Charlie Austin's coaching bid rebuffed by QPR academy

Charlie Austin, the 37‑year‑old former QPR striker, announced on X that he was turned down after an interview for an academy coaching position at his old club. He described himself as “gutted” not to progress to the next stage of the @QPRAcademy coaching team.

In his post he wrote, “First job interview disappointment. Gutted not to progress to the next stage for @QPRAcademy coaching team. The club I really wanted to work with.” The message underscored his desire to join QPR’s academy staff.

A fan questioned whether his former playing ties gave him an advantage, but Austin replied, “No hidden agenda. Just honest disappointment at missing out on a role at a club I think highly of. Nothing but respect for QPR, the process was fair and professional, everyone was great.”

Austin has not yet secured a coaching position and continues his playing career with semi‑professional side Hungerford Town, indicating he is still active on the field while seeking his first step into coaching.

During three spells with QPR in the Championship, Austin made 148 appearances and scored 61 goals, a significant contribution to the club’s campaigns.

Overall, he has featured in 218 Championship matches and over 100 Premier League games since 2011, adding 133 appearances and 60 goals for Swindon Town, 90 appearances and 44 goals for Burnley, and 31 goals across Southampton and West Brom. A 2022 stint in Australia also featured, bringing his career total to 200 goals in 510 games.

A Getty Images photograph accompanied the announcement, and the original tweet can be viewed via the provided link.