It was a prediction that didn’t quite live up to the expectation, at least not outwardly, regarding Rangers next managerial target.
“Do I have a lot of friends at Rangers and are friendly with the Board? Yes, my links are strong. But, when Gio eventually decides to move on they will have a host of people after the job.”
“The club has just played in the Europa League final. I think they will be looking at much bigger fish than Mick Beale.”
Those words were spoken by none other than the man himself, shortly after he was unveiled as QPR head coach earlier this year in June. Beale was responding to a question from a small Scottish press pack who put it to him f he could envisage a reurn to Ibrox.
Five months later and he appears to be on the brink of that very thing happening, for real. Right now.
Timing
By his own admission, Michael Beale is only in his infancy as a manager. With less than half a full season as his own man, in the English Championship, he will need to use his experiences as an assistant at Rangers and Aston Villa to support his vision and aims on his expected reunion with a club that gave him so much, with a profound effect.
It should also be pointed out that the previous arrangment was very beneficial in a mutual way, with the track record of Gerrard, Beale and company there for all to see. No it wasn’t perfect as mistakes were made along the way, as well as chances for cup silverware squandered.
It will be to Beale’s advantage that he will know immediately what won’t work so well, but at the same time it will also mean he is afforded less time to impress as there is no notion of settling in and getting to know the club.
It promises to be fascinating and intriguing, now that the confirmation should only be a matter of time.