Michael Beale: Rangers appoint former assistant as manager as he leaves QPR

Michael Beale has returned to Rangers as manager – leaving Queens Park Rangers after six months in charge of the English Championship club.

Londoner Beale had been Steven Gerrard’s assistant when the Ibrox side won the Scottish title in 2020-21.

He followed Gerrard to Aston Villa in November 2021 before choosing to become a full manager.

“I’m extremely proud, it’s a wonderful, wonderful football club, it’s an institution,” Beale said. told the Rangers website.

“For everyone who works here, it’s a huge privilege, but to be the manager of this football club is extremely special. Great people have sat in this chair before me, and I’m extremely proud of that. to be the person sitting here now.”

Beale refused a approach to Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers when QPR topped the charts in October. They currently sit seventh in the English second tier after five games without a win.

He takes over a Rangers side who dispensed with the services of Van Bronckhorst just five months after the Dutchman led them to Scottish Cup triumph and the Europa League final.

They have won just twice in seven matches and lead defending champions Celtic by nine points.

Having had stints with Charlton Athletic, Twente in the Netherlands and the United States, Beale’s playing career ended when he was just 21 years old.

After investing in a futsal facility in London, he was involved with Chelsea and Liverpool academies and was also an assistant at Brazilian club Sao Paulo.

“I am delighted to welcome Michael back to Rangers,” said sporting director Ross Wilson. “I know how excited he is about everything that comes with the prestige of being Rangers manager.

“Equally, our players and staff at the training ground and at Ibrox are looking forward to working with Michael. He has a clear plan and will immediately get to work with the squad, as well as the technical and support staff.”

QPR Director of Football Les Ferdinand added: “Naturally we are extremely disappointed to lose Mick.

“Our extensive research when looking for a new head coach highlighted him as being very aligned with the direction we are heading in as a football club.

“The start to the season we’ve made, coupled with some very attractive football, has given us reason to be optimistic as we look to build on the previous three seasons.

“That optimism remains, but there’s no doubt that it’s a blow to lose Mick so early in his tenure.”

Keep up to date with the ins and outs of the manager here.