Latest news with #MichaelBeale
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘He's the man we need' – ex-Rangers boss trending on social media as fans beg board to appoint him as manager
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FORMER Rangers boss is trending on social media with fans of one club begging their board to appoint him as their new manager. Hundreds of supporters have kickstarted an online campaign to try and convince club higher-ups to make a deal happen. Sign up for the Rangers newsletter Sign up 2 Michael Beale is being eyed for a shock role in Europe Credit: Reuters 2 He's currently still in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq Credit: PA We told you yesterday how former Rangers manager and coach Michael Beale had emerged as a shock contender for an obscure job in Turkey. Newly-promoted Kocaelispor are on the hunt for a new gaffer and Beale is reportedly one of the names on their shortlist. He is one of three non-Turkish candidates for the position, with Markus Gisdol and Champions League legend Robert Prosinecki high up on the agenda. Emre Belozoglu and Selcuk Inan were the initial frontrunners and are both believed to still be in the running for the job. A move for Beale is looking unlikely, however, after various stumbling blocks emerged during initial talks. Kocaelispor chiefs spoke to Beale's representatives and while his salary demands are not believed to be an issue, the same can't be said for other terms in his contract. Reports state Beale will only consider the position if he's handed a long-term deal and has a large say in the day-to-day running of the club. And it's suggested Kocaelispor are not willing to agree to these terms. But that doesn't change the fact he's seemingly the first pick of many fans to be the club's next head coach. Over the last 24 hours, a large number of punters have taken to social media platform X to make their feelings clear. Michael Beale lifts lid on Rangers return and explains why 'it wasn't one I would've signed up to in November' A campaign under #BealeKocaelispora has been trending on the platform with many fans posting pleas to the club's board using the hashtag. One fan wrote: "He's the man we need. Make it happen please." Another agreed: "Hold his arm and bring him here ASAP." A third said: "What are we waiting for? Get him in the door." A fourth added: "We are heartbroken by Turkish coaches. Grab this man who is hungry for football and bring him to us. We want success and he will bring it." Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Who is Francesco Farioli? Rangers manager contender profiled
Farioli left Ajax earlier this month and is therefore unattached and previously spoke to the Ibrox club before they appointed Michael Beale. Ajax was his fourth job in management even though he is just 36 years of age and so he has built up a bank of experience. But just who is Francesco Farioli? We've profiled him for you here. Who is Rangers contender Francesco Fariolo? Farioli is modern boss who took an unconventional route into management. At just 35 years old, the Italian tactician has already left a significant mark on the game, blending academic intellect with tactical innovation to become one of Europe's most talked-about young coaches. Born in the small Tuscan town of Barga, he didn't have a professional football career to speak of and instead immersed in the world of philosophy. Earning a degree during his studies in Florence, he penned a thesis that explored the aesthetics of football and the existential role of the goalkeeper. He was involved on the pitch too though and began coaching at a grassroots level, working as a goalkeeping coach at clubs such as Polisportiva Margine Coperta and Lucchese. A big break arrived with a move to the prestigious Aspire Academy in Qatar and that is where Farioli met Roberto de Zerbi. Read more: Rangers hold discussions with ex-Ajax boss as new name enters the frame Farioli joined De Zerbi's staff at Benevento in 2017 and later followed him to Sassuolo. His official title was goalkeeping coach but he also got deeply involved in helping tactically as Sassuolo became one of Italy's most progressive sides. The year 2021 was when he took his first big step into management and this was at Turkish side side Fatih Karagumruk. Introducing a modern, possession-based style as the team defied expectations, he was attracting the attention of Alanyaspor within a year. An aggressive high press with dynamic play meant Alanyaspor were now dominating games having