"Dowie Looks Set to Take Over at Loftus Road"

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Interesting background...

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David McIntyre/Ealing Gazette - Dowie looks set to take over at Loftus RoadM ay 12 2008

Former player is in pole position after Briatore backtracks over Italian preferences
IAIN Dowie has moved a step closer to taking over as QPR boss after Flavio Briatore agreed in principle to the appointment of a British manager.
Briatore, the club's co-owner, was previously keen to install an Italian and overlooked a number of applicants to hire Luigi De Canio last October after failing to secure his first choice; ex Palermo boss Franceso Guidolin.
De Canio's sudden departure has left Rangers looking for their fifth boss in the space of two-and-a-half years, and various problems encountered during his brief reign - such as language barriers - led to some board members favouring the appointment of a Brit this time around.
Dowie heads the list of British candidates, but his chances of landing the job depended on Briatore being convinced not to look abroad.
And at an all-important board meeting on Sunday evening, Briatore indicated that he was now minded to turn to a manager with Championship experience.
Dowie, who led Crystal Palace to the Premiership via the play-offs in 2004, had spells as a player, coach and caretaker boss at Rangers, where he was twice overlooked for the manager's job.
Since leaving Palace, he has had short and unsuccessful spells in charge of Charlton and Coventry.
He will now hold talks further talks with Briatore and is in pole position to take over at Loftus Road, but several other candidates from around Europe are still being considered as possible alternatives.
De Canio left the club last week after previously insisting that he would remain in charge for the start of next season.
His exit surprised even the backroom team he brought to west London from Italy after his arrival at Rangers.
The futures of coaches Paolo Pavese and Luri Bartoli are unclear, but scouts Fhilippo Orlando and Gianni de Marzio are expected to stay on under the new regime.
Meanwhile, Rangers expect to formally complete the signing of Newcastle defender Peter Ramage, 24, on a Bosman free transfer this week.
Czech goalkeeper Radek Cerny is also set to sign after being released by Tottenham. Ealing Gazette