Nelsen to leave QPR in February, say Toronto

Queens Park Rangers are set to lose Ryan Nelsen earlier than they initially thought, after Toronto FC announced he will join them as head coach from February 1.

The New Zealand defender, 35, agreed his move to the MLS side at the start of January, though Rangers manager Harry Redknapp said he hoped to keep him at Loftus Road for most of the rest of the season.

However, Toronto now expect Nelsen to be at the club by the beginning of next month, announcing his start date at a media event on Tuesday.

Asked to confirm the reported news, a Toronto FC spokesman said: "Yes, confirmed."

The London club currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League table, five points away from safety, and they are likely to miss the Kiwi's experience and influence in their back-four as they fight to escape relegation.