Pundit can’t believe ‘ridiculous’ Rangers ‘backlash’ amid emphatic Michael Beale claim
Noel Whelan has hit out at “ridiculous” suggestions about new Rangers boss Michael Beale and his lack of managerial experience.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, cited title-winning boss Steven Gerrard – who made the Gers his first job in 2018 before winning the Scottish Premiership three years later.
Rangers sources told this site on Friday (25 November) that club chiefs were growing increasingly concerned about appointing Beale due to a growing backlash from supporters – who questioned his lack of management experience.
Nevertheless, the former Ibrox coach was confirmed as the new manager of the Glasgow giants on Monday (28 November) – signing a three-and-a-half-year deal.
Beale only joined QPR in June but walked away from Loftus Road just under six months later, leaving the London side seventh in the Championship.
He has taken charge of just 22 games in senior management, winning nine.
Whelan
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Look at Steven Gerrard. He came in and was successful, and he had no senior experience.
“It was his first job.
“You’re going to Rangers. You shouldn’t really be falling on your face here, you should be finishing a guaranteed first or second.
“He’s walking straight into a club he knows very well, he’s got a good relationship with the players and board – it’s a perfect fit.
“He’s shown that he can do it in a better league with QPR.
“The Championship is a lot more difficult to grind out wins than the Scottish Premiership. I find this backlash pretty ridiculous.
“I think the fans should get behind him.”
In other news, pundit fears for Rangers amid “huge” Michael Beale verdict.