Harford resigns as QPR manager

By Alan Nixon

RAY HARFORD yesterday resigned as manager of troubled Queen's Park Rangers and brought his unhappy reign to an end within in a year.

Harford left after thinking over his future at the weekend following a humbling 4-1 defeat at Oxford United.

Coach at Blackburn Rovers when they won the title, Harford has had considerable problems at Rangers where he feels that he has been denied transfer funds. The signing of Vinnie Jones was made over his head and lately the fans have turned against the manager and his struggling team. A compensation figure has yet to be agreed, but rather than wait to haggle Harford has decided to leave.

Harford's chance of being given an escape route to Newcastle United disappeared when Kenny Dalglish was sacked a month ago.

Harford, who left West Bromwich Albion in the middle of last season to join the QPR, has achieved only one victory with the Loftus Road side in nine games this season. The club, second from bottom in the First Division, have appointed Iain Dowie, the Northern Ireland international striker, as caretaker manager. A statement from the club said: "Ray felt at this difficult time it was in the club's best interests he should step down."