Rangers got sack decision spot on after what Sunderland fans did to Michael Beale last night
Rangers were spot on in their decision to sack Michael Beale after the Sunderland fans have already turned against him.
The former Gers boss was relieved of his duties at Ibrox on 1 October and was appointed as the new man at the helm of the English Championship club on 18 December, signing a deal until 2026.
After he was subjected to his fourth defeat in just seven games since taking over at the Stadium of Light following the 1-0 defeat to Hull City on Friday (19 January), Simon Bird noted how the Black Cats’ fans turned against him.
The Daily Mail journalist tweeted that the supporters were heard singing “You’re getting sacked in the morning” – a chant often sung by the opposing fans – as well as “We want Beale out…” after Liverpool loanee Fabio Carvalho’s goal handed the Tigers all three points.
While Sunderland remain in eighth place and are just two points outside of the playoffs, the results – and the performances – suggest they might only be heading one way under Beale.
Amongst those four defeats was a crushing 3-0 loss against arch-rivals Newcastle United in the third round of the FA Cup on 6 January, with his side barely putting up a fight on their home turf.
That shows why Rangers were absolutely right to sack Beale just a few months into the new season as the results simply weren’t good enough and the club were going backwards.
Just like he’s already shown in small glimpses during his time back in England, he struggled to get his side to perform on the big stage at Ibrox.
The Gers were embarrassed in Eindhoven by PSV in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League in August, while they served up a gutless display in the first Old Firm clash of this campaign.
His time in Glasgow was brought to an end following a 3-1 defeat at home to Aberdeen – the Light Blues’ third loss in just seven SPFL games.
But they haven’t looked back since then under new boss Philippe Clement, with the only blip on his stunning record coming in the 2-1 defeat to Celtic on 30 December.
The Belgian has propelled Rangers back into the title race, won the Viaplay Cup and secured their place in the knockout rounds of the Europa League – three things that would have been incredibly unlikely under Beale.
He’s also managed to get a tune out of a number of the summer signings the Englishman brought through the door, even if doubts remain over some of their long-term credentials at Ibrox.
On the whole, the Gers are in much safer hands now than they ever were during Beale’s time at the club.
There’s only one man that’s potentially staring down the barrel of another sacking and it’s not Clement.
In other Rangers news, a manager who wants to sign one Gers star this month has made a transfer admission.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.