Ex-QPR boss 'agrees' Scotland move as former Chelsea man 'ready' to leave Leeds United

After the international break, the Championship returns on Friday as Leeds face Sheffield United. QPR will be back in action on the Saturday as they welcome Portsmouth to Loftus Road with both sides desperately seeking three points.

While Marti Cifuentes’ side have secured one win in their opening nine fixtures, Pompey remain winless as they make the journey to west London for Saturday’s clash.

As the EFL second-tier clubs begin welcoming back their international stars ahead of a domestic return to action, here is the latest news from the Hoops and their Championship rivals...

Ex-QPR boss agrees Scotland move

Former QPR and Blackpool head coach Neil Critchley has been appointed as the new head coach of Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian.

The 45-year-old has succeeded Steven Naismith, who was sacked last month following a winless start in the league campaign and a run of eight consecutive defeats.

Critchley was in charge at Loftus Road for just three months in the 2022/23 season, but enjoyed two successful stints at Blackpool, being relieved of his duties in August 2024.

In his new role at Tynecastle, he will be assisted by another ex-Rs coach, Mike Garrity, and BBC reports he has signed a deal that will run until the end of the 2026/27 season.

A media conference is expected to take place today, Tuesday 15 October, and Critchley’s first game in charge will come as Hearts welcome St Mirren to Edinburgh on Saturday.

Former Chelsea man ‘ready’ for Leeds exit

Former Chelsea footballer Patrick Bamford is reportedly ‘growing frustrated’ with his lack of time on the pitch this season at QPR’s Championship rivals Leeds United

Football Insider have reported that the Whites star is ‘planning to leave’ Leeds next summer with his lack of regular minutes on the pith leading to the ‘growing possibility’ he will look for a new home.

The 31-year-old has made just four appearances in all competitions so far this season, playing only 41 minutes in the Championship, with the likes of Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph ranking higher in the pecking order.

As his position remains firmly occupied by others, Bamford is now said to be ‘keen on a change of location’ with an agreement thought to be reached between the forward and the Leeds board that would see the Elland Road outfit ‘consider offers’ to offload him, should any interest come in for him before the end of the season.