Fascinating throwback pic shows Rangers-linked Scott Parker alongside axed boss Beale as kids – plus another Gers hero
MICHAEL BEALE could be replaced at Ibrox by one of his old footy pals.
Rangers chiefs are narrowing down their shortlist of managerial targets to replace the sacked boss, and a familiar name has been touted for the position in recent days.
Former Chelsea, West Ham and Fulham midfielder Scott Parker has reportedly thrown his hat in the ring for the Rangers job, which could see him take over from Beale - who he once shared the pitch with as a youngster.
Beale failed to make it as a professional player and is hoping to find success in the game from the dugout instead.
But the axed gaffer enjoyed a relatively successful youth career before calling an end to his playing days over two decades ago.
He spent a few years in the Charlton Athletic ranks before he was released aged 21.
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And during that time, Beale trained and played alongside Parker - who is in the running to succeed his former team-mate at Ibrox.
A throwback snap shows the pair in a team line-up picture with the rest of their Charlton pals.
It was a star-studded youth team which included the likes of Paul Konchesky and former Aberdeen goalkeeper Jason Brown.
But that wasn't all.
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Ex-Rangers striker Jermain Defoe was in the team too.
The retired England international spent a couple of years there before joining West Ham and the rest as they say is history.
Beale finally reunited with the striker when he joined Rangers under Steven Gerrard in 2019.
Whilst both Parker and Defoe went on to have very successful careers as players, Beale opted to head into coaching after being released by Charlton.
He had various trials abroad with FC Twente and several American sides but he couldn't secure a move so he decided to hang up his boots.
Fast-forward 20 years and Beale finds himself out of work after being sacked by Rangers following a disastrous start to the season at Ibrox.
Former team-mate Parker is among the names to take over but several managers are still in the running for the job.
The 18-cap international had a very successful career on the pitch as a player before retiring in 2017.
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He has since managed Fulham, Bournemouth and Club Brugge, boasting an impressive CV which the Gers chiefs will be well aware of.
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