Rangers appoint Michael Beale as manager

Scottish Premiership club Rangers have appointed Michael Beale as their new manager.

Beale has signed a contract that runs until 2026. The 42-year-old was the club’s first choice to replace Giovanni Van Bronckhorst.

Rangers targeted Beale from Queens Park Rangers after an impressive first half of the season. The London club are currently seventh in the Championship.

Beale’s superb work did not go unnoticed as Wolverhampton Wanderers tried to take him last month. Following Bruno Lage’s sacking Wolves pushed for his signature, but he committed his future to QPR.

However, Beale decided to join Rangers, where he already has a history. He was Steven Gerrard’s assistant when Rangers won the 2021 league title.

Beale has solid and existing relationships with many members of the first-team squad.

Neil Banfield, Harry Watling and Damian Matthew will join Beale at Rangers. There will also be further appointments in the days ahead.

Beale said: “It is fantastic to be back and to see everybody this morning – there are some new faces but some people that I know really well, so it is great to see everyone. 

“I am hugely proud – it is a wonderful, wonderful football club. It is an institution. For everyone that works here it is a huge privilege, but to be the manager of this football club, that is extremely special.

“Some wonderful people have sat in this chair prior to me, and I am hugely proud to be the person sat here now.”

Rangers Chairman, Douglas Park, added: “I am delighted to welcome Michael as our new manager as we aim to strengthen our on-field performance.

“Michael is a very exciting appointment for us, and his energy and ambition stood out both when he was here previously, and in the discussions we have had prior to him re-joining.

“The board will support both Michael and Ross Wilson to make this appointment a success, and I wish him the very best going forward.”

Beale will prepare his squad at the Rangers Training Centre. His first competitive game is at home to Hibernian on December 15.

The Gers host Bayer Leverkusen in a friendly match five days earlier.