Gareth Ainsworth leaves fans unconvinced with a ‘baffling’ claim after his side lost to Huddersfield Town as an update emerges on his future.
Kian Harratt and Jack Rudoni netted early on to help give the Terriers their first win under Darren Moore, holding off QPR, who remain in the Championship relegation zone.
Harratt put the hosts ahead on 18 minutes before Rudoni doubled their advantage inside the first 15 minutes at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Queens Park Rangers managed to get one back late in the first half with Jake Clarke-Salter heading the ball home Andre Dozzell’s corner, but couldn’t get that equaliser..
Clarke-Salter saw his shot hit the post, and QPR also had a effort cleared off the line, sliding to their fourth straight Championship defeat.
Darren Witcoop reports that while Gareth Ainsworth has vowed to fight on and is under big pressure with tough Champ games against West Brom and Leicester to come, the next three are crucial and should he ‘lose all three, especially to Rotherham at home’, he can’t see him surviving international break.
Believe next three are crucial. Lose all three, esp Rotherham at home, and can’t see him surviving international break. GA is a good guy but can’t fool fans
— Darren Witcoop (@DarrenOWitcoop) October 22, 2023
QPR have picked up 8 points from 12 games played, four points from safety, but Ainsworth remains defiant his side can turn their season around.
Boss Ainsworth said, as per West London Sport: “We lost the game in the first 20 minutes. We gave ourselves a mountain to climb.
“We can’t defend like that in the first 20 minutes of games and expect to get something out of them – but we almost did.
“The spirit, the drive and desire to get back in the game was fantastic by the boys. But this is the Championship and you can’t often overturn a 2-0 deficit – but we almost did it.
“We hit the post and had one cleared off the line. We were the aggressors. But we’ve got to start games better and be more solid. They were sloppy goals to concede.”
Ainsworth added: “I’m a glass-half-full guy. The Blackburn game was not acceptable and the transformation is something else. We’ve improved from Blackburn.
“Roll on the season because it’s going to be a good one. I’m pretty sure we’re going to finish above that line.”
“We lost the game in the first 20 minutes,” Ainsworth told www.qpr.co.uk. “We gave ourselves a mountain to climb. We can’t defend like that in the first 20 minutes of games and expect to get something out of them.
“We almost did; the spirit and desire of the boys to get back in the game was fantastic. But this is the Championship and you can’t often overturn a two-goal deficit.
“We’ve got to start games better and be more solid. They were sloppy goals to concede.”
The next game it against West Brom ahead of next weekend’s visit from table-topping Leicester City.
“We’re missing a few key players which I think will strengthen us when they’re back,” he said.
“I’ve got to make sure the boys are ready for another three-game week and making sure we can be competitive in the next two games.
“I can’t wait for Leicester on Saturday but we’ve got a big trip to West Brom now and I want us to be solid and secure at the start of the game. If we can play like we did in the second half we can hurt teams.
“The fans were fantastic again getting behind the boys.
“I’m disappointed for them because they’ve travelled a long way to support us.”
As mentioned, Gareth Ainsworth leaves fans unconvinced with a ‘baffling’ claim as an update emerges on his future…
@adamgoodman3: Why did Len Hoos give GA a 3 ½ year contract? Isn’t he supposed to be the shrewd money guy?
@adamgoodman3: I’d bring in Eustace and compel GA to play out his contract as his assistant
@RobRoy62865380: We expect to dominate against Huddersfield but I also expected three points. It’s no good saying we played some great stuff if we end up with nothing. He keeps saying, “the boys gave everything”, the same phrase Graham Potter used before he was sacked by Chelsea.
@Croxie04: Let me explain it in simple terms. Opposition outplay us, they go 2 goals up. Foot of the gas, sit back and soak any pressure. Hence, why we look like the aggressors and “better team” – the game is already over @QPR #QPR
@WorleyJamie: We knew it was gonna be a tough season because you was gonna be in charge. With a spine of Begovic cook and colback we should be able to set up with a solid base. The players don’t trust you. Your out your depth. Thanks for 03-10 but do us a favour 😡🤦🏻♂️
@QPRW12JA: I get all the frustrations but I don’t think we have the FFP headroom to pay Gareth and his staff off and employ a new manager and backroom staff without a points deduction. It continues to be tough but we need to try and stick together and hope we have enough to get out of this.
@QPR_Jake: Love you as a man but times over fella x
@martymitch_: We’ll be down before the decorations.
@W_QPR1882: It’s boring now.
@hoopedblood: Two words… KING. NEIL.
@AlanAndrews_: Has anyone watched it? I just can’t do it anymore. I’m starting to despise him which is not good, loved him when he played for us. Walk away mate
@YsanneMorton: He’s got to go!!!!
@Carluccio91: We’ll all keep saying it. Sack him.
@Niks8_: He knew not to come over at the end! Made a half hearted attempt and got 🖕🏾🖕🏾🖕🏾🖕🏾Braindead Ainsworth
@alanfullerqpr: I’ve heard enough already stopped at 20 seconds
@Delpot201: Nice guy QPR through and through but I’m sorry the Championship is one step to far, even if he had a stronger team and the support of the board I feel we would still be in this position, unfortunately, GA does not have the skill set to manage at this level. Just look at yesterday
@jwrefs10: No out and out goalscorer is the biggest problem…we huff and puff and miss gilt edged chances….it’s not good enough!!!
@MilsteadMovies: Sorry Gareth. You’ve had enough time and it’s just not clicking. Appreciate that the club were a mess when you came in, but it’s in an even worse state now. Time to bow out gracefully before it’s too late
@IrishQpr: Go now mate, you had a go and made it worse, don’t try and fool the fans, it won’t end well for you, the jobs too big for you and your staff 👍
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