QPR coach Luigi De Canio leaves 'by mutual consent'

LONDON (AP) -Queens Park Rangers, the English soccer club owned by Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone and Renault team boss Flavio Briatore, needs a new manager.

Luigi De Canio has left "by mutual consent with immediate effect,'' the west London club said Thursday in a statement.

"The club would like to place on the record its thanks to Luigi for his contribution to QPR and wish him all the best for a successful future.''

The 50-year-old De Canio, a former coach at Napoli, Genoa and Udinese, had looked set to be in charge of QPR next season after taking over in October and lifting the team away from the League Championship relegation zone.

QPR ended safe in mid-table of the second-tier competition.

"Mr. De Canio also wanted to express his gratitude for the opportunity to manage Queens Park Rangers and also for the fantastic experience he had during his time in England,'' the statement said.