They wanted Zinédine Zidane, they got Iain Dowie. Queens Park Rangers fans were scratching their heads last night after Dowie, the former QPR forward, was chosen to replace Luigi De Canio as the first-team coach of one of the richest clubs in England.

The sky has been the limit since Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore bought the Coca-Cola Championship club last year, but the millionaire owners have chosen a manager who has been sacked by Coventry City and Charlton Athletic since he left Crystal Palace under a cloud two years ago. “This is a very exciting long-term project,” Dowie said. “I'm relishing the challenge that lies ahead.”

Dowie was sacked by Ray Ranson, the Coventry City chairman, in February because of “his old-fashioned methods” and he was sued by Simon Jordan, the Palace chairman, after he left Selhurst Park in May 2006.

Palace were promoted to the top flight via the play-offs under Dowie four years ago, but they were relegated after one season. The 43-year-old has signed a two-year contract at Loftus Road. “Iain Dowie has a proven track record in the Championship and we are delighted to have him on board,” Gianni Paladini, the QPR sporting director, said.