Ian Holloway set to be announced as new QPR manager on Friday

Ian Holloway has won the race to become QPR manager and will be officially announced tomorrow.

Standard Sport revealed yesterday that Holloway was on the verge of making a shock return to Loftus Road, 10 years after his first spell as manager came to an end.

Rangers have interviewed several candidates this week including former Derby boss Paul Clement and ex MK Dons coach Karl Robinson.

Tim Sherwood was also a possibility, but his financial demands meant he was out of QPR's price range and he has accepted a role as director of football at Swindon instead.

Holloway quickly emerged as the board's preferred choice and will be a popular appointment with the fans.

The former midfielder enjoyed five years as a player there between 1991-96. He was also in charge as a manager for five seasons between 2001-2006, leading the club back from League One to the Championship in 2004.

It is understood that he will be officially unveiled to the media early next week, while an announcement over the make-up of his backroom staff will soon follow.

A deal for former midfielder and youth team coach Marc Bircham is expected to be completed shortly to become Holloway's assistant.

The club, who fired Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink last Saturday after dropping to 17th in the table, still believe that they can challenge for promotion.

They are currently just six points behind sixth-placed Leeds in the championship.

QPR director of football Les Ferdinand told Standard Sport earlier this week that they wanted a coach who was capable of working with a squad that is now full of young players and cheap buys.

He said: "When you're getting rid of more than 13 players in two years, you have to realise where you are. We are trying to bring hungrier players into the club.

"We are trying to bring a manager who can bring the best out of these players and help them become assets instead."

Holloway has been out of work since being fired by Millwall in March last year.

His greatest achievement was arguably leading Blackpool into the Premier League in 2010, although they were relegated a year later.