Let's just say he’s in a rather significant spot of bother now. In fact, the only thing that can keep Michael Beale’s credibility intact as Rangers manager is the prospect of a clear run at lifting the League Cup and securing the first silverware of the season.
And even then, it might not be quite enough unless Beale begins to show signs that he is leading his team in the right direction and with a clear and cohesive strategy.
Because the performance his side put on at Ibrox yesterday lunchtime, as Celtic staggered across the city, horribly depleted and desperately down on their luck, appeared to be as carefully thought out and coordinated as a dog’s dinner.
And the buck for the 1-0 defeat must most definitely stop at Beale’s office door, despite his insistence afterwards his players were to blame for lacking quality in the final third of the pitch.