QPR "In The Knows" Categorically Deny Dowie Departing Rumour

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Messageboard rumours that Ian Dowie was leaving QPR were rife today on the messageboard today. The rumours were strongly and unequivocally denied by those supposedly in the know, including former Director - and still legal counsel, Nico De Marco.

The Times Iain Dowie heads for exit door after QPR row - Gary Jacob

Iain Dowie was on the verge of being dismissed as manager of Queens Park Rangers last night after an argument with Flavio Briatore, the club’s Italian co-owner. Dowie, who was appointed only three months ago by the Coca-Cola Championship club, clashed yesterday with the Renault Formula One team principal about the proposed transfer of an unknown striker from the Middle East.

Briatore is understood to have told Dowie that he would be dismissed, but stopped short of formalising the decision and it was unclear whether the manager would report for work this morning. Some of the club’s hierarchy have been given the task of finding a successor, should the differences not be resolved, but this looks unlikely before the club’s first Championship match of the season, at home to Barnsley on Saturday. The club’s list of targets is likely to include Sam Allardyce and Mike Newell. There are no obvious internal candidates.

Briatore and Dowie have had disagreements about transfers this summer. The club spent £250,000 to sign Kaspars Gorkss from Blackpool, while three players arrived on free transfers and two on loan. Dowie dismissed the reported row as “rumours” last night.

Dowie was appointed as the successor to Luigi De Canio because it was felt that he had the credentials to lead the club to promotion. However, the appointment was not backed unanimously at Loftus Road.

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Many of QPR’s problems in recent years have stemmed from a £10 million debt to the ABC Corporation, a company registered in Panama, which provided a loan that helped the club to exit administration six years ago. The 10 per cent interest payments have been a considerable burden and QPR’s owners yesterday lent the club £10 million to repay ABC, with the money repayable to them in two years’ time and with 8.5 per cent interest payments. The Times


Nico De Marco Dowie Denial - Posted on Couple QPR Messageboards

People know me and my close relationship to the Board.

For that reason, I hardly ever post on message boards anymore.

But it is important enough to do so tonight. For some reason a "silly season" rumour has gone around claiming Ian Dowie has been/is being sacked. I can confirm there is no truth whatsoever in this rumour. Dowie is manager, the Board has full confidence in him, and the players are excited about the beginning of the season.

Unfortunately press have already been picking up this rumour and it can be distracting in the days running up to our first game. If there was any truth in this particular rumour then fair enough. But there isn't. It would be in the Club's interest, and all of our interests as supporters, if we got back to getting ready for the first game. Under Ian Dowie.

I look forward to seeing many of you on Saturday.

Nick De Marco