Queens Park Rangers

Ben Ashton
BBC Sport England

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Watford are getting relegated, Plymouth are staying up, Millwall are in the play-offs and Portsmouth are also battling for a top-six spot.

Does something sound a bit off? Well, that's what would have happened if the Championship season started on 1 January.

Here's a look at the 2025 calendar year table, showing who the form sides were in the second half of the season and who went into freefall.

Perhaps the most notable difference between the actual final top six and the 2025 version is that Millwall would be in the play-offs and Premier League-bound Sunderland would not.

Burnley and Leeds still comfortably occupy the automatic promotion spots, albeit the Clarets would be unbeaten at the top of the pile with the Whites in second.

Coventry improved significantly after Frank Lampard replaced Mark Robins and are third over the course of the year.

The Sky Blues would instead be pitted against Bristol City in the play-off semi-final as opposed to Sunderland. Who knows what difference that would have made to their promotion bid...

Image source, Rex Features

Portsmouth - who spent much of the season battling relegation and only secured their Championship safety with two games to spare - are seventh and just one point outside a play-off spot.

Pompey sit above Sunderland, who lost their final five games of the season and are down in eighth.

The data perhaps shows just how long Regis Le Bris' side effectively had a play-off spot sewn up before their victory at Wembley against Sheffield United to claim promotion.

Relegation battlers Oxford find themselves seven places higher than where they actually finished in the 2024-25 campaign (17th), reflecting the good work done by Gary Rowett after he took over as boss from Des Buckingham.

Image source, Rex Features

Plymouth would have survived comfortably had the season begun in January 2025, showing a significant uptick after Miron Muslic replaced Wayne Rooney at the helm.

Middlesbrough tailed off significantly in the second half of the season, underpinning why they missed out on the play-offs. It was a drop off that ultimately cost Michael Carrick his job as head coach.

Norwich City conceded more goals (32) than any other side in 2025, which counteracted the hard work they'd done at the other end, having been the fourth top scorers (31) since the turn of the year.

Image source, Rex Features

Watford had a disappointing 2025, winning just five of their 23 games and losing 13 to finish bottom of the calendar year table.

The Hornets had the joint-worst goal difference along with Cardiff (-10) and head coach Tom Cleverley was sacked following the end of the season.

Preston and Cardiff won the fewest games of any side in 2025 (4), which cost the Bluebirds their Championship status and almost led to the Lilywhites dropping into League One as they avoided relegation by one point.

Paul Heckingbottom's side would be down if only games this year were counted.

Luton and Derby scored the fewest goals in 2025 (19) and attacking output was an issue that plagued both sides throughout the entire campaign.

It had major consequences for the Hatters with back-to-back relegations, while the Rams survived by a point - and only on goal difference in the yearly table.

Data collated from Transfermarkt

Ben Ashton
BBC Sport England

Image source, Getty Images

The 2024-25 Championship season might be over but there are many ways to analyse and reflect on the campaign that has gone before us.

Not every club can go up but if there are signs a team is moving in the right direction, it can still be considered good progress - or quite the opposite if things are on the slide.

Here is a look at how each of the 18 sides who were in the Championship for the past two seasons got on points wise compared to the 2023-24 campaign.

It perhaps comes as no surprise that Sunderland, who won promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs, recorded the most significant improvement after finishing 16th in 2023-24 and picked up 20 more points.

Despite a tumultuous season off the field, Blackburn were the second most improved side in the division, gaining 13 points on the previous campaign as they missed out on the play-offs by just two points.

Leeds racked up 90 points in 2023-24 but somehow still managed a 10-point improvement as they hit the 100 mark on their way to winning the title in their best-ever season in the second tier.

Millwall's seven-point improvement was enough to help them finish five places higher in eighth, but they fell short of the top six by two points.

Meanwhile, Bristol City were only six points better off but managed to climb five places and claim a play-off spot, recording their best Championship finishing position since 2007-08.

Coventry also only improved by five points but were able to jump from ninth to fifth, perhaps showing just how fine the margins can be in the Championship when it comes to securing a play-off berth.

At the bottom...

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You might want to look away now, Hull City fans.

The Tigers went backwards more than any other side compared to the previous season under Liam Rosenior, dropping from seventh place and three points outside the play-offs to only escaping relegation on goal difference on the final day.

Cardiff went from mid-table in 2023-24 to rock bottom and will drop down to League One for the first time in 22 years. It is pretty clear to see why as the Bluebirds picked up 18 fewer points compared to the previous season.

