Warnock Out - Who's Next?

QPR announced on Sunday evening that Neil Warnock had left the club leading to much speculation on who would replace him. It seems a strange decision by the board to get rid of Warnock who is well liked by the fans and, whilst they haven't had a win in 8 games, Warnock was the one who took them from 20th in the Championship to the Premier League. Maybe Mr Fernandes just got fed up of the constant attraction that Warnock's outspoken opinions seemed to generate. It is possible to draw similarities between Chris Hughton's sacking from Newcastle last season, a manager who the board believed was not good enough to take the club to the next level. Few would now argue with Mike Ashley's decision, so perhaps Tony Fernandes should be given a chance. For now, it certainly seems harsh on Warnock.

Mark Hughes has been made the early favourite by the bookies and we have compiled a list of possible candidates.

Mark Hughes

Hughes is readily available having left Fulham last year and would bring with him a strong back room staff. He is well connected following his work at Man City, Fulham and also the Wales national side. Hughes left Fulham with the intention of managing at a higher level in the future and whether the QPR job would appeal to him remains to be seen. Odds: 1/2

Gianfranco Zola

Zola has emerged as a surprise contender for the job. Also currently without a job having left West Ham in 2010 he would be more of a risk than Hughes owing to his lack of experience. Zola's footballing philosophy would certainly be appreciated by the QPR fans, but whether he could bring the stability that the club needs would be another question. Odds: 11/8

Rafa Benitez

Another big name, and another jobless manager. Benetiz would surely be popular with the supporters and brings a wealth of experience despite his failure at Inter Milan. He has European pedigree and would attract some big names with the money that QPR have. Odds: 8/1

Steve Bruce

Bruce has only just left Sunderland and could be offered a swift return to football. The fact he hasn't been out of football long means he could fit back into management fairly quickly. One stumbling block may be the move down south from the north east. Odds: 14/1

Sven Goran Eriksson

An outside shout but he could be the big name that QPR are looking for. He would bring a wealth of experience and a huge base of contacts for bringing in players. Out of a job since he left Leicester in October 2011, Sven may be keen for one last crack at English football after a so far less than inspiring record. And who knows, we may yet see David Beckham in the Premier League again if Sven takes charge. Odds: 14/1

Whoever the QPR board go for they will need to settle in quickly and start picking up points soon as well as doing some business in this transfer window. QPR are a sinking ship at the moment and Warnock was a popular man on the terraces so it will be a difficult job for the new man. Our tip? Well Hughes is the early favourite, but we wouldn't be surprised if Tony Fernandes tried to get a slightly bigger name, so we're gonna go for Sven.

WA