Redknapp going nowhere says QPR chief Fernandes
London - Harry Redknapp will remain as manager of Premier League strugglers Queens Park Rangers, club chairman Tony Fernandes insisted Monday following suggestions he was about to sack the veteran English boss.
There had been speculation in the British press last week that Redknapp was in danger of being dismissed by west London club QPR, with the Hoops just one place off the bottom of the Premier League and without a win in six games in all competitions.
Saturday's 2-0 loss to Manchester United at Loftus Road left QPR firmly in the relegation zone but Malaysian businessman Fernandes, also the chief executive of chief executive of Southeast Asian budget carrier AirAsia, was adamant he still had faith in the 67-year-old Redknapp.
"I firmly believe Harry is the best man to get us out of the position we currently find ourselves in," Fernandes said in a club statement.
"He has great experience and having spoken to him at length over the last week or so, he is determined to turn this around and help us maintain our Premier League status.
"This is Harry's squad of players, so he is the man to move us forward."
Redknapp arrived at QPR in November 2012 and was unable to keep them in the top-flight that season,. although he did oversee an immediate return to the Premier League via the play-offs last season.
The former West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth manager was then well-supported in the transfer market by Fernandes as QPR splashed out on the likes of Steven Caulker, Sandro and Leroy Fer in a bid to cement their Premier League status.
Former England captain Rio Ferdinand, who made his name under Redknapp at West Ham, also arrived at Loftus Road.
Yet it has proved to be a tough campaign so far for QPR, with all 10 away league games played ending in defeat.
But a tally of 19 points at home has left them just a point adrift of safety and Fernandes said he believed the side could stay up under Redknapp, who last week suggested a club 'mole' was trying to force his departure from Loftus Road.
"The performance against Manchester United showed the players are behind him and that they have the stomach for the fight," Fernandes explained.
"We know we need to improve our away form and Harry, his coaching staff and the squad will be doing all they can to turn around our fortunes on our travels.
"It's very tight in the table and we will do our best to strengthen where we can to give us the best possible chance. The fans have been brilliant all season and all I ask is that they continue to back Harry and the team."