Queens Park Rangers FC

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• Founded:1882
• Manager:Neil Warnock

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Rangers sack Sousa

09 Apr 2009 - 20:47:12

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Queens Park Rangers have parted company with Paulo Sousa with immediate effect.

The Portuguese coach was the fourth manager to work under co-owners Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone since the Formula One magnates took over at Loftus Road in late 2007.

De Sousa failed to lead the ambitious R's into the play-off places this season and they seem set to finish in a mid-table position.

A brief statement on the club's official website read: "It came to the club's attention that Mr De Sousa had, without authority, divulged highly confidential and sensitive information.

"The club, with legal advice, responded in this way to protect its position.

"Player-coach Gareth Ainsworth will take caretaker charge on a temporary basis, from now until the end of the season."

Only last month Briatore dismissed reports suggesting Sousa was on the verge of being axed, saying: "I don't think there is any problem at this moment.

"We support Paulo. In the last two or three months, I am not happy with results and the coach knows that. But we have had a lot of injuries to key players. I respect the fact the sport can be like that.

"It is disappointing but fans should be happy because we have done everything possible. We are there, especially at this moment, when there are not so many people who want to buy a club.

"Everyone who gets their salary from QPR needs to respect who pays the salary. Because QPR is not a profitable business, you need to be very careful. You have to have respect for people who are doing everything for success."