Rangers takeover: ‘My statement was anything but an apology’ says McCoist

RANGERS manager Ally McCoist insists that he stands by everything he said in an interview conducted this week, when he called for those involved in the decision to issue severe sanctions on the Ibrox club to be identified.

McCoist has been criticised for starting a witch-hunt after demanding the names of those on the Scottish Football Association’s Judicial Panel Tribunal, which imposed penalties totalling £160,000 and handed Rangers a 12-month signing embargo on players over the age of 17. The club will appeal, but only after McCoist called for an overhaul of a system which was devised only last year, and was introduced after the unanimous backing of all clubs.

“A lot of people have actually misinterpreted the statement I made yesterday as an apology. It was anything but an apology,” said McCoist, who had condemned any form of intimidation directed towards the three men on the panel. One of them, Raith Rovers director Eric Drysdale, had to be given security advice from police.

“I totally abhor any form of violence, of course I do. I don’t believe I’m actually having to say that to you because it should be taken as read,” said McCoist, who said he felt “more comfortable” now he knew who was responsible for making the decisions.

“Mr Drysdale came out and he was obviously unhappy at my comments, which I can understand and respect,” he said. “But at least I know the man that I disagree with and who was part of the panel.

“I have a problem with their decision, but absolutely no problem with the guys at all and I respect them for going on the panel and I respect their decision, albeit I don’t agree with it and that’s fine,” he added