George Overhill

Sat 9 September 2023 10:10, UK

Rangers fans will want “someone special” if Michael Beale is sacked so if the alternative doesn’t come with “excitement” attached there is no point in changing, according to Dean Jones.

The ex-Eurosport journalist told GIVEMESPORT on Friday (8 September) that former Chelsea boss Graham Potter would be in for “serious consideration” if he showed interest in the job but feels that is unlikely, with Birmingham City’s John Eustace also in the frame.

Jones suggested the St. Andrew’s boss wouldn’t make sense because he fits too much of a similar profile to Beale himself, and has personally advocated for the former Ibrox assistant to get more time in the top job.

Jones said: “If Rangers can upgrade from Beale then deciding to move on from him is fine, but I do have reservations about exactly what they can expect.

“I’m hearing that nothing is imminent around his future. I would personally like to see him given a bit more time to turn this season around because he’s highly thought of in the game generally and good coaches like him are supposed to identify issues and find solutions.

“But if someone like Graham Potter shows an interest in the job then, of course, you might get to a point where that becomes a serious consideration. I’m just not sure how likely that is.

“Beyond Potter, there are names like John Eustace being mentioned, and I don’t really see the point of that. If that’s the route they want then I think you might as well stick by Beale.

“If Rangers are going to change manager, it has to come with a sense of excitement, pedigree and should have a philosophy attached to it. A name that is not particularly established and has no evidence or proof that he is going to be any more successful than Beale would probably be best avoided.

“The fans will want someone special as their next boss. There must be a fear that if they axe Beale and then get in someone that doesn’t definitely elevate them, they’re going to be playing catch up for years.”

Fair

It would be a major turn up if Potter was ready to take over at Ibrox given he has already rejected an advance from Lyon [Sky Sports, 7 September] and will currently still be getting the benefit of the five-year Stamford Bridge contract he only survived seven months of.

Eustace has shown positive signs through a turbulent time at Birmingham but might end up going through the same cycle as Beale has.

It is possible that the current Rangers boss would get his rebuild firing if given the chance, but after a season empty-handed last term it is unlikely he will get long if results don’t start to improve.

It is the age-old question when it comes to managers, whether to stick out the growing pains or pull the plug early and not waste time.

Ultimately it is easy to say in hindsight when at the time it can be impossible to tell, but with fortunes arguably heading backwards at Ibrox so far this season, despite the squad being rebuilt in Beale’s image, pressure is certainly mounting.

For some fans it would be enough to see any alternative come in, but Jones is right in that it does need to be an obvious upgrade lest the Gers find themselves in a cycle of hiring and firing for little benefit.

It looks like the club is preparing to make a move if necessary so without a clear improvement on the pitch an answer might not be far away.

In other Rangers news, an update on Eustace’s proximity to the exit at Birmingham has emerged as he becomes a candidate for Ibrox.