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Dowie: New QPR boss

QPR is a fantastic club, with a successful history and I'm going to relish the challenge that lies ahead.

Iain Dowie.
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Iain Dowie has been appointed as the new first team coach of ambitious Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers.

The former Oldham, Crystal Palace, Charlton and Coventry manager has signed a two-year contract at Loftus Road, where he spent three seasons during his playing career.

Dowie steps into the hot-seat vacated by Luigi De Canio just days after the end of the current season, in which the club finished in 14th place.

Backed by the financial muscle of Formula One duo Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, the Rs are expected to be strong contenders for promotion to the Premier League next term.

Innovative approach

Dowie, who spent a previous spell as caretaker boss at QPR and worked as assistant manager under Gerry Francis, told the club's official website: "This is a very exciting long-term project.

"I'm very privileged to have been given the opportunity under the new ownership to return to the club where I served my managerial apprenticeship.

"I've been thoroughly impressed by the new investors and their fresh, aggressive and innovative approach to all sporting matters, as well as the marketing and commercial aspect of this football club.

"QPR is a fantastic club, with a successful history and I'm going to relish the challenge that lies ahead."

Sporting director Gianni Paladini added: "Iain Dowie has a proven track record in the Championship and we're delighted to have him on board."