Losing coach would be a BEALE blow
STEVEN Gerrard says “it’s no surprise” to learn of managerial interest in his right-hand man, Michael Beale.
The Villa assistant is reportedly in the running for the vacant positions at Championship clubs QPR and Blackburn.
Gerrard has revealed he won’t stand in Beale’s way should he opt to step up into management.
“I’ll never stand in anyone’s way who doesn’t want to be a part of this journey, that’s for sure,” said the head coach. “That goes for staff or players.
“It’s no surprise he’s linked with another club, I think that’s been the case since I’ve known Mick. He’s very highly thought of in the world of football, so I’m not surprised. It’s not the first time that’s been asked. In terms of what he’s thinking, I’m sure that’s a question for him.”
Gerrard worked with Beale in Liverpool’s academy and took him as part of his backroom set-up at Rangers in 2018 before the pair – alongside Gary McAllister, Tom Culshaw and Jordan Milsom – all made the move to Villa in November.
“He certainly looks settled and is performing like he’s settled,” added Gerrard. “I think he’s a top coach and I really enjoy working with him.
“I always have done and I’m very keen for him to share this journey as well. He’s bought a house locally in the area. I don’t think he can look any more settled than that.”
Beale is favourite to take over at Loftus Road after the exit of Mark Warburton at the end of his contract.
It is claimed the Hoops have made an official approach to Villa for permission to talk to the coach.
However, QPR aren’t the only club interested, with Blackburn in the market for a new head coach after the expiry of Tony Mowbray’s deal.
Make no mistake, if Villa were to lose Beale it would have a huge impact on Gerrard and his players.
He is a vital cog in the machine at Bodymoor Heath and often the voice of the training ground, drilling Villa’s first team, while his tactical nous is, according to those close to the senior players, second to none.
“It would take me 15 to 20 years to get as good as Michael Beale as an on-pitch coach,” said Gerrard,” so I let Mick be Mick Beale.”
However, Gerrard does boast a healthy backroom set-up. Culshaw is a big figure, as is McAllister and fitness coach Milsom. The head coach has also kept members of Dean Smith’s staff on, Aaron Danks, Neil Cutler and Austin MacPhee so Villa remain well-stocked for staff.