Journalist shares Celtic and Rangers scenario that would be breaking point for Micheal Beale sack decision
A Celtic victory and a Rangers draw will be enough for Michael Beale to be sacked, according to journalist Alison McConnell.
Speaking on PLZ Soccer’s Football Show (15 September), McConnell gave Beale very little time to save his job, suggesting losing any further ground on Celtic would lead to his dismissal.
Beale is under immense pressure following a poor start to the season that saw Rangers lose the first Old Firm derby of the season to the Bhoys after being humiliated by PSV in the Champions League play-off round.
McConnell said: “I think if Celtic were to win and Rangers were to draw, [meaning] Celtic would be six points clear after five games, I think it becomes very difficult.”
When asked if this would be the “breaking point” for Beale’s Rangers career, McConnell said: “I think it would be.”
Tightrope
McConnell gives Beale very little wiggle room to save his Ibrox future.
Each game is now a must-win for the boss, but now his future seems dependent on the success of Rangers’ arch-rivals, as the Hoops take on Dundee at Celtic Park on Saturday (16 September).
Beale has a trip to bottom-of-the-table St Johnstone away to contend with and anything other than a victory would surely signal the end of his tenure in the dugout.
If McConnell’s prediction proves correct, this adds even more pressure to Beale to keep pace. Four points is a significant gap at this point in the season, especially given both clubs already facing off.
One silver lining is the relatively easier fixtures the Gers have to contend with, as after their trip to McDiarmid Park they face Motherwell and Livingston in the league.
While they have their opening Europa League clash against Real Betis sandwiched in between, Beale must improve his domestic form to stand a chance of surviving.
In other Rangers news, Chris Jack claims that the future of an Ibrox man “doesn’t bode well”.