QPR new manager: Ex-Portsmouth star among favourites as Cifuentes axed
QPR have reportedly turned their attention to a former Portsmouth midfielder as they’re keen on hiring a new manager.
The Loftus Road outfit placed their manager Marti Cifuentes on gardening leave amid links to West Brom.
He’s also been linked with the Norwich City job as they decided to sack Johannes Hoff Thorup.
Gary O’Neil among bookies’ favourites for QPR job
Former Pompey midfielder Gary O’Neil hung up his boots in 2019 and has since managed two Premier League clubs.
He was in charge of Bournemouth in the 2022/23 campaign and the season after, he took over the reins at Wolves.
Having made over 150 appearances for Portsmouth, he’s undoubtedly one of their most iconic players from the early 2000s.
According to Bet Victor, O’Neil is the second favourite to manage the Loftus Road outfit.
At 4/1, Pierre Sage is the favourite, but at 5/1, both O’Neil and Spurs assistant manager Ryan Mason are the second favourites.
He is also understood to be in the running to become the next Norwich boss.
Portsmouth fans will undoubtedly find it weird for O’Neil managing against them
For Portsmouth fans, seeing O’Neil manage Queens Park Rangers against their beloved Pompey in the 2025/26 Championship season would be a surreal and emotionally charged experience.
O’Neil, a Fratton Park icon, debuted for Portsmouth at 16 under Tony Pulis in 2000 and played 192 matches, scoring pivotal goals, including a brace in a 6–1 thrashing of Leeds United in 2003.
He was instrumental in their 2002/03 First Division title win and Premier League survival, earning the 2006 Player of the Season award.
| Portsmouth – league position | End of each month |
| 18th | August |
| 23rd | September |
| 24th | October |
| 24th | November |
| 23rd | December |
| 18th | January |
| 17th | February |
| 17th | March |
| 16th | April |
His deep connection to the club, coupled with his expressed desire to one day manage Pompey, makes his potential role at rivals QPR a bitter pill.
Fans who cherished his tenacity and leadership will find it jarring to see him in the opposition dugout, plotting against them.
This clash at Fratton Park or Loftus Road will stir nostalgia, pride and frustration, leaving Portsmouth supporters torn between respect and rivalry.