If the main Scottish tabloid titles are to be believed, Michael Beale is firmly in the driving seat to secure a Rangers return to become the new manager at Ibrox.
It doesn’t take an ‘exclusive’ splash to know that there is interest from both parties, as well as a very likely line of contact regardless of official protocols. Beale thoroughly enjoyed his time in Glasgow as assistant to Steven Gerrard as well as on a personal level with his family to the extent that he has not been shy about his willingness and desire to return one day as manager.
That ‘one day’ could be very soon, given the recent departure of Giovanni van Bronckhorst in what was something of an unexpected call. That is in the sense of the timing, not the decision itself, just as it appeared that the Dutchman would continue through beyond the World Cup break.
Ideally, Rangers would be properly moving on from the nucleus of the squad that delivered the Scottish Premiership crown in 2021 but a Beale return would be an obvious turn back in time to the 55 season to some extent and what impact would there be on the squad? The Londoner knows almost all of the players, including those who were very successful under Gerrard’s reign but more are destined for an Ibrox exit as their time is up.
There can be no encore or one more tune. That night has ended.
Both the Record and the Scottish Sun heavily plugged the link to Beale last night with the quotes from QPR supremo Les Ferdinand showing that there is clearly more than a bit of truth to it.
The current QPR head coach visited Ibrox for the Aberdeen game last month in a very public manner, enjoying the hospitality of the directors’ box as well as some well known Rangers establishments in and around Ibrox. He still likes the club very much, he has friends in Glasgow and he knows how good it was for his nearest and dearest. So what about the negatives?
This potential job offer comes relatively soon after he turned down a chance in the Premier League with Wolves. That was considered astute whilst Beale remarked on how the Loftus Road job was a project to see through, just in its infancy, about how he owed it to others to remain loyal to them as well as the club. Would Rangers then be any different as the ‘one’ club that could realistically tempt him away? That could be tested very soon.
It also comes not that long after Aston Villa. That is significant upheaval for a guy still making his way in the game and with a young family to consider.
Mick Beale’s Rangers credentials are strong but there’s an element of risk on both sides, with plenty on the line.