Michael Beale's decision to return to Rangers as manager has been criticised by former Queens Park Rangers favourite Jamie Mackie.
The Englishman opted to depart the Loftus Road side last week to replace Giovanni van Bronckhorst as Light Blues boss, who was dismissed from his role last week. Beale had only been in the job with the English Championship side since the summer, and left the R's sitting in the play off places. Beale's success with the QPR hadn't gone unnoticed and he knocked back the chance to manage Wolves in the English Premier League last month following the sacking of Bruno Lage.
But former Liverpool and Chelsea coach Beale has now penned a three-year deal in the hotseat at Ibrox, where he previously served as assistant coach to Steven Gerrard between 2018 and 2021. He followed Gerrard to Aston Villa before becoming a manager in his own right with QPR.
And former QPR striker Mackie, who scored 25 goals across two spells for the club, slammed Beale's decision to take up the reigns at Rangers, and questioned the loyalty of the 42-year old. Speaking on Sky Sports, Mackie, who also won nine caps for Scotland said: "When Michael Beale came in he was a complete unknown and newbie to management.
"He was given a fantastic opportunity by QPR and he quickly spoke about his culture of integrity and longevity. He said he'd even spoke to the players and their families about buying into the project and jumping ship to another club.
"But now he's done exactly what he said he wouldn't do and jumped ship and I think that's where the problem is. Everyone would understand if he got the chance to manage in the Premier League, but he was the one who came out and spoke about his loyalty.
"I really question his integrity and I really wonder what other chairman will think of that in the future. Rangers have got a relationship with him and they understand him, but I look at it and go do I want that character going forward? I'm not so sure.
"Maybe managing Rangers is his ultimate dream, but I also noticed he was in the stands when the old manager who hadn't been sacked yet was still there. I really don't like that and I certainly don't like that as a manager he was going up there as a 'fan'.
"Then two weeks later he gets the job? Well that doesn't sit well with me at all or certainly with an opposing manager. I don't think it was the right way to act."
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