Ainsworth enhances QPR job credentials (From Ealing Times)

Ainsworth enhances QPR job credentials

9:30am Friday 31st October 2008

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Queens Park Rangers caretaker manager Gareth Ainsworth enhanced his credentials for the permanent job after guiding them to a 1-0 win over promotion favourites Birmingham City on Tuesday night.

Rangers secured a heroic win over the Blues when Samuel Di Carmine smashed in a 25-yard screamer for his first goal for the club. The hosts also survived the entire second half with ten men after Mikele Leigertwood was sent off for a challenge on Lee Carsley.

It capped a memorable end to a turbulent week at Rangers which saw Iain Dowie dismissed as first-team coach on Friday. QPR also battled to a goalless draw at highflying Reading on Saturday and the two results mark Ainsworth out as a potential candidate for the managerial hotseat.

Dowie was sacked at the club's Harlington training ground last Friday after allegedly refusing to accept owner Flavio Briatore's interference over the team to face Reading.

The QPR board have had a major say in recent team selection, but Ainsworth insists he has the last word on the lineup and also believes the consultation between them is a good idea.

Ainsworth said: "I would be lying if I said it was 100 per cent down to me. It is my job to discuss players and push forward my case.

"At the end of the day I have the final input on the team. I am very open and listen to the case of other players. It is me at the helm. Any talk of people shouting down orders is not true. We are very professional and I had to make serious decisions at half-time against Birmingham.

"The team selection is my final input but there are discussions. They (board) want to know how the players are doing, not just in matches but also in training. I think it's a good thing because they are looking after their investment."

Ainsworth has always had his eye on management and the fans' favourite would relish the opportunity to continue the role on a full-time basis at Loftus Road.

But he admits he does not know if the board have interviewed anyone for the role. Roberto Mancini is the favourite for the job but other big names such as Sam Allardyce, Terry Venables and Gianluca Vialli are also believed to be in the running.

He said: "I love the club and I didn't think the emotion of winning promotion could be beaten but being caretaker manager is something else. I'm really enjoying it, I'm just taking it game by game.

"It is fantastic, I've always had ambition. I took the reserve job at the start of the season with the ambition I would one day be the manager but didn't think it would happen as quickly.

"The lads have been absolutely fantastic and have given me 100 per cent. I have had a massive response from them and that has been a big help."

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