Ally McCoist shares Dave King ‘gamble’ verdict on talkSPORT with Rangers in a state
Rangers are “in a state” and risk a gamble regardless of who they appoint as chairman to succeed John Bennett, according to Ally McCoist.
Speaking on TalkSPORT (16 September, 7:56), the Ibrox legend said that following Bennett’s resignation as chairman, majority shareholder Dave King is best placed to come in as his replacement.
McCoist wasn’t optimistic about outside investment coming from the Middle East and highlighted that the Gers are now without both chairman and CEO, backing King to make a successful return to Ibrox.
He said: “We’ve got to do something, absolutely. At this moment in time, we’ve now no chairman. James Bisgrove left to Saudi Arabia, so we’ve no chief executive either. You’ve got to say – the club’s in a state.
“Dave King has come in before, and grabbed the club by the club by the scruff of the neck, shook it round and turned it around – can he do it again?
“At this moment in time, I think he’s probably our best option.
“I don’t see an Arab Sheikh coming over with billions of pounds, I really don’t see it happening, so from where I’m sitting, your best option would be go with another tried and tested who’s been there before and had success.
“It would be a gamble no matter who comes in, but I think somebody with a proven track record like Dave King, who has had success, would be a good option.”
Will Rangers turn to Dave King as John Bennett’s replacement?
Whoever takes the reins from Bennett at Ibrox has one hell of an itinerary on their hands, following a summer of upheaval at the club that has left many an issue unresolved.
The CEO vacancy left by Bisgrove’s departure – which came all the way back in May – is likely to be any new chairman’s first port of call, but there’s also an academy director to appoint in place of Zeb Jacobs.
With the Ibrox redevelopment debacle forcing Philippe Clement’s side out of their home and tarnishing the board’s long-term reputation, there is plenty of trust to be rebuilt by whoever comes in.
Gers fans dreaming of a Middle Eastern benefactor making them awash with cash does seem to be some way off [Stephen McGowan, 12 September], but a steady hand on the tiller in the form of King could lead to new developments.
If King does succeed Bennett at Ibrox, he’ll know that the biggest challenge he faces is to regain the support of a fanbase who have long since become frustrated with the board’s actions and inaction both.
In other Rangers news, Billy Dodds has given a verdict on whether Philippe Clement’s side can compete for the title this season.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.