Rangers took their time in replacing Giovanni van Bronckhorst but there always seemed to be an obvious first choice in Michael Beale.
The former first team coach knew the squad, the league and was considered as the brains behind Steven Gerrard’s invincible title winners.
It is an appointment that is now being questioned though with Rangers fan, former RTV media man and now Sky Sports producer, Andrew Dickson, reflecting on what was a limp Champions League exit for Michael Beale.
Rangers need Michael Beale to answer big game question
Writing on his X feed, the respected journalist reckons that the Gers boss has it all to prove ahead of a massive Old Firm derby on Sunday:
“When Rangers moved for Beale last year, I couldn’t decide if they were doing well to get in ahead of others while they still could before his stock got too high or if it was a lazy appointment lacking imagination.
MORE RANGERS STORIES
“Ball very much in his court to show which it is after last night.”
There were other names in the mix when Rangers appointment Michael Beale, painful as it is, Peter Bosz was out of work and Kjetil Knutson was also mentioned.
It can’t be escaped that Beale was the safe option though.
Without a sporting director, he has been given the keys to Rangers and the buck stops firmly at his door in terms of both results and recruitment.
The board back him, not so much in terms of finances, but in terms of how early the players Beale wanted were brought in.
There are no excuses for not being prepared, especially with a fully fit squad.
Two trophies past Rangers by under Michael Beale’s watch last season, Champions League qualification has evaded us this year.
On Sunday, we will get another indicator as to whether or not his appointment was the right one or not.