Iain Dowie has been officially confirmed as the first team coach of Queens Park Rangers, taking over from Luigi De Canio who left by mutual consent last week.

QPR is Dowie’s fourth club in five years after he arrived back in the country on Wednesday following a weekend working for Dubai television to sign a two year deal with the R’s. LFW understands former Blackburn goalkeeper Tim Flowers is set to be named as Dowie's assistant.

After a long playing career which included spells at Luton, Fulham(loan), West Ham, Southampton, Palace and QPR, as well as 59 appearances for Northern Ireland, Dowie’s first managerial role was at Oldham, after taking over from Mick Wadsworth - this following a two game caretaker spell at QPR. Although spending heavily, he guided the Latics to the play offs at the end of the 2002/3 season. Unfortunately financial trouble hit Oldham and Dowie lost much of his first team squad. Funds were so hard for the club at the time that Dowie along with the remaining members of the squad were not paid for several months. Dowie tried to stick out the post for as long as possible until he decided to move on.

In December 2003, he took over at struggling Crystal Palace who at the time, were 19th place in the First Division/Championship. However, an amazing run of 17 wins in 23 games saw the Eagles storm into the play offs and even more incredibly, a play off final win over his former club, West Ham and promotion to the Premiership. The Eagles lasted only one season there and were somewhat unfortunately relegated on the final day of the season when Charlton scored a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw.

Dowie left Crystal Palace by 'mutual consent' in 2006 following an agreement with Chairman Simon Jordan, who respected his manager's wish to be closer to his family in the north. Jordan was however infuriated when just eight days later when Charlton unveiled Dowie as their new manager. Jordan won the subsequent court case.

Dowie was given more money to spend than any previous Charlton manager, but was unable to prevent the team suffering a disastrous start to the Premiership campaign. Despite reaching the quarter finals of the League Cup, Charlton stayed rooted in the relegation zone and Dowie was sacked in November 2006 after just 16 games in charge.

Dowie then joined Coventry in February 2007 and after a very successful start, the Sky Blues' form dropped off and they eventually finished 17th in the Championship. Coventry were tipped for the play offs by many this season but despite a 2-0 league Cup win at Man Utd ongoing financial problems and takeover talk affected the club and the team found itself in a relegation battle during the winter. After just one year in charge, Dowie was released from his contract at the Ricoh Arena.

Coventry stated that Dowie was released due to 'significant differences of opinion between the management team and the board as to how the club should be going forward.'

Dowie has been frequently linked with the terminally vacant managers post at Leicester City before joining Rangers.

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Three users have commented on this story - Click here to add your thoughts

Why have we appointed Ian Dowie, when we could have had, BILLY DAVIES !! - QPRJohn

No track record at top level and , not wishing to sound big headed, a championship manager when I think as supporters we feel we were promised a premiership manager. Interesting to see on the R's web site the subtelty in the appointment. 2 year fixed term contract, not the rolling that is poular now, 1st team coach responsible for team affairs. The Managing Director is quoted as how happy he is balh balh, but his title is shown as Director of Sport - so he's been demoted. Dont think Dowie will have the cheque book, and it looks like the former MD needs a counter signature which means we will see expensive signings from Bernie and Flav- but expensive signings need a decent coaching structure - with some authority. My guess is the director of football , who will have a cheque book, is on his way in - and that could be a name and likely will be foreign with pulling power. - SBardley

Thats really bad news...im gutted...he's crap! - JohnB

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