Ally McCoist has laid bare the extent of Rangers’ self-inflicted struggles, highlighting how the club’s poor decisions have exacerbated the financial chasm between them and Celtic.
Following Sunday’s lacklustre Old Firm derby defeat, which has sparked yet another inquest into Rangers’ failings, McCoist insists that while Celtic’s financial muscle is undeniable, Rangers have not helped themselves.
The weekend’s defeat at Ibrox only served to underscore the growing gulf between the two Glasgow giants. Celtic, who strolled to victory, were able to leav toe £20 million worth of talent on the bench, including Adam Idah and Arne Engels, as well as new arrivals Luke McCowan, Auston Trusty, and Alex Valle.
Meanwhile, Rangers have been forced to operate with significantly less financial freedom, trying to offload players to make room for new signings in an attempt to strengthen their squad. However, the outcome has been that Celtic appear to be pulling further and further ahead.
Graeme Souness, another Rangers legend, recently voiced concerns over the club’s financial health, and McCoist, speaking on talkSPORT, echoed those worries. He acknowledged the financial disparity but also stressed that Rangers could have made smarter recruitment choices.
“Of course. I’m not privy to it any more, but anyone would see they have got problems, massive problems, financially,” McCoist admitted.
“One of the key things is recruitment. Celtic’s has been excellent, Rangers’ has been anything but. Whether you’ve got £1m or £40m to spend, you’ve got to get it right more often than not. Rangers haven’t done that.”
McCoist pointed out that Rangers did back former manager Michael Beale with funds, though he questioned how effectively that money was spent.
“Rangers gave money to Michael Beale beforehand, I’m not sure how much he was given, and Rangers managers in the past, and I know it’s not been as wisely spent as it should have,” he continued.
“If you look at Rangers’ signings, the goalkeeper [Jack Butland] who was at fault for the second goal at the weekend and also the goal in the cup final, but he has done well. [Dujon] Sterling too. But after that?”
In stark contrast, McCoist praised Celtic’s transfer dealings under Brendan Rodgers, highlighting how the Hoops have managed to bring in quality players while balancing the books.
“After that, you just look at Celtic’s recruitment this window. I had a good chat with Brendan. He brings in four or five players for what £30m, £28m, but he’s got it back on Matt O’Riley.
“So their net spend is nothing and they are bringing in quality. That is a massive thing. They’re obviously spending more, because they’ve got more. But the process has to be the same. Your recruitment has got to be good, and Rangers’ hasn’t been good.”
When asked how Rangers could have fallen so far from winning the title under Steven Gerrard in 2021, McCoist drew an even more damning comparison.
“Worse than that, you’re playing Eintracht Frankfurt in a Europa League final. Never mind winning the league. You’re a penalty kick away from winning a Europa League final to where it is now,” he concluded.
McCoist’s comments paint a grim picture of Rangers’ current situation, with the once-mighty club now struggling both on and off the pitch.