Football
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Harry Redknapp backed by Queens Park Rangers owner Tony Fernandes

Queens Park Rangers owner Tony Fernandes has issued a statement backing Harry Redknapp as he seeks to "end all the speculation" over the manager's future.

QPR suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Manchester United on Saturday that leaves them 19th in the Premier League table, and there had been rumours over recent weeks that the owner's patience may be running short.

However, Fernandes issued a statement on Monday to insist he intended to keep faith with the former Tottenham Hotspur boss.

He told the club's official website: "There's been a lot of rumours about Harry's position being under threat, so I thought it was time to end all the speculation, so everyone can focus on the challenge ahead.

"I firmly believe Harry is the best man to get us out of the position we currently find ourselves in. He has great experience and having spoken to him at length over the last week or so, he is determined to turn this around and help us maintain our Premier League status.

"This is Harry's squad of players, so he is the man to move us forward."

He added: "The performance against Manchester United showed the players are behind him and that they have the stomach for the fight.

"We know we need to improve our away form and Harry, his coaching staff and the squad will be doing all they can to turn around our fortunes on our travels.

"It's very tight in the table and we will do our best to strengthen where we can to give us the best possible chance. The fans have been brilliant all season and all I ask is that they continue to back Harry and the team."

Redknapp took charge of QPR in November 2012, overseeing relegation from the Premier League before securing promotion back to the top flight via the play-offs the following season.

He had said after the loss to United that Fernandes had given him reassurances the claims he could be sacked were "nonsense" and added: "People are talking about it because it was in one newspaper. Who do you believe? The 'insider' -- whoever he may be -- or the chairman, who tells me it's rubbish?"

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