Michael Beale to blame for everything after Sunderland nightmare says ex Black Cats boss

Michael Beale has been told the blame is on HIM for his Sunderland nightmare.

The former Rangers boss was axed from Ibrox after leading a big money summer spending spree that didn't get up and running as expected with a slow start in the Scottish Premiership and a Champions League exit at the qualifying stage. Philippe Clement has since came in and transformed the fortunes of the Light Blues - who lead Celtic at the summit.

Beale made a quick-fire return to the dugout in the English Championship with the Black Cats but finds himself out of a job for the SECOND time this season after surviving just 12 games. That run of games including an FA Cup defeat to bitter rivals Newcastle United with the former QPR boss not a popular choice from the off as Tony Mowbray's successor.

Former Blackpool, Leeds and Sunderland boss Simon Grayson is adamant Beale WILL be a better coach after his short-stint at the Stadium of Light. Whether he returns as a manager, assistant or a coach will be down to him when the next opportunity arises but as far as his recent spell in the dugout goes - he is 100 per cent to blame, despite needing more time.

Grayson told Instant Casinos: "The one thing I'd say is that he'll now be a better coach and manager after this spell. It's all good being a manager when things are going well and you don't have to deal with adversity but you learn a lot about yourself, like what you could have done better and what you would do differently.

"He'll learn from this experience but if he doesn't, it will be very difficult for him going forward. He is an educated guy that I think will look at himself and say 'Yeah, I need to do this next time'.

"Whether he'll be an assistant and first-team coach or a manager, I'm not sure.