FLASHBACK: One Year Ago Today - Luigi De Canio Appointed QPR Manager (on a 2 1/2 Year Contract)

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One Year ago today: QPR announced that Luigi De Canio had been appointed manager of QPR (on a 2 1/2 year contract). The departure of Acting Manager Mick Harford was announced simultaneously


QPR Official Site -October 29, 2008 - EXCLUSIVE: DE CANIO APPOINTED
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Luigi De Canio as First Team Coach.
- The contract period runs until the end of the 2009/10 season.
The 50 year-old has an extensive coaching pedigree having taken charge of Udinese, Napoli, Reggina, Genoa and most recently Siena in Serie A - who he helped keep in the top-flight for two consecutive seasons before leaving.
- Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, De Canio said: "I am very excited at this fantastic opportunity to join Queens Park Rangers as their First Team Coach.
"For me, it will be an honour to work for Queens Park Rangers, a Club which is backed by Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, two businessmen with an incredible track-record of success in sport and other fields.
- "I would like to thank them and tell them I will not disappoint their expectations. I am fully committed to the project and I am looking forward to getting to work with the players in preparation for our forthcoming home fixture against Hull City on Saturday."
On behalf of the new management of QPR, Chairman Gianni Paladini expressed his delight at the capture of De Canio, commenting: "The Club is going through a phase of total restructuring and for us the appointment of Luigi De Canio is the first important step ahead in our long-term strategy.
"De Canio is a highly motivated professional, whose dynamic and aggressive approach fits perfectly with the image and philosophy of the new Management."
Paladini added: "De Canio is fully aware of the high standards and objectives that the new Management has set for the future of the Club, and he is ready and eager to take up the challenge"
- Mick Harford, who has acted as Caretaker Manager since the departure of John Gregory in early October, has left the Club with immediate effect.
- Paladini added: "We offered Mick a role within the new set-up and we're disappointed that he has turned this down. He has done a fantastic job since he arrived here in the summer and his contribution will never be forgotten.
"We all wish him the very best for the future."
*The Club will be making no further comment at this stage. R


How QPR's De Canio Appointment and Harford Departure Was Reported

- Mail -QPR ditch Harford and give job to De Canio

- Goal.com - Luigi De Canio Takes Charge At QPR

- BBC - Former Napoli boss takes QPR role

- The Times - October 29, 2007 Luigi De Canio confirmed as QPR coach

- Telegraph - Luigi De Canio named as new QPR coach By Patrick Nathanson and agencies

- AP - Queens Park Rangers appoints Luigi de Canio as coach on contract until 2010
QPR Report - Press Coverage