McCoist next in line to boss Rangers says Ibrox chairman

Rangers legend Ally McCoist has been backed as the long-term successor to Ibrox manager Walter Smith.

McCoist, who is Rangers' record goalscorer, returned to the Scottish Premier League club as Smith's assistant last year and helped them win the Scottish Cup and League Cup, as well as reaching the UEFA Cup final.

Rangers chairman Sir David Murray has revealed that while there is currently no formal agreement for McCoist to succeed Smith, it is his intention to appoint the former Scotland international if the current management team prove successful.

“I would have thought, all things being equal, that he will become manager,” Murray said.

“I hope he gets it. It hasn't been talked about, but it is an understanding among us.

“Walter and I discussed it when he came back, that McCoist would come in, hopefully we would get back to a successful period and then he would get the chance.

“It will be success driven. If we are successful, if Walter is successful then the natural successor would be McCoist. But if we go another two or three years without winning the league then we will all be under pressure.”