Speaking in the aftermath of the 1-0 loss at Ibrox on Saturday [2 September] Beale told the assembled press that they were “miles out” with their reported valuations of players Rangers signed during the summer transfer window.
The under-fire manager made the comment as he defended the impact – or lack of – made by the nine new recruits, who were said to have cost a combined £13million.
MacDonald was surprised by the remark, however, telling PLZ Soccer [7 September]: “The most interesting thing that was said post-match by the managers was Beale on the signings.
“Everything else said was what you would expect – [Brendan] Rodgers on the bravery of his players, the mentality of his players; Beale on chances, VAR, etc, etc.
“But then [Beale] comes down and says, ‘you know what, it wasn’t £13m. You’re miles off’.
“What you’re then getting is a board getting thrown under the bus.”
End game?
Regardless of exactly how much Rangers’ new signings cost, there is no doubt that they have not made enough of an impact between them.
Only three of the nine newbies started against Celtic – Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling and Cyriel Dessers – while Sam Lammers, Abdallah Sima and Danilo were introduced from the substitutes’ bench.
Of those, only Butland came out of the defeat with any sort of credit after making four saves.
Danilo was reported to have cost the Gers £6m and Dessers around £4.5m, although those fees have of course been disputed by Beale.
In many ways, this could be the start of the end game for Beale, who is seemingly trying to save face ahead of the inevitable happening if more underwhelming results follow in the coming weeks.
The only way he can save himself from this situation is if the £13m worth of talent – or however much it may be – bails him out.