QPR facing managerial rethink after Mick Beale’s ‘loyalty’ ended once Rangers made their move

QPR have been left reeling after Mick Beale quit for Rangers – just 39 days after pledging his loyalty to the west London club.

Beale turned down an approach from Wolves in late October citing “integrity” behind his decision.

“I have been all-in here and I have asked other people to be all-in, so I can’t be the first person to run away from the ship,” said Beale at the time.

“Integrity and loyalty are big things for me, and if they are the values you live by then you have to be strong.”

But the R’s had to place Paul Hall in interim charge after Bromley-born Beale, 42, signed a long-term contract with the Glasgow giants at the start of this week.

QPR’s form had dropped off with four defeats in a five-match winless spell, leaving them outside the Championship top six on goal difference.

QPR director of football Les Ferdinand said: “Naturally we are hugely disappointed to lose Mick.

“Our extensive research when we were looking for a new head coach highlighted him as being very much aligned with the direction we are moving in as a football club.

“The start to the season we have made, coupled with very attractive football being played, gave us cause for optimism as we looked to build on the previous three seasons.

“That optimism remains but there is no doubt it is a blow to lose Mick so soon into his tenure.”

QPR chief executive Lee Hoos said: “The search for Mick’s replacement doesn’t start now – as a club we are always updating a short-list of potential candidates so that we are ready for a situation such as this, and we will be moving quickly to make an appointment.

“Mick helped us move the club forward – and we are grateful for that. The next managerial appointment we make will continue that progression.

“There is so much to play for this season and I fully appreciate fans’ frustrations right now. Your support has been incredible and the players need your backing now more than ever.”

First team coaches Neil Banfield, Damian Matthew and Harry Watling have also joined Beale, who had previously been assistant boss at Rangers when Steven Gerrard was in charge.

The Liverpool icon took Beale with him when he was appointed Aston Villa’s head coach in November 2021.

Beale took the QPR job on June 1.