Queens Park Rangers manager Steve McClaren has added to his coaching staff with the appointment of Matt Gardiner as Assistant Coach.

Gardiner joins QPR from Kidderminster Harriers, where he has been the club’s head of coaching for the past two years.

As a player, Gardiner spent the majority of his career at non-league level before turning his hand to coaching.

Following a four-year spell as part of the management team at Worcester City, Gardiner joined Kidderminster in 2016.

Aside from his coaching capabilities, Gardiner has built a strong reputation for identifying and developing talent from non-league level.

Gardiner re-joins John Eustace, who managed at Aggborough Stadium for two years prior to his switch to Loftus Road last month.

Gardiner told www.qpr.co.uk: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me and one I am really excited about. I can’t wait to get started.

“I have got to know Steve through John (Eustace) and my time at Kidderminster, and he is a great person for me to learn from.”

Gardiner also revealed he is keen to develop players and bring them up through the ranks and he saw no better club to do it at than QPR.

“I like to coach and develop young players, so QPR seems the perfect fit for me when you look at their ethos and approach.

“They have a lot of gifted youngsters who are breaking into the first team so it’s a very exciting time to be joining the club.”

McClaren is delighted to bring Gardiner on board and believes his previous experiences alongside Eustace will be a massive boost for the club.

“Matt’s worked closely with John at Kidderminster over the last two seasons, where Matt was John’s assistant,” he said.

“We were looking for someone to help organise us, on and off the field.

“Matt’s been a player and he’s been a manager – and his strength is organisation.”

The boss believes his knowledge can help them push on.

“He’s been in football and he’s been in business. He has worked for big companies, developed teams and he’s brought that expertise to football.

“I’ve seen the good work that they’ve done, and I want that to continue here at QPR.”