Les Ferdinand returns to QPR as Head of Football Operations at Loftus Road.
Les Ferdinand has returned to Queens Park Rangers to take on the role of Head of Football Operations at Loftus Road.
The former QPR striker, who scored 92 goals in 185 appearances for the club between 1987 and 1995, will focus on "improving the footballing philosophy" at the club and has been charged with helping bring the Academy talent through to the first team.
Harry Redknapp's side currently prop up the Premier League table with just four points from their opening seven games and chairman Tony Fernandes hopes Ferdinand's arrival will signal an improvement on the pitch.
“Football has changed considerably in recent years and I firmly believe there is a role at every football club for this kind of position," he told the club's website.
“Les is a fantastic QPR man and I know the fans will join me in welcoming him back to a place he has a great fondness for.
“The footballing philosophy and nurturing young talent are high on our agenda and Les’s experience of working with players at all levels, combined with his undoubted passion for the club, will help us build and improve.”
Ferdinand added: “It’s incredible to be back here.
“This club holds a special place in my heart. Everyone knows what it means to me, so when the opportunity to return here in this role came up I jumped at the opportunity.
“Tony and his fellow shareholders know the passion I have and the experience I’ve gained since retiring will really stand me in good stead for this role.
“There’s nothing I want more than for QPR to be successful in the short, medium and long term and I’m excited about the challenge ahead.
“It’s about time we started producing players that come through to the first-team from the academy. QPR always had a tradition for doing that, but it seems to have gone away from it in recent years.
“I know the owners would like to get back to that, and they want that side of the club to develop.”
Redknapp said: “I'm pleased to welcome Les back to the club.
“There's no doubting the qualities he'll bring to the role, having enjoyed a great time here as a player. But beyond that, he understands the game.
“I brought him in at Tottenham as a coach, and he did a great job for me there.
“Having someone like him involved with the club, someone who understands the history of it, can only be good for QPR.”