“Absolutely criminal, you can’t jump ship” – QPR fan fury on Beale to Rangers

If and when Michael Beale is confirmed as the 18th permanent manager of Rangers, there will be a degree of awkwardness in regard to the comments he made after opting not to take the reigns at Wolves.

That sentiment would be amplified significantly from angry QPR supporters who are very unhappy at the prospect of losing their leader, just weeks after he sent a message of loyalty and seeing the plan through:

“Integrity and loyalty are big things for me, and if they are the values you live by you have to be strong. I have been all-in here and I have asked other people to be all-in so I can’t be the first person to run away from the ship.”

This position was highlighted by Football League World, who gauged the opinion of their R’s fan pundit Louis Moir, speaking in a furious way on the matter. This would just be the start of it.

“At the moment, I’m not worried about it but obviously with the history that he’s got with Rangers you can see it happening.”

“It would be absolutely criminal for him to do so because I mean in terms of leaving, first job, 21 games into the season, you cannot jump ship after rejecting a Premier League club to go to Rangers no matter how much you adore that club or relish an opportunity to manage them. You can’t do it.”

Pointedly, Moir added, “Look, at the moment it’s just speculation. Things could develop, of course they could, but if he was to go, he would make himself look a right a fool because of the amount that he talked about loyalty when he rejected Wolves.”

Outcome

It is fair to say that we are long past the speculation stage, now.

The comments post-Wolves will not reflect well on Beale if he is confirmed at Ibrox but let’s take a step back for a moment.

He turned down the chance for an immediate jump to the Premier League for valid reasons of his own as well as stability, nor did he jump an the increased money on offer. This does come down to the ‘one club’ relatively that could tempt the 42-year old away from West London.

He knows the situation at Rangers, the ways and culture of the club, as well as the pressure, expectations and rewards that are in play. He has waxed lyrical about wanting the job for himself one-day and maybe it is too early, but nothing is guaranteed in life. The chance may never come again.

As for not being able to turn down Premier League Wolves for Scotland and Rangers? That is just laughable, England bubble stuff. All that remains is the final decision of Michael Beale.