One Year After Gianni Paladini "Axed" Ian Holloway: Are QPR Better Off Today?

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In a few days QPR will mark the one year anniverary of Chairman Gianni Paladini placing QPR manager, Ian Holloway on "Gardening Leave." Holloway, at the time of his "leave" was QPR's longest-serving manager since Alec Stock. Holloway was placed on the Gardening Leave for choosing to interview for the Leicester City managerial job - something he'd gotten permission to do by the QPR Chairman.
At the time of his departure, Holloway's QPR was at its ebb, having lost its last couple of games; had several injures. QPR had slipped from the edge of the playoff spot, towards midtable.
Events of the past year make clear that a mid-table place would be very welcome by QPR fans: First the temporary appointment of Garry Waddock; then his "permanent" appointment; a number of strange summer signings - whoever was responsible for them; the axing of Waddock; and now the club is in the bottom three with two wins from their last 12 games.

February 6, 2006 CLUB STATEMENT
QPR have announced that Ian Holloway has been placed on 'gardening leave.'
Gary Waddock has been appointed as caretaker manager and will be taking first team training as of today.

Waddock is currently being consulted about a potential caretaker assistant manager to join him in the next few days.

The move follows speculation about Holloway joining Leicester City as their new manager.

The club is keen to avoid any distraction to the playing side and to move forward with the rest of the season as speedily as possible.

It has therefore put Ian Holloway and his managerial staff, Gary Penrice and Tim Breacker, on gardening leave with immediate effect.

Gary Waddock started at work on Monday morning in training with the players and in preparation for next Saturday's derby game against Millwall.
Gianni Paladini said: "QPR has not sacked Ian, but we are concerned about recent performances and the effect the speculation about Ian joining Leicester City might have on the players.
"I hope we can sort something out with Ian as soon as possible. QPR will always be enormously grateful for the contribution he has made over the past five years, in particular gaining promotion for us in 2004.
"However, it is crucial the team are focussed and able to move forward, which is why we have appointed Gary as Caretaker Manager. I hope the fans will get behind Gary for the home derby against Millwall on Saturday." QPR

Over the past year, there have been a number of assertions and statements and announcements and declarations (and denials) posted on the QPR Official Site. They of course can by scrolling through past months of QPR Report.