Rangers fan update shows board will listen to Ibrox faithful on potential Michael Beale sacking
Rangers’ new fan engagement update shows the board will consider fans’ opinions regarding a potential Michael Beale sack decision.
The Gers announced (13 September) a fresh strategy to improve their communications with the fanbase stating that the board are “committed to improving the relationship between Rangers and its supporters”.
They announced the creation of a Fan Advisory Board, which will “act as a representative voice of the supporters and provide regular feedback to the club’s board and senior management”.
This update seems to be in response to the growing discontent among the Rangers fanbase, many of whom are not happy with the direction of the club and the personnel that populate the dugout.
“Regular feedback” from the fans regarding “senior management” may be the last thing Beale wants, with his sacking looking more and more likely each day.
The Ibrox faithful were quick to give their first piece of feedback after the Old Firm. Boos rang around the ground at full-time after the 1-0 loss, perhaps signalling Beale’s final straw among the fanbase.
The timing of the board’s decision to announce this scheme may be merely coincidental. Planning such schemes would take time to organise, so it must have been in the works for a bit of time.
However, sceptics may see this as a sign of things to come and a hint at where the board’s loyalties lay. Naturally, the fans are the club’s most important asset and well-run clubs must give them a direct voice, not just a voice from the terraces.
The board reportedly have already tried to woo potential replacements but has had no success so far. The Sun claimed (13 September) that former Chelsea boss Graham Potter has rejected the chance to replace Beale in the dugout, so the board’s intentions are seemingly clear.
However, this update acts as a message to fans that the club will listen to them much more often regarding their views on the man in the dugout.
While this Fan Advisory Board may not have a direct impact on the sacking of Beale himself, it acts as a promise to the fans that if they’re not happy with the boss, their voices will be heard.
Depending on how long Beale remains in the job, the fan may end up with a big say on his Rangers future.
In other Rangers news, a Gers Europa League opponent have suffered an “inconvenience” ahead of their clash.