No permission, no talks- Jim White’s strangely timed tweet kills off Beale Mania

On Saturday afternoon a Tweet from John Percy of the Telegraph was enough to kick-off the ‘done deal’ claims about Micky Beale’s likely move to Ibrox.

Not only had permission been granted by QPR but talks were progressing with the 42-year-old in pole position to take over, barring a late u-turn.

That last comment might have been Percy covering his back but the tone was upbeat after things had fallen a little flat with Stewart Robertson and Ross Wilson in London on a head-hunting exercise.

Down the years Jim White has had the ear of more than a few Ibrox regimes, from Dave Murray to a bed ridden Charles Green they could all rely on the Kelvinside messenger to pass on their thoughts without the hint of any questioning. Brian Laudrup could also count on Whitey.

My understanding is that no permission given as yet by @QPR to allow Michael Beale to speak to @RangersFC about vacant manager position – situation at standstill for now.

— Jim White (@JimWhite) November 27, 2022

#RangersFC have made their official approach for #QPR head coach Michael Beale. Talks understood to be progressing and Beale in pole position to take over (barring a late u-turn)

— John Percy (@JPercyTelegraph) November 26, 2022

A 12.28am tweet is half past three in Qatar where White is on duty for TalkSPORT at the World Cup Finals.

What would prompt him to tweet at that time? Clearly something serious- but too late for the Sunday papers as they launch more tales of how wonderful and influential Beale was when he was No. 2 at Ibrox.

Training resumes at Murray Park this week, there is an AGM on December 5, Hibs visit Ibrox on December 14, the transfer window opens on January 1, Celtic visit the following day after trips to Aberdeen and Ross County.

Something must have worried White to be tweeting at half three in the morning from his Qatar hotel room.

If loyal Beale isn’t careful he could end up suspended or put on gardening leave by QPR.