Norwich tumbled to 13th place after finishing in the play-offs a year before - an underperformance which ultimately cost Johannes Hoff Thorup his job as head coach.

Preston were 10 points off the play-off places in 2023-24 but picked up 13 fewer points under Paul Heckingbottom in what was their worst season since they were relegated from the Championship in 2010-11.

The Lilywhites' downturn was largely due to a major dip in form in the latter stages of the campaign, picking up only one win from their final 15 games (D7 L7) to avoid the drop by just one point.

West Bromwich Albion endured a disappointing season - for a club which always harbours ambitions of plying its trade in the top flight - with an 11-point drop off.

Albion's final points tally of 64 was their worst in the Championship since 1999-2000.

Plymouth may have only been five points worse off than they were in 2023-24 but having survived on the final day that season, there were to be no such heroics this time around and their two-year stint in the second tier is over.

And the rest...

Image source, Getty Images

*All data based only on teams who were in the Championship in 2023-24 and 2024-25

Image source, Getty Images

Leicester City midfielder Kaleb Dyke will move to QPR at the start of July.

The 18-year-old will join up fully with the Rs after a successful trial month.

Dyke will join centre-back Timothy Akindileni, who completed his move from Aberdeen on Monday, in the development squad.

"For me, the right club is the one with the pathway, the pathway into the first team," he told the QPR website, external.

"And then it's the facilities and the overall feeling of the club.

"The feeling for me here was very positive from the start – the pathway's amazing, you can see players going into the first team, so it was a no-brainer."

Image source, Rex Features

QPR have signed centre-back Timothy Akindileni from Aberdeen.

The 17-year-old will join up with the Hoops' development squad ahead of next season.

Akindileni impressed in the youth set-up but did not play a game for the senior side for the Dons.

"I'm over the moon. There was interest from other clubs but QPR just stood out for me because the development here for young players is extraordinary," he told the club's website, external.

"You can see it through all the young players coming up to the first team, and that's what really persuaded me to come here."

Image source, Rex Features

Queens Park Rangers say they are "in discussions" with Jimmy Dunne over a new contract.

The 27-year-old scored five goals in 49 appearances for the Hoops last season and was voted the club's player of the season by supporters and his teammates.

He was rewarded for his fine form when he made his Republic of Ireland debut against Bulgaria in March.

Dunne was linked with a move to Sheffield United in January but ultimately stayed at Loftus Road and completed the season, with the Rs finishing 15th in the table.

He is now out of contract, and the club say they remain in discussions with the defender, as well as Morgan Fox and midfielders Jack Colback and Lucas Andersen., external

QPR announced on Tuesday that left-back Kenneth Paal was leaving the club after making 130 appearances in three years in west London.

Conor Clark, Samuel Manufor, Harry Murphy and Casey Shann will also depart from the development squad.

Who will be in charge of the first team next season is currently unclear, after head coach Marti Cifuentes was placed on gardening leave after losing 5-0 against Burnley in their last home match of the season.

Image source, Getty Images

QPR captain Steve Cook will remain at Loftus Road next season after the club activated an extension in his contract.

The 34-year-old has made 69 appearances since joining the Rs from Nottingham Forest in 2023, scoring four goals.

Cook was a key member of Marti Cifuentes' squad as the side finished 15th in the Championship this season, playing 31 times in the league.

Cifuentes was placed on gardening leave after the Hoops' final home game of the season, a 5-0 defeat to Burnley.

"I love playing for QPR – especially at Loftus Road with the atmosphere," Cook told the club's website, external.

"It's been a rollercoaster, but I have loved every minute I've been at the club and I'm delighted to be able to stay here.

"I think I've still got a lot to offer, on and off the pitch. I've grown as a person at the club, trying to help out around the place with a lot of the younger players as well."

Cook made 388 appearances across 11 seasons with Bournemouth as the south coast club rose from League One to the Premier League.

Sunderland will aim to end their winless run against Queen's Park Rangers on Saturday (12:30 BST) before embarking on their play-off campaign.

The Black Cats have not won any of their past five league games, losing the most recent four.

It's a concerning run for a side who once led the league at the beginning of the season and now, having spent most it in fourth place, enter the knock-out rounds out of form.

They will hope to find some to carry forward when they host QPR, who will be without boss Marti Cifuentes.

• Sunderland are unbeaten across their last five league games against QPR (W2 D3), scoring exactly three goals in each of those victories.

• QPR have won just one of their last 10 away league games against Sunderland (D6 L3), a 2-0 victory in February 2015, though the Londoners are unbeaten across their last five visits to the Stadium of Light (W1 D4).