previously been merely trying to survive in the league. Farioli managed a finish of fifth in the Super Lig and reached the semi-finals of the Turkish Cup, and left the club the over half way through the following season with six wins, seven draws, and nine losses. It is interesting to note that Rangers spoke to him about their vacancy months before his exit. By now Farioli had made a name for himself across Europe and French side Nice came calling in the summer of 2023. He once again implement a progressive style - his Nice side combined defensive solidity with intelligent, risk-averse possession. At one point in the 2023–24 season, they had the best defensive record in France, while still building play from the back with patience and precision. Nice briefly challenged PSG at the top of Ligue 1 and after a slight dip later in the season finished fifth. This was another spell which only lasted a year as the lure of Ajax came in the summer of 2024. He inherited a squad in transition after a disappointing Eredivisie campaign, and the pressure was immediate. He had a quick impact after their disappointments the previous campaign and they were leading the Eredivisie as late as March. Farioli's tactics were yet again being praised as he continued to stick to his philosophies. However, a heartbreaking collapse saw them surrender the title in dramatic fashion. A poor run of results in April saw their nine-point lead vanish, and they finished second to PSV Eindhoven by a single point. Farioli resigned this month, citing difference with the powers that be. He also recently discussed his future. 'There's a lot of speculation, a lot of rumours,' he said. 'But I do want to get back into coaching. Just like it was with Ajax, I don't care about the brand or the size of the club. What matters to me is how things are done, and last summer Ajax was exactly what I was looking for. 'It was the right step for my career, and now we'll see what comes next. We'll see if and when that opportunity arrives. 'I'm a very demanding person. Before I join a club, I lay all my strengths and weaknesses on the table. 'Demanding' is probably the best word to describe me. I want to find a club that's willing to fight alongside me.' Farioli is now an option for Rangers and is a name that is likely to intrigue supporters given the style he has operated with and the praise that he has earned for his tactical nous.
BBC News
6 days ago
- General
- BBC News
'Hard to envisage me not being back at Rangers'
Former Rangers midfielder Steven Davis says it is "hard to envisage himself not being back at the club in some capacity in the future" amid speculation linking him with a backroom role with the Scottish Premiership 140-times capped Northern Ireland international has been mooted as part of a potential coaching ticket should former title-winning manager Steven Gerrard return for a second spell in charge of the has been one of a number of possible contenders linked with the vacancy at Rangers in recent weeks, although it is reported that Davide Ancelotti has held talks with the Ibrox club, with further discussions planned over the next few had two spells at the club as player, making a total of 239 40-year-old was put in temporary control of first-team affairs following the departure of former manager Michael Beale in October was caretaker boss for two games, a Europa League defeat by Aris Limassol and a league win over St Mirren, before Philippe Clement was appointed to the position on a permanent basis. "At this moment in time it's only rumours. I haven't heard anything else," said Davis of speculation linking him with a coaching role under a new Rangers boss. "Obviously the club are going through the process in terms of who they are going to appoint as manager."If the opportunity comes up it's obviously a club that's obviously very close to my heart, so let's see what happens in the next few weeks."Davis, currently part of Michael O'Neill's backroom team with Northern Ireland, would welcome a return to the club he holds in great affection at some stage."For me it's hard to envisage me not being back at the club in some capacity in the future whatever that may be, but you just don't know in football," he added in an interview with BBC Sport NI."You can't sort of plan that, you just have to wait for the opportunities and then once you have a decision to make then you make the decision."Ultimately I want Rangers to be successful, they had another difficult season, but hopefully they can get back to winning trophies next season."
