Former Rangers striker Kenny Miller insists Michael Beale cannot be written off as a potential replacement - and claims the fans want him back.
The Dutchman has flown back to the Netherlands with the Scottish Premiership action on hold during the World Cup in Qatar, but there are still major doubts over his prospects of remaining in the Ibrox hot seat long-term. The draw with St Mirren means Rangers go into the winter break on a low with Celtic holding a nine point lead at the top of the table before the league action resumes.
That has led to speculation ramping up over who could take over from Van Bronckhorst, with Steven Gerrard's former assistant Beale being touted as an early frontrunner. The current QPR boss has got to a positive start in his first managerial post with the London club challenging at the top end of the English Championship so far this term despite a dramatic recent dip in form, with Beale already knocking back an approach from Premier League side Wolves.
Former Burnley boss Sean Dyche as well as Ralph Hasenhuttl, who worked alongside Ibrox sporting director Ross Wilson during his time at Southampton, have been among those touted as potential options. The pair offer more experience should Van Bronckhorst leave the club, but Miller bit back at critics of Beale.
A caller to Clyde 1 Superscoreboard insisted he would not have Beale due to the system he implemented at Ibrox alongside Gerrard, before following the Liverpool legend to Aston Villa. Miller responded: "Have you watched his QPR team at all?
"He has played a number of different systems over his time at QPR. He has played a back three, which I think we have only seen once during his time at Rangers.
"Michael is not just a one trick pony that's for sure. I know a lot of fans, if the job was to become available, would want to see Michael Beale back at Ibrox.
"You could maybe throw that (one trick pony argument) at that team, but at that time plan A was working. They had gone through and unbeaten league season and the European runs were good.
"I understand what you are saying over that time. But I think there is a real flexibility over Michael as a manager and the style he is playing."
It was then put to Miller that Rangers should not appoint a manager who has won just nine games with QPR. Miller bit back: "How many had Steven Gerrard won (when he was appointed)?
"The names that have kind of been mentioned are Sean Dyche, and what a record he has got. Another that has been thrown about is (Ralph) Hasenhuttl because of his connection with Ross Wilson at Southampton.
"He has got a bigger and longer track record than Michael Beale. I just don't buy into that way of thinking.
"Neil Lennon took over at Celtic and had a lot of success with very little experience as a coach and a manager. Is Michael Beale the right man? I think he will be very high on the list if Gio van Bronckhorst 's goes."
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