Michael Beale looks to have sealed the deal on a return to Rangers.
But not everyone is convinced the manager in waiting’s credentials are for real. The former Ibrox assistant will be charged with trying to get a faltering campaign back on track and strengthening the squad after predecessor Gio van Bronckhorst took a veiled dig at the financial backing he received in the summer. Fraser Davison, Glasgow, said: “So Beale is being lauded as a football coaching genius. How come he cannot see what’s in front of his face then regarding the utter shambles that awaits him at the top of the marble stairs? It’s the reason Steven Gerrard left and Gio van Bronckhorst failed. What makes it more laughable is Beale was there when it happened with Gerrard so he must know Rangers are rooked. Never mind a genius - more like a lemming.”
Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, said: “Now we know Dave King was right, the board wouldn’t pony up any of the £20-30 million for van Bronckhorst or even Gerrard to buy. Douglas Park and his cohorts should go." James Kennedy, Kilsyth, claimed: “QPR must think all their Christmases have come at once. Beale’s head was on the chopping block and they were going to have to sack him and pay compensation. Then along comes the proverbial mug punter in the guise of Glasgow Rangers and say that they will pay them to let him become their new manager. I don’t see him lasting until next Christmas given that he has an injury-ridden squad, players who don’t want to be there, a nine point gap to close on Celtic, no significant sellable assets and a Pound Shop budget. Good luck Mick.”
Jim McClean, Rothesay, said: “Beale will fit in at Ibrox because he is classless. Going into Rangers pubs taking his seat in the directors’ box when van Bronckhorst was still the manager lacks class by the man.”
But George Wilson, West Sussex, hit back: “Many people and Celtic supporters in particular are talking down the pending appointment of Beale and we keep hearing how with Gerrard he only won one trophy. The point is Celtic supporters had arranged 10 in a row parties and holidays all over the world months in advance having rather foolishly just assumed 10 in a row was coming. To allow 10 in a row then 11 would have been insufferable for Rangers and their supporters so that one trophy win was worth 20 trophies. Beale was instrumental in winning 55 and stopping 10 in a row and that won't be forgotten.”
Elsewhere and Ryan Porteous is set to leave Hibs after turning down a new contract at his boyhood club.
Neil Renton, Edinburgh, said: “Porteous should follow former Hibs team mate Josh Doig and head abroad to play football. He’ll then get the credit and praise he deserves which he doesn’t get in Scotland.”
On to the World Cup and England are back in action today in their final group game against Wales. Alan Flett emailed: “In terms of their playing squad, England probably are good enough to win the World Cup. Thankfully, they have a manager who couldn’t pick his nose, never mind a football team. The deluded English fans and media don’t realise that Gareth Southgate is the reason why it won’t be coming home.”
Away from football and tributes continue to flood in for late great Scottish rugby hero Doddie Weir after he lost his courageous fight with Motor Neurone Disease. Alistair Cook, Greenock, said: “I was very sad to hear the passing of big Doddie, he was an absolute gentleman as was Joost van der Westhuizen, the great South African number nine, who succumbed to this horrible disease.”
And William Hutchison, Aberdeen, added: “Can we all take a minute to remember another Scottish legend, Doddie Weir, wether you watch rugby or not you just have to stand back and applaud the heroism of Doddie and his with battle with MND. Sadly it finally came to an end. Another sad loss. RIP Doddie.”
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