Dowie a hit for Hoops

Last updated: 14th May 2008

Gerry Francis

Gerry Francis: Dowie mentor

I don't see the owners splashing millions about - we've heard them say that - but Iain is fortunate he's going to a club that has a bit of finance.

Gerry Francis
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Former QPR manager Gerry Francis believes everything is in place for new boss Iain Dowie to mount a challenge for promotion next season.

Dowie, who finished his playing career at Loftus Road while also acting as Francis' assistant, has been named as the replacement for Gigi De Canio.

And, as Francis told Sky Sports News, with the combined billions of Lakshmi Mittal, Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore behind him Dowie will be expected to take Rangers into the Championship promotion picture.

He said: "The fans know Iain and he'll be fine from that point of view, but like all fans all they're really interested in is results on the pitch.

"Iain will be expecting that they're going to be up there challenging for promotion and the play-offs.

"With the backing he's got, people will be expecting Iain and QPR to be doing very well. So it's going to be a big year for him, and he's got the experience and the backing behind him to put his plans in place."

Dowie's managerial career has stuttered in recent seasons following undistinguished spells at Charlton and Coventry but, according to Francis, he has an ideal opportunity to re-establish himself.

"It's a good appointment," he said. "Obviously I know Iain very well. He spent two-and-a-half years as my assistant at QPR and he's an experienced manager, particularly in the Championship.

"He's taken Crystal Palace to the Premier League before and he knows QPR, which is very important. He knows the traditions of the club.

"I don't see the owners splashing millions about - we've heard them say that - but Iain is fortunate he's going to a club that has a bit of finance behind them, which hasn't been the case at QPR for a number of years.

"He'll certainly have backing behind him to put in place the players he wants. He's fortunate in that respect, and I see them making steady progress."