This season has been quite disappointing for Queens Park Rangers, as many had predicted they would struggle from the very beginning. Last season, under Gareth Ainsworth’s leadership, the team just managed to retain their Championship status. However, they find themselves in a similar predicament this season due to another slow start.
After 11 matches this season, Ainsworth’s team has only secured two victories, placing them 22nd in the league standings as the current international break takes place. To add to their concerns, these two wins didn’t come recently, with QPR failing to win any of their last six league matches. Consequently, pressure is growing on the current manager, Gareth Ainsworth.
While the club contemplates Ainsworth’s future, one name that has emerged as a potential replacement is Michael Beale. Beale previously managed the team at Loftus Road last season before departing for Rangers, where he was recently sacked. Surprisingly, Beale is reportedly interested in returning to QPR if the job opens up, as mentioned by Alan Nixon on Patreon.
Nonetheless, there are compelling reasons for QPR to think twice before considering a reunion with Michael Beale. Firstly, the fans’ sentiments need to be taken into account. Given the club’s existing struggles, even the thought of Beale returning, let alone hiring him, could trigger a significant backlash. This is largely because of the way Beale left the club. Despite turning down an offer from Wolves and speaking about integrity and loyalty, he left QPR for Rangers just a month later, which left a bitter taste among the QPR faithful.
| Championship Table (As it stands w/c October 9th) | ||||
| Team | P | GD | Pts | |
| 17 |
Blackburn Rovers
|
11 | -4 | 13 |
| 18 | Plymouth Argyle | 11 | -1 | 11 |
| 19 |
Huddersfield Town
|
11 | -7 | 11 |
| 20 | Watford | 11 | -2 | 10 |
| 21 | Stoke City | 11 | -6 | 10 |
| 22 |
QPR
|
11 | -12 | 8 |
| 23 |
Rotherham United
|
11 | -12 | 6 |
| 24 |
Sheffield Wednesday
|
11 | -13 | 3 |
Moreover, Beale’s history of readily jumping ship for more favorable opportunities raises concerns about his loyalty. Rehiring him might always carry the fear that he could seek to leave again if a better offer arises. While Beale did achieve relative success during his brief stint at the club, with the team sitting seventh after 21 Championship matches last season, the article argues that any prospect of a reunion with him should be dismissed, no matter how interested he may be in the position if it becomes available.