Transfer Centre

Ryan Nelsen unsure of Queens Park Rangers exit date

By Liam Power, Reporter | 09 January 2013

Ryan Nelsen admits that he owes Queens Park Rangers a debt after he agreed a deal to become head coach of Major League Soccer side Toronto.

Queens Park Rangers defender Ryan Nelsen has declared that he will hold talks with the club to find the best time to leave after agreeing to become the manager of Toronto on Tuesday.

Nelsen signed a deal to become Toronto head coach but an air of uncertainty remains over when he will begin his job in Canada.

The Major League Soccer season begins in March, with Nelsen's one-year contract with QPR due to expire in June.

Nelsen has admitted that he owes QPR a debt of gratitude for agreeing to his move into coaching but does not know how many matches he can play at Loftus Road before he calls it quits.

He told reporters: "I've had several conversations with Harry Redknapp and Tony Fernandes. They have been so understanding with my situation. They understand that when I play I am playing on glass knees and glass ankles.

"It is a bit of a struggle. They know I am at the end but they also know the predicament they are in. Dropping out of the Premier League has major financial implications, so I have an obligation.

"I really want QPR to stay up and to kick on for Harry and because of the owner. They are just fantastic people. They would like me to keep playing but we have to sit down and talk. If we can get five straight wins, that'd be perfect. I think then we could shake hands but we are just going to have to talk and see how things progress."

The 35-year-old has been a regular feature for the Hoops this season, making more than 20 appearances in all competitions.