Queens Park Rangers legend Kevin Gallen admits he was ‘pretty convinced’ Mick Beale was set to leave the Championship outfit and take over at Premier League strugglers Wolves, speaking to West London Sport.
The former Aston Villa assistant could have been forgiven for watching Wolverhampton Wanderers implode at home to Leicester City on Sunday afternoon – going down 4-0 in front of a furious Molineux support – before puffing out his cheeks and emitting an almighty sigh of relief.
Beale looked all-but certain to take over from Bruno Lage a week ago. Following talks with the QPR chiefs, however, he pulled the plug, opting to stay put at a Rangers side who retained their place at the top of the Championship table following the hard-fought 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic.
Mick Beale turns down Wolves to stay at QPR
“I was pretty convinced that he was going to leave,” admits Gallen. “And then there was the big turnaround the following day and he stayed, which was a great decision for QPR and the supporters.
“It’s a difficult one for him. He might have been thinking that he wants to manage in the Premier League. I know Wolves are struggling at the moment but it’s a big opportunity.
“But he obviously thinks that QPR, and himself, have got a chance of being promoted this season. I think he’s looked at the bigger picture, which is the reason why I’m thinking he’s stayed. If he went to Wolves, there’s a risk that they relegated and you know what happens when you get relegated.
“He obviously thought it wasn’t worth the risk.”
Wolves, now level on points with bottom-placed Nottingham Forest, have since confirmed that caretaker Steve Davis will remain in charge for the remainder of the year. This comes after talks with Beale, Julen Lopetegui, Peter Bosz and former coach Nuno Espirito Santo hit the buffers.
‘The place to be’
“I’m 100% convinced (QPR) is the place to be,” Beale tells talkSPORT (25 October).
“I just felt it was too early. That’s nothing against Wolves. Wolves are a fantastic football club and I could see how exciting that project would be. You look at the players – Ruben Neves, Daniel Podence, Neto – there’s nothing not to like about Wolves.
“(But) It was just too soon here for me to make the change. I feel really comfortable here.”
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