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Hughes: QPR future not in doubt

Mark Hughes insists his future is secure at QPR © PA Photos

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Mark Hughes says his future at Queens Park Rangers is not in doubt, despite the club's winless start to the season.

Nine games into the Premier League campaign and rock-bottom Rangers are still waiting to claim three points. Hughes has seen his side draw three times, but also lose six.

The former Manchester City manager is impressed by the backing from owner Tony Fernandes - he has made a number of statements throwing his full support behind Hughes - and is keen to turn the club's fortunes around as soon as possible.

"How many times does he have to say (he backs me)?" the QPR boss told a press conference when asked about his future. "He doesn't say one thing to (the media) and another to me. That would be absolutely crazy. He is an honest guy and he is very open.

"We haven't discussed (my future). He is very supportive. He was very upbeat when I was with him yesterday. He is in great spirits. He is a great guy to work for. He is very enthusiastic. He has been a great help. He is an outstanding guy, a very successful businessman, and he wants success for QPR.

"He knows he has people working exceptionally hard to make that happen for him and he is very clear in what we are trying to do. He is fully behind everything that we have tried to implement here."

QPR face fellow strugglers Reading this weekend, the only other winless side in the Premier League. And Hughes is hopeful a win is in the pipeline after watching his side have decisions go against them in recent weeks.

"I think we all feel we are very close to gaining maximum points and moving up the table," said Hughes, whose side face Stoke and Southampton in their following fixtures.

"Conceding goals has not helped us, and the sendings-off haven't as well. And on occasion we haven't helped ourselves in terms of defending correctly.

"All those things have had an impact in terms of where we are and why we don't have as many points as our play has deserved.

"We need to correct it very, very quickly, but I have been pleased with what the guys have been producing in training this week. They have been excellent and everyone is looking forward to the game."

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