Curtis Fleming has left QPR to become a first-team coach at Middlesbrough, a club where he spent more than a decade as a player. Ian Holloway added Fleming to his coaching staff at Loftus Road 14 months ago.

His time at QPR came to an end on Saturday with a 1-0 win against Barnsley.

“I have loved my time here,” Fleming told www.qpr.co.uk.

“The gaffer, the staff and the fans all have so much passion for the club and it reminds me of Middlesbrough in many ways because the place has such a family feel to it.”

The 49-year-old made 266 league appearances for Boro during a decade on Teesside before leaving in 2001.

“I have a young family in the North East so it was difficult to turn this down,”

“My family home is 20 minutes away from the Boro training ground.

“I sat down with Ollie and spoke about it, and he was brilliant.

“He understands my reasons and has been fantastic about it.

“I geniunely wish Ollie, Birch, Les and everyone at the club all the very best for the future.”