(Credits: Getty Images & talkSPORT)

Gareth Bale 'sent to sleep' after what Ally McCoist told him about Rangers

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on:

21 May 2025, 6:00 am

Rangers legend Ally McCoist is currently in Bilbao as he gears up for the Europa League final between Tottenham and Man United.

The Premier League pair will be the first British sides to grace the final since the Gers, who played in the 2022 final.

Ex-players from either side will be in attendance to cheer on their former sides, and Gareth Bale is one of them.

As he prepares for the crunch tie, it appears that McCoist has been chewing his ear off about the Bears in the Spanish city.

Ally McCoist is in Spain for the final (Credit: Imago)

McCoist discusses Rangers with Bale in Bilbao

Given that McCoist has played for and managed the Scottish giants, it is unsurprising that he will take every opportunity to discuss them.

The 62-year-old was prolific for the Glasgow club, notching over 100 appearances and 64 goals.

McCoist also managed the Ibrox side through turbulent times and guided them to third and fourth-tier titles.

Games	Won	Drew	Lost	Points-per-match
167	121	21	25	2.30

McCoist had an excellent record in management

He was joined by Bale, who played in Spain for Real Madrid, as the pair had dinner with the TNT Sports crew in Bilbao.

While hosting talkSPORT (21 May, 6:22 am), Alan Brazil referenced the meet-up as shared by The Independent's journalist Miguel Delaney on his X account.

Brazil said: "There's great atmosphere around the city, although it does appear Gareth Bale was asleep in a local restaurant after a certain former Scotland striker bored him with stories of his golden boots and tap-ins for the Gers."

As Brazil spoke, McCoist could not contain his laughter as he appeared via a live stream in front of a balcony in Bilbao.

McCoist was in good humour on talkSPORT (Credit: Imago)

Rangers set for Steven Gerrard talks

While McCoist prepares for a Europa League final, Rangers are set for talks with former manager Steven Gerrard.

Although Davide Ancelotti was the firm favourite for the Ibrox hotseat, it appears he is not fully committed.

That means that Gerrard is now the favourite and will meet the Glasgow club's officials over the next few days.

While news of the Englishman's return has been mixed, McCoist has been vocal in his backing for the 44-year-old.

The former Liverpool man delivered a first Scottish Premiership title at Ibrox in 10 years before leaving prematurely.

With his return to Glasgow imminent, could Gerrard deliver a second trophy for Rangers?

Ally McCoist

Gareth Bale