Rangers legend Ally McCoist was in no mood to delve into the details of Barry Ferguson’s appointment as interim manager when pressed by Alan Brazil on talkSPORT’s breakfast show.
The Ibrox icon, visibly stunned by recent events at the club, admitted that even Celtic fans have ceased mocking Rangers and now seem to feel sympathy for their rivals, who trail by 16 points in the Scottish Premiership.
Ferguson’s tenure kicks off at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock on Wednesday night, but his biggest challenge will come next week in the Europa League against Fenerbahce—Rangers’ last realistic shot at silverware this season.
Ferguson has been handed the reins on a short-term basis following Philippe Clement’s departure last Sunday, with 15 games to prove his worth. He’s joined by a backroom staff that includes several former players, prompting Brazil to question the coaching credentials of ex-goalkeeper Allan McGregor.
Ferguson’s managerial track record, which includes spells at Blackpool, Clyde, Kelty Hearts, and Alloa Athletic, has also raised eyebrows. However, the new interim boss has urged fans to judge him based on his performance in this role rather than his past endeavors.
When Brazil, a Celtic fan, pressed McCoist about the changes in the Rangers dugout, the Rangers legend was reluctant to engage.
“I don’t want to talk about it,” McCoist responded when Brazil asked, “What the hell is happening at Ibrox?”
Undeterred, Brazil continued his interrogation, specifically targeting McGregor’s qualifications.
“You’ve got to!,” he exclaimed. “The goalkeeper [Allan McGregor] – what badges has he got to coach?”
McCoist stood by the newly assembled management team, stating, “I don’t know, I don’t want to talk about it. I’m fully behind the boys and I hope they do well, that’s all I’m saying on it.”
The news of Ferguson’s appointment caught many off guard, including the radio duo. Brazil quipped, “When I saw the news on my phone I was like ‘what?’ Has it gone down a sinkhole, Ibrox, or something?”
McCoist admitted, “I was the same, but I am more perplexed by why you extend the manager’s contract then get rid of him. You give a centre-back [Connor Goldson], who has been excellent for us, an extra couple of years and then you have got to pay him up…”
The discussion then turned to the club’s ownership situation, with rumors of a potential takeover by a US consortium linked to the San Francisco 49ers continuing to swirl.
Brazil expressed confusion over why Clement was dismissed before any deal was finalized, suggesting a more cautious approach should have been taken given the Light Blues’ already faltering domestic campaign.
