QPR hint on Marti Cifuentes future as Preston North Ends applauded for Charlton Athletic coup

QPR head coach Marti Cifuentes remains on ‘gardening leave’ from the west London club with supporters given little clue as to what the future may hold for their boss.

Several names have been linked with replacing the 42-year-old at Loftus Road, most recently former Rennes boss Julien Stephan, but the latest is that no decision is close to being made.

Journalist Ian McCullough took to social media platform X on Tuesday afternoon and wrote: “Been told there’s nothing imminent in regards to the naming of a new QPR boss and names on a so-called shortlist are just that for now.”

QPR handed hint as to Marti Cifuentes future

However, QPR supporters may have been handed a hint as to where Cifuentes’ future could be after Championship rivals Middlesbrough parted ways with Michael Carrick. The former midfielder was sacked last week and the North East club is looking for a replacement.

Cifuentes had initially been linked with a move to West Brom with those rumours playing a role in his temporary dismissal, however Ryan Mason has since taken that post from Tottenham Hotspur. Now, EFL Analysis claims that Cifuentes could be a target for Middlesbrough.

The outlet believes that the R’s head coach is a ‘new name’ being considered by Boro and is ‘someone they like and who could very well be a good fit for them’. Former Luton Town boss Rob Edwards remains the frontrunner with Steve Cooper supposedly out of the running.

Middlesbrough sacked Carrick after two-and-a-half years in charge at the Riverside Stadium. During that time, the manager took the team to a play-off place in 2023 but has missed out on the top six over the past two campaigns.

A statement from the club read: “Middlesbrough Football Club has today parted company with head coach Michael Carrick. Michael's assistants Jonathan Woodgate and Graeme Carrick have also departed the club.

“We'd like to thank Michael, Jonathan, and Graeme for all their hard work and unwavering commitment. We wish them all the very best for the future.”

Preston North End praised for Charlton Athletic coup

Elsewhere in the Championship, London outfit Charlton Athletic are licking their wounds following news that Thierry Small would not extend his stay at club following promotion to League One. The full-back has been an important part of Nathan Jones’ squad over the last year-and-a-half and the Welshman had made it clear that he hoped the rising star would stay.

However, despite a new contract offer, Small elected to leave The Valley at the end of his deal and join second tier rivals Preston North End as a free agent. Former Huddersfield, Fleetwood and Doncaster coach Steve Eyre has given his opinion on that signing for Preston when speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire.

He said: "The business is alright at the moment. Everything is just alright. I think it leaves you wanting more. The Thierry Small acquisition is what they have been crying out for. We shouldn't forget that this lad has a proven track record of winning in the last 12 months, and winning big pressure matches to get promoted.

“It was in the league below, and he is only 20, but that direct pace I always talk about - that I think is missing in the team - he can play right wing-back, right wing, left wing-back, left wing. He wants to get the job done quickly. That direct pace to get to the end of the pitch which I bemoan Preston's team not getting to often enough... you can shoot, score, cross, pull-back to the edge of the box, or hit it against the defender and get a corner.

“I always think they are short with that, so that should help. For me, it's just like licking the lips a little bit... there is something going on here, a few transactions. But, hopefully there will be more.”

In other news, QPR and Charlton Athletic compete to sign Premier League 'beast'.