De Canio axed by Queens Park Rangers after six months

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Luigi De Canio's reign as manager of Queens Park Rangers came to a shock end this afternoon. The 50-year-old Italian was only appointed last October after Rangers had sacked John Gregory.

After Sunday's defeat to West Brom the players were not told anything about De Canio's future and were sent on holiday believing the Italian would be in charge next season but it was announced today that De Canio had left the club by mutual consent.

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Moving on: De Canio

Despite winning their opening fixture under De Canio's guidance, Rangers went on a seven-match run without another victory.

But the former Siena boss steadily engineered an improvement on the pitch, ending the campaign in 14th place.

Renault Formula One boss Flavio Briatore and F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone have been bankrolling the revolution in west London as co-owners, with a further 20 per cent stake in the club bought by the family of Lakshmi Mittal, the world's fifth richest man.

Around £5million was splashed out on a team of Championship all-stars in the January transfer market.

Akos Buzsaky, Damien Delaney, Gavin Mahon, Fitz Hall, Rowan Vine and Patrick Agyemang were among those to join the Rangers revolution.

The latest development comes after a report at the weekend claimed former France midfielder Zinedine Zidane was being lined up to take over at Loftus Road.

Rangers refused to comment on who would succeed De Canio but said in a statement: "We would like to place on record our thanks to Luigi for his contribution to QPR and wish him all the best for a successful future.

"Mr De Canio would like to express his gratitude for the opportunity to manage QPR and also for the fantastic experience he had during his time in England.

"The club will be making no further comment at this stage."

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