Dowie fears for mum

New QPR boss Iain Dowie today revealed his mother has been diagnosed with cancer.

Ann Dowie, 71, was told she had the disease in her liver five weeks ago and is living at her son's family home in Bolton, where she is receiving palliative care.

Dowie said today: "My mum is terminally ill, so I have to try to be a positive person for her and for her grandchildren. Our house has become a mini-hospital I'm now an expert in all the necessary drugs and things."

Addressing the press for the first time since taking QPR hot seat, he added of his new role: "I have to make sure I am back up there as one of the most bright and up-and-coming coaches in the country."