20 December 2023 , 18:04
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Michael Beale has given a powerful riposte to any Sunderland fans who are underwhelmed by his appointment as head coach.
The former Rangers chief says he will earn the belief of wavering Mackems, and insists he will give fans reason to "dream of the utopia" of reaching the Premier League.
Beale’s CV was labelled "incredible" by Sporting Director Kristjjan Speakman as he was unveiled as Tony Mowbray's successor and warned there would be "no complacency" in searching for promotion.
Asked what fans should make of his arrival after his sacking from Rangers in October Beale said: "If you are going to work in football, work where it matters, where there is potential and expectation. I have arrived at a gigantic club.
"It took 20-plus years to get here. I did the hard yards at Chelsea and Liverpool and going to Brazil. I have worked with young players who have gone on to be the finest in this country. I have seen what elite looks like.
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"I have had 300 games as an assistant manager in South America and the Premier League. I have played in European games. I have seen what there is to see. I stepped out on my own at QPR and everyone was in a positive way. I have come from a big club with lots of noise. Each job is different and you learn and grow. The players are the most important. I have to earn any credit.”"
Beale is Sunderland's 19th manager in the last 21 years since Peter Reid, and their 12th in the last decade. His first game is at home to Coventry on Saturday, then also the first Wear-Tyne derby for seven years in the FA Cup in January.
He said of his Wearside fan base: “They love their club, they are protecting it, and they are asking the right question of a man who is not from their area and has just left a club.
“I think I am the right person to be part of the Sunderland family and I will have to earn it for the fans. With results and taking the club forward.
Beale has taken over from Tony Mowbray“I would have to be living on the moon not to have seen (the gripes from fans), and some of the staff who have pushed me in the ribs with it! I will have to win them over. If I was worried about it I wouldn’t be here. I could accept an easier job.
“We sell out our home stadium. We have the biggest crowd in the Championship, and sell out away from home. We have that strength and weight behind the team.”
Beale went unrecognised at U21 game on Monday night, with no autograph hunters when he went to the dressing room at half-time. Beale said: “I want to help the players fulfil their potential and the utopia would be to do that in the Premier League.
“The way the team plays has to reflect the hard work of the fans. I will not say anything now that will win the fans over. Over time the quality of my work will be the judgement from the fans of me. Whoever is manager the fans expect us to play football and build on the good work, the base Tony left.”
Beale has spent his three months out of work travelling and refreshing himself. “I took in four games in France and Belgium. I saw the Lisbon derby and went to Brazil to see some talent. I am fascinated by football cultures.
“I have tried my lousy Spanish and less lousy Portuguese in the last few days. Plus I’ve had time on my own to reflect and take a walk in your own shoes. You are better for that in life.” Speakman said: “Michael is an on-the-grass coach and one of the best in the country.”
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