Michael Belae has told his in-coming Rangers recruits to give their heart and soul to the Ibrox cause and they’ll be treated like the heroes they’re replacing.
The Gers faithful bid an emotional farewell to five departing stars as they finished this term’s Ibrox schedule with a 2-2 draw against Hearts. But as Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, Allan McGregor, Scott Arfield and Filip Helander head for the exit, former Norwich playmaker Kieran Dowell was checking in after agreeing to become Beale’s first summer signing.
The 25-year-old - who has agreed a three year deal - is likely to be the first of many as Beale readies himself for a hectic period of transfer activity. And the Ibrox boss had only one piece of advice for Dowell and the men who are set to follow. He said: “What I would say to the new players, is if you see how the boys who are leaving were treated then it is a wonderful football club.
“If you give your heart and soul, then the fans will pay you back 10 fold. I don’t think it is normal what has happened tonight, especially after a trophyless season.
“The appreciation the fans showed was incredible and I am proud of them as they have had it tough this year. They seem optimistic and behind the group and they sent the boys off the right way.”
Dowell’s arrival will see the former Everton kid reunited with former Carrow Road team-mate Todd Cantwell. Chelsea defender Dujon Sterling and LAFC ace Jose Cifuentes have also been lined up and Beale can’t wait get down to work with his new-look line-up.
He said: “We are nearly there, we have been waiting to get to this point. Without being disrespectful we needed energising and we will come back stronger.
“We aren’t that far away from where we want to be, we have five, six or seven players coming in. I think the boys who came in in January gave us energy and the fans want more.
“I’m delighted to get Kieran and he is a boy I have known for quite a while as when I was at Liverpool he was at Everton. He played for England Under-21 and then got a move to Norwich and played in the Premier League. They have had changes of coaches, so he comes in and knows three or four of the dressing room.
“We have missed a lefty since we lost Joe Aribo. He is similar to Tom Lawrence, Scott Arfield, Todd Cantwell that he can play in midfield or up a line. I think he will kick on here and someone who will be seen as a good signing over time and I am looking forward to working with him.”
Cantwell was again the driving force that got Gers going as they staged their final home game against Hearts. Behind inside a minute to Lawrence Shankland’s opener, Cantwell pounced on the stroke of half-time to level and was involved as Fashion Sakala netted just after the restart.
Victory was snatched away with the last kick of the game as Garang Kuol secured a point for Hearts. But Beale was upset with some of the commentary that has surrounded Cantwell following accusations he went down easy to win the free-kick that led to Gers’ weekend opener at Easter Road.
He said: “We all know where it’s coming from. That was a blatant foul at the weekend, two hands in the chest. Anywhere else on the pitch it’s a foul. What’s Todd going to fall over there for? It becomes a narrative around it.
“He’s doing really well. I think people should just enjoy him while he’s in our league. He’s been in our league a few months and shown lots of bright things. Again tonight a fantastic goal. He’s feisty, he wants to play the game with passion. He’s everything fans want.
"We’ve just got to be careful. We’ve been down that road before with Alfredo, haven’t we?”
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