| Manager Name | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Pierre Sage | 4/1 | MyriadPlay |
| Gary O’Neil | 5/1 | MyriadPlay |
| Richie Wellens | 6/1 | MyriadPlay |
| Tom Cleverley | 8/1 | MyriadPlay |
| Wayne Rooney | 10/1 | MyriadPlay |
Odds are subject to change and may vary between bookmakers. Always check the latest odds before placing a bet. Gamble responsibly.
Queens Park Rangers are once again in the spotlight as they search for a new manager following the departure of Martí Cifuentes, who has been placed on gardening leave amid links to the vacant West Bromwich Albion position.
The managerial merry-go-round at Loftus Road continues, reflecting the club’s history of frequent changes at the helm. With the Championship season drawing to a close, speculation is rife about who will take the reins. The betting markets have responded swiftly, with odds fluctuating based on managerial movements, media reports, and insider information.
Top contenders include Pierre Sage, Gary O’Neil, and Richie Wellens, each bringing a unique set of experiences and managerial styles. As QPR aims for stability and a return to form, the appointment of the next manager will be crucial in shaping the club’s future trajectory.
Who Will Be The Queens Park Rangers Manager?
With several strong candidates emerging, speculation is mounting over who will take charge at Loftus Road. We examine the frontrunners and what they could bring to QPR.
Pierre Sage (Top Candidate)
Overview:
Pierre Sage is a French football coach best known for his recent spell at Olympique Lyonnais, where he took over as head coach in late 2023. Previously involved in youth development at Lyon and with lower-league sides like Chambéry, Sage rose quickly through the coaching ranks.
Though relatively inexperienced at senior level, he guided Lyon from the bottom of Ligue 1 to a sixth-place finish and European qualification before being dismissed in January 2025.
Strengths and Style:
Sage is admired for his modern, player-centric coaching methods and strong focus on tactical discipline and mental preparation. He favours a high-tempo, possession-based game and builds systems that empower players to adapt on the pitch.
Odds Analysis:
Currently priced at 4/1, Sage’s recent availability and desire to work in England have made him a strong contender. He recently stated: “My dream is to work in England,” fuelling speculation about a Championship move.
Gary O’Neil
Overview:
Gary O’Neil is a former Premier League midfielder turned manager, known for his spells in charge of AFC Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers. After a solid playing career with clubs like Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, and QPR, he moved into coaching with Liverpool’s U23s.
He kept Bournemouth in the Premier League in 2022–23 before being surprisingly dismissed. He took over at Wolves in August 2023, guiding them to a 14th-place finish, but was sacked in December 2024 following a difficult run.
Strengths and Style:
O’Neil is tactically flexible and defensively disciplined. His teams are well-organised and transition quickly, making him a solid fit for clubs needing structure and stability.
Odds Analysis:
Currently listed at 5/1, O’Neil’s availability and Championship experience make him a viable option for QPR. His strong London roots also add to the appeal.
Richie Wellens
Overview:
Richie Wellens, born on March 26, 1980, in Manchester, is an English football manager and former midfielder. After a playing career with clubs like Blackpool, Doncaster Rovers, and Leicester City, he transitioned into management in 2017 with Oldham Athletic.
He later managed Swindon Town, leading them to the League Two title in the 2019–20 season. Following brief stints at Salford City and Doncaster Rovers, Wellens took charge of Leyton Orient in March 2022. Under his leadership, Orient secured promotion to League One in 2023 and achieved a sixth-place finish in the 2024–25 season.
Strengths and Style:
Wellens is known for his attacking philosophy, often employing a 4-2-3-1 formation. He emphasises possession-based football and has a track record of developing young talent, making him a suitable candidate for clubs aiming for progressive football.
Odds Analysis:
With odds at 6/1, Wellens is among the top contenders for the QPR managerial role. His recent successes with Leyton Orient and his commitment to attacking football align with QPR’s aspirations.
Overview:
Tom Cleverley, born on August 12, 1989, in Basingstoke, is a former England international midfielder who transitioned into management after retiring from playing in 2023. He began his coaching career with Watford’s academy before being appointed interim head coach in March 2024, following the dismissal of Valérien Ismaël.
After a promising start, he was given the permanent role in April 2024. Under his leadership, Watford finished the 2024–25 Championship season in 14th place, but a poor run of form led to his dismissal in May 2025.
Strengths and Style:
Cleverley emphasised structured, possession-based football, focusing on developing young talent. His approach was characterised by tactical discipline and a commitment to nurturing academy players, aligning with Watford’s long-term vision.
Odds Analysis:
Following his departure from Watford, Cleverley has emerged as a potential candidate for managerial positions in the Championship. His recent experience and familiarity with the league make him a viable option for clubs seeking a manager with a developmental focus.
How to Bet on the Queens Park Rangers Manager
Betting on the next QPR manager is easy if you follow the right steps. Here’s a quick guide to placing a well-informed bet on the market.
