicester side who are now without a win in eight fixtures.
But Redknapp’s side remain in the bottom three, and it is understood his position remains in some danger. According to Jason Burt in The Telegraph, much will depend on his ability to lead his players to success in their next four home matches: against fellow-strugglers Burnley next weekend, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace in December, and Swansea City on New Years’ Day.
Indeed, it is claimed that if QPR don’t pick up points – not necessarily a maximum haul – from the first two of these, then they may even be looking for a new manager before the visit of the Eagles on 28 December. It will certainly be a difficult decision for chairman Tony Fernandes to make, as the January transfer window could prove a vital period of their bid to avoid the drop.
If he opts to issue the 67-year-old with his P45, then Tony Pulis would likely be a favoured option. The 56-year-old proved he has the nous to keep teams in the top-flight during his spell at Stoke City, and even more so since he rescued Palace from what looked like inevitable relegation last term. He has been out of work since leaving Selhurst Park in August, so could be a straight-forward appointment.
The same could be said of Tim Sherwood. The former Blackburn Rovers captain was shown the door, unfairly some would argue, at Tottenham Hotspur at the end of last season after failing to guide them to a top-four finish. The fact that two of his assistants at White Hart Lane – Les Ferdinand and Chris Ramsey – are already on the coaching staff at Loftus Road could also work in his favour.
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