Queens Park Rangers confirmed on Friday evening that manager Mark Warburton will depart the club following three years in charge at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

Earlier in the day, Warburton revealed that it looked as though he would be departing the Hoops when the 2021-22 season had concluded and the hierarchy moved to rubber-stamp that news.

Warburton had the R's in a Championship play-off challenge for much of the current campaign, but results had nose-dived in recent months which had seen their grip on the top six fade massively.

With two matches to go in the season, QPR sit six points off sixth-placed Sheffield United and because of goal difference and a number of other results having to go their way, as well as winning their own fixtures, their promotion chances have been ended.

Despite fan division over his future, 59-year-old ex-Brentford head coach Warburton will exit the R's in the coming weeks and he has sent a message via his Twitter account ahead of his exit, but also ahead of Sheffield United's visit to west London tonight.

"A very sincere thank you to the many QPR fans who have sent such positive messages," Warburton wrote.

"Today is match day and the focus is absolutely on the team and the delivery of a good performance for the final home game of the Season.

"However, as always, a very genuine thank you!"

The Verdict

Warburton's imminent R's exit has definitely divided the fanbase and pundits alike - some believe that the club will not be able to get a better manager.

For the most part this season, QPR have perhaps been punching above their weight in the top six when you think about their lack of regular goalscorer up-front.

Injuries have seemingly caught up with them though in recent months and it's perhaps been the main reason why their play-off challenge faltered.

It would be no shock to see Warburton secure another Championship job in the near future - first though he needs to make sure the R's finish as high as possible this season under his management.