Rangers rule out Zidane

French legend not moving to Loftus Road

Last updated: 9th May 2008

Zidane

Zidane: Not on Rangers' shortlist

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Queens Park Rangers co-owner Bernie Ecclestone has ruled out a move for Zinedine Zidane as the club's new manager.

Rangers are on the lookout for a new boss after Luigi De Canio's surprise departure on Thursday.

The Italian took charge at Loftus Road in October and helped guide the side to safety in the Championship by finishing in 14th spot.

French legend Zidane has been mooted as a possible replacement for De Canio, but Ecclestone says the former world player of the year is not on their shortlist to move to Loftus Road.

Ecclestone revealed that the club had been planning for the departure of De Canio for six months, but he has rejected suggestions that they had spoken to Zidane.

Denial

"I can say 100 per cent categorically 'no' to stories that we have spoken to Zidane," Ecclestone told The Times.

"We have known for six months that the coach would be leaving and we have to draw up the shortlist, but Zidane's name is not on it."

The likes of Iain Dowie, Paul Ince, Sam Allardyce and Steve McClaren have all been linked with the vacant post as Rangers are likely to embark on a massive spending spree in a bid to win promotion to the Premier League next season.

De Canio, meanwhile, has revealed his shock at losing his job.

"There were some problems," said De Canio. "It's a shame. I feel I did a good job."