With the 49ers set to complete a takeover of Rangers, Ibrox legend Ally McCoist has had his say on what they must change when they officially arrive amid rumours of a £25m transfer kitty.
McCoist tells new Rangers owners to hire sporting director
Following a disastrous campaign in the Scottish Premiership, in which they sit a world away from runaway leaders Celtic, Rangers must get things right on all fronts as the 49ers arrive for their first summer in charge. The new owners will be desperate to translate the Gers’ impressive European form into domestic victories next season in an attempt to bridge a growing gap on their Old Firm rivals.
Those at Ibrox have enjoyed contrasting form in the Europa League and enjoyed yet another moment to remember against Athletic Bilbao when Liam Kelly saved substitute Alex Berenguer’s penalty to help the 10-men of Rangers hold into a draw after Robin Propper’s early red card.
Before Rangers can enjoy such nights again in the Scottish Premiership, however, McCoist believes that the 49ers need to make one crucial change when they arrive.
Asked by Football FanCast how 49ers Enterpises can close the gap to Celtic after rumours of a £25m summer war-chest, McCoist said: “The first thing they have to do is clearly appoint somebody that they’re going to trust with potential finances. I would rather see them take their time if I’m to be brutally honest. I’d rather see hopefully new owners come in with a business plan, because it’s not gonna be an overnight fix. There’s no chance.”
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The Rangers legend went on to say: “Although changes are needed at Rangers, and some big ones, I don’t see them making them all at once. I see them coming in, taking their time, having a business plan, appointing someone and moving the club forward gradually.
“I think that’s a far better idea than just going out and spending money willy-nilly on four or five players. I think there has to be a business plan, you’ve gotta build and take it from there – a steady improvement all of the time.”
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The frustration around Rangers is certainly justified and McCoist has been among those disappointed by just how far the Gers have fallen this season, from Philippe Clement’s reign to Barry Ferguson’s spell as interim manager.
Expressing that disappointment, McCoist said: “The disappointing thing for me has been the dramatic decline since they were a penalty kick away from winning the Europa League. It’s just went south very very quickly for whatever reasons. But I don’t think it’s gonna be an overnight fix. I just hope that the new owners can come in.”
Whilst their European exploits have remained, Rangers desperately need a long-term vision if they are to dethrone Celtic once again in the Scottish Premiership, and that all starts with getting the right men in the sporting director seat and in the dugout this summer.