FORMER Swindon Town defender Chris Ramsey has been handed the head coach role at QPR on a permanent basis.

Rangers, relegated from the Premier League this season, announced the appointment of Ramsey as head coach on a three-year contract this morning.

The 53-year-old, who made 122 appearances for Town in the 1980s, took temporary charge of Rangers in February in the wake of Harry Redknapp's resignation, but he could not prevent their relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

Yet the Loftus Road hierarchy have been pleased with Ramsey's approach since taking the reins and have decided to retain him on a deal until the end of the 2018 season.

Chairman Tony Fernandes said: "When Chris took over the role we were already in a very difficult position, yet despite our relegation, we - as a board - have been impressed with the professionalism and attention to detail he has demonstrated since becoming head coach."