Les Ferdinand leaving role as director of football at QPR after criticism of Premier League legend
LES FERDINAND is reportedly set to step down from his director of football role at Queens Park Rangers.
The former R’s and England striker has been in the role since 2015.
However, the 56-year-old has faced criticism in recent years.
This is owing to QPR‘s growing troubles.
Now he is set to leave his position at the club, according to a report from West London Sport.
The club narrowly avoided relegation to League One after finishing 20th in the Championship last season.
QPR saw manager Michael Beale walk out after 21 games, with successor Neil Critchley being axed after just 12.
Gareth Ainsworth was then appointed in February on a three-and-a-half year deal.
And following a discussion over summer transfer strategy with Ainsworth, Ferdinand has decided to stand down.
Ainsworth previously backed Ferdinand, declaring he had been the subject of unwarranted criticism.
He told the BBC 72+ Podcast: “He just cares so much for the club.
“He was a legend here and he just wants the best for it and I think he probably gets a bit of stick unfairly from people because all he cares about is this club being successful.
“And it has been through the mill because we’re not the Arsenal and the Chelsea of London.
“We’re the QPR and how they managed to get in the Premier League and compete was fantastic but it came at a cost.”
Ferdinand, who scored 80 goals during his playing career at QPR, impressed club chiefs as he grappled with Financial Fair Play issues.
However, some of his transfer dealings and managerial appointments are said to have caused tension at the club.