Rangers: Ange Postcoglou compared to Shane Warne by West Ham United chief as Celtic leave Michael Beale ‘most aggravated’
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has heaped praise on Ange Postecoglou for leaving Rangers boss Michael Beale the “most aggravated” ahead of a likely Celtic treble.
The Australian had hit back at the Gers manager’s comment that he was a “lucky man” because of his transfer funds [Guardian, 1 May], after he came out on top in the Scottish Cup semi final (30 April) to end the Light Blues hopes of silverware.
Brady compared Postecoglou’s reposte to legendary late spin bowler and compatriot Shane Warne, as Beale was “brushed off” in the wake of the 1-0 Hampden victory.
In her column for The Sun Brady said: “It was a storm in an egg cup, or perhaps a whisky glass, but Celtic’s probable fifth treble in seven seasons has the other half of Glasgow itching with frustration.
“And there can be few scratchers north of the border more aggravated than Rangers manager Michael Beale, 42, who has already been rendered title-less as another Hoops monopoly of big trophies plays out.
“His counterpart five-and-a-half miles away, Ange Postecoglou, brushed off Beale’s comment that the Greco-Australian was a lucky man to have had handy transfer cash.
“Not luck but know-how” was an Aussie reaction the late Shane Warne, God bless him, would have been proud of. I am sure the Greeks had a phrase for it, too.”
Open season
Beale failing to overcome his opposite number in the Old Firm rivalry after four attempts has not only rendered the season a waste, but it has opened the door for anyone to cast aspersions on him as they praise Postecoglou.
The Ibrox boss probably wouldn’t have expected members of the West Ham board to be getting in on the act, but after talking a good game since his November arrival he has ultimately only stored up problems for himself.
By drawing extra attention to his attempts to unseat the Hoops in Scotland he raised the stakes significantly in an already heated derby.
That would have been little problem had he started to make good on his statements, by at least triumphing in the cups, but in losing across three competitions and leaving the way clear for Celtic to lift the trophies in each he has opened himself up to extra criticism.
He has precious little leeway now and will have to start delivering results in the biggest games, not just the standard SPFL fixtures, from the get-go next season.
And he likely won’t be able to do that unless this summer’s transfer business proves to be a lot more hits then misses, and a good deal stronger than a year ago.
In other Rangers news, two SPFL goal-machines have been linked to summer Ibrox moves as Beale faces three-striker haul.