1. Find a Bookmaker:
Choose a reputable football betting site that offers odds on the QPR manager market.
👉 Best Football Betting Sites UK 2025 | Footy Bookmakers
2. Locate the Market:
Navigate through the site to find the “Next QPR Manager” betting options.
3. Select Your Candidate:
Pick the manager you believe is most likely to be appointed.
4. Add to Bet Slip:
Click on your chosen candidate to add them to your betting slip.
5. Set Your Stake:
Enter the amount you wish to wager.
6. Confirm Your Bet:
Finalize and place your bet through the bookmaker.
7. Monitor Updates:
Stay informed on odds changes and news that may impact the market.
Understanding Managerial Betting Markets
“Next Manager” betting markets allow punters to wager on who will be appointed to a managerial role, typically before an official announcement. The most common bet is the outright winner—the next permanent manager.
Other variations include first to be appointed, interim manager odds, or next manager to be sacked. Odds fluctuate rapidly based on media reports, insider tips, and market movement, so timing is crucial. These markets are popular during periods of instability or after a manager’s departure.
Queens Park Rangers Managerial History & Trends
QPR have become known for their frequent managerial changes, with over 20 appointments since the early 2000s.
The club has often opted for experienced Championship-level coaches or young, ambitious managers. Periods of instability have often coincided with quick managerial turnovers, and the club’s ownership has not shied away from making swift decisions when results dip.
QPR tend to favour managers who implement attacking football and can work within limited budgets, but their hiring pattern remains inconsistent. Below is a full list of QPR managers since 2000:
| Manager | Appointment Date | To | Days in Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gerry Francis | 1998-10-16 | 25/02/2001 | 863 |
| Ian Holloway | 2001-02-26 | 02/02/2006 | 1802 |
| Gary Waddock | 2006-02-06 | 19/09/2006 | 225 |
| John Gregory | 2006-09-20 | 01/10/2007 | 376 |
| Mick Harford | 2007-10-01 | 29/10/2007 | 28 |
| Luigi De Canio | 2007-10-29 | 12/05/2008 | 196 |
| Iain Dowie | 2008-05-14 | 24/10/2008 | 163 |
| Paulo Sousa | 2008-11-19 | 09/04/2009 | 141 |
| Jim Magilton | 2009-06-03 | 16/12/2009 | 196 |
| Paul Hart | 2009-12-17 | 15/01/2010 | 29 |
| Mick Harford | 2010-01-15 | 02/03/2010 | 46 |
| Neil Warnock | 2010-03-02 | 08/01/2012 | 677 |
| Mark Hughes | 2012-01-10 | 23/11/2012 | 318 |
| Harry Redknapp | 2012-11-24 | 03/02/2015 | 801 |
| Chris Ramsey | 2015-02-12 | 04/11/2015 | 265 |
| Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink | 2015-12-04 | 05/11/2016 | 337 |
| Ian Holloway | 2016-11-11 | 10/05/2018 | 545 |
| Steve McClaren | 2018-05-18 | 01/04/2019 | 318 |
| Mark Warburton | 2019-05-08 | 01/06/2022 | 1120 |
| Michael Beale | 2022-06-01 | 28/11/2022 | 180 |
| Neil Critchley | 2022-12-11 | 19/02/2023 | 70 |
| Gareth Ainsworth | 2023-02-21 | 28/10/2023 | 249 |
| Martí Cifuentes | 2023-10-30 | 05-05-2025 | 554 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who’s the favorite to be the next Queens Park Rangers manager?
As of May 2025, Pierre Sage is the bookmakers’ favorite to become the next QPR manager, with odds currently around 4/1.
Who will be the next manager of Queens Park Rangers?
While no appointment has been confirmed, leading contenders include Pierre Sage, Gary O’Neil, and Richie Wellens. The situation remains fluid, with betting markets reacting to fresh developments.
Who would be the best manager for Queens Park Rangers?
That depends on the club’s goals. Pierre Sage offers modern tactical thinking, Gary O’Neil brings Championship-level experience, and Richie Wellens is known for attacking football and youth development.
Who is the longest serving manager at Queens Park Rangers?
Ian Holloway is the longest-serving QPR manager in the modern era, managing the club from 2001 to 2006 for nearly five years. Alec Stock is the longest-serving QPR manager, having managed for nine years between 1959 and 1968.
Which Queens Park Rangers manager has the best record?
Iain Dowie holds the highest win percentage among QPR managers, winning over 50% of his games during a short stint in 2008. Notably, future England and Barcelona manager Terry Venables also did well -he had a 49.7% win ratio, but took them to FA Cup runners-up in 1981/82 and Football League Division Two champions in 1982/83.
How often do Queens Park Rangers change their manager?
QPR have averaged a new manager roughly every 12–18 months in the past two decades, reflecting a trend of frequent changes at the top.