Ally McCoist reveals Rangers WhatsApp messages after European nightmare

Ally McCoist reveals stunned Rangers WhatsApp reaction after European disaster

Ally McCoist has revealed that former Rangers players were left stunned by the club’s latest European disappointment, with the Ibrox legend admitting he could barely believe what he watched against Jablonec.

Rangers suffered a humiliating exit from Europe after losing a Conference League play-off tie on penalties in the Czech Republic. The result has increased the pressure on manager Derek McInnes, who has endured a difficult beginning to his time in charge.

However, McCoist believes the responsibility cannot rest entirely with the manager and insists the Rangers players must also accept blame for their performances.

Speaking to talkSPORT, McCoist described the result as Rangers’ worst European performance and questioned the effort shown by the team.

“Worst ever. I could not believe my eyes,” he said. “There was nothing. Nothing defensively, nothing at all in attack.”

McCoist felt Jablonec were far from an outstanding opponent and believes Rangers failed to show the level of desire expected from the players.

“The opposition, with the greatest respect, were bang average. The players need to get their fingers out,” he added.

While making it clear that he was not suggesting the squad had stopped playing for McInnes, McCoist argued that the players had failed to perform for themselves and their teammates.

“The manager is where the buck stops, but the players have got to take responsibility,” he said.

The former Rangers striker also revealed that he remains in a WhatsApp group with several ex-players, and the reaction to the European exit was one of disbelief.

“We have a WhatsApp group, all the ex-players, and we were all stunned,” McCoist revealed.

McCoist rules out Rangers return

With pressure growing on McInnes, talkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara suggested that McCoist could potentially return to the Rangers dugout.

McCoist, who previously managed the club between 2011 and 2014 during their journey through the lower divisions, immediately dismissed the idea.

“I am 63 years of age and I quite enjoy my life,” McCoist said.

He explained that his current role allows him to attend some of the biggest matches in world football and insists he has no desire to return to management.

“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,” he added.

Despite ruling himself out, McCoist stressed that his commitment to Rangers has never changed and that he would always be willing to help his club if required.

“I am Rangers man, I always will be,” he said. “You never turn your back on your club and if they needed you, then you would be there.”

However, he believes bringing him back would represent a backwards step and insists Rangers need to focus on building for the future.

“Come on mate, that would be a step back. They need to look forward and Derek has to be given time,” McCoist stated.

McCoist slams Rangers recruitment

Although McCoist believes McInnes should be given more time, he was highly critical of Rangers’ recruitment and questioned the quality of the players brought into the squad.

He pointed out that the club is spending significant amounts of money on new signings and therefore expects a much higher standard on the pitch.

“The recruitment – it’s not as if we are buying boys for £200k-£300k, we are spending £5million-£6million on players,” McCoist said.

He ultimately delivered a damning assessment of the club’s transfer business.

“The recruitment has been appalling.”

McCoist’s comments highlight the growing concern around Rangers, with the former striker calling for both the players and recruitment department to take responsibility while maintaining that McInnes should be given an opportunity to turn the situation around.