Redknapp named as new coach at QPR

Queens Park Rangers has hired Harry Redknapp as manager in a bid to keep the London team in the Premier League.

The Englishman, who was fired by Tottenham in June, has signed a 2 1/2-year contract to replace Mark Hughes.

QPR is bottom of the Premier League with just four points and without a win after 12 matches. QPR chairman Tony Fernandes says Redknapp ''has a proven track record in the Premier League and has all the characteristics we were looking for to get us out of the current situation.''

Redknapp added that ''there's a lot of ability in the squad, but for one reason or another things haven't gone as well as everyone expected.'' Redknapp will be in the stands at Manchester United on Saturday for QPR's match.

- Reuters