• Sunderland have won just one of their last seven final games of a league season when its come on home soil (D1 L5), a 3-0 victory over Wolves in 2018.

• QPR lost just one of their last six games on the final day of a league campaign (W4 D1), winning their last 2-1 vs Coventry City in 2023-24.

• Sunderland have won 21 of their 45 games in the Championship this season (D13 L11), their most victories in a second tier campaign since 2006-07 (27).

Image source, Getty Images

We asked you what you thought of Marti Cifuentes' time at QPR and you have answered in your droves.

The 42-year-old was placed on gardening leave on Tuesday.

There has been lots of support for the Spaniard from Hoops fans but it's not all positive.

Have a read of some of the best responses here.

Andrew: There have been moments when his tactics and the players on the park that day clicked and things looked great. Sadly not often enough and with limited spending power might be the time for a year or two of a Championship pragmatist in charge (sad to lose flair but nobody wants relegation do they?)

Joel: I think that there is so much going on behind the scenes that it's hard to tell who's at fault. Through thick and thin, the fans have stood by him and he's given us so many good memories, none more so than the excellent run we went on from November to February. However, reports are flying in left, right and centre, some saying the club haven't done enough to help with his needs to help improve, some say he has spoken to other clubs before this season.

All us QPR fans want is some stability and clarification for the club's future next season. With the window fast approaching, it's important to have a manager in that wants to be here and has time to build.

Glenn: The owners and board are toxic. He's a decent manager working under difficult conditions. Keep Marti, QPR need to take a close look at what's really wrong.

Will: Simply put, he did a great job keeping us from relegation with a terrible squad not suited to this league at all. The board have completely mishandled this situation and now stand to gain little to no compensation from the current situation. Another summer of eight or nine players coming in and taking the whole year to adapt to the league is on the cards here.

David: Did an amazing job to avoid relegation last season and at times this season showed what he was capable of, despite very limited resources. Will be a shame to see him go. The board and owners shouldn't have allowed it to come to this. The club continues to be horrendously run and change at the top is needed.

'Best manager we've had in a decade'

Nicolas: I am shocked that Marti has been placed on gardening leave. He has been one the most popular ever manager with the fans, who acknowledge and understand that his time at the club has been hugely impacted by a horrendous and ongoing list of injuries. The fans were certainly not calling for a change, quite the opposite. The key question is "Why has he been placed on gardening leave with last game of the season coming up at the weekend ?" The supporters would like and deserve an explanation.

Peter: My emotions are mixed. I feel like he has been very consistent recently and that makes me feel like we should get behind him and keep improving. But conceding five goals against Burnley is not good. Yes it would be a tough game no matter what, but that was abysmal. If QPR want to get back to the Premier League let's say in three to five years, we need to change next season.

Jason: The team during his time in charge was poor, the points tally has not improved, the football inconsistent. But I do feel that we are slowly going forward and a shame to for him to go.

Ron: Should keep him, and get rid of all the rest above him. We used to be a great little club. Now we're Queens Park Rubbish instead of Queens Park Rangers.

Jon: Did well last season and apparently touted himself for other jobs last summer off the back of it. Bang average this season however.

Doesn't want to be at QPR so hopefully replaced ASAP.

Stephen: Here we go again! We are a very average side and we have to except we have financial restraints. We have done well to survive in the Championship. If the name Wayne Rooney is mentioned, we can really say goodbye to the Championship!

Kev: If it weren't for MC we would already be languishing in League One the state we were in ….yes we plucked him out of of obscurity but it's worked for both sides. If it really is goodbye then fair dos but can't say I'm not disappointed how it's come about.

Jason: Best manager we've had in a decade. Hope he wasn't pushed out. Understandable we have to limit his funds, but really do we have to have key staff based in Dubai. With so many injuries MC had a point to complain, it's basically stopped us getting somewhere near or in the play-offs. Think again board, you won't find another opportunity like Marti anytime soon.

Melvin: Been a Rs fan for over 50 years, same old story get a good manager - CEO has a falling out with him.

Don't they realise the club is more important than trivial squabbles? They did the same to Neil Warnock after we got in the Premier League, replaced him with Mark Hughes and we all know what happened there - a disaster.

The board should wake up and think of the club and fans, they won't get anybody better than Marti.

Image source, PA Media

With Marti Cifuentes seemingly heading for the Loftus Road exit door, now seems like the right time to ask - what do you make of his time in charge?

The ex-Hammarby boss's last game in charge was a 5-0 drubbing at home to Premier League-bound Burnley, and the club announced on Tuesday he had been placed on gardening leave.

