Michael Beale confesses Rangers 'could have won more trophies' as he points to historic Ibrox form book

Given the role he played in Rangers’ 55th title win, Michael Beale is part of history at Ibrox. As Steven Gerrard’s assistant in 2021, he helped take the club back to the top of the Scottish game – and end Celtic’s bid for 10-in-a-row.

But now, as Gers’ current gaffer, Beale isn’t interested in the past. In the present, of course, he’s still got a Scottish Cup to try and win – with Raith Rovers in Govan this afternoon for a quarter-final.

But within himself, Beale will have accepted that the Premiership title is destined for Parkhead again. You now get the feeling that every single thing he says and does is geared towards the future. And one of the most significant summers Rangers have ever had. Whether it’s recruitment, style, squad size or system, Beale is ready to change the lot. Right now, he can’t talk too much about it.

He’s got players who won’t be part of the plans next term but he still needs a tune out of them now. The group’s core has barely changed since Beale first walked through the door with Gerrard five years ago.

And for Rangers to go and properly challenge Celtic for the title next season, that can’t go on. Beale knows it and, by the sounds of it, he’s ready to be ruthless in a bid to ensure certain failings aren’t repeated.

Asked if he could sense his squad were mentally scarred by relinquishing the title to Ange Postecoglou’s side – as well as taking severe beatings in the Champions League – Beale said: “It was a strange one because the form, both in Europe and domestically, had been strong for a long time. But this group of players could certainly have won more trophies.

“When you’re managing 35 players and overseeing 30 staff, it’s difficult because how everyone sees it is different. But now,