Independent
Neil Warnock: Leaving Palace for QPR was really tough
You will know by now I am making the short trip (only about two hours by car) across London from Crystal Palace to QPR.
Leaving a club in administration for one with huge potential must look an easy decision but it has been one of the most difficult of my career, and there's been a few. The reason I am sad, as well as excited, is that of all the clubs I have been at the fans at Crystal Palace have been the best.
It's easy to say, but I'm not just saying it because I'm leaving. The support they have given me and the players during a very difficult few months, and beforehand, has been fantastic and it is something I will never forget. As everyone knows, I'm a northerner, and we all think that's the only hotbed of football, but after managing Palace I know better.
It is hardly a secret that QPR have been after me for a while. It's nice to be wanted and they made it clear I was their only choice which is a fantastic vote of confidence. They would not take "no" for an answer. But although I had been advised I could have just walked out on Palace I did not want to sell them short and the reason this has gone on so long is that I wanted both clubs to be in agreement before I moved.
I owe a lot to Palace. They have rekindled my enthusiasm for management. If it was not for Simon Jordan there is no way I would have come to London (and realised it's not such a bad place after all) and regained my desire to get back in to the Premier League.
QPR is a great challenge, the type I revel in. It has been a poisoned chalice for many managers recently but with new people taking over I feel I can give them the stability I know the fans and players have been craving. It is a club with a great tradition and a ground I've always enjoyed going to. All I can promise is all I ever promise: I'll do my best.
Sun
Neil Warnock last night became QPR'S fifth boss of a turbulent season.
Rangers agreed a £1million compensation package with Crystal Palace for the experienced manager.
The club made their approach last week to hard-up Championship rivals Palace, who got a 10-point penalty for falling into administration in January.
QPR chairman Ishan Saksena said: "Neil was always our No 1 target, we are delighted to announce him as our manager.
"He has great experience and a phenomenal track record. He is the right man to help QPR achieve its ambitions.
"Neil will be given the full support of the board and our fans will give him their full backing as well."
Warnock left Palace in 21st place in the league but they would be safe in 12th but for the points penalty.
He joins a QPR side who began the season with promotion aspirations but find themselves 20th and fighting their own relegation battle.
Warnock, who guided Sheffield United to the Premier League in 2006, said: "I'm delighted to join a club with the history of QPR. As a manager, Loftus Road is always a place I love, fantastic atmosphere.
"I believe this is the perfect time for me to come in, with the new structure and chairman. Together we can give the club the stability it needs."
Warnock will be spared the interfering of former chairman Flavio Briatore.
The Italian left the club last month after changing manager 11 TIMES in three years.
Warnock, 61, has been promised money to spend to give himself another shot at top-flight football.
The compensation will be swallowed up in the administration process at Palace who will need to act fast in appointing a boss for the relegation fight.
Ex-player Gareth Southgate - sacked by Middlesbrough in October - would be a popular choice.
Warnock succeeds Mick Harford, who won only one of his eight games as caretaker after taking over from Paul Hart.
Warnock will raid Palace for midfielders Neil Danns and Darren Ambrose on loan.
South London Press
Crystal Palace administrator Brendan Guilfoyle has expressed his "great disappointment" that Neil Warnock has left the club.
The 61-year-old manager ended his three-year spell in charge of the Eagles yesterday when he joined QPR.
And Guilfoyle has released the following statement: "It is with great disappointment that I have to confirm that Neil Warnock, Keith Curle and Mick Jones have left Crystal Palace FC to join QPR.
"I can assure all members of the red and blue army as well as all of the club's stakeholders that I did everything I could to persuade Neil to stay. However, further to an approach from QPR, Neil expressed his desire to leave and explained his focus was no longer on securing the club's status in the Championship.
"At this point, along with my legal advisors, DLA Piper, a compensation package was agreed with QPR."
Telegraph
Neil Warnock was has been confirmed as the new manager of Queens Park Rangers after a £500,000 compensation package was agreed with fellow Championship side Crystal Palace.
Warnock, 61, has agreed a 3½-year contract after Rangers made contact with the Crystal Palace administrators over the weekend.
Warnock's future at Palace had been in doubt after the club entered administration last month.
Mick Harford - who has been in interim charge at QPR since Paul Hart left in January - steps down, with Warnock becoming the club's fifth manager this season.
QPR are 20th in the Championship, three points off the relegation places, but Warnock said: "I am delighted to be joining a club with the history that QPR has.
As a manager, Loftus Road is always a place I loved because of the fantastic atmosphere there. Looking from afar, I believe this is the perfect time to come in, with the new structure and chairman in place."
It was thought that QPR would have to pay £1.5 million in compensation for Warnock but it appears the final sum was considerably less.
