Mark Hughes Confirmed As QPR Manager

Mark Hughes has been confirmed as the new manager for Queens Park Rangers, with the former Fulham gaffer confirming a two and a half year contract has been agreed to.

Hughes was the overwhelming favourite to take on the position after Neil Warnock was sacked at the weekend, with the Welshmen out of work since walking out on the Fulham job last year, in the hopes of finding a team that could match his ambitions.

And with big-spending new owner Tony Fernandes mapping out a plan for QPR not only to stay in the top flight this season, but to fight for European football, Hughes believes he has found the right club to further his managerial achievements.

"It's a great feeling to be back in football and to be the manager of QPR," he told the official QPR website.

"I'm fully aware of the challenge in the short and long term and I am genuinely excited about the ambition of the owners.

"Nobody can doubt the history of this great Football Club and the passion of its fantastically loyal supporters.

"Now the immediate priority is to consolidate our place in the Barclays Premier League, but beyond that, the future is very bright and fills me with great enthusiasm."

Fernandes has been particularly transparent over the managerial changeover, taking to twitter to discuss Warnock's exit with Rangers fans.

And the owner, who has shown his commitment to the club by signing big names Joey Barton and Shaun Wright-Phillips and giving discounts to season ticket holders, insists that Hughes' achievements so far in the Premier League show he will be successful at QPR.

"Mark has a proven track record in the Premier League, bringing a wealth of experience at both Club and international level," he said.

"He has a great passion to achieve as a Manager and has already been hugely successful in his career.

"His ambitions match those of the Board and we are delighted to have him at the helm."

"Mark has a great managerial pedigree and has proven over the years to be a very astute Manager," QPR Vice Chairman Amit Bhatia added.

"I am looking forward to working with him to bring success to the Club."

Hughes will manage QPR for the first time as the side take on Newcastle at St James' Park on Sunday.