QPR to axe Jim Magilton over clash with Akos Buszaky

James Olley
9 Dec 2009

Jim Magiltonwill be sacked as Queens Park Rangers manager after a player revolt at Loftus Road in the wake of his bust-up with Akos Buzsaky.

The former Ipswich boss was suspended by the club today and his departure will be confirmed after an internal investigation into the row with his midfielder following the defeat at Watford on Monday night.

A club statement read: “The club can confirm that manager Jim Magilton has been suspended with immediate effect, pending an internal investigation. The suspension relates to an incident which occurred at Monday's fixture.”

Two hours later, Magilton released a statement through the League Managers' Association in which he said: “While passions can run high in football, especially after a poor performance, I categorically deny any allegation of wrong-doing following the game.  I will cooperate fully with the club's investigation. This is an unfortunate situation and I look forward to resuming my responsibilities shortly.”

However, Standard Sport understands several members of the first-team squad went to speak with members of the board yesterday to complain about Magilton's abrasive style of management.

It is believed that the 40-year-old has lost the confidence of many inside the dressing room over his aggressive approach, which has led to a series of disagreements.

The ill-feeling hit rock bottom on Monday night after it was alleged Magilton head-butted out-of-favour midfielder Buzsaky in the dressing room.

It is reported striker Patrick Agyemang then moved in to defend the Hungary international and confronted his manager over the clash.

Buzsaky then waited on the pitch and in the Watford kit man's room for 30 minutes as Magilton tore into his team over their sub-standard display. A group of players went to speak with chairman Flavio Briatore and sporting director Gianni Paladini, with one member of the squad said to be in tears over his treatment at the club.

Magilton's position is now viewed as untenable and it is understood youth coaches Steve Gallen and Marc Bircham are likely to be placed in temporary charge until a permanent replacement is found.

Rangers have managed just one win in their last seven games and have dropped to 12th in the Championship as morale reached a new low.

Buzsaky, however, has denied handing in a transfer request and said: “I am entirely focused on our next fixture against West Bromwich Albion on Monday night.”

Magilton, who was appointed in June and lasted just 26 games, is the fourth manager after Luigi De Canio, Iain Dowie and Paulo Sousa were axed by Briatore since he took control of the club in November 2007.

Magilton is the second manager this week to be embroiled in a high-profile dressing-room clash with a player, following Stoke manager Tony Pulis's alleged head-butt on James Beattie after the defeat to Arsenal at the weekend.