Rangers legend Ally McCoist has questioned the experience of Michael Beale for the Ibrox job – despite taking over the reins at the club as a managerial rookie himself.
It’s far from us to question Ibrox icon Super Ally, who remains the club’s all-time top goalscorer and a bonafide Rangers legend who knows the famous club inside and out.
But there is a tinge of hypocrisy to the comments, even if Ally McCoist admits that he’ll supply Michael Beale with his full backing as Rangers regroup amid the World Cup break.
Ally McCoist was famously number two to the legendary Walter Smith during his second reign in charge of Rangers, with the legendary Ibrox striker taking charge himself in 2011.
However, amid a financial collapse Ally McCoist had to steer Rangers through the lower divisions and was eventually put on gardening leave at the end of 2014.
This was McCoist’s first and only job as a top level manager in football.
Even Walter Smith – who admittedly had experience working in the staff of a top Dundee United and with the Scotland U21s – was Graeme Souness’ number two before taking charge at Rangers.
Rangers legend Ally McCoist unconvinced by Michael Beale move
Nonetheless, Ally McCoist has questioned the management credentials of Michael Beale and asked if Rangers might’ve went for more experience, rating the appointment a lowly 6 out of 10.
“It’s not going to be a ten and it’s not going to be a one. It’s somewhere in between — probably a six, to tell you the truth. Is a six okay?” Said McCoist [TalkSPORT].
“I 100-per-cent give him my total support because, whoever takes the job, you want them to do well. But I’m a little bit surprised.
“I’m very aware Michael Beale knows the club and did very well with the players beforehand, and the players seem very comfortable with him, which is probably the main reason he’s getting the job.
“Flip side of the coin, I’m surprised because they’ve gone for someone with a lack of experience in terms of management.
“He started very well at QPR but they have lost four of their last five. He’s not getting it on current form. He’s getting it on what he’s done previously under Steven Gerrard.
“It’s definitely a surprise because I genuinely thought they might have gone for someone with more experience. But it’s obviously a gamble the board feel is worth taking and time will tell.”
Whilst Ally McCoist has had his say, here’s how QPR reacted to Rangers appointing Michael Beale.
