Dowie's exit was a shock - Mahon

Queens Park Rangers midfielder Gavin Mahon has admitted he was surprised by boss Iain Dowie's sacking after a training session on Friday morning.

Mahon told BBC London 94.9: "Just after training (QPR co-owner) Flavio Briatore said he wanted a meeting with everyone and said that Iain's leaving.

"It was strange because the gaffer had been taking training.

"Twenty minutes later we were told by the chairman to go upstairs and have a meeting and that's where we found out."

Mahon added: "I was a little bit shocked, but I've had all sorts of things in my career."On a personal note I got on really well with Iain. The coaching was top drawer, well organised, everyone was fit and at times we let him down on the pitch with our performances.

"His record's decent, you can't fault it. We've got a decent cup game coming up (Manchester United in the Carling Cup fourth round) and are in a decent position in the league.

"Everyone knows how hard this league is. I think this club has moved on a lot from last year."

Rangers drew 0-0 at Reading on Saturday with Gareth Ainsworth in caretaker charge.