'Doesn't interest me': Eustace distances himself from Rangers links

Birmingham City manager John Eustace has rubbished claims that he could be ready to replace Michael Beale at Ibrox saying “That’s not a job that interests me at all”.

The 43-year-old, who had a short spell as a player at Dundee United in the late 90s, has been linked with a potential move to Rangers in recent weeks as pressure continues to build on Beale following a heavy defeat to PSV in Eindhoven and 1-0 to Celtic at Ibrox.

But the former Republic of Ireland assistant manager, who has been in charge at the English Championship club for 14-months, insists he would have no interest in the job if the Ibrox side did come calling.

He stressed that he is a big fan of Beale who he describes as a “fantastic manager” and wouldn’t get drawn on any speculation around his future.

Speaking to the media on Thursday he said: “I love my job here at Birmingham City, I’ve been here for 14 months now, I signed a three-year-contract to help rebuild this football club and I want to stay as long as I can.

“I think in the 14-months there has been very good progress and It’s important we keep building and I want to be here as long as the club want me.

When asked if Rangers should come calling if they are looking for a new boss he said: “Definitely not, Rangers have got a fantastic manager already and that’s not a job that interests me at all.

“I am very proud and honoured to be Birmingham City manager and I want to help grow this football club for as long as I can.”

Beale has come under fire with sections of the Rangers support after a disappointing start to the season that leaves then four points behind Celtic in the Premiership and knocked out of the Champions League.

The Englishman, who worked under Steven Gerrard when Rangers won the league in 2021, replaced Giovanni van Bronckhorst at the end of last year, but was unable to stop a rampant Hoops side from winning a domestic treble under Ange Postecoglou.

Several players that he brought in during the summer have also failed to hit the ground running leaving some fans fearing another season of trailing behind their city rivals who are aiming for their 13th title from the last 14 seasons.

Eustace came close to signing for Rangers under Mark Warburton in 2015 and even trained with the club for a period before eventually deciding to hang up his boots.