Iain Dowie was today confirmed as the new coach of Queens Park Rangers.

The 43-year-old signed a two-year contract and succeeds Luigi De Canio, who has returned to Italy.

"This is a very exciting long-term project," said the former QPR player who also had a brief spell there as caretaker boss.

"I'm very privileged to have been given the opportunity to return to the club where I served my managerial apprenticeship."

QPR defender Fitz Hall claims Iain Dowie will be able handle the pressure of guiding the mega-rich west Londoners to the Barclays Premier League next season.

Hall is preparing to work under Dowie for the third time in his career, having previously played for the former Northern Ireland striker at both Oldham and Crystal Palace.

"He's a players' manager and I am sure all the lads here will get on with him - I just hope he still likes me," Hall told www.qpr.co.uk.

"When he was at Palace he was considered the next big thing in terms of management. He did incredibly well there to get them promoted through the play-offs, and I am sure he will be a success here."

Despite his record with Oldham and Palace, question marks over Dowie's managerial style were raised after he lasted only 12 Premier League matches at Charlton.

He was then released from his contract at Coventry in February with Sky Blues chairman Ray Ranson claiming he wanted "a more progressive and modern way of operating".

But Dowie, an ex-QPR player, caretaker boss and assistant manager, has nevertheless been trusted with the multi-millions of club owners Flavio Briatore, Bernie Ecclestone and Lakshmi Mittal.

"There will be a lot of changes - training will be completely different and far more intense," added Hall.

"It's going to be hard work, but I'm sure it is going to be a good environment to work in. In my opinion he is the man to get us into the Premier League, and that is what we are all working towards."

Dowie's spell in caretaker charge of Rangers in 1998 lasted only two games before his replacement, Gerry Francis, appointed him as his assistant.

And former England captain Francis admits Dowie will be expected to mount an immediate challenge for promotion if he is to fit in with Briatore's ambitious plans for the club.

"Iain is fortunate to go to a club with a bit of finance behind them, he will certainly have backing to put in place the players he wants," Francis told Sky Sports News.

"All managers have their ups and downs. But he knows the Championship very well, he knows English football very well, and it's a good chance for him to make a success of the appointment.

"He will be expected to be up there challenging for promotion with the backing he has got so it will be a big year for him, but he has the experience and the backing behind him to put his plans in place."

Dowie, though, insists the role holds no fears for him, and said: "This is a very exciting long-term project.

"I've been thoroughly impressed by the new investors and their fresh, aggressive and innovative approach to all sporting matters, as well as the marketing and commercial aspect of this football club.

"QPR is a fantastic club with a successful history and I'm going to relish the challenge that lies ahead."

Meanwhile, the new owners of relegated Luton have accepted they will start life in League Two next season with a 15-point penalty.

The club went into administration last November and despite the LTFC2020 consortium agreeing to buy the club in January, a deal with the league to regain normal status, with the 15-point penalty, was only revealed today.