Michael Beale has revealed he’s held talks with Rangers fans group Union Bears after being riled by a banner aimed at him.
On the eve of the Viaplay Cup Final against Celtic at Hampden, the Ibrox gaffer admits he took offence to a message displayed at Livingston last week. Beale was criticised by the vocal set of supporters for giving Partick Thistle a goal in Rangers’ Scottish Cup tie, which he claimed upheld the club’s standards. That prompted Union Bears to unveil a banner at Livi which had a pop at Beale by saying: ‘Two trophies in 11 years. Uphold the standards that matter’.
The Rangers manager took that as a personal slight against him. And last week, after the fans group approached him to deny it was a veiled dig, Beale told them he felt the sentiment - and timing of it - was wrong. The Union Bears will be out in force at Hampden today for the vital Old Firm clash and the Rangers boss says they must stay united.
Beale, who has won 13 of his 14 games in charge so far, said: “They (fans) reached out to me personally to say it wasn’t (aimed at me) but I thought it was, to be honest. I did take it personally. It’s one of those things. We have fans all across the world and that’s a small minority. They’re very passionate and I think they do a lot of good things.
“They pay their money and come to support the team. So they’re allowed to voice their opinion But I explained that I would have preferred it not to be in that way and at this moment. It’s fine, everyone has their opinion on the game. I was a fan before I was manager so I get it. But it’s important that we stick together. It’s important that our fans are with us because when we’re united we’re a very strong club.”
Meanwhile, as he prepared to face Celtic for the first trophy of the season at Hampden, Beale wants his side to grasp the opportunity of silverware. He says he’s in the process of reshaping the core of a side that’s been together for the best part of five years.
But he’s adamant that the current crop of players still have plenty of success left in them.
He said: “I think we’re going to see a new team develop here. But I don’t like the word ‘rebuild’. I think we’re adding, evolving and growing. Rebuild is harsh on a squad of players that have won 13 of their last 14 games.
“I don’t think it’s anywhere near as broken as some people seem to think. It’s amazing how one or two results can change perceptions, certainly in Scotland. I’m certainly looking at the next transfer window for players who I can go on a journey with.
“But my journey here will only be as long as I’m successful The club I came back to is night and day now compared to when I arrived with Steven Gerrard. By that, I mean in terms of infrastructure, level of players and investment. Back then the club was needing a kick, a jolt and Steven managed that spell fantastically well.
“The period from 2018 to 2021, including Gio van Bronckhorst’s time when he won the Scottish Cup and reached the Europa League Final, tells you this club is in a good place. But it’s important to understand that we must continue to improve.
“We have a wonderful opportunity ahead of us on Sunday and my message to the players is to seize the moment.”
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