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The Welshman has since been able to get a new lease of life at Stoke but his disjointed 12 month period at Loftus Road still frustrates him.

Ahead of his return to West London on Saturday, Hughes said: "QPR was the toughest time of my managerial career without a doubt.

"We worked exceptionally hard to try and make it work. We made some big decisions and I thought we had to at the end of the season as the squad wasn't strong enough to stay in the league.

"I think the feeling was too many came in at the same time.

"It was difficult when I went in at QPR. The atmosphere was not easy and there was a bit of resentment around. But different when I came here, it was a strong group used to winning Premier League games and that was the key difference".

Hughes insists he bears no grudges towards anyone at his former club.

He said: "The players were very good but the combination and dynamic of the dressing room did not work. Sometimes you can't envisage that happening until it happened.

"I was judged on results and my results at the beginning of the season weren't good enough so I lost my job. I accept that as I was the figurehead and making decisions that did not allow us to win.

"But I have no cross to bear. I understand the nature of this game. If you don't get the results you are at risk.

"The impression I get is it won't be a great reception which is understandable as a lot has been said. I haven't said a great deal as I don't think there is any need to."