Hughes returns to EPL with QPR job

LONDON - Reuters

Mark Hughes replaced Neil Warnock as the Queens Park Rangers coach. AP photo

Mark Hughes returned to the Premier League after a seven-month absence when he was appointed manager of struggling Queens Park Rangers yesterday.

The 48-year-old Welshman, replacing Neil Warnock who was sacked on Jan. 8, has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at the Loftus Road club who are hovering one place and one point above the relegation zone.

“It’s a great feeling to be back in football and to be the manager of QPR,” former Manchester United and Chelsea striker Hughes, nicknamed Sparky, said on the club website (www.qpr.co.uk).

“I’m fully aware of the challenge in the short and long term and I am genuinely excited about the ambition of the owners.”

Media reports said he has been promised money to spend on new players by Malaysian owner Tony Fernandes, who welcomed his arrival at the west London club who won promotion to the top flight last season.

“Mark has a proven track record in the Premier League, bringing a wealth of experience at both club and international level,” Fernandes said.

“His ambitions match those of the board and we are delighted to have him at the helm.”

Hughes resigned as manager of Fulham in June after just 43 games in charge, having led the London side to eighth place in the Premier League and a Europa League spot.