Dave King: Rangers would've won Championship over Hearts without turmoil

Ally McCoist would have won the 2014/15 Scottish Championship title had Dave King's regime been in charge of the club, according to the Rangers chairman.

Dave King insists his regime would have provided Ally McCoist will the stability needed to win the title. Picture: John Devlin

King seized control of the club in early March of that season, wrestling it away from the grasps of Mike Ashley, who had a major say in the running of the club despite holding only 8.92 per cent of the Ibrox club’s shares.

By that time, McCoist had long departed Rangers following a disappointing beginning to the season. The club legend was placed on gardening leave on 21 December with the side nine points behind Hearts in the league table.

The Tynecastle side would march to the title, securing a 21-point advantage over second placed Hibs when it was all said and done.

However, King believes Rangers, who finished 24 points back before losing to Motherwell in the play-off final, would have won the title under McCoist had there been stability at the club behind the scenes.

He said: “Ally was a unifying figure for the club when we were demoted to the lower leagues.

“As expected of a club with Rangers resources he secured two very comfortable promotions before the team failed to win the Championship and thereby secure the anticipated immediate return to the Premier League. Given Rangers resources, that was completely unacceptable and Ally acknowledged that.

“However, and importantly, what must not be forgotten is the absolute turmoil at the club during that season with massive cost reductions on and off the field.

“The first team was not immune from what was going on and I am absolutely certain that the on-field performance was greatly impacted by the off-field shambles.

“I am also absolutely convinced that if the present board had been in place during that season (and was able to provide the support that the present manager now receives) Ally and his team would have won that Championship.”

King also said McCoist would be welcome back at Ibrox any time.

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