Ferdinand steps down as QPR Director of Football
Written by Training Ground Guru — June 16, 2023
LES FERDINAND has stepped down from his role as QPR Director of Football after more than eight years.
Ferdinand, who was our guest on Episode #6 of the TGG Podcast (which you can listen to below), was a legendary player for the club before returning in October 2014 as Head of Football Operations. He moved into his current role in February 2015.
Ferdinand said: “This has not been an easy decision. My life is football, I love football and I want to stay in football but I do feel this is the right time for me to step down from my position here.
“Everyone knows how special Queens Park Rangers is to me and it has been a privilege to be back at the club. There have been challenging times and I have had to make some very difficult decisions but every decision I have made has been with the best interests of the club at heart.
“I would like to thank the owners whose commitment to this club is incredible. They have such a strong desire to give QPR fans the club they deserve and I will be their biggest supporter as they look to achieve it.
“I also want to thank the fans. I know it has been difficult for them recently but their passion is what makes them so special. If you want to know what support means, look at our last home game. After a tough year, they gave us our biggest attendance of the season.
“That says everything about the QPR fans. This is the club that gave me my chance in football. It will always mean so much to me and I wish the R’s every success in the future.”
Chairman Amit Bhatia added: “I wish to thank Les for his guidance, leadership, determination and friendship over the years. This club means so much to him and I have seen that first-hand.
“In an industry where individuals with genuine authenticity and integrity appear to be scarce, Les's sincerity and honesty have always set him apart, and have made him so special and so valued by the board.
“QPR is Les’s club and he will always be welcome back with open arms at Loftus Road.”
Ferdinand will be in attendance at the opening ceremony of the club’s new training ground next week as a guest of the Board.