Michael Beale defends Rangers recruitment with 'miles out' money claim as he admits words are worthless after derby flop

Under fire Michael Beale insists his Rangers side can still win over their furious fans despite being booed off after losing the season’s Old Firm opener.

Incensed Ibrox was in danger of boiling over at full-time as Beale’s side were edged out by Kyogo Furushashi’s first-half winner. There were scuffles amongst fans in the stands but the real anger was directed at Beale and his players before they made their way down the tunnel. With the Londoner yet to record a landmark win as boss 10 months into the job, there were already many losing faith in his tenure.

But Sunday's defeat was the breaking point for plenty and they made their feelings clear after seeing Wednesday’s Champions League humiliation in Holland followed up by another significant Premiership set-back. Beale, though, is adamant his side can turn it around. He said: “I understand the frustration with the fans. It’s a derby where there’s a lot of emotion involved and the fans expect their team to get a result - and we didn’t.

“You’re always under pressure in this job. You’re only ever a couple of results not going your way to feel that. The most pressure is the one we put on ourselves and we’ve fallen short because I expected and wanted us to get a result. I think the result is harsh on us but in terms of these games, they are only about the result. Listen, I think the team can win the fans back by winning games of football and that’s what they have to do.”

The result leaves Gers four points adrift of their bitter rivals just four games into the season. The Ibrox boss still believes his team can challenge for title glory - but admits the time for talking is over. “I do - but words are not worth anything if the team doesn’t go win the big games,” he conceded.