Michael Beale looks the no.1 candidate for the Rangers job, is he the right man to get the Ibrox club back on track?
CRAIG SWAN: Beale knows the club and the league which is helpful, if not essential. Every appointment is a risk. His coaching credentials appear sound.
ANDY NEWPORT: I can see the attraction. He knows the club as well as the majority of the squad and showed his tactical acumen during his time alongside Steven Gerrard. His lack of experience is a concern but these appointments are seldom risk-free.
MICHAEL GANNON: There are pros and cons. He knows the club, a lot of the players and the expectations. But he is also inexperienced as a gaffer and it’s a whole new ball game. It would be a gamble, but it always is with a new boss.
What should be top of the to do list for the new man in charge of Gers?
CRAIG: Get Alfredo Morelos out of the door and end that chapter.
ANDY: Recruitment. Even if this season’s title is gone, the new boss has to ensure the club does not repeat the recent mistakes they’ve made in the transfer market. Carry on wasting cash and Celtic will disappear off over the horizon.
MICHAEL: He needs to nail down a decent budget for January and get cracking with new signings. The Gers squad needs major surgery in terms of incomings and outgoings and there’s no time to waste.
What’s been your highlight of the World Cup so far?
CRAIG : Gavi’s goal and performance for Spain in their game against Costa Rica. The 18-year-old is an outrageous talent.
ANDY: Saudi Arabia and Japan stunning the big boys. It’s been a bit of a slow burner so far but the shock defeats for Argentina and Germany are two of the biggest upsets the tournament has ever seen.
MICHAEL: Graeme Souness and Roy Keane going at it at half-time in Saudi Arabia’s amazing win against Argentina. The punditry has been as dull as some of the games so far, so hopefully the rest can learn from these masters.
After week one in Qatar, give us your eventual winners, dark horses and total flops?
CRAIG : Brazil looked very strong squad-wise to win. Japan can do serious dark-horse damage. Germany will flop out of the tournament tomorrow.
ANDY: I still think it’s a toss up between France and Brazil to see who goes all the way although I’m starting to worry England might prove to be a strong outside bet. Sadly I fear for wee Messi’s chances with Argentina if their opener is anything to go by.
MICHAEL: My money is still on Brazil to lift the trophy. Switzerland are the ones to keep an eye on for dark horse watch and Germany will claim the top of the flops tags when they get slapped from Spain.
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