Hoop Dreams - QPR FC

Those expecting Mick Harford to shuffle out of Loftus Road fairly soon may have to think again, as the caretaker now has an assistant.

The club today announced that Tony Coton (pictured above), a former Manchester United goalkeeping coach, is to be assistant manager at Harford's request and so though it is unwise to rule out anything at QPR, it suggests Harford will remain as manager, at least for the immediate future.

Speaking to the club's official website, Harford was clearly more than pleased to have Coton in his corner as the two are close friends and played together at Birmingham City in the early 1980s.

Coton went on play in goal for Watford (pictured below - could Radek Cerny pull off a tache like that?), Manchester City and Sunderland before hanging up his boots for an eleven-year coaching career at Old Trafford.


It's that coaching experience at United which Harford argued could be vital in making a difference at QPR and he was also more than happy to have been able to pick his own man for the role.

"The main reason Tony is here is for his experience, his knowledge and his know-how.

"I have been in situations before where I haven't been able to bring in someone that I would like to assist me.

"But here, the Board have let me bring in someone that I wanted, and that's great," he said.

Coton said he had to give some thought to Harford's offer as his family are settled in Bolton and whilst indicating that he and Harford share a footballing philosophy, played down any idea that he will operate as a 'yes man' at the club.

"I am definitely not that - just ask Sir Alex Ferguson," he said.