7 Michael Beale takeaways from Rangers training as Rabbi Matondo shown the love and Zak Lovelace gets stuck in
The 42-year-old put his squad through their paces ahead as he steps up preparations for a return to action later this month.
Michael Beale will face the media at his first official press conference as Rangers manager but before the cameras roll up at Ibrox he hosted a training session in front of the photographers for the first time.
The 42-year-old has always been more of a tracksuit man, happier on the grass at Auchenhowie than in his blazer and tie in the Blue Room at the top of the marble staircase. And it was all smiles at the training centre as he took his fourth session of the week and tries to get his ideas over quickly ahead of his first competitive match in charge against Hibs on December 15 as the Premiership returns.
There was the welcome sight of Kemar Roofe being involved after his injury issues, Alfredo Morelos was looking happy again as the squad listened intently to the former QPR gaffer. Here are 7 things Record Sport spotted from training.
Stewart here for keeps
There have been plenty of changes in the backroom team with virtually all of Giovanni van Bronckhorst's dug-out helpers following the Dutchman out of the door. But Colin Stewart is one man who appears to be sticking around, having been first moved up to the first team set-up by Graeme Murty. Son of former Ibrox shot-stopper Jim, the 42-year-old ex-Scotland Under-21 international has contributed beyond just a goalkeeping coach going by his activity on the bench and will be crucial to Michael Beale who knows him well.
1 of 7A moment for Matondo
The former Schalke winger appeared a prime candidate for some cajoling when Beale arrived And the Rangers boss opted for an arm around a shoulder for the Wales international. The 22-year-old has struggled mightily at Ibrox since a buoyant pre-season faded when the competitive action kicked off. Wide men are hostages of confidence, of course, and Beale is aiming to turbo charge a player who specialises in taking the ball for a spin when operating at full capacity. As well as the embrace, Beale was spending significant time with Matondo as he outlined exactly what he wanted in terms of attack and getting back into position when out of possession, It wouldn't be a shock to see Matondo get a second chance at Rangers success when the competitive action returns.
2 of 7Leaping Leon
Leon King is one player who suffered from the final months of Giovanni van Bronckhorst's reign hitting the skids. The 18-year-old was thrown into high profile games as a result of injuries and struggled at times. in GVB's final game he failed to clear the danger at St Mirren's opening goal before his misery was compounded when he went off with concussion. But the youngster look up for it here as he soared to meet a header - something that won't be allowed on the eve of games after new SFA regulations.
3 of 7Matt chance
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Michael Beale will need good support from his coaching staff given his inexperience as his own boss and Damian Matthew is one of the men he has brought with him from QPR, along with Neil Banfield and Harry Watling. And the former Chelsea and Crystal Palace midfielder, who had a short stint scouting for Celtic in London, was on hand to give out advice in his first week. A vastly experienced coach and he was keen to get his point across.
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