Ally McCoist keen to make peace with SFA and move forward

ALLY McCoist is keen to see Rangers and the Scottish Football Association resolve their differences for the good of Scottish football.

The Rangers manager was responding to comments by SFA president Campbell Ogilvie this week saying he wants to hold clear-the-air talks with Ibrox chief executive Charles Green.

Rangers and the football governing body have clashed over a number of issues during a turbulent time for the club. Green has been particularly vocal about the treatment of Rangers and was yesterday cleared of two SFA charges of bringing the game into disrepute and failing to act in the best interests of football following a not proven verdict.

Like Ogilvie, McCoist wants to find a situation where Rangers and the SFA can now forge what he described as “a healthy working relationship” to allow both parties to move on. He said: “I would echo Campbell’s views and sentiments. I’m delighted Charles’ case was found not proven. From our point of view, it was the right decision. It was a bonus for us. At the same time, we are of the opinion that we all have to move forward.

“At a club of our standing, in an ideal world, we have to have a healthy working relationship with the governing body.”

McCoist also welcomed comments by Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond, who admitted he misses the Old Firm rivalry with Rangers, who he referred to as “a great football club.” He said: “I thought it was very honest and really refreshing to hear from Mr Desmond. What he said obviously came from the heart and it was very honest of him. I think it’s the view shared by the vast majority of sensible people within the game but it was very nice to hear.

“I’m missing the Old Firm game. I think people who know what the Old Firm game is about and appreciate it will miss it.”