Ally McCoist defends Rangers owner in wake of BBC probe

Published on Friday 21 October 2011 15:13

RANGERS manager Ally McCoist insists he is more than happy with his working relationship with owner Craig Whyte and says they are both focused on events on the field despite ongoing issues off it.

Whyte has instructed his lawyers to begin legal proceedings against the BBC over allegations made against him in a documentary aired last night which explored his business dealings before his takeover of the club in May.

The Scottish champions withdrew co-operation with the broadcaster earlier in the week, while the BBC strongly rejected claims of bias against the club and insisted the content of the programme was accurate and in the public interest.

McCoist spoke with Whyte this morning and claims their only concern is Sunday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League game against Hearts.

He said: “He’s been great, absolutely smashing. I spoke to the owner this morning as I always do and we had a good chat.

“We’ve got a good working relationship.

“We are both in total agreement that the most important thing that we have to focus on is Sunday’s game at Tynecastle.

“I will not comment on any television programmes.”

The row with the BBC is the latest chapter in what has been a difficult period off the field for Rangers.

But McCoist is confident his players - who are seven points clear at the top of the SPL - will remain unaffected by those issues.

He said: “You can only influence things that you can influence and we can’t have an influence on other things.

“The boys have been doing particularly well in the league and it’s pleasing. Hopefully that will continue.

“My players are really focused and everybody should know that.

“Over the last four or five years there has been ups and downs as there are at any club.

“Our players to a man have remained wonderfully focused and they are still focused.

“We will continue to be a solid team with a great spirit.”

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