Rangers consider Graham Potter approach amid Michael Beale uncertainty?

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 09 September 2023

Rangers consider Potter approach amid Beale uncertainty?

Rangers reportedly have a strong interest in appointing Graham Potter as their new head coach amid uncertainty over the future of Michael Beale.

Beale replaced Giovanni van Bronckhorst in the Ibrox hotseat at the end of November last year and won 22 of his first 28 games in charge across all competitions last season, finishing second in the Scottish Premiership behind champions and Old Firm rivals Celtic.

In a bid to return to the summit of Scottish football, the 43-year-old has since overseen a mass overhaul of the first-team squad, with nine players arriving for around £15m and 14 players departing either on a permanent basis or on loan.

However, Rangers have made an underwhelming start to the new campaign, losing two of their opening four Premiership matches and suffering elimination in Champions League qualifying.

Indeed, the Gers have lost to both Kilmarnock and Celtic in the Scottish top flight, albeit losing to the latter in somewhat controversial circumstances, while they were heavily beaten 7-3 on aggregate to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League playoff round, losing the second leg 5-1 in the Netherlands.

Rangers manager Michael Beale pictured on September 3, 2023 © Reuters

Although Beale – who had previously been an assistant coach at Rangers under Steven Gerrard – is under contract at Ibrox until the summer of 2026, the pressure is mounting on the Englishman following a period of disappointing results.

According to Football Insider, Rangers' hierarchy have been left 'unconvinced' by Beale's impact at the club since his appointment, and they have identified former Chelsea boss Potter as a potential successor.

The report adds that Potter is considered a top target for the Gers and discussions with the 48-year-old's representatives have been held via third parties, but talks are only at a 'very early stage'.

Potter has been out of work since he was sacked by Chelsea at the beginning of April, winning just 12 of his 31 matches in charge over a seven-month period.

Chelsea head coach Graham Potter during Champions League fixture at AC Milan on October 11, 2022. © Reuters

Potter endured a difficult spell at Stamford Bridge, but he still boasts a high reputation on the managerial circuit having previously enjoyed plenty of success with former clubs Brighton & Hove Albion, Swansea City and Swedish side Ostersund.

The Football Association are understood to have earmarked Potter as a potential successor to England boss Gareth Southgate should he decide to walk away from his post after Euro 2024.

Potter has also attracted interest from abroad, with a recent report claiming that he has turned down the chance to take over at Ligue 1 club Lyon.

The Solihull-born boss ultimately decided that now it not the right time to return to management, and it remains to be seen whether a move to Glasgow would appeal to him at this stage of his career.

Rangers are also understood to have identified another Solihull-born manager in the form of Birmingham City's John Eustace as a possible replacement for Beale, who is expected to remain in charge of the Gers when they travel to St Johnstone for a Premiership clash next Saturday.