Is Les Ferdinand Leaving Role as QPR Director of Football?
by Kowsalya
Updated Jun 16, 2023
Is Les Ferdinand Leaving Role as QPR Director of Football??
Yes, Les Ferdinand is leaving his Role as QPR Director of Football. Les Ferdinand, a revered figure at Queens Park Rangers (QPR) and former player for the club, has made the difficult decision to resign from his position as director of football. Ferdinand, who enjoyed a successful playing career at QPR, scoring 90 goals in 184 games, had held the director of football role since February 2015.
While Ferdinand is regarded as one of QPR's greatest-ever players by supporters, his tenure as director of football has been met with criticism due to the club's recent struggles. QPR's financial records indicated significant losses of approximately £475,000 per week. Despite initially leading the Championship, the team narrowly avoided relegation to League One by a margin of six points.
In his departure statement, Ferdinand expressed the challenging nature of his decision and stated that he believed it was the right time for him to step down. He acknowledged having made difficult choices during his tenure but maintained that all decisions were made with the club's best interests in mind.
Discussions regarding Ferdinand's potential departure from his role had been ongoing since the end of the season. In recent years, he had to carefully manage transfer spending to ensure compliance with Financial Fair Play regulations. As QPR prepares for the upcoming summer transfer window, the club is expected to adopt a cautious approach to balance its financial books.
Ferdinand had communicated the club's financial situation and resulting budget limitations to Gareth Ainsworth, who was appointed as manager in February on a three-and-a-half-year contract. Ainsworth was made aware of the challenges the club faces in terms of transfer activity.
Lee Hoos, the CEO of QPR, acknowledged Ferdinand's contributions to the club, highlighting his deep understanding of the organization and valuable connections within the football industry.
Why is Les Ferdinand Leaving Role as QPR Director of Football?
Les Ferdinand has decided to leave his role as the Director of Football at Queens Park Rangers (QPR) for several reasons. While the specific details behind his departure have not been explicitly mentioned, there are a few factors that might have influenced his decision.
Firstly, QPR has been facing financial challenges, as evidenced by their significant weekly losses of around £475,000. As the Director of Football, Ferdinand had the responsibility of managing the club's finances, including adhering to Financial Fair Play regulations. Limited transfer spending in recent years was necessary to ensure compliance with these rules, and it is possible that the ongoing financial constraints played a role in Ferdinand's decision to step down.
Furthermore, QPR's recent struggles on the pitch might have contributed to Ferdinand's departure. Despite being in a promising position at the top of the Championship in late October, the team narrowly avoided relegation to League One, finishing the season with a six-point margin. The pressure and criticism that come with such challenges can impact decision-making and potentially influence individuals to reconsider their roles.
Ultimately, Ferdinand stated that he made the difficult decision with the best interests of the club at heart. While the exact reasons for his departure have not been explicitly disclosed, it appears to be a culmination of various factors, including financial constraints and the club's recent performance.
What is Happening with QPR?
Queens Park Rangers (QPR) is a professional football club currently competing in the Championship, the second tier of English football. As of now, the team is undergoing various developments and facing challenges both on and off the pitch.
In terms of performance, QPR recently experienced a challenging season where they narrowly avoided relegation. Despite a strong start that saw them sitting at the top of the table in October, the team struggled to maintain their form and endured a poor run of results. This led to changes in coaching personnel, with Neil Critchley being replaced by Gareth Ainsworth as the team's manager.
Off the pitch, QPR has been dealing with financial difficulties. The club's latest financial records revealed significant weekly losses of approximately £475,000. This has necessitated careful management of the club's finances, including limited transfer spending in recent years to adhere to Financial Fair Play regulations.
Additionally, Les Ferdinand, a QPR legend and former player, has recently stepped down from his role as the director of football. Ferdinand, who had been with the club since 2015, made the difficult decision to leave his position, citing the best interests of the club as his primary motivation.
Did Les Ferdinand Play for QPR?
Former England striker Les Ferdinand has made the decision to step down from his position as the director of football at Queens Park Rangers (QPR). During the 2014-2015 Premier League season, Ferdinand took charge of the club's football operations, which unfortunately ended in relegation. Since then, QPR has remained in the Championship and faced challenges, narrowly avoiding relegation in the recent season.
Expressing the difficulty of his decision, Ferdinand stated that he loves football and wants to continue being involved in the sport. However, he believes that the time is right for him to leave his position at QPR. Having a deep connection to the club, Ferdinand expressed his privilege to be back at QPR and acknowledged the challenging times he faced as the director of football. He emphasized that all the decisions he made were made with the best interests of the club at heart.
Last season, QPR had a promising start, sitting at the top of the table in October. However, they experienced a decline in results and underwent changes in coaching personnel. Michael Beale left the club for Glasgow Rangers in November, while Neil Critchley was sacked in February and replaced by Gareth Ainsworth.
QPR chairman Amit Bhatia expressed his gratitude towards Ferdinand for his leadership, determination, and friendship throughout the years. Bhatia acknowledged Ferdinand's deep connection and commitment to the club, highlighting his authenticity and integrity. Ferdinand will always be welcomed back at Loftus Road, as QPR remains close to his heart.
Who is Leslie Ferdinand?
Leslie Ferdinand MBE, born on 8th December 1966, is an esteemed English football coach, former professional player, and television pundit. Currently, he holds the position of director of football at Queens Park Rangers (QPR).
Ferdinand had an illustrious career as a striker, making his mark in the Premier League with renowned clubs such as Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Leicester City, and Bolton Wanderers.
He also had to play stints in Turkey with Beşiktaş and in the Football League with Brentford, Reading, and Watford. Before transitioning into professional football, Ferdinand gained experience in non-league football with Southall and Hayes.
He earned 17 caps for England, representing his country in significant tournaments like Euro 96 and World Cup 98. Notably, Ferdinand is ranked as the eleventh-highest scorer in the history of the Premier League, having netted an impressive 149 goals. Moreover, he contributed 49 assists during his time in the division.
Following his retirement as a player, Ferdinand pursued a career as a television pundit, sharing his expertise and insights. In 2008, he rejoined Tottenham Hotspur as a strikers coach and remained with the club until 2014. He then made a return to QPR, assuming the role of director of football. Additionally, Ferdinand briefly served as caretaker manager for QPR in 2015.
Is Les Ferdinand Leaving Role as QPR Director of Football-FAQs
Yes, Les Ferdinand Leaving his Role as QPR Director of Football.
Les Ferdinand has decided to leave his role as the Director of Football at Queens Park Rangers (QPR) for several reasons. While the specific details behind his departure have not been explicitly mentioned, there are a few factors that might have influenced his decision.
Queens Park Rangers (QPR) is a professional football club currently competing in the Championship, the second tier of English football. As of now, the team is undergoing various developments and facing challenges both on and off the pitch.
Former England striker Les Ferdinand has made the decision to step down from his position as the director of football at Queens Park Rangers (QPR).
Leslie Ferdinand MBE, born on 8th December 1966, is an esteemed English football coach, former professional player, and television pundit. Currently, he holds the position of director of football at Queens Park Rangers (QPR).