Michael Beale insists he's nobody's friend when it comes to his relationship with his new players.

Beale spent three-and-a-half years with the Ibrox club as first team coach, serving under Steven Gerrard.

During his time previously at the club, despite forming close bonds with some of the players, many of whom are still at Rangers, the Englishman is adamant he was never too close to any of the first team.

He insists it will stay that way as he now takes up his new role as manager.

In a sit down with Sky Sports, he said: "I wasn't that close to the players, to be honest in terms of friends. I was never anyone's friend, I was always a bit of a disciplinarian out on the training pitch.

"I was the moaner of the previous staff and that was my job to take training and drive standards.

"I was close to the players, I was never anyone's friend, so I feel that's not an issue.

"The fact we lived unbelievable experiences together I think the players know we can recreate and build something strong and special again.

"That actually gives confidence but it's not a case of me coming back in here and having a million friends in the playing staff, I do in the support staff."

He continued: "I need to look at those guys and know they're here for the right reasons and that they're moving forward, regardless of age.

"Age is not a factor, the factor is are they playing for Rangers and are they working every day to make Rangers stronger? Are they a good team-mate, are they a good person around the building?

"Those things are really important to me, that's what's being spoken about behind the scenes.

"I've told them I've got a big belief in them, otherwise wouldn't have wanted to have come back."

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