Michael Beale is on the verge of becoming Rangers manager, and seeing a sensational return to Ibrox in the process.
The current Queens Park Rangers boss was Steven Gerrard's right-hand man during his three and a half years in Glasgow, with Beale often credited with some of the successes found at Rangers under the Liverpool icon's command. Beale himself is only 22 games in to full management, after landing the role at Loftus Road in the summer.
But now the Englishman looks set to be the man to replace Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, who was given his marching orders earlier this month after a poor string of results in domestic and European action following less than a year in charge at Ibrox. The Rangers hierarchy have moved quickly to get Beale in post, with an announcement expected imminently as he was reportedly pictured arriving at Auchenhowie on Monday.
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And it appears Beale will be joined by some of his current QPR counterparts as part of the new Ibrox furniture, with Sky Sports News claiming Neil Banfield and Harry Watling will be involved. Banfield, who previously coached English Premier League giants Arsenal's academy and reserves for over 15 years, will bring much-needed experience to Beale.
While Watling, currently in charge of first team development at the Rs will bring youth to the set-up, as he previously was tasked with Chelsea and West Ham's youth academy. Watling was also in charge of American side Hartford Athletic for a year, securing the club's biggest-ever win after just four games in charge, beating New York Red Bulls II by seven goals to nil.
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