Cifuentes, 42, replaced Gareth Ainsworth as head coach in October 2023 and steered the west London club clear of relegation.

His second season at the helm has seen ups and downs and several injuries to important players at key times.

Last season's 4-0 battering of Leeds United, which secured safety for the Rs and contributed towards the Whites missing out on automatic promotion, was one of the highlights.

Fans have regularly chanted his name through good and bad at Loftus Road but Saturday's limp loss to the Clarets looks like it could prove a sad end to his chapter with the club as both sides look set to move on.

Should the club be doing all they can to keep him? Or does it feel like the right time for a change?

Let us know your thoughts here.

Image source, Getty Images

QPR boss Marti Cifuentes is not on West Bromwich Albion's shortlist for their head coach vacancy, reports BBC Radio WM, external.

The Spaniard, who was put on gardening leave by Rangers last night, has been linked with The Hawthorns - replacing Tony Mowbray - and also the job at Norwich City.

According to BBC Radio WM, West Brom have not offered the job to anyone and are "continuing with their recruitment process".

Cifuentes was appointed as QPR boss in October 2023, replacing Gareth Ainsworth, and led them to Championship safety, having taken over when they were second from bottom.

After another slow start this season, the Londoners are 15th in the table and will have assistant coaches Kevin Betsy and Xavi Calm in charge for their final game of the campaign at Sunderland on Saturday.

"This is naturally a disappointing situation for everyone concerned," said QPR chief executive Christian Nourry.

"As a club, we are working to ensure this matter is resolved as swiftly as possible so we can start preparations in earnest for the future."

Tony Mowbray was sacked by West Brom last week after getting only five wins in 18 league games, ending their play-off hopes.

James Morrison remains as interim head coach for their last game of the season at home against Luton on Saturday.

Image source, PA Media

QPR boss Marti Cifuentes said after his side's 5-0 defeat to Burnley:

"I said before that as long as I'm wanted, I'm very happy.

"The way the fans have been supporting me, it makes me feel that I want to give them something back even more than the last two seasons.

"In any case I am very calm about the job I have done and the fact that we have achieved what were difficult targets.

"I'm an ambitious person in the sense that I always push myself. I always want to improve. I have a contract and I want to keep improving. I enjoy my job here, enjoy English football, and am ready for more.

"I've said that the support from the fans that I've got this season, in very difficult moments, is something that I have never seen before and will stay with me forever.

"That's why I'm very sad today. Today hurts. It doesn't define what this team has done this season and it's very sad to finish that way."

Image source, PA Media

QPR head coach Marti Cifuentes said it was important he and the club were aligned when asked about his future.

Cifuentes has been linked with a move away from Loftus Road after an inconsistent season, with QPR's best possible finish no higher than 12th with two fixtures left.

The Spaniard moved to QPR from Swedish club Hammarby to replace Gareth Ainsworth in October 2023 with the team second from bottom in the Championship table.

He steered the club to an 18th-placed finish with three wins at the end of last season.

QPR sit 15th going into their remaining games against Burnley, who have been promoted, on Saturday and Sunderland, who are assured of a spot in the play-offs, on the final day of the season.

"For me, it's very natural to sit with the owners, the CEO in that case, to do a balance – as I will do with my players, as I will do with my staff," Cifuentes told BBC Radio London.

"So in this moment I think this is when you have to review the things that have gone well, the things that might be improved, and then align for what's next."

Having secured automatic promotion, Burnley will continue the battle for the title when they visit Queen's Park Rangers on Saturday (12:30 BST).

The Clarets won promotion after defeating rivals Sheffield United on Monday but now turn their attentions to winning the league.

They are currently in second place but level on points with Leeds United, bested only by goal difference.

However the title is not the only thing the Lancashire side are vying for, they could also match Reading's unbeaten Championship record if they keep themselves undefeated across their final two league games.

• QPR have won just one of their last seven home league games against Burnley (D3 L3), a 2-0 victory in the Premier League in December 2014.

• Burnley have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five league games against QPR, with the exception being a 2-1 home loss in April 2023.

• After winning seven of their eight home league games between December and February (L1), QPR are now winless in their last five at Loftus Road (D3 L2).

• Burnley are unbeaten in their last 31 league games (W20 D11). It's their longest run in their league history, while only Reading (33 in 2005-06) have had a longer run in a single second tier campaign.

• Burnley have conceded just 15 goals in the Championship this season, despite having an xG against figure of 36.3. Their record of conceding 21 goals fewer than their xGA suggests is at least 10 more than any other side this season.