Ally McCoist flummoxed live on talkSPORT by Michael Beale comment over time at Rangers
Ally McCoist has “no idea” what Michael Beale was referring to when suggesting he was “pulled in different places” during his time at Rangers.
The 43-year-old was confirmed as the new head coach of Sunderland on Monday (18 December), two months after being sacked by the Gers.
In his first interview for the Black Cats, Beale said the job role at Ibrox changed over time due to changes behind the scenes.
However, speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, McCoist said [19 December, 09:55am]: “I don’t know what he meant by that; I’ve got no idea.
“Maybe he’s talking about non-footballing issues? It’s a question he’ll have to be asked at the next press conference.
“But Rangers are a massive club. At times it’s difficult to concentrate on just coaching the side.”
Co-presenter Jeff Stelling pointed out that Beale had a 72-per-cent win rate at Ibrox, which would be “phenomenal” at most other clubs.
“What probably hasn’t helped is bizarrely something he cannot affect – Philippe Clement coming in and doing ever so well at Rangers,” McCoist added.
“Things didn’t work out for Michael at Rangers. There’ll be an element – I don’t care what anyone says – of Sunderland fans that will be disappointed to see Tony Mowbray go. Tony will not be an easy act to follow.
“The focus of attention right now will be Beale – he has to hit the ground running. In normal circumstances, when a manager goes to a club it’s because the previous manage hasn’t done well, but I don’t think Mowbray did that badly.”
Summer spending sway
Beale was quite clearly rereferring to the changes high up at Rangers during his time at the club, most notably the departure of sporting director Ross Wilson in the spring.
That left the Gers without anyone to oversee transfer activity in the summer, meaning Beale had a huge say in who was brought to Ibrox – a decision that has ultimately backfired.
While Beale was not as bad a manager as some will make out, there is no doubt he was not cut out for the demands of the job. Clement’s incredible start to life as Gers boss only goes to highlight that.
This job at Sunderland is a good one to fall back on, and it will be interesting to see how it pans out after his disappointing spell in Glasgow.
As for the statistic Stelling mentioned, winning the vast majority of games is all well and good, but the Light Blues simply failed to win too many of the biggest matches under Beale.
In other Rangers news, Kenny Miller has picked out two signings the Gers could make in the January transfer window.