Hogan pleads for Magilton's future

Dec 15 2009 By Yann Tear

HOGAN Ephraim has issued a plea to the Rangers hierarchy to stand by Jim Magilton and says there is no question of the dressing room turning against the Ulsterman.

The QPR winger – who is currently on loan to Leeds United until the end of the month – also believes that the chopping and changing of managers threatens to derail the club's future.

The plea looks likely to fall on deaf ears but Rangers will make an announcement on Wednesday or Thursday at the latest.

“There hasn't been any problem with the manager,” Ephraim told the Gazette.

“He's passionate and a winner and when you play badly two games in a row, you can understand he is going to be upset and that you are going to get a rollicking.

“He could have been silent but told the players it was unacceptable and I would rather have a manager do that than one that feels the need to walk on egg-shells. You should respect that if you've got anything about you as a player.

“Obviously, I don't know exactly what happened at Watford last week. I don't know all the rights and wrongs. But I feel it shouldn't be made into a big issue. We have a lot of passionate characters at the club, but I think that's a good thing.”

Ephraim, who asked for the temporary switch to the League One leaders in order to fast-track his recovery from ankle surgery, added: “It's not helping us, starting again every five or six months with a new manager.

“What we all want is a bit of stability and I'm expecting and hoping I won't be coming back in time for another change of boss.”