McClaren disappointed by sacking and believes QPR would have avoided relegation

Steve McClaren has expressed his disappointment at his sacking by QPR.

The former England manager was dismissed by the Championship side on Monday after less than a year in charge with Rangers eight points above the relegation zone and having won only one of their last 15 league games.

In a statement released by the League Managers Association, McClaren said: “It’s been a privilege and honour to have managed QPR, a club with such great history and tradition in English football.

“I am very disappointed to be leaving at this stage of the season after everybody has worked so hard to achieve the club’s target of staying in the Championship.

“After a bad start, our performances midway through the season saw us challenging for a play-off place. Unfortunately, since then results have proved inconsistent but, with seven games to go, I felt very confident that staying in the league was achievable.

“We worked hard to build an environment and culture to develop young players for the long-term stability of the club. However, we are in a results-based business and unfortunately both results and patience weren’t forthcoming.

“My thanks to the owner and board for giving me the opportunity to manage QPR and to the staff and players, who have been a pleasure to work with.

“Finally, thank you to the supporters who stayed loyal to the players throughout the ups and downs of the campaign. I wish everyone well for the remainder of the season.”

McClaren, who has failed to last a year at each of his last three clubs, was in charge of Rangers for 46 matches in all competitions, winning 16 and losing 21.

Assistant manager John Eustace has taken over first-team affairs on an interim basis.