QPR owner Tony Fernandes insists he could handle the club being relegated.

The Malaysian has now moved to reassure supporters, insisting he has the strength of character to come through tough times.

"The QPR fans are just getting to know me. So no, I'm not going to run away," he told The Independent.

"I started an airline with two planes, been through SARS, bird flu, a tsunami, an earthquake, terrorism and airports closed for seven days. Relegation isn't going to scare me.

"It's a long-term project and Rome wasn't built in a day. Along the way there will be hiccups. But when you look back in 15 and 20 years' time, we will be proud of what we achieved."