Ally McCoist shared the stunned WhatsApp reaction from Rangers legends after the club’s disastrous European exit.
McCoist has lifted the lid on the shocked response of former Rangers players following the club’s painful Conference League playoff exit.
The Ibrox side were eliminated on penalties by Czech outfit Jablonec in what many view as a new low for the club in Europe.
The result has increased the pressure on manager Derek McInnes after a difficult start to his tenure.
Worst ever European result for Rangers
McCoist, speaking on talkSPORT, refused to place all the blame on the manager and instead pointed the finger at the players for a complete lack of quality and accountability.
He said: “Worst ever (European result). I could not believe my eyes. There was nothing. Nothing defensively, nothing at all in attack.
“The opposition, with the greatest respect, were bang average.
“The players need to get their fingers out. I am not saying they are not playing for Derek, they are not playing for themselves or the team, never mind Derek.
“The manager is where the buck stops, but the players have got to take responsibility.
“We have a WhatsApp group, all the ex-players, and we were all stunned.”
The former Rangers striker and manager made clear that the performance left the group of club legends completely taken aback.
Talk of McInnes’ position has already intensified
During the same appearance, co-host Jamie O’Hara floated the idea of McCoist returning to the dugout, noting Martin O’Neill’s impact at Celtic.
O’Hara asked: “Coisty, I have got to ask you – Martin O’Neill is manager of Celtic, he done brilliant last season and I know they got knocked out of the Champions League – when are you going to become Rangers manager again? Seriously, it’s got to happen.”
Ally McCoist shut the suggestion down firmly: “Jamie, you know what age I am pal? I am 63 years of age and I quite enjoy my life. I work with you guys, it’s brilliant, and I go to some of the best games on the planet and that is the way it’s staying.
“I am Rangers man, I always will be – you never turn your back on your club and if they needed you, then you would be there, but come on mate – that would be a step back the way.
“They need to look forward and Derek has to be given time. He has to be given time. The recruitment, it’s not as if we are buying boys for £200k-£300k, we are spending £5million-£6million on players. The recruitment has been appalling.”
While insisting McInnes deserves patience, Ally McCoist delivered a pointed criticism of the club’s recent transfer activity, highlighting the significant sums spent without the expected improvement on the pitch.
Something has to change.
McInnes can’t turn this around instantly but he needs wins to buy time. Starting on Sunday at Aberdeen.
All optimism and hope is lost for the Rangers fans, and it’s only August.
It’s a long way back for McInnes, but if he’s going down, he must go down fighting and for the team to show some life.
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