Englishman follows Beale to Ibrox after once telling Premier League winger to sign for Rangers

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Michael Beale has brought Harry Watling to Rangers – the man who told Malcolm Ebiowei to make a move to Ibrox.

Last Monday, Rangers took the decision to sack Giovanni van Bronckhorst after just over a year in charge of the club.

This Monday, the Gers announced the replacement for Van Bronckhorst as Beale made the return to Ibrox.

Beale served as an assistant coach under Steven Gerrard but is now back again, this time taking charge himself.

Michael Beale has brought Harry Watling to Rangers

Rangers confirmed Beale’s arrival on Monday but also announced three coaches have followed him to Glasgow.

Neil Banfield, Damian Matthew and Harry Watling have all followed Beale to Rangers and will form his coaching staff.

More appointments are coming but those three men are very close to Beale and have now signed deals with Rangers.

Watling is a fascinating appointment.

The 33-year-old goes away back with Beale having worked as academy coaches at Chelsea together.

Watling ended up coaching in the Millwall and West Ham United ranks before taking charge of American side Hartford Athletic in 2021.

Now back with Beale again, Watling does actually have an interesting tie to Rangers.

The Athletic reported earlier this year that Malcolm Ebiowei had interest from West Ham United and Everton but joined Rangers on the advice of Watling.

Watling has known Ebiowei since the age of just five and recommended a move to Ibrox after leaving the Arsenal academy.

Watling’s close relationship with Beale was mentioned and Ebiowei did make the move to Rangers, only to leave without making a first-team appearance.

Now in the Premier League with Crystal Palace after excelling at Derby County, Ebiowei is starting to show why Watling rated him so highly.

That story just goes to show much Watling and Beale value each other – it’s just a shame that Ebiowei didn’t work out at Rangers.

Maybe Watling and Beale can now move to take Ebiowei on loan given his need for first-team experience.

That can’t be ruled out but Rangers will now hope that Watling and Beale can bring other gems to Ibrox moving forward.