Michael Beale had discussed new terms with Queens Park Rangers prior to recent developments putting him on the brink of a return to Ibrox, this time as manager.
The detail was reported yesterday by Sky Sports which adds another intrguing layer to this saga, following the departure of Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Matters of timing and circumstance have dictated actions that Beale has taken whilst his visit to watch Rangers v Aberdeen in October hasn’t gone down well in terms of the narrative, both from the perspective of QPR as well as Gio’s camp.
Added to his comments post-Wolves regarding showing loyalty to the R’s and the people around him that he brought to the West London side, it is easy to see why so many are angry with the 42-year old.
‘Sky Sports News can reveal Beale and his staff were in contract extension talks with QPR before Rangers’ interest developed.’
‘It is also understood the Championship club were aware Beale wanted to return to Ibrox as boss one day when initial talks about his appointment at QPR took place.’
Opportunity
The optics of Mick Beale’s move to Rangers isn’t a good look but it isn’t his fault that things have panned out exactly as they have. In hindsight, he wouldn’t have gone to the Aberdeen game with GvB under considerable pressure, even then. He will proably look back at regret that call.
After Beale spoke to, and declined the pull of Wolves it showed a maturity and understanding of his situation, as well as an acknowledgement of the cut-throa nature of the Premier League. On settling back to QPR, those thoughts of the project and loyalty were likely to have been prominent on his mind. What is more than likely, is the certainty that he was on record on his desire to take the Rangers job.
Even when he was presented to the press at boss at Loftus Road, he later spoke to Scottish journalists and repeated that aspiration one day including the “nobody says no to Glasgow Rangers” quip. If anything, Beale was too honest and upfront.
He then was a victim of circumstance with Rangers pre-World Cup awful form that led to the end for Gio. Next thing, he’s the number one choice and the amazing opportunity that he wanted one day has presented itself.
That one day may never come again so how could he say no, even if he will look back at the comments made with an element of regret.
Life is often about choices and making the most of things, even when there is risk involved. Mick Beale is no different to many of us in that way, he is being true to himself first and foremost in pursuing his ambition.
Lets be honest, it is disgraceful behavior by Beale, he lack honesty and integrity
Please don’t try and defend him, he as acted appallingly
Sooner he disappears up to Scotland the better, don’t ever want to see him in West London again
Doug, there are at leaast two sides to every story with the truth somewhere in between. In terms of integrity, did you really expect him to turn down the job at Ibrox? A job that he has publicly declared his interest in, long ago. Not his fault how things panned out even if the post-Wolves comments haven’t aged well.
Not a man of his word total disloyalty to QPR staff and fans
Disloyal to QPR yes but very true to himself, bigger ambitions and most of all, his family situation.
We. Give the man a chance to manage our team he turns the wolves job down mowing the rangers job was coming up what a load of balls from him integrity don’t leave the ship first he’s gone to manage in a Micky mouse league only possibly 3teams could win hope he falls flat on his arse don’t believe a word he says not a world beater
A few weeks can change everything I suppose. Prior to the Wolves job, everything was rosy with Beale and QPR so I don’t think his credentials can be questioned. It’s more of a two-team league to be honest (unfortunately) but in terms of being a massive club with huge demands to win every game as well as an intense rivalry and football environment in Glasgow, QPR just don’t compare as much as the Championship is a richer and far more evenly matched competition.