Harford future in the balance

Harford, who has taken QPR on a four-match unbeaten run since taking over as caretaker manager after the sacking of John Gregory last month, saw his side record their first away win at Charlton — but his players' efforts may have been all in vain.

With Italian reports saying that new owner, Flavio Briatore, and Bernie Ecclestone had already appointed Siena coach, Luigi Di Canio, Harford was fearing the worst going in to last night's meeting.

Philosophical Harford said: "I'm meeting with the chairman tonight. I thoroughly enjoy the role as caretaker manager and the last few games have been great. If there is bad news I will deal with it as and when it comes.

"It's not about me or about the staff, it's about the players. They've had a hard year and a lot of things have gone on at the club.

"There's been a lot of uncertainty, but the players have done really well in the past four or five games and were getting results. I've been told to get on with the job and I keep out of the politics."

Chairman Paladini played down the significance of the meeting, and said: "I'm seeing him for a drink. It's normal. Mick will be here at QPR next week."

Asked whether Harford would be in charge next week, Paladini said: "I don't know. It's down to Flavio and Bernie. I don't know anything about Di Canio, that's not down to me."

If Harford is to go, his players could hardly have seen him off in better fettle and man-of-the-match Rowan Vine spoke in support of the caretaker manager afterwards.

"We're delighted with the coaching staff," he said.

"The manager wants the job and we're on an unbeaten run, so hopefully we have turned the corner."

The same could not be said for Alan Pardew's Charlton, who were booed off at the end after their third successive defeat.

"The booing was deserved," said Pardew. "It probably was our worst performance of the season. We have to make sure we don't think this is temporary or a blip. We have to make sure that we get things right for the next game."

Vine was at the centre of everything that QPR did well and he even played a part in the winning goal in the 72nd minute. It was his cross that was eventually deflected out to left-back Chris Barker who sent in a swirling centre that confused Charlton keeper Nicky Weaver.

Weaver felt he was fouled as he jumped to collect the ball under the challenge of Mikele Leigertwood but the ball fell to captain Adam Bolder who chested it down and struck home.

QPR had barely been able to manage a shot in the first half as Chris Iwelumo and Luke Varney missed chances for Charlton.

But Pardew's withdrawal of Jose Semedo in central midfield at half-time allowed Vine space to dictate the game. His darting run on 50 minutes at Jonathan Fortune caused the Charlton defender to concede a penalty, but Martin Rowland struck the spot-kick against a post. Rangers almost took the lead four minutes later when Weaver made a sharp save from centre-half Damien Stewart, while Leigertwood should have opened the scoring when he robbed a dithering Danny Mills in the 61st but instead shot well wide when through on goal.

Charlton could offer little by way of response, other than a Varney strike on 64 minutes and Lloyd Sam's 85thminute free-kick that Lee Camp turned round for a corner.