Next QPR manager: Ex-Sheffield United and Middlesbrough boss among favourites to replace Rangers-bound Michael Beale as three ex-Premier League managers in the running

Michael Beale has joined Scottish giants Rangers, leaving the Championship outfit to begin a managerial search before their return to action against Burnley on December 11. A statement from the Ibrox club confirmed: “Signing a contract to 2026, the 42 year-old joins from his role as manager of Queens’ Park Rangers in West London having previously worked as first-team coach at Ibrox from 2018 to last November.

“It is an exciting appointment for the club, with Beale undoubtedly one of the most sought-after young managers in British football. Indeed, in his previous time at Rangers he tirelessly supported manager Steven Gerrard and the technical staff in working towards winning title number 55 in 2021, while the club, under Gerrard, was relaunched on the European stage and built a superb reputation once there.

“Beale has strong, existing relationships with many members of the first-team squad, and, of course, fully understands the unique nature of Rangers Football Club and the demands and standards that come with representing the club.”

Wilder, along with ex-Clarets boss Sean Dyche, are the leading contenders for the now vacant position at Loftus Road according to the bookmakers. Both men are 6/1 to be appointed at Loftus Road while Scott Parker, Gareth Ainsworth and Steven Gerrard also feature high on the list.

Wilder has been out of work since being sacked by Middlesbrough in October after 45 games in charge at the Riverside Stadium. He won 18 of those after taking over in November 2021 but a poor start to the season saw him dismissed in the north east.

His most prominent spell as manager came with Sheffield United as he took charge of over 200 games between 2016 and 2021 – leading the Blades into the Premier League and earning a ninth-place finish in his first top-flight campaign.

However, a run of poor form the following season saw him sacked by his hometown club in March 2021 after 227 matches in charge. He has also had successful spells with FC Halifax Town, Oxford United and Northampton Town.

Next QPR manager odds (correct as of 3.40pm, November 28, 2022)

Sean Dyche – 6/1

Chris Wilder – 6/1

Scott Parker – 8/1

Gareth Ainsworth – 10/1

Steven Gerrard – 12/1

Duncan Ferguson – 14/1

Leam Richardson – 16/1

Carlos Corberan – 16/1

Jody Morris – 16/1

Steven Schumacher – 16/1

Lee Bowyer – 16/1

Mark Warburton – 16/1

Tony Pulis – 16/1

John Eustace – 16/1

Ralph Hasenhuttl – 16/1

John Herdman – 16/1