Michael Beale tells QPR fans what they can expect as Steven Gerrard's assistant accepts Championship role (original) (raw)

Queens Park Rangers have announced former Aston Villa assistant Michael Beale as their new manager for the 2022/23 season.

Beale has joined Loftus Road on a three-year contract having been given permission by Aston Villa to leave the club. The 41-year-old coach has worked alongside Steven Gerrard since 2018 as he became assistant manager with Rangers. He then made the move to Villa Park in November as the West Midlands club finished the season in 14th.

Speaking after the announcement, Beale admitted he is excited to get started on this new opportunity at QPR.

He also gave fans an insight into the style of play they can expect to see at Loftus Road next season.

Speaking to the QPR media team, he said: “It’s fantastic to be here. I’ve been looking for the right opportunity and I think I have that now – the right club, the right people, the right ambition and the right support.

“I’m a London boy and know everything this club stands for. This is a wonderful opportunity for me and a really good time for the club as well.

“I’ve been left a solid platform by Mark Warburton, which I’m obviously pleased about. That enables me to kick on from hereon in.

“I want us to be a front foot and high-intensity team, in and out of possession. I want Loftus Road to be a real cauldron for us. I’ve been to games here and I know just how much the fans can impact the team on the pitch.”

What QPR fans can expect from Michael Beale

Despite coaching for around 20 years, this will be Beale’s first appointment as first-team manager.

Having ended his playing career aged 21, Beale’s first job was involved in the Chelsea academy.

He then moved onto Liverpool’s academy, where he first began working with Gerrard. The former Liverpool captain was managing the U18 side, while Beale took charge of the U23’s.

But despite a lack of first-team experience, Villa were always aware that Beale was keen to begin his own managerial career.

It is believed that ahead of joining the Premier League side in November, the club were made aware of his intentions to move on if the right opportunity came up.

And this appointment may be the perfect start for Beale. QPR looked destined for a play-off finish in the first-half of the season.

However, a run of just three wins in their final 18 league matches left Rangers 11th, nine points adrift of a top six finish.

Nevertheless, this shows that the club are capable of competing at the top of the division. If Beale can live up to the promises made of a high-intensity team, then fans could expect another promotion push next season.