Queens Park Rangers have sacked manager Neil Critchley after just 12 games in charge of the club.

The 44-year-old only took over at Loftus Road in December, replacing Michael Beale after he opted to move to Rangers.

Critchley initially got off to a good start, beating Preston North End 1-0 away from home in his very first match at the helm.

However, since then QPR are winless in 11 matches across all competitions, taking just five points from the 30 on offer in the Championship in that time, as well as suffering an FA Cup exit at the hands of League One Fleetwood Town.

Critchley's final match in charge was Saturday's 3-1 defeat at promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough, when his side conceded three times in the final 30 minutes of the game.

QPR's form has seen them fall from playoff contenders in sixth to relegation candidates in 17th in the Championship table, now only eight points clear of the bottom three.

"It is hugely disappointing to have to make such a decision so early into Neil's tenure with the club," QPR CEO Lee Hoos told the club's official website.

"However, after seeing the team slip from playoff contenders to one being drawn into a relegation battle, the board felt it had to act. There is no doubt Neil inherited a difficult situation when he joined and we would like to acknowledge his superb work ethic and professionalism throughout our dealings.

"He is a fantastic man and we have no doubts he will go on to be a success elsewhere, just as he was at Blackpool."

Director of football Les Ferdinand added: "Unfortunately, things have not worked out how any of us would have liked.

"As we enter into a critical stage of the season, we understand the need for a swift appointment to be made. Stability is key to the success of a football club and this season has presented challenges which have denied us that stability.

"For us to move forward we must all learn from what has happened and pull together."

Including the end of Beale's time in charge, QPR have now won just one of their last 19 games in all competitions, having won eight of their previous 11 before that.

Critchley's assistants Mike Garrity and Iain Brunskill have also left the club as part of the decision, with an announcement regarding Critchley's replacement to be made "in due course".

QPR are next in action again on Saturday, when they host playoff challengers Blackburn Rovers.