Michael Beale could be on the radar for a return to Rangers if Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers Enterprises group move forward with a managerial change at Ibrox.
The American consortium is reportedly nearing a deal to acquire a 51% controlling stake in the club, signaling a potential shift in leadership at the top.
Currently, Barry Ferguson has taken over as interim manager, though it’s widely believed he’s unlikely to land the job on a permanent basis. With speculation swirling, Steven Gerrard has emerged as a candidate to return to the Rangers dugout — and that could open the door for Beale to rejoin the club as well.
Gerrard’s Return Could See Beale Reunited with Rangers
According to former Scotland striker Gordon Dalziel, Gerrard would likely look to bring Beale back as a first-team coach if he were appointed manager again. Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Dalziel pointed out that although Beale’s time as Rangers boss was far from successful, his reputation as a coach under Gerrard remains strong.
“If I’m Gerrard and I come back to Rangers, I’m bringing Beale,” Dalziel said. “He now understands he’s not cut out to be a manager, but he excels at coaching. Gerrard has likely admitted that Beale did most of the coaching during their time together.”
Dalziel acknowledged that Beale’s return might not be well received by Rangers supporters, given how his managerial stint at the club unfolded following Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s departure. Many fans were left frustrated by Beale’s time in charge, and his reappearance in any capacity could prove controversial.
Ferguson Still Has Fan Support Amid Takeover
Despite being in a temporary role, Barry Ferguson still has backing from a portion of the Ibrox faithful, who may prefer to see him remain involved with the club in some capacity. Beale, meanwhile, left behind a divided legacy — he had success alongside Gerrard, including their league title triumph, but struggled to make his mark as a manager on his own.
Gerrard also remains a polarizing figure among Rangers fans. While he famously ended the club’s 10-year wait for a Scottish Premiership title, his sudden exit to join Aston Villa mid-season left some supporters feeling betrayed.
With major decisions on the horizon, all eyes will be on Cavenagh and the 49ers Enterprises as they prepare to usher in a new era at Ibrox. However, reinstating Beale in any form could risk alienating large portions of the fanbase before the new ownership even fully settles in.
