Iain Dowie Confirmed as QPR's New Manager - New Title for Chairman Paladini?

-
Good luck to Iain Dowie although it's still a somewhat puzzling appointment. Couple of notes: His title is again "First Team Coach" rather than manager. And QPR FC Chairman, Gianni Paladini, is for the first time identiefied as "QPR Sporting Director." (although on Staff Directory, still identified as Chairman of QPR FC")

QPR Official Site EXCLUSIVE: DOWIE APPOINTED
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Iain Dowie as First Team Coach with immediate effect.
The 43 year-old, who spent three years in W12 during a distinguished playing career, has today (Wednesday 14th May 2008) put pen to paper on a two-year contract at Loftus Road.
Speaking about the appointment, QPR Sporting Director Gianni Paladini, said: "Iain Dowie has a proven track record in the Championship and we're delighted to have him on board."
Dowie, who enjoyed a brief stint as Caretaker Manager of the R's, before working under Gerry Francis in the role of Assistant Manager, also expressed his delight, commenting: "This is a very exciting long-term project.
"I'm very privileged to have been given the opportunity under the new ownership to return to the Club where I served my managerial apprenticeship.
"I've been thoroughly impressed by the new investors and their fresh, aggressive and innovative approach to all sporting matters, as well as the marketing and commercial aspect of this Football Club.
"QPR is a fantastic Club, with a steep and successful history and I'm going to relish the challenge that lies ahead." QPR


QPR Profile of Dowie - IAIN DOWIE: IN PROFILE
Born in January 1965, Iain Dowie enjoyed an illustrious 13-year professional playing career.
The striker began his career at Luton Town, for whom he scored 16 goals in 66 league appearances.
A short spell at West Ham United followed in 1991, but it was during a four-year spell at Southampton that he really made his name, scoring 30 goals in 122 league appearances for the South Coast outfit.
A brief career at Crystal Palace followed in 1995, but following the Eagles' relegation, Dowie returned to West Ham United for three years.
His final spell as a professional was with Rangers, for whom he made 31 league appearances, scoring two goals.
Dowie also enjoyed a brief stint as Caretaker Manager of the R's before working under Gerry Francis in the role of Assistant Manager.
During his time in the professional game, Dowie accumulated 59 caps for Northern Ireland, scoring an impressive 12 goals at international level.
After his three-year spell as number two to Francis, Dowie left QPR to become Assistant Manager of Oldham Athletic.
However, following the dismissal of Oldham Manager Mick Wadsworth, Dowie took over the reigns and led The Latics to the Division Two play-off's, where they lost a two-legged semi-final to QPR.
In December 2003, Dowie was appointed Manager of Crystal Palace, inheriting a squad that were underachieving in the lower reaches of the second tier.
Undeterred, his impact was immediate, as he guided the Eagles to 17 victories from 23 matches - and a sixth place finish.
Victory in the play-off final against his former Club West Ham United completed a quite remarkable turnaround, and although Palace were relegated back to the Championship at the first time of asking, Dowie spurned the opportunity to move on to pastures new.
He did, however, leave Crystal Palace in May 2006, joining Charlton Athletic just eight days later.
His stint at The Valley lasted just 15 matches though and after a brief period out of the game, he was appointed Coventry City Manager in February 2007.
The Sky Blues finished 17th in the Championship in his first season in charge, only for Dowie to leave The Ricoh Arena in February. QPR


Yesterday's QPR Report Dowie Profile


QPR OFFICIAL SITE - FITZ THE BILL
Fitz Hall has revealed his delight at the Board's decision to name Iain Dowie as Luigi De Canio's successor.
The R's defender, who was previously signed by Dowie for both Oldham Athletic and Crystal Palace, told www.qpr.co.uk: "He's a players' Manager and I am sure all the lads here will get on with him. I just hope he still likes me!
"When he was at Palace he was considered the next big thing in terms of management.
"He did incredibly well there to get them promoted through the play-offs, and I am sure he will be a success here."
As excited as Hall is by the arrival of Dowie, the 27 year-old centre-back has warned his team-mates to expect tough sessions when the new campaign gets underway.
"There will be a lot of changes," he said.
"Training will be completely different. It will be far more intense.
"It is going to be hard work, but I'm sure it's going to be a good environment to work in.
"In my opinion he is the man to get us into the Premiership - and that's what we are all working towards." QPR