Hughes refuses to be drawn on future

QPR manager Mark Hughes has side-stepped questions over his future in the wake of his team’s 3-1 loss at home to Southampton on Saturday.

Both sides were winless heading into the clash at Loftus Road, and Rangers were 2-0 down at half-time thanks to goals from Rickie Lambert and Jason Puncheon.

Junior Hoilett gave the Loftus Road faithful some hope soon after the break, but a late own goal from Anton Ferdinand sealed the result.

With speculation regarding Hughes’ future in the QPR hot seat intensifying in recent weeks, the Welshman preferred to focus on matters on the pitch during his post-match interview.

“You are disappointed as manager of the team and disappointed for the players, because they are much better than they showed today,” Hughes told Sky Sports.

“But we pick ourselves up and we have to go again, because we owe the fans.

“The performance today was nowhere near the level we expected.

“It was a key game and unfortunately we did not perform. I include myself in that, because, at the end of the day, I pick the team.”

Southampton boss Nigel Adkins, meanwhile, credited his side’s maturity and resolve for being able to secure their first league win of the season.

“We got on the front foot, which was important. We believe we can pass the ball – we’ve demonstrated that on numerous occasions this season,” he said.

“There was a good resolve – we’re growing in maturity all the time. We’ve a young group of players who are learning lessons very, very quickly and there’s been several good performances of late.

“We knew QPR would come at us in the second half, but the players dealt with the situation very well. We had good game management, and all credit to the players. It was an excellent three points away from home.”