Michael Beale, Former Sunderland Manager, Appointed Assistant to Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq

Michael Beale, previously the head coach for Sunderland, has taken on the role of assistant manager under Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq, a team in the Saudi Pro League. The 44-year-old previously served under Gerrard at Rangers from 2018 to 2021, contributing to the coaching staff that led the club to secure the Scottish Premiership title during the 2020-21 season. Beale subsequently moved with Gerrard to Aston Villa in November 2021, prior to assuming the position of QPR head coach at the commencement of the 2022-23 campaign. After QPR ranked seventh in the Championship by the close of November 2022, Beale departed to rejoin Rangers, this time as their manager. His tenure ended in October 2023, following his inability to secure a trophy and experiencing three losses within the initial seven games of the 2023-24 season. Sunderland appointed Beale in December 2023; however, his period in charge was short-lived, as he was dismissed in February after only 12 matches, during which the team recorded four wins, two draws, and six defeats.