‘I Would Have Persevered With Mark’

TONY Fernandes has revealed that if Harry Redknapp had not been available, Mark Hughes would probably still be in a job

Speaking to QPR.co.uk, the QPR chairman pledged his future to the club – wherever they may be next season – and said but for Redknapp, Mark Hughes would still be manager.

He said: ‘Harry is a special manager.

‘If he wasn’t available, I would probably have persevered with Mark, but Harry is a fantastic manager.

‘I’ve known him for years going back to when he was at West Ham. Harry being available swung it for us.’

Many have thought that it was a poor run of form that ultimately secured Hughes’ departure – many believing the Southampton fixture to be a watershed moment in his tenure.

Mr Fernandes continually renewed his commitment to Hughes only to eventually wield the axe after a string of poor displays and a winless run to see Rangers rooted to the foot of the table.

His faith in Redknapp has been well-founded however, unbeaten in four, a victory at the 17th attempt and off the foot of the Premier League table – five points from safety.

Judging by the run of form, it’s probably a good thing that Harry was available, as Rangers’ slide as it was would have surely seen them slip into the abyss witout a whimper.