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Sousa sacked by QPR

Image: Sousa: Dismissed

Championship side Queens Park Rangers have sacked manager Paulo Sousa with immediate effect.

Criticism of Blackstock deal prompts manager's dismissal

Championship side Queens Park Rangers have sacked manager Paulo Sousa with immediate effect. Sousa had only been in charge at Loftus Road since November, taking over a month after Iain Dowie left the club. But the former Portugal international's position in West London had come under scrutiny following the recent departure of Dexter Blackstock to Nottingham Forest. Blackstock joined Forest on loan last month, but Sousa revealed after last week's clash with Crystal Palace that the deal for the striker had been done without his consent. Skysports.com revealed that Sousa was holding crisis talks with the QPR board following the disagreement over Blackstock's exit. His criticism of the decision has now cost Sousa his job, with Gareth Ainsworth being placed in caretaker charge for the second time this season. A club statement read: "Queens Park Rangers Football Club has today (Thursday) had to terminate Paulo De Sousa's employment with the club with immediate effect. "It came to the club's attention that Mr De Sousa had, without authority, divulged highly confidential and sensitive information. The club, with legal advice, responded in this way to protect its position. "Player/coach Gareth Ainsworth will take caretaker charge on a temporary basis, from now until the end of the season." Sky Sports News understands that Sousa 'strenuously denies' the allegations made by QPR. Sousa leaves QPR in 10th spot in the Championship, having won seven of his 26 games in charge in all competitions, drawing 12 and losing seven.

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