Rangers legend Ally McCoist isn’t just the Ibrox club’s greatest ever goalscorer (355) or even a former manager who guided the team through their most tumultuous times.
McCoist is a name synonymous with the Ibrox side, but this is not all the legendary striker is – as his performances at Euro 2020 are proving.
No, McCoist has not donned the navy blue of Scotland – the poacher’s goal against Switzerland in 1996 remains the last time a Scot scored at the Euros – but instead, he’s taken pride of place in the gantry.
Media work is nothing new to Coisty – a legendary spell at Question of Sport was sandwiched between an iconic playing career and regular slots on leading radio and TV stations.
Now one of the most prominent pundits in the British Isles, McCoist’s ITV commentary alongside legendary broadcaster and part-time RangersTV commentator Clive Tyldesley has been remarkably well received.
A positive, optimistic and thoroughly likable chap, Super Ally might not be the spring chicken or the Scottish media darling he was in his heyday, but he remains razor sharp and full of spellbinding wit.
Such was Super’s performance in the stunning 3-2 Netherlands win over Ukraine on Sunday, Twitter was awash with praise as the pundit’s name began to trend on the social media platform.
Clive Tyldesley too – his expert preparation and silver-tongued commentary not to be downplayed – has also received his fair share of the plaudits as one half of the tournament’s favourite commentary duo.
As the pair took to the gantry for the match between Germany and France in Munich – a nervy encounter the French would win 1-0 – they once again received the praise of spectators.
What’s more – on both occasions these two have worked together so far – they couldn’t resist mentioning the club which is close to Ally’s heart and is perhaps working its way into Clive’s.
In Holland v Ukraine it was ex-Ger Oleksiy Mykhaylychenko, in Germany v France it was that Champions League campaign of 1992 and Marseille.
But what this undoubtedly sums up is that whilst Ally is much more than his Rangers playing career, the club is never far away from the man.
One of Rangers’ greatest ambassadors even when not on official club duties, Rangers fans everywhere will be delighted that the rest of the world is getting a glimpse as to why – even without the goals – we all hold Super Ally very dear to our hearts.
Absolutely, Clive.
Meanwhile, Rangers have expanded the a “world-class” partnership with a leading US football club following its early success.
