Rangers manager Michael Beale could save Ross Wilson from the sack after early signs of promise at Ibrox
Rangers manager Michael Beale could be the saviour that sporting director Ross Wilson has dearly needed at Ibrox this season, with stable groundwork already being laid after just a fortnight on the job.
Under predecessor Giovanni van Bronckhorst, the Glasgow club sunk deeper and deeper into a quagmire of inactivity, failing to tie down key players such as Ryan Kent to new contracts and being unable to improve an ageing squad in the summer.
The Dutchman’s dismal reign at Ibrox could well have proven Wilson’s death knell if he had not been sacked, with official partners Four Lads Had A Dream sending a message to the Rangers board calling for the duo to be released from their contracts.
Yet somehow, Wilson clung to his position amid this increasing scrutiny and will now take a precautious backstage position as Beale instils his fresh philosophy at the club.
The ex-QPR manager has been renowned for his clear-cut attitude to promoting youth during his short stint as a manager in the Championship, and he has already described players such as Alex Lowry as being fundamental pillars of his future plans.
Since his appointment just over a fortnight ago, Rangers has proven a hive of activity, with 18-year-old defender Leon King signing a new long-term contract with the club till June 2026 after starring so far this season.
Romanian international Ianis Hagi – who initially joined the club on loan in January 2020 – was also snapped up on a new deal by the club, signing a new extended contract with the club on Thursday (15 December).
Securing the services of the 24-year-old is a real sign of intent from Wilson and Beale, with Hagi an instrumental factor in the 2020/21 title-winning campaign and netting an impressive 15 goals from his 86 appearances for the club.
Now whether Wilson was a direct influence on these signatures is yet to be known, but Beale’s quick thinking is taking the spotlight of the sporting director and back onto proceedings on the pitch.
Wilson is also set to give the English manager complete control over personnel brought into the club in January, with transfer “assurances” given to Beale during his interview for the role.
This is a well-calculated last roll of the dice from Wilson and one which could prove a masterstroke from his point of view.
By giving the 42-year-old sole control over transfers in the coming windows, he can’t be blamed for any shortcomings on the pitch, and the calls for his head can therefore be silenced.
The early signs of the Beale era – albeit before a ball has been kicked in the league – are definitely promising, and as a result, Wilson is sitting pretty.
In other Rangers news, Andy Walker slams Rangers star Alfredo Morelos as Michael Beale challenges him to reverse his form.