Michael Beale has made a sensational return to Rangers as manager on a three-and-a-half year deal, the club have confirmed.
The former Light Blues No2 - who served under Steven Gerrard's reign in Glasgow - is back as the main man in the dugout after the sacking of Giovanni Van Bronckhorst. Poor results and performances this season both domestically and in the Champions League proved the downfall of the Dutchman who lasted just over a year in the big chair. The Ibrox men face an uphill challenge in the Premiership with Ange Postecoglou and Celtic nine points clear after 15 games.
Beale was a frontrunner from the off once the news of Van Bronckhorst's sacking broke with supporters keen for the highly-regarded coach to come back to the club. His appointment will prove a popular one with fans as he bids to turn the fortunes of the Govan side around following the World Cup break.
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Before the action gets back underway, he will get the chance to put his stamp on things in an Ibrox friendly with Bayer Leverkusen on December 10 - five days before the Premiership action returns. The 42-year-old, who rejected the chance of a move to the English Premier League with Wolves, couldn't turn down the opportunity to return north of the border as he leaves QPR after just a few months in charge after taking over as manager in the summer.
Rangers Chairman, Douglas Park, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Michael as our new manager as we aim to strengthen our on-field performance. Michael is a very exciting appointment for us, and his energy and ambition stood out both when he was here previously, and in the discussions we have had prior to him re-joining.
“The board will support both Michael and Ross Wilson to make this appointment a success, and I wish him the very best going forward."
On his appointment, Beale continued: “It is fantastic to be back and to see everybody this morning, there are some new faces but some people that I know really well so it is great to see everyone. I am hugely proud, it is a wonderful, wonderful football club, it is an institution. For everyone that works here it is a huge privilege, but to be the manager of this football club, that is extremely special. Some wonderful people have sat in this chair prior to me, and I am hugely proud to be the person sat here now."
Sporting Director, Ross Wilson, added: “I am pleased to welcome Michael back to Rangers today. I know how excited he is about everything that comes with the prestige of being Rangers manager. Equally our players and staff at both the training ground and at Ibrox are looking forward to working with Michael. He has a clear plan and will get to work with the group straight away along with the technical and support staff.
“Finally, this is a coveted managerial position and after an intense week of discussions, I wish to extend our sincere thanks to all of the excellent managers who we met to discuss the role.”
Beale will get down to hard work on the training ground over the next couple of weeks with the first competitive fixture a clash with Hibs on December 15. A first Old Firm is on the horizon on January 2, a game that could have a major say in the destination of the title this season.
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