Ramsey appointed till May as Beard departs

Life at Loftus Road has rarely been quiet since Beard arrived in 2011

The outgoing chief will depart on 15 March after QPR chairman Fernandes accepted his resignation (PA)

Queen’s Park Rangers have accepted the resignation of Philip Beard, with the departing chief executive citing “recent senior management changes” as the catalyst behind his decision.

Life at Loftus Road has rarely been quiet since Beard arrived in 2011 following Tony Fernandes’ takeover of the west London club. The outgoing chief will depart on 15 March after QPR chairman Fernandes accepted his resignation.

“The role of the CEO at QPR has changed in the wake of the recent senior management changes, especially on the football side of the club,” Beard said in a statement. “Whilst the changes have been positive, the decision-making process is evolving all the time at the club and I felt now was a sensible time to move on to other opportunities.

“QPR is a wonderful club and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the directors and incredible management team and staff at QPR. Most of all I want to thank the fans. Their passion and loyalty is second to none.”

The Premier League side are in the midst of a revamp, following last week’s resignation of Harry Redknapp.

Chris Ramsey was last night named successor until the end of the season, having been recommended to Fernandes by director of football Les Ferdinand.

The QPR fans’ favourite brought Ramsey to Loftus Road as academy manager in October after the pair had previously enjoyed a close relationship working at Tottenham.

“At this time, we believe Chris is the ideal candidate,” Fernandes said. He has impressed everyone here in his short time in charge and I firmly believe he is the right man – working closely with Les – to lead us until the end of the season.”

All the recent restructuring has played a part in Beard’s departure, with Fernandes quick to thank the outgoing QPR chief executive. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Phil for his contribution to QPR and wish him well for the future,” he said.

Beard arrived at Loftus Road boasting more than 30 years of experience in the sports and leisure industry, including two years as chief executive of the 02 Arena.