AliousAlly McCoist Predicts Managerial Shake-Up at Rangers Amid 49ers Takeover – Jeff Stelling Slams Delay as ‘Unacceptable’
Ally McCoist has offered his insight into the ongoing managerial uncertainty at Rangers, suggesting that the club’s impending takeover by the 49ers Enterprises group is the likely reason for the delay in naming a permanent boss. McCoist, a club legend and former manager himself, shared his thoughts on the situation during a candid discussion with Jeff Stelling on *talkSPORT*.
The Ibrox side has been without a permanent manager for three months following the departure of the previous head coach. Interim manager Barry Ferguson, who stepped in to steady the team, is now returning to his ambassadorial duties, paving the way for a new appointment. Among the reported candidates is Davide Ancelotti, long-time assistant and son of Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Reflecting on Ferguson’s exit, McCoist commended his former teammate’s efforts, noting that Ferguson had done a commendable job under challenging circumstances. “He steadied the ship and handled himself with class. It was always likely, though, that a new ownership would want their own man in,” said McCoist, adding that the transition felt inevitable given the bigger picture unfolding behind the scenes.
However, Jeff Stelling expressed frustration with the club’s lack of urgency in securing a permanent replacement, questioning how talks could still be “progressing well” after such a long delay. “It’s been three months—how much time do you need to make a decision?” he asked pointedly.
McCoist responded by suggesting that the managerial decision is being deliberately delayed to allow the incoming ownership—fronted by 49ers Enterprises and US businessman Andrew Cavenagh—to make their own appointment. “You don’t want to hire someone now if a new regime is about to take over and wants their own vision,” McCoist explained. “It’s logical they’d want their man in place once the transition is complete.”
Stelling agreed in part but cautioned that this situation puts the incoming manager at a disadvantage, as they’ll miss a crucial period to assess the squad and make necessary changes. “The next boss won’t have the luxury of time to evaluate the players. That’s a real setback,” he added.
As speculation mounts around the takeover and managerial search, both pundits agree that Rangers are heading for a significant turning point—but exactly when the next chapter begins remains unclear.
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