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Forgotten former Liverpool winger leading contender to become next Hull City manager after stint in SLOVENIA
FORMER Liverpool star Albert Riera is a leading contender to become the next Hull City boss. Riera is currently manager of NK Celje, who are fourth in Slovenia 's top flight going into the final day. 1 The ex-Anfield winger has worked wonders in his second stint as the club's boss but is thought to be keen on managing in England. And Hull are on the lookout for a new man in charge after they sacked Ruben Selles at the end of the season. Selles had steered Hull to Championship safety on the final day but it was not enough to save his job. The Spaniard was the third manager to be dismissed by Hull owner Acun Ilicali in the last year along with Liam Rosenior and Tim Walter. Former Sunderland and Rangers boss Michael Beale has been interviewed by Hull for the vacancy. While ex-Newcastle midfielder Emre Belozoglu joins Riera on the club's four-man shortlist. Riera steered NK Celje to a huge quarter-final berth in the Europa Conference League despite finishing 21st out of 36 teams in the league phase. After beating Cypriot side APOEL in the knockout play-off, Celje beat Swiss side Lugano via penalties in the last 16. But the club crashed out in the final eight after losing 4-3 on aggregate to Serie A side Fiorentina. A wideman in his playing days, Riera first moved to England in 2006 when Manchester City loaned him in from Espanyol. Former Premier League club closing in on return to EFL despite finishing 23 POINTS behind play-off opponents In 2008 he joined Liverpool and spent two years at Anfield, scoring five goals and providing nine assists in 56 appearances. However, his time at the club was cut short after he was suspended by then-manager Rafa Benitez. The Spaniard made comments to the Spanish press regarding his first team opportunities and was subsequently exiled and transfer listed. Riera also played for Olympiacos, Galatasaray, Watford, Udinese, Zavrc and Koper. Since hanging up his boots, Riera has managed alongside Slovenian club NK Olimpija Ljubljana as well as French side Bordeaux. Riera began his managerial career with Olimpija in July 2022 and went on to win the league title in his first season.
Scottish Sun
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Major update on Michael Beale to Hull City as ex-Rangers boss namechecked by owner
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FORMER Rangers boss Michael Beale has been in talks over a stunning return to management - 15 months after he was axed by Sunderland. The ex-Gers gaffer and coach is one of several names on Hull City's shortlist to replace Ruben Selles after his dismissal last week. Sign up for the Rangers newsletter Sign up 4 Michael Beale hasn't managed a club since he was axed by Sunderland Credit: Reuters 4 He was sacked by Rangers and Sunderland in the same season Credit: PA 4 He has been Steven Gerrard's right-hand man at several clubs Credit: Getty We told you yesterday how Beale, 44, had interviewed for the role with chiefs in the process of whittling down their candidates. Club owner Acun Ilicali has been leading the search alongside newly-appointed head of recruitment Martin Hodge and Mustapha Yokes. It was understood that both Beale and Turkey legend Emre Belozoglu - who is currently the manager of Antalyaspor - are both on the board's radar. Now Ilicali has confirmed that is indeed the case, with the pair high up on the shortlist. However, the 55-year-old has stated that NEITHER of them is the frontrunner to replace Selles. He's suggested that a move for Beale is unlikely as another candidate - who remains nameless - is his preferred option at this stage. Speaking to Hull Live, he said: "I don't want to mention too much about the possibility of the managers because I don't feel good when I'm talking about managers on behalf of the managers, like it is possible, it is not possible. "It is like me judging them. I believe all the managers we are talking to are very good managers. I think Emre is a top manager. Michael Beale, when you speak to him, you understand that he knows so much about the game. "We have football minds in the club that will decide about this manager, and I cannot say at the moment to you that this one is like this or this one is like this. "What I can say is that I'm very hopeful to finish the deal in one week. Robert Grieve & Bill Leckie have the very latest on the Rangers manager situation as Steven Gerrard & Russell Martin emerge as front-runners "Yes (there are other potential candidates), because you only hear about two of our candidates. Beale has also been linked with a sensational return to Ibrox this summer - as Steven Gerrard's right-hand man once again. The Liverpool legend is the favourite to be appointed the next Rangers manager and Beale has been his number two throughout most of his managerial career to date. He worked with him at Rangers, Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq. But it's likely many fans will be against Beale returning for a third spell should Gerrard get the job after his disastrous spell as the leading man in the dugout when he replaced Giovanni van Bronckhorst. 4 Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
