QPR make managerial approach for 41-year-old as they seek Mark Warburton replacement

Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers have made an approach to Premier League side Aston Villa for the services of assistant head coach Michael Beale as they look for a replacement for Mark Warburton, according to journalist John Percy.

The Villa coach has been the subject of interest from several sides over the past year with Charlton Athletic even speaking to him back in November and Cardiff City also previously reported to have been weighing him up as a head coach option.

Enjoying a close relationship with Steve Gerrard, he has been with the Liverpool legend at Anfield, Scottish Premiership side Rangers and is now at Villa Park as his right-hand man.

The Premier League side were thought to be optimistic about their chances of retaining the 41-year-old despite interest from elsewhere, although it’s currently unclear whether this hope has disintegrated with this approach.

QPR, who are still on the prowl for a replacement for Warburton following his departure at the end of the season, came close to securing a place in the top six but were denied a spot in the promotion mix by a late decline during 2021/22.

According to Percy, Beale is high up on their managerial shortlist and they are keen to engage in talks, though a deal is yet to be agreed.

The Verdict:

Considering he has never held a head coach position in the English second tier, many would see this move as quite a gamble but Beale certainly has the pedigree to be an exceptional coach at this level.

How successful his potential spell will be at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium will probably depend on how well he can transition from being a coach to a manager, though his experience as an assistant manager should help him.

You can’t help but feel Warburton would