Wednesday 4 February 2015 23:11, UK
Amit Bhatia has told Sky Sports News HQ QPR are already hard at work looking for Harry Redknapp's successor.
Redknapp's shock resignation on Tuesday has left Kevin Bond and Chris Ramsey in temporary charge, while Les Ferdinand has been named as the club's new director of football.
Those appointments have intensified speculation that Sky Bet favourite Tim Sherwood is the man QPR want - and Sky sources say initial contact has been made with the former Tottenham boss.
Ferdinand and Ramsey were on Sherwood's coaching staff at White Hart Lane, but it is understood Ranges plan to interview several candidates, and Bhatia is clear about the type of manager they want.
To have a relationship we've had with Harry is truly exceptional. The whole board has taken a lot of pride in it, and we totally understand Harry has to take some time off to care for his health.
He said: "The immediate priority is to remain in Premier League. In the longer term we want to build this club with the right ethos and values, to be a club that develops youth and gives young players a chance, and with that in mind we'll interview a bunch of candidates and hope to make the right decision.
"The bookmakers are having a fun time with this as they always do in these situatons. It's an important process - everybody is aligned that we have to take our time and find the best person.
"We have great people in Kevin Bond and Chris Ramsey taking over at the weekend, and when the right person is found well make an appointment.
"We're pretty clear what we're looking for and we can't leave ourselves in a position of uncertainty, so we're working hard at it and will continue to work hard at it. It's a matter of great priority and we'll try to make progress as soon as we can."
Bhatia also paid a warm tribute to Redknapp, who cited his need for knee surgery as the reason for his resignation.
He said: "To some degree it's disappointing, but it's not hugely surprising because he did make us aware of it.
"In a world as brutal as football, to have a relationship we've had with Harry is truly exceptional. The whole board has taken a lot of pride in it, and we totally understand Harry has to take some time off to care for his health.
"We have had some incredible memories under Harry and it's important we don't forget those. To get promoted the first year after being relegated. the development of the likes of Charlie Austin and Leroy Fer...these are things we're hugely grateful Harry has done.
"I expect to see Harry back at QPR as a supporter in the stands and who knows in what capacity in future."
