Under-pressure QPR boss Gareth Ainsworth aware of ‘big challenge’ in Huddersfield Town trip

Queens Park Rangers have had a disappointing start to the new Championship season, finding themselves in the bottom three as they prepare for their upcoming match at the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday. Despite this rough beginning, Queens Park Rangers manager Gareth Ainsworth remains optimistic about his role, even though concerns about his position at the club have surfaced.

Ainsworth, the former manager of Wycombe Wanderers, took over at Loftus Road following Neil Critchley’s brief tenure in February. He managed to guide the team to safety in the previous season, although this was partly due to Reading’s six-point deduction, which separated the two clubs in the final league standings. (Cardiff City also finished between them, securing safety with several games to spare.)

However, the start of this campaign hasn’t been any better for QPR. They currently sit in the bottom three, having accumulated just eight points from their 11 games, trailing Huddersfield Town by three points ahead of their match in West Yorkshire this Saturday.

This situation has led to speculation about Ainsworth’s future at the club if they don’t improve their performance at the John Smith’s Stadium. Nevertheless, Ainsworth expressed his confidence in his position, stating that he is fortunate to have a supportive board that has backed his decisions. He remains positive and views the challenges as opportunities for improvement rather than dwelling on negativity. Ainsworth strongly believes that QPR can surpass expectations and predictions this season, and he is convinced that the board shares his optimism. Drawing from his experience of achieving results with limited resources at his previous club, he is highly optimistic about the club’s potential for success this season.

As for their upcoming match, QPR is expected to be without left-back Morgan Fox, who recently underwent knee surgery. Additionally, center-back Steve Cook is uncertain due to a hamstring injury, but there is hope that United States international right-back Reggie Cannon, who joined as a free agent last month, may make his club debut.