Iain Dowie was today sacked as Queens Park Rangers manager after just six months at Loftus Road.

It means the club are now looking for their fifth new boss since Ian Holloway was axed in February 2006.

Chairman Flavio Briatore is believed to have lost patience with Dowie over the club's slow start to the Championship season.

Despite the arrival of Formula One millionaire Briatore and fellow mega-rich investors Bernie Ecclestone and Lakshmi Mittal, Rangers have only won one of their last six matches and lie ninth in the table.

A club spokesman said: “The board of QPR has terminated the contract of manager Iain Dowie with immediate effect.

“Dowie oversaw 15 matches in charge in all competitions.”

Winger Gareth Ainsworth, who is also on the coaching staff, has been placed in temporary charge for tomorrow's clash with Reading.
Briatore is understood to have voiced his concerns about Dowie at a dinner with vice-chairman Amit Bhatia — Mittal's son-in-law — last night.

The former Crystal Palace and Charlton boss took training this morning only for the players to be informed of his departure later.

Given the club's Italian connections, former Inter boss Roberto Mancini is sure to be a target to replace Dowie, having been spotted in London this week.

Another name in the frame could be Millwall boss Kenny Jackett.