Ian Cooper, QPR correspondent Monday, January 9, 2012 10:07 AM Action had to be taken so Rangers can still act in January transfer window, insists Beard QPR Chief Executive Phil Beard has defended the timing of Neil Warnock's sacking, insisting that it was vital a change was made so the club still have time to act during the January transfer window. Warnock left the club on Sunday evening after a poor run of form which had seen Rangers win just one of their last 12 matches in all competitions and fall to 17th in the Premier League table. Chairman Tony Fernandes has been subjected to criticism from fans for dismissing Warnock, who helped the club to win the Championship last season, just six months into QPR's return to the Premier League. However, CEO Beard has stood by the board's decision, insisting a change had to be made quickly so that Warnock's replacement will have time to act in the transfer marker before the window closes. "January is a difficult month, we have a plan but it's another thing trying to implement that plan. Part of the process was to make the switch now so that weve given ourselves a bit of time," Beard told London24.com. "In this sort of situation you have to make a calculated decision which you believe is going to give you the right consequences. There's never a good time or a right time, but the argument is that we're going to be criticised if we make a decision or we don't make a decision. "If we don't get to where we want to get to as a club, then we're going to be criticised for not making changes. If we make changes and it still doesn't work, we're going to be criticised for that. "Our intention is to make an appointment as soon as possible, we've got time to get things sorted. I wouldn't want to speculate on anything at the moment because right now we have to respect the fact that Neils done a great job for the club, but obviously we're turning our attention to that side of things." Former Fulham and Wales boss Mark Hughes is the early favourite to replace Warnock, with Fernandes keen to bring in a replacement in time for QPR's trip to Newcastle United on Saturday. http://www.london24.com/sport/championship/qpr_2_5433/exclusive_qpr_chief_executive_defends_timing_of_warnock_dismissal_1_1171922
But not enough time IMO: Transfer dealings presumably on hold until new man is established New manager before the end of the week: doable but optimistic Evaluate existing squad and make decisions: at least a week Review available transfer targets:at least a couple of weeks to do this justice Realistically it will be the end of the month before anything is moving if done properly. By which time it could be too late. There will likely be more panic buys I'm afraid. The smaller risk was in retaining Warnock until the summer. Having said that you can understand why the board do not want to put a big transfer budget in the hands of someone they intend to sack.
AAAAARRRGHH - I reckon Swiss Tony will already have the clubs targets sorted and will run them past the new man. If its Hughes then expect big push for AJ / Zamora.
