Alious McCoist Backs Lampard for Rangers Job, Questions Ferguson’s Appointment
Rangers’ all-time leading goalscorer, Ally McCoist, believes his former club should have made a stronger push to appoint England and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard when the managerial position was last available. Now, with Rangers on the hunt for a permanent manager following Philippe Clement’s departure, McCoist is urging the incoming 49ers Enterprises ownership to seriously consider Lampard as a long-term option.
49ers Enterprises Eyeing a High-Profile Manager
Barry Ferguson, a club legend and former Rangers captain, has been placed in interim charge until the end of the season while the American consortium—led by Andrew Cavenagh and Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe—finalizes its takeover of the club. Reports suggest that the new owners are targeting a high-profile name to take the reins, with Steven Gerrard rumored to be a potential candidate for a return to Ibrox.
Former Liverpool and Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez has also been linked with the role as Rangers look to close the gap on arch-rivals Celtic. However, despite Ferguson’s impressive 3-1 win over José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, McCoist does not believe the interim boss is a serious contender for the full-time position.
McCoist: Rangers Missed a Chance with Lampard
McCoist, who would like to see Lampard in charge, suggested the former England midfielder was overlooked when Michael Beale was sacked last year. At the time, Lampard had the backing of Graeme Souness, who was involved in the club’s recruitment process. Ultimately, the job went to Clement, but since then, Lampard has impressed as manager of Coventry City, guiding them to fifth place in the English Championship and keeping them in the hunt for Premier League promotion.
Speaking to *talkSPORT BET*, McCoist said:
*”Rangers should have gone for Frank Lampard before he went to Coventry. I’ve said this for a while—I think he would have brought the same hunger that Steven Gerrard had when he arrived. I also believe he was unfairly criticized for some of his previous managerial results, but he looks to have found stability now.”*
Questions Over Ferguson’s Appointment and Clement’s Dismissal
McCoist also admitted he was surprised by Ferguson’s interim appointment, describing it as an unexpected decision.
*”I must admit, Barry Ferguson’s appointment surprised me—I thought it was a bit out of left field. As a Rangers supporter, of course, I want the team to succeed, but I wasn’t expecting it, and neither were a lot of fans. That being said, we’re all behind him.”
As for Clement’s departure, McCoist wasn’t shocked to see him sacked, citing poor domestic performances as the main reason.
*”I wasn’t surprised by Philippe Clement losing the job. I thought he might get a chance to stay based on Rangers’ European results, but after the defeats to Queen’s Park and Motherwell, I can understand why the decision was made. They’re so far behind Celtic in the league and out of the cup—domestically, they just haven’t been good enough. I never like to see a manager lose his job, but I wasn’t disappointed.”
Weighing Other Candidates
Although McCoist is in favor of Lampard, he is open to other possibilities, including a return for Gerrard.
*”Steven Gerrard coming back wouldn’t disappoint me—he knows the club well and has a point to prove.”*
Other potential candidates such as Benitez and Derek McInnes were also mentioned, though McCoist believes the opportunity for McInnes may have passed.
*”There’s talk of Rafa Benitez and Derek McInnes. Derek knows the club well, and I’d be happy with him, but that ship may have sailed.”*
With the Rangers job expected to be highly sought after under the new ownership, McCoist is confident that the club will attract strong candidates.
*”I can guarantee that with the new owners coming in, the Rangers job will be in high demand. Hopefully, they can bring in the right man to take the club forward.”*
Alious
