LONDON: Mark Hughes was dismissed as head coach of Queens Park Rangers on Friday, with the club bottom of the Premier League table after failing to win any of their first 12 matches of the season.

“Queens Park Rangers Football Club has today (Friday) terminated the contract of manager Mark Hughes with immediate effect,” the club announced on their official Twitter page.

QPR, who avoided relegation on the final day of last season, are the only club in the English league system yet to have won a game.

Hughes had received backing from the club's Malaysian owner, Tony Fernandes, in recent weeks, but last weekend's 3-1 loss at home to fellow strugglers Southampton left them five points adrift of safety.

“This decision has been taken after careful consideration by the Board of Directors, following numerous meetings over the last few days,” read a statement on the QPR website.

“Mark has shown integrity and professionalism throughout his time here, but ultimately the circumstances we find ourselves in have left the Board of Directors with very little choice but to make a change.

“The Board will now be working actively to put a new managerial structure in place as soon as possible.

“Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki will take charge of the R's trip to Manchester United in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

“The club will be making a further announcement in due course.”

Hughes is the second Premier League manager to lose his job this season, after Roberto Di Matteo was sacked by Chelsea on Wednesday.