‘RANGERS MUST LISTEN TO ANY BEALE INTEREST’
SCOTTISH giants Rangers have been urged not to stand in Michael Beale’s way should Cardiff City come calling.
Beale has been heavily linked with the vacant manager’s job in the Welsh capital, with Steven Gerrard admitting there would “100%” be interest in a coach of his calibre.
Mike Flynn is currently the favourite to be Mick McCarthy’s successor, but former Republic of Ireland international Paddy Kenny feels Rangers should let Beale go if the opportunity presents itself.
“It goes without saying that it would be a big loss,” he told Football Insider.
“After Rangers ran away with the league last year, you don’t want to upset things. Your backroom staff play a massive part in that.
“Things will change massively if someone as important as him leaves.
“It looks like it’s going to be a lot tighter at the top there this season. There are a few clubs in with a sniff this year.
“The last thing they need is for him to leave. I’m sure they’ll be desperate to keep him.
“But if he’s got a chance to become a manager, can you stand in his way? I think you’ve got to do the right thing.”
Beale himself has previously revealed his own plans for management.
Cardiff’s under-23s head west to face Swansea City today in another instalment of the South Wales derby rivalry.
The young Bluebirds have started the season superbly, having won their opening seven games of the campaign.
Matthew Bloxham will be leading the side tonight, who emphasised that the pathway to the first team is now wide open for Cardiff’s next generation.
“We had another excellent result last week, which is testament to the squad’s work and mentality thus far in the campaign,” he said.
“For them now it’s a case of not being complacent, and making sure that they continue to perform as they have been week-in, week-out, both as individuals and as a team.
“There’s a strong group dynamic in the squad, and characters who push the standards higher.
“Ultimately, they’re all there for each other, which is an ideal environment for these players and their development.
“We want our players to set out and stick to the plan that we’ve laid ahead of kick-off and in training this week.
They want to continue to perform as they have been all season and as ever, our main concern is the performance in the fixture at hand.
“The pathway is there for them to advance further, both in this team and beyond, so it’s up to them to showcase their ability by performing well on Monday night.”
Ryan Wintle has revealed he’s enjoying life at Blackpool.
The 24-year-old midfielder has played nine games since joining the Seasiders on loan from Cardiff in the summer.
He has been a key cog in the wheel for Blackpool in recent weeks and he seems to be having a good time, with
Blackpool winning 1-0 at Sheffield United on Saturday.
“We’re in the play-offs and at the start of the season, I don’t think many people would have predicted that,” he told the club’s website.
“With the way we set up as a team, it allows me to play my game comfortably and become as effective as possible. I’ve played alongside Kenny Dougall and Kevin Stewart in the middle of the park this season, and I think we all look comfortable on the ball and are enjoying our football.
“It’s been a really productive few weeks from the side. The performances at Reading and at home to Preston have shown what we’re capable of, so long may it continue.”