Michael Beale has defended Steven Gerrard's spell in Saudi Arabia, praising the job the former Rangers manager carried out with Al-Etiffaq.
Gerrard eventually spent 18 months in charge of the club before resigning at the beginning of this year.
Beale, who also previously took charge at Ibrox, remains at Al-Etiffaq as assistant to Saad Al-Shehri.
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He has delivered his verdict on Gerrard's spell in the Middle East, and his lasting impact: "Gerrard and I were together for nearly 250 games across various clubs, including Rangers, Aston Villa, and Al-Ettifaq," said Beale [Twasl News].
"We worked together and built a very strong relationship, and it was a pleasure to work with him again here in Saudi Arabia after a two-year hiatus, and I learned a lot from him, of course.
"The work Gerrard did to finish the first season in sixth place, then leave the club in the semi-finals [of the King Cup], was good work.
"He also helped the club develop all the facilities of the stadium and training grounds to a very good standard, in my opinion."
Gerrard's January resignation came as somewhat of a surprise. Beale still isn't sure what happened.
He said: "I'm not fully aware of it, it was private between Gerrard and the club.
"But the club and Steven agreed to go in two different directions for the benefit of everyone."
Rangers are on the lookout for a new permanent manager this summer. Barry Ferguson took interim charge of the team following Philippe Clement's sacking.
It remains to be seen who will be sounded out to take the hotseat that Gerrard and Beale both once occupied.
