Birmingham City’s decision to sack manager John Eustace could force Queens Park Rangers to consider their options, according to former England international Carlton Palmer.
The Blues became headline news earlier this week when they decided to part company with the 43-year-old, despite sitting sixth in the Championship following their best start to a season in years. The sudden availability of Wayne Rooney – who departed Major League Soccer outfit DC United at the weekend – seemingly forced their hand and the former Manchester United striker was officially appointed on Wednesday.
It was a decision which was met with dismay from many in the footballing world, with Eustace considered one of the brightest up-and-coming managers in the country. He is sure to be a wanted man over the course of the next few months, with Palmer already identifying one team who will be keeping a close eye on his situation.
Queens Park Rangers have endured a miserable start to the campaign and currently sit third from bottom in the Championship. Saturday’s 4-0 defeat against Blackburn Rovers was their third successive reverse and they have not recorded a win since beating Middlesbrough at the beginning of September.
Manager Gareth Ainsworth will know that he is under pressure, although the club’s stance on the matter is that they are not yet considering his removal. Speaking to Football League World, Palmer commented on the situation;
“Gareth Ainsworth is under immense pressure at the moment at QPR. Four defeats, two draws in his last six games, third from bottom in the league, two points adrift from safety.
“It’s been well documented the financial problems the club has been facing. We don’t know the extent of the situation to make an informed decision on whether the financial situation is impacting on Gareth’s tenure.
“The facts are that Gareth, in his career thus far, remained loyal to Wycombe when he was approached time and time again by other clubs. He was League Two manager of the year in 2014/15. He took Wycombe Wanderers to the play-offs in 2020 in League One, and got Wycombe promoted from League Two in 2017-18.
“Gareth is clearly a talented manager but [has limited experience] at Championship level, so the question is how long do you give him?”
Continuing, the former Mansfield Town boss claims that the London-based club may now change their stance because of Eustace’s immediate availability;
“When a manager becomes available, as we saw with Darren Moore — Huddersfield moved quickly — so QPR might be thinking John Eustace is available now, how much longer will we give him before they have to make a move.
“But I like to think Gareth will be given a little bit more time.”
Writer’s View
Gareth Ainsworth looks to be on borrowed time, but he is a popular figure at Loftus Road and everyone around the club are desperate for him to turn things around. The international break may work in his favour and it will give him the opportunity to reset and assess the current situation before their trip to Huddersfield Town next weekend.
John Eustace is sure to be an attractive prospect for many clubs in the coming weeks and months, although he may not fancy taking over a club facing a relegation battle whilst his stock is so high.
