Queens Park Rangers' new manager Mark Hughes has declared that Joey Barton will remain as captain of the West London side.

The former Fulham boss, who was named QPR head coach yesterday, will have the chance to stamp his authority on the former Championship club, but has revealed that the current skipper will not be altered.

"Joey is the captain and I see no reason to change that and it's not my intention to take the captaincy away," said Hughes.

While the 29-year-old, who is currently serving a three-match ban, is due to keep his position, other members of the Rangers squad may be offloaded under new leadership with Hughes expected to bring a number of new additions to Loftus Road this month.

The ex-Manchester City coach has already launched into the transfer window with a reported bid for Chelsea defender Alex.