Ex-QPR, Sunderland and Rangers boss Mick Beale set for new job | OneFootball

Michael Beale has been out of work since his exit from Al-Ettifaq in January 2025

Michael Beale began his EFL career when he took over at QPR in the summer of 2022 as he replaced Mark Warburton in the dugout.

But he spent just a few months at Loftus Road before jumping ship to Rangers, returning to Ibrox where he previously worked as an assistant coach to Steven Gerrard.

However, his time in charge as the main man didn’t last, as he was dismissed after just 11 months with the team struggling for results.

The now 45-year-old made his return to the Championship when he was appointed as Sunderland’s head coach following Tony Mowbray’s departure in December 2023.

Beale again struggled for results, and he lasted just 12 games at the Stadium of Light, overseeing four wins, two draws and six defeats as the team slumped down the table.

In his most recent gig, he reunited with Gerrard to work as his assistant at Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq.

Michael Beale closes in on return to management

It has been reported by Nieuwsblad that Beale is closing in on a return to management with Belgian side Zulte Waregem.

The Pro League side have enjoyed a strong end to the campaign, which has ensured their safety against relegation.

And their attention has now turned to the appointment of a new permanent head coach, with the club believed to be in advanced talks with Beale.

Zulte Waregem are hoping that the 45-year-old can bring stability to the team after a turbulent year, although he is facing the prospect of important players departing the first team squad, such as Jeppe Erenbjerg.

Beale has been out of work for over a year after he departed his role with Al-Ettifaq in January 2025 along with Gerrard.

QPR boss.

Beale will be aiming to turn around his coaching career after his stints at Rangers and Sunderland didn’t pan out.

He earned a lot of praise for his brief spell at Loftus Road, winning nine of his 22 games in charge of the London outfit.

However, the manner of his exit left a sour taste among supporters as he jumped ship at the first opportunity after just five months in the role.

QPR are currently coached by Julien Stéphan, and they earned a 15th place finish in the Championship this season.

Zulte Waregem is Michael Beale’s chance to rebuild his reputation

Beale was credited with playing a key role in Gerrard’s initial success as a coach, with the pair winning the Scottish Premiership title in 2021 during their time at Rangers.

He followed the former England international to Aston Villa, and it was only after his departure that everything fell apart for the Midlands outfit, leading to Unai Emery’s arrival.

And things went well for Beale at first at QPR, but he hasn’t been able to maintain that positivity during his spells at Rangers or Sunderland, which led to him taking a step back into an assistant coach role.

So this opportunity at Zulte Waregem is a chance for him to rebuild his reputation, and if he can turn things around with the Belgian side then perhaps he can get his career back on track.