Rangers legend Ally McCoist has expressed deep disappointment with his club’s performance this season, highlighting various issues both on and off the field. Speaking on talkSPORT, McCoist did not hold back in his criticism, citing poor recruitment, a lack of leadership, and disappointing results as major concerns for the Ibrox club.
“It breaks my heart to say it, but Rangers aren’t a Champions League team at this moment in time,” McCoist said, reflecting on the club’s recent exit from the competition at the hands of Dynamo Kyiv and a goalless draw against Hearts on the opening day of the Scottish Premiership. He added, “Rangers are short at this moment in time. There’s no way Rangers could handle the Champions League.”
McCoist, who has been vocal about the club’s challenges, lamented the quality of recent signings, despite a significant investment. “The recruitment, goalkeeper [Jack Butland] and Dujon Sterling aside, has been unbelievably poor. They have given money to people to spend who haven’t spent it wisely at all,” he stated. “On the pitch, we’re miles off it. And off the pitch as well, we’ve got an unbelievable amount of work to do. There doesn’t seem to be any leadership.”
The former player also pointed out the frustration among fans, noting the visible gaps in Hampden Park during recent matches due to ongoing construction at Ibrox. “We’re not even playing our home games at Ibrox now. I’ve seen it in the last couple of games—there’s big gaps at Hampden. That’s not where Rangers should be.”
Despite his concerns, McCoist expressed sympathy for Rangers manager Philippe Clement, who he believes is facing a difficult situation. “I have genuine sympathy for Philippe Clement because at this moment in time it’s pretty clear he has to get a few out the door before he can get any in. The fact of the matter is the squad, sadly, isn’t good enough to win the league.”
Looking ahead, McCoist remains hopeful but realistic about Rangers’ chances. “We are a Europa League/Conference League team. It’s as simple as that. In terms of the Scottish Premiership, the best we can hope for is always to win it and I am the eternal optimist, but if Rangers win the league it will be one of their greatest triumphs ever!”