Michael Beale has cited Steven Gerrard as one of the biggest influences on him as a man as he prepares to go it alone as QPR boss.
The former Rangers coach was an integral part of the Rangers backroom team that helped deliver a first Premiership title in a decade.
Along with assistant Gary McAllister, Beale helped rebuild the Ibrox club under Gerrard, culminating in the unbeaten 202/21 campaign that finally delivered a 55th topflight crown.
Beale departed with the duo when Gerrard took the Aston Villa job last November.
But he’s now flown the nest in order to become a manager in his own right, replacing former Rangers boss Mark Warburton at QPR.
But he was keen to stress the effect working under Gerrard had on him in Govan, which wasn’t limited to the coaching side of things.
“Jurgen was a big influence when I was Under 23s coach at Liverpool,” he said. “When he came in, his personality fit the club really well.
“The club and the people were on the same page and you can see the success they’ve had from that.
“But there’s been lots of influence. In my time at Chelsea, lots of managers; Carlo Ancelotti was a big influence in terms of the way he was. I wasn't close to him, but on terms of the way he carried himself around the building and the opportunities he gave to young players was really refreshing at Chelsea.
“Lastly, Steven and Gary McAllister have been fantastic influences on me as well, just as men as much as football.
“The time at Rangers and Aston Villa with them was fantastic.”
