Rangers legend Ally McCoist delivered a scathing assessment of his former club, describing them as “weak” both on and off the pitch during an appearance on talkSPORT.
The Scottish giants are currently searching for a new manager after sacking Philippe Clement on Sunday. Clement’s departure came with Rangers trailing Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic by 13 points, leaving the Hoops on the verge of securing their 12th league title in 13 seasons.
McCoist emphasized the importance of Rangers making the right appointment this time, though he admitted there aren’t “any glaringly obvious candidates” available at the moment.
The club is also expected to delay a permanent appointment until the summer, as American investors are in talks over a multi-million-dollar takeover.
In the meantime, former Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson has been handed the interim managerial role until the end of the season. He will be assisted by Neil McCann, Billy Dodds, and Allan McGregor. Ferguson, 47, made over 430 appearances for Rangers but has never managed in the Scottish Premiership.
When asked about Ferguson’s interim appointment, McCoist responded: “I’m a little bit surprised but we’ll see what happens.”
As for potential candidates for the permanent role, McCoist named three individuals. Steven Gerrard, who led Rangers to their last league title during an unbeaten season, is available after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.
McCoist also suggested Kevin Muscat, who has been dubbed “the most hated man in football” by former Birmingham City player Martin Grainger, and Derek McInnes, the current Kilmarnock manager, as possible contenders.
“Stevie Gerrard would come into the equation obviously because of his success,” McCoist said on talkSPORT Breakfast. “I would’ve taken a gamble on Frank (Lampard) as well before he’s gone to Coventry. But he’s doing well at Coventry, so I can’t see that happening.
“Muscat has done well. I think he might have won three leagues in three different countries, could be another option. Derek McInnes would come into the equation, who’s a fine manager at Kilmarnock. Knows the league, knows the players, knows the club.
“There’s definitely one or two options, but I don’t think there’s any glaringly obvious candidates right now.”
Muscat, who spent the 2002/03 season at Ibrox, has built a strong managerial reputation, winning league titles in Australia, Japan, and China with Melbourne Victory, Yokohama F. Marinos, and Shanghai Port, respectively. In fact, the 51-year-old has won a trophy in every season since the 2020/21 campaign.
He was previously linked with the Rangers job after Michael Beale was sacked in October 2023 but was overlooked in favor of Clement.
During the talkSPORT Breakfast show, co-host Jeff Stelling asked McCoist if he would consider returning to management if Rangers offered him the role.
McCoist responded with his trademark humor: “You know me, I’d drop everything for the Rangers.
“Everything! You included!”
