Pundit on Michael Beale quit fear as Rangers footage re-emerges
Noel Whelan has claimed Rangers should not fear Michael Beale leaving the club for a better offer despite his spectacular U-turn on quitting QPR.
The former Leeds and Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted a potential Premier League move for the 42-year-old is still “two or three years” away.
Rangers confirmed on Monday (28 November) that Beale has been appointed as the 18th manager of the Ibrox club.
His hiring comes just weeks after he turned down the opportunity to take charge of Premier League strugglers Wolves.
As per video from Sky Sports (20 October), Beale claimed he “couldn’t be the first to run away from” QPR after asking everyone to be “all-in” following his appointment over the off-season.
The former Ibrox coach rejoins Rangers with them sitting nine points adrift of rivals Celtic atop the Scottish Premiership.
Whelan claimed Rangers’ status as challengers and European football will have been a big draw in Beale’s decisions.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think if you’re going to Rangers, it’s the attraction of challenging for trophies and winning trophies.
“There’s also the European football on offer. That’s enticing.
“Rangers is a big step up from QPR. It would have been very difficult to do anything with QPR considering the league they’re in and the budget they have.
“The only reason he would leave now is for a Premier League job. Is he ready for that? Not quite yet.
“If it goes very well with Rangers, then that opportunity could come up. But we’re talking about something that’s two or three years down the line.”
In other news, Football Insider reveals major update on Ryan Kent’s future amid Rangers development today.