Wycombe Wanderers have confirmed the departure of manager Gareth Ainsworth to Queens Park Rangers.
The 49-year-old joins the West London club following the sacking of Neil Critchley, who left Loftus Road on February 19 following a run of one win in 12 games.
Joining Ainsworth will be the Chairboys' former assistant manager, Richard Dobson, and analyst, Josh Hart.
READ MORE: Matt Bloomfield WILL be Wycombe Wanderers' new manager, club can confirm
🤝 Thank you, @wwfcofficial.
— QPR FC (@QPR) February 21, 2023
Wishing you all the very best 🙏#QPR | #WildThing
He departs Buckinghamshire with 550 matches under his belt, along with two promotions that took place in 2018 and 2020, respectively.
The former Wanderers boss will take charge of his first Rangers fixture this weekend, which is coincidentally against his boyhood team, Blackburn Rovers.
Gareth Ainsworth has been a pleasure to interview in the time I've covered the club.
— James Richings (@James_BFP) February 21, 2023
He oozes dedication and passion, and I sincerely hope he and Richard Dobson can get QPR out of their hole.
Thank you for everything.#Chairboys pic.twitter.com/LuspD0UN8I
His replacement at Adams Park will be ex-captain, Matt Bloomfield.
Ainsworth said: "This is all a little bit surreal.
“It has been a whirlwind two days and leaving Wycombe Wanderers was very tough because of the connection there.
“But this is QPR and when I spoke about something special forcing me away from Wycombe, this was pretty special.
🤘 𝙒𝙄𝙇𝘿 𝙏𝙃𝙄𝙉𝙂 🤘
— QPR FC (@QPR) February 21, 2023
Let’s rock ‘n’ roll 🎸#QPR | #WildThing pic.twitter.com/doT31Z2N45
READ MORE: 'It looks certain' - Wycombe expected to confirm Matt Bloomfield as their new manager
“It’s the club where I was most known for playing and you get moments in your career that resonate with you forever.
“I loved my time here as a player and hopefully I can go on and love my time here as a manager as well.”
QPR CEO Lee Hoos added: “We are delighted to have been able to bring Gareth in so quickly.
“I would like to thank Wycombe Wanderers for their professionalism. We have the utmost respect for them and are hugely sympathetic as we recognise the challenging nature of these circumstances.
READ MORE: Sam Grace and David Wates take Wycombe training amid Gareth Ainsworth's move to QPR
“We wish them only the best for the remainder of the season and the future.
“Gareth’s determination to be a success is very evident and we are excited to see the impact he will have.”
Can’t thank the Gaffer & Dobbo enough for bringing me to this special club and for the moments we’ve shared 🦢💙
— Jack Grimmer (@JackGrimmer) February 21, 2023
Welcome Home Blooms 🙌🏼 https://t.co/eKFSL8dUcB
Director of Football Les Ferdinand added: “After an encouraging start, this season has provided enormous challenges.
“We understand the frustration of the fans and are hugely grateful for their support.
“I know Gareth is looking forward to seeing them at Loftus Road on Saturday and he can’t wait to get going.”
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