Michael Beale sack verdict emerges at Rangers as journalist makes new Ibrox prediction
Kenneth Ward has claimed that Michael Beale could be sacked if Rangers do not hit the ground running in the new season, as featured in the Glasgow Times.
Writing on the themes of high-profile departures at Ibrox in recent times, including Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Ross Wilson, the piece talks about blame and responsibility for what has gone wrong lately, and a similar fate for Beale if he doesn’t return Rangers to the top in Scotland.
With the significant squad rebuild that is underway for the Gers, there is a massive sense of expectation ahead of the new campaign.
The Glasgow Times journalist made a strong prediction on what could happen if things do not work at Ibrox with a big rebuild ahead of everyone at the club.
“If Beale wants to wash his hands of the failures of the recent past, he can change the squad plank by plank all summer long,” he said.
“There’s no doubt that Rangers require a new lick of paint, either.
“But one thing he needs to remember is that the nature of the Ibrox support doesn’t change overnight. Any notion that his project will be given time to get afloat is folly.
“Failure to reach the Champions League group stage and to make a strong start in the Premiership will be met with mutiny in the stands, and Beale will follow his predecessors Wilson and Van Bronckhorst in walking the plank.”
Ridiculous claim
Well, this is a hot take.
Whilst there is some merit in threading together the story of recent events, the narrative isn’t one that most Rangers supporters would identify with.
Does Beale need to ensure Rangers start the new Premiership campaign with strength and style? Absolutely.
But to suggest that his job rests largely on Champions League group-stage qualification is a ridiculous claim.
Just look at what happened last time, there is a decent argument that the manager’s prospects would be strengthened by playing in the Europa League, rather than sitting at the top table for a second consecutive season.
In the second-tier competition, Rangers have the opportunity to land punches and excel, rather than fighting just to survive with the big boys.
There is obvious pressure and demands, as ever, to be met at Ibrox but Beale will continue to build on his very decent start – as ignored by Ward – to push for the required success.
In other Rangers news, Calvin Bassey sends a message after the latest transfer news emerges at Ibrox.