Michael Beale should lean on Rangers greats like Graeme Souness as even Steven Gerrard needed counsel – Barry Ferguson

Steven Gerrard was one of the biggest names in football yet when he was in charge at Rangers, he saw the benefit in sitting down and listening to Walter Smith’s words of wisdom.

The former England captain himself has spoken warmly about just how useful those chats were as he took his first steps in management in the uniquely pressurised corridors of Ibrox. Sadly the great man is no longer here to pass on his years of experience to the man now sitting in his old hotseat.

But it may be a good idea for Michael Beale to search out another of the club’s elder statesmen for some advice as he negotiates the most perilous period of his Gers reign so far. He’ll be the man who decides whether to make that call or not. But be it Graeme Souness, Dick Advocaat or Alex McLeish, I’m sure they’d all have plenty of useful things to say on how they coped when the pressure was on and the flak was flying.

Beale is extremely experienced as a coach, he’s been honing his methods for 20 years and was by Gerrard’s side when he was in charge. But there’s simply nothing that can prepare you for being the main man at a club like Rangers.

It was tough enough even for players. I remember guys like Arthur Numan and Ronald de Boer coming in at half-time when they first arrived and asking why the fans were going tonto because it was still 0-0.

Feelings are running a lot higher now with the team four points behind Celtic so early into the season and I just don’t think it would do Beale any harm to sit down with the likes of Graeme, Dick or Big Eck and just lean on the nous they built up during their own spells at the club.

It’s been tough for the manager and he’s going to have to stand strong if he’s to survive this next wee spell. It’s tough on the