English Championship outfit QPR have released a statement after Rangers moved to poach manager Michael Beale to replace Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
The Ibrox side are delighted to announce Beale – who was in his first top job at QPR – as the club’s 18th manager with the Englishman returning to Ibrox after four years with Steven Gerrard.
Michael Beale has never hidden his affection for the Ibrox side and, despite turning down an approach from Premier League Wolves earlier in the season, the lure of Rangers has proven too strong.
The appointment therefore comes amid a cloud of controversy, with QPR chairman Amit Bhatia also liking a tweet which suggested he was “fuming” at the manager’s decision.
QPR respond to Rangers Michael Beale “blow”
Now, QPR have moved to give their official take on the move as Rangers appoint Michael Beale and the Loftus Road club’s search for a replacement continues.
“QPR can confirm Mick Beale has left his position as head coach with immediate effect to take up the managerial role at Glasgow Rangers,” reads the statement.
“Beale came to Loftus Road six months ago and the club has made a solid start to the 2022/23 campaign under his guidance, currently sitting seventh in the Sky Bet Championship.
“The 42-year-old’s departure comes six weeks after he turned down an approach from a Premier League club.”
QPR director of football Les Ferdinand added:
“Naturally we are hugely disappointed to lose Mick.
“Our extensive research when we were looking for a new head coach highlighted him as being very-much aligned with the direction we are moving in as a football club.
“The start to the season we have made, coupled with very attractive football being played, gave us cause for optimism as we looked to build on the previous three seasons.
“That optimism remains but there is no doubt it is a blow to lose Mick so soon into his tenure.”
It’s clear that QPR highly rate Michael Beale and that his departure comes as a blow but the London club’s loss is clearly Rangers’ gain.
