Michael Beale has rejected the chance to leave QPR for Wolves, forcing the Premier League club to continue their search for a manager. Wolves made an official approach for Beale on Thursday having identified him as their preferred candidate to succeed Bruno Lage after Julen Lopetegui turned down the job.
Beale has decided to stay at the club he joined in June, with QPR top of the Championship after Wednesday’s home win against Cardiff. The 42-year-old is in his first managerial post and told QPR club media on Thursday: “Wolves is a fantastic football club and it was a real privilege to be asked to speak to them, but I didn’t think it was the right moment because I entered into an agreement here.
“Integrity and loyalty are big things for me, and if they are the values you live by you have to be strong. I have been all-in here and I have asked other people to be all-in so I can’t be the first person to run away from the ship. I don’t think we are anywhere near where I want QPR to be. We have a lot to do but I’m excited by it.”
Beale held talks with QPR’s chief executive, Lee Hoos, and director of football, Les Ferdinand, into the early hours of Thursday before deciding to decline the opportunity from Wolves to enter formal discussions.
Wolves also considered bringing back Nuno Espírito Santo, who was keen on returning to the job he left in May 2021, but decided to go in a different direction. Steve Davis is likely to continue in caretaker charge for a fourth match for Sunday’s game at home to fellow strugglers Leicester.
Wolves could turn to the former Borussia Dortmund and Lyon manager Peter Bosz, whom they interviewed before pursuing Beale. The hierarchy also sounded out their former under-23s coach Rob Edwards and the former Olympiakos manager Pedro Martins. All three are out of work after being sacked this season.
