Hughes favourite for QPR job

 Warnock's position had reportedly been under threat because of their perilous position in the league, sitting in 17th place - just one spot and one point above the relegation zone.

 In a statement, QPR said their decision was guided by their "commitment to retaining our Premier League status".

 Warnock joined QPR 22 months ago and led them back into the top flight for the first time in 15 years when they won promotion in May.

 QPR chairman Tony Fernandes said the decision to part company with Warnock had not been taken lightly.

 "Sadly, our recent run of poor form has seen us slip alarmingly down the table and the Board felt it was the right time to make a change," he said.

 Warnock said he would leave the club with "a great sense of pride".

 "I have enjoyed my time here more than anywhere else and the QPR fans have been brilliant with me - they deserve success," he said.

 "My biggest regret is that the takeover didn't happen earlier, because that would have given me the opportunity to bring in the targets I'd pinpointed all last summer and probably given us a better chance to succeed in the Premier League."
   "The board at QPR are hugely ambitious and I wish them every success for the future," Warnock added.

 "I've been involved in the game a long time and I will be spending the immediate future with my family and friends before deciding my next career move," he concluded.

 Assistant Manager Mick Jones and First Team Coach Keith Curle have also left the club, QPR said.

 Former Manchester United and Chelsea striker Hughes has been out of work since resigning as Fulham manager last June.

 The Welshman also enjoyed managerial spells at Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and with the Wales national team.