QPR are considering an approach for Manchester City’s academy coach Brian Barry-Murphy, according to the Daily Mail.

The Championship side are searching for a new managerial appointment following the departure of Michael Beale earlier this week, with the Irishman now firmly on their radar.

The 42-year old left the London club to make his return to Scottish giants Rangers, having previously worked at Ibrox as the assistant manager to Steven Gerrard.

Barry-Murphy currently works as the lead coach of the Elite Development squad of the Premier League champions.

This is a role he has held since the summer having previously been the manager of the club’s Premier League 2 side, which he helped lead to the league title last season.

The 44-year old has also worked as a coach with Rochdale having taken caretaker charge of the first team squad, which earned him the attention of City.

He has earned a reputation for working well with young players and his attractive style of play.

 

 

This would be a similar appointment as Beale, with the former QPR boss having also made his start in the academy of top Premier League clubs before eventually making a name for himself as a manager of a first team.

QPR are looking to make a swift appointment as the team prepares for the return of league action on 11 December with the visit of league leaders Burnley.

The Verdict

This would be a really interesting appointment for QPR which could prove to be really exciting.

Barry-Murphy obviously has little experience at this level, but his track record with Man City has earned him a lot of plaudits.

Taking a gamble on the former midfielder could be a risk worth taking with the team now sitting just outside the play-off places.

There is no shortage of more experienced options, but Beale was a risky choice that looked to be paying off until he departure so perhaps that will make QPR more likely to take the leap on the unproven Barry-Murphy.