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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Michael Beale responds to Rangers protests as he defends Ross Wilson role

Michael Beale has defended Ross Wilson after major fan protests during Rangers' win over Motherwell.

The sporting director came under fire from fans who also targeted managing director Stewart Robertson with 'Time for change' flyers.

However, Beale has talked up his working relationship with Wilson who he detailed as one of the most influential men at the club's Auchenhowie training base.

"Listen, I have always worked well with Ross and he came when I was already in the club the first time round," said Beale when probed on why Wilson is the right man for the role at Rangers.

"He was influential in bringing me back to the club - we work fantastically well every day.

"He is a 24/7 football person, similar to myself so our energy is the same, we're off working and looking at players and we control the atmosphere at the training ground - we're the two main figures at the training ground.

"I understand the fans' frustration, they don't know everything that goes on and the work at the club but I understand that they pay their money and they support the club and pack out every away attendance both domestic and in Europe. They pack out every game at Ibrox and they have a right to - in the right way - put across their opinion.

"But I would say since I have come back in that the form of the team has been really good, before that they can be disgruntled but now we are looking forward and moving forward.

"I would prefer it if we were all on the same page but at the same time, they are entitled to their opinion.

"I think the work going on behind the scenes and toward next season is exciting. It can't all be revealed now but I would just hope that we can make sure that we're together moving forward."

Beale went on to urge the club and supporters to come together again in their ambitions as he cited those outside the club not wanting Rangers to succeed.

He said: "Everybody's aim is to win and make the fans happy, I understand the frustrations, they have a right to share their opinions and views but I think we are a much stronger club when we are together and hopefully sooner rather than later that will come back in line.

"It's important. There are enough people outside of Rangers who don't want us to do well, so let's make sure we're all together."

While the protests at Fir Park were unavoidable for Beale and his players, the Ibrox boss insisted it is not something that has impacted his squad despite the ongoing discontent over Robertson and Wilson's positions.

"It's not something that has made its way into the changing room," he said. "We know as a playing staff and a management team that it has been disappointing at times this campaign but all we can do is keep winning the next game and winning well.  We're trying to do that. We are here to serve our fans and to make our fans happy and to win things.

"When we fall short of that then they're obviously going to look to point fingers or share their opinion. That's fine, that's par for the course and we take that on board as players and staff, all we can do is keep winning the next game.

"So far, from what I can see it's not something that is impacting the group because we are winning games but today because it's so visual it's there for everybody to see."

Speaking on Sky Sports about the protests, Beale added: "It’s obvious you can’t not be aware of it today because it’s there and the fans are involved.

"They are voicing their frustrations. They have a team that’s getting results. Lots of players are taking part in that and we are trying to move forward and improve.

"I just want everyone to stay together because we are a stronger club when we stay together.

"I understand the frustrations of the fans, they come and watch and pay their money and they fill out every home and away game so they are free to voice their opinion.

"Just me at the moment as the manager, there are more things to be positive about and I would like everyone to support the team on the pitch.

"I understand it but it’s difficult at times for the team. We come here today and it’s a big away performance we are looking for. "

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