Michael Beale ‘in advanced talks’ for Zulte Waregem job after Gerrard stint | OneFootball

Michael Beale is in contention for a return to management with Belgian side Zulte Waregem. Nieuwsblad reports the former Liverpool and Chelsea coach is in advanced talks to take charge. He has not held a permanent head coach role since leaving Sunderland in February 2024, though he briefly worked under Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq.

Zulte Waregem secured their top-flight status by topping the relegation play-off group under interim manager Steve Colpaert. He stepped in after Sven Vandenbroeck departed in March, and the club are now seeking a permanent appointment.

Beale’s reign on Wearside began in December 2023 following Tony Mowbray’s exit and lasted only 63 days. He left after 12 games and the move proved unpopular with supporters. Sunderland have since appointed Régis Le Bris.

Before Sunderland, Beale managed Rangers after serving on Gerrard’s staff at Ibrox. He helped win the unbeaten 2020-21 Scottish Premiership, then followed Gerrard to Aston Villa. He later took charge at Queens Park Rangers in 2022 but left within months to return to Rangers, where a poor start to 2023-24, capped by a home loss to Aberdeen, proved decisive.

“I would be lying if I told you I wasn’t missing the day-to-day coaching. I’ve got a lot of ambition there. It’s important to remain confident, keep watching, keep learning, keep listening and keep growing. And the right opportunity will come when it presents itself,” he said recently, speaking to Sky Sports.

Source: Sunderland Echo