Michael Beale: Rangers board must ‘analyse without emotion’ – Kenny Miller
Rangers firing manager Michael Beale would be premature, but there is “not much room for error,” according to former Ibrox striker Kenny Miller.
Rangers are now seven points behind Celtic, who won at Ibrox last month, and three points behind unbeaten St Mirren, who will host Beale’s side next weekend.
Despite the fact that the league season is only seven games old, Miller believes the Rangers must win in Paisley. “It’s a long way back, even at this stage,” he explained to Sportsound.
‘We’ll see,’ says Beale of Rangers’ future prospects.
Aberdeen’s victory increases the pressure on Rangers manager Keith Beale.
“But I don’t think it’s time up right now.” There’s a lot of work to be done, and a lot of fans to be turned.
“There are questions to be answered, and it is the board’s responsibility to analyze objectively and make sound decisions for the club’s future.”
“Discussions are already underway. That will not cease unless they determine that now is not the time to pull triggers and maybe make kneejerk reactions.”
‘Beale under enormous pressure’
Former Rangers winger Neil McCann agrees with Miller that injuries have not been kind to Beale, but both are critical of recent transfer business.
“These guys have had opportunities,” said McCann on Sportscene. “They’re letting the manager down. That jersey weighs heavy and [never] more so than now when times are hard.
“Let’s not be kidded – Beale is under enormous pressure and every player in the dressing room will be aware they have done their bit to heap that pressure on themselves and the manager.”
Miller believes that recruitment has been a problem for some time.
“The fans need to see improvements, particularly with some of the new signings, because there are real questions over whether these guys are going to be able to cut it,” he said.
“It hasn’t just been this summer. “I think the previous two summers were also a little uninspiring.”
‘Celtic will score fewer points than normal.’
‘Celtic will drop more points than usual’
Rangers have been beaten three times in the first seven rounds of the Premiership season. having lost only four times in the whole of last season, with Celtic wrapping up the title before the split.
But Miller is not ready to throw the towel in yet, with holders Celtic out of the Viaplay Cup and Rangers meeting Hearts in the semi-finals in early November.
“As Rangers manager, you need to be winning, putting silverware in the cabinet, and that’s something that could happen in the next couple of months if they get players back and improve.
“The coming weeks are really important. I don’t think there’s too much room for error.
“I believe Celtic will drop more points than they usually do because they’re not firing on all cylinders and they have their own injury problems. The difference at the moment is Celtic are getting the job done.”
Rangers travel to Cypriot side Aris Limassol in the Europa League on Thursday before taking on St Mirren.
“With all the injuries, they would have been hoping to get through these few weeks unscathed, but now that’s not the case,” said Miller. “They’re going to have to bounce back.
“Any away game in Europe is tough but there is no doubt that next Sunday Rangers have to take three points in Paisley. If they don’t, I don’t think anybody would have any arguments if there were decisions made.
“Going into an international break, which always falls at a convenient time for clubs in these types of situations, it maybe makes them think that extra bit harder.”
