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Michael Beale reunites with ex-Rangers boss Steven Gerrard as Ibrox allies set for Al-Ettifaq link-up
Michael Beale is linking up with Steven Gerrard once again as the former Sunderland boss heads to Al-Ettifaq.
Beale, once Gerrard’s assistant at Ibrox before taking on the top job himself, was the Black Cats gaffer until he was sacked after just 12 games in charge. He also followed Gerrard to Aston Villa, serving as his number two there before leaving to become a manager in his own right at QPR.
Now though, he is expected to go back to being the assistant as he gets set to up sticks and take up the role in the Saudi Pro League alongside his long-time associate. Al-Ettifaq currently sit 10th in the league, with Gerrard recently booed by the fans and while the club hierarchy have decided to stand by the manager it was confirmed that ex-Ibrox sporting director Mark Allen and assistant manager Dean Holden have both been axed.
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Give Me Sport now reports that Beale is set to make the move to fill the vacant role. They report the announcement is “imminent with full agreement already in place”
A club statement on Allan and Holden’s departures read: "The board of Ettifaq, led by Mr. Samer Almisehal, has approved the recommendations of the football committee, which are as follows: Mark Allen to leave his position as executive sporting director by mutual agreement. Dean Holden to leave his position as assistant manager by mutual agreement.
"The chairman, Mr Sameer Almisehal, reaffirmed that the board is fully committed to supporting the technical staff and players in their efforts to improve the club's position in the league and to secure a top spot in the Gulf Champions League.
"He also expressed his apologies to Ettifaq fans for the disappointing exit from the King Cup. The board and everyone at the club deeply appreciate the unwavering support of Ettifaq fans despite recent unsatisfactory results. We remain optimistic that better results are on the horizon."
