Michael Beale is now the odds-on frontrunner to be Rangers' next manager with the bookies.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst was sacked by the Light Blues yesterday just days after his one year anniversary with poor performances and results ultimately proving to be the Dutchman's downfall with Celtic currently holding a nine point advantage at the top of the Premiership table after just 15 matches.
QPR director of football Les Ferdinand has stated the English Championship club will not stand in the way of the former Rangers No2 if he wants to make a sensational return north of the border while it is reported that the 42-year-old IS keen on a switch to Ibrox. He served as assistant under former boss Steven Gerrard, who has tumbled down the betting market and is now a 14/1 outside shot for a second stint in Glasgow.
READ MORE: Michael Beale Rangers theory discussed by Kris Boyd after Wolves knock back as boss search begins
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An OLBG spokesperson said: “Former Rangers No.2 Michael Beale, who worked under Steven Gerrard in their 2020/21 Scottish Premiership title-winning season, is the 1/2 odds-on favourite to return to Ibrox as the main man. Kevin Muscat is the 9/2 second-favourite to replace Giovanni van Bronckhorst, while Sean Dyche is 6/1, with Gerardo Seoane 8/1.”
A Rangers club statement on the sacking of Van Bronckhorst read: "Rangers Football Club confirms today it has parted company with manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst. The board would like to put on record sincere thanks to Gio for all his efforts since his appointment as manager.
"Arriving at the club just over a year ago, Gio led the club to a fifth European final and won the Scottish Cup last May. He also led the team to the club’s first Champions League qualification in 12 years.
"Unfortunately, results and performances over recent months haven’t met expectations and the decision was made today by the board to terminate the contract of the manager.
"The search for the new manager is now underway."
Chairman, Douglas Park, commented: “I want to thank Gio for the hard work he has put in over the last 12 months and, especially, the achievements of taking the club to the Europa League final and winning the Scottish Cup last season.
“Unfortunately, recent results have not met neither our nor Gio’s expectations, and we have taken this difficult decision today. Everyone at Rangers wishes Gio every success in the future.”
OLBG: Next permanent Rangers manager
Michael Beale: 1/2
Kevin Muscat: 9/2
Sean Dyche: 6/1
Gerardo Seoane: 8/1
Kjetil Knutsen, Ralph Hassenhuttl, Steven Gerrard: 14/1
David Martindale: 16/1
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