Ally McCoist gives perfect response as Stelling moots Rangers takeover concern
Jeff Stelling’s concerns over the 49ers Enterprises’ takeover of Rangers have been dismissed emphatically by Ally McCoist.
The 49ers, who also own Leeds United, took a significant step towards taking charge at Ibrox on Monday, agreeing a deal in principle with the Rangers hierarchy to purchase a 51 per cent stake in the club.
Rangers’ current boardroom, made up of numerous different shareholders, has seen its popularity plummet this season, with protests aplenty seen at both Ibrox and away stadiums from disgruntled fans.
With Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe leading the way in 49ers Enterprises’ operations with the Bears, the takeover has raised questions and concerns about Rangers becoming part of a multi-club model.
Ally McCoist relishes Leeds United example at Rangers
Rangers and Leeds becoming two clubs under the same umbrella has understandably led to queries over the closeness of their relationship going forward, particularly given their differing financial situations.
With Leeds looking bound for the riches of the Premier League, Jeff Stelling questioned the potential financial disparity at Ibrox, asking Ally McCoist on talkSPORT (4 March, 9:22am) if this was a worry.
Stelling said: “Are you concerned at all that their investment, or their financial support to bring new players into the club, might be weakened by the fact that they own Leeds United as well?”
| Club | Founded | Ground Capacity | Competitions | 2023/24 League finish | League position |
| Rangers | 1872 | 51,700 | Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup, UEFA Europa League | 2nd | 2nd |
| Leeds United | 1919 | 37,900 | EFL Championship, FA Cup, EFL Cup | 3rd (lost in play-offs) | 1st |
McCoist replied: “I’m not disappointed at all, because on the outside looking in – Leeds United to me look [to be] in a good place.
“[Rangers] just need reshaping, regrouping, a change of direction. It’s not an overnight fix, but if you can have the same kind of change in and around the scenes that Leeds have had – I’d settle for that.
“Leeds to me, look as though they’re going to go back into the top-flight, as though they’ve got good organisation behind them; good manager, good players – and if we can get that, I’d be delighted.”
Leeds United can provide perfect blueprint for Rangers
Saying that Rangers “just” need both reshaping and regrouping suggests that the task ahead is still a sizeable one for the 49ers, but the Ibrox club are still in a strong position once the takeover is completed.
Compared to the American group’s buyout of Leeds – which came in the wake of their relegation to the Championship in 2023 – their takeover of Rangers comes with relative stability in terms of their position.
Though Saturday’s 2-1 loss at home to Motherwell leaves Rangers closer to third-placed Hibernian than Celtic at the top of the Premiership table, they’ll start next season level with their Old Firm rivals.
Celtic’s superior financial situation could be a thing of the past once Rangers are being backed by the multi-billion coffers of the 49ers, giving them the ideal foundation to build a successful title challenge.
Leeds’ ship has been steaded by the 49ers to put them on course for the Premier League, and with Gers having just one team to topple north of the border, success could be well within their grasp once more.