McCoist welcomes support of SFL as inquiry into EBTs looms

Rangers manager Ally McCoist has welcomed the ongoing backing of the Scottish Football League as events from the previous Ibrox regime continue to dominate the headlines.

One report yesterday claimed that the SFL refused to take part in calls by the Scottish Premier League and the Scottish Football Association in the summer for the Ibrox side to be stripped of titles, with Rangers yet to be found guilty of any misuse of Employee Benefit Trusts (EBTs).

An SPL-appointed independent commission will begin a hearing in November into alleged undisclosed payments made by Rangers to players in relation to EBTs during Sir David Murray’s stewardship.

Rangers have refused to participate in the investigation – which could see them stripped of titles if found guilty – claiming the SPL has no jurisdiction over the Irn-Bru Third Division club.

Speaking after yesterday’s 4-1 win over Montrose, McCoist said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the response from the SFL. I’ve said all along, they have welcomed us into the league with open arms and the vast majority of clubs who welcomed us in are all reaping the benefits – as we are from being in the SFL. It doesn’t surprise me too much that the SFL have come out in support of one of their clubs to be honest with you. Long may that continue.

“The massive support we have had from within the SFL has been a blessing but it doesn’t surprise me. To mention the crime for a punishment before the punishment has been proven guilty or not guilty would be rather strange.

“For example, you don’t know if you are going to get 15, 20 years if you commit a heinous crime.

“I do find it strange that  people want to strip titles or threaten to strip titles before you have been found guilty of any alleged offence.”

McCoist is frustrated that  alleged past crimes continue to overshadow his attempts to take Rangers forward.

He said: “I am dreadfully weary of the whole situation. I will continue to fight but the most important thing is the  future of our club.

“The uncertainty from 14 February last year was bordering on catastrophic in terms of the club’s future. Now that we have a bit of stability, the disappointing thing for me is that we don’t seem to be getting the opportunity to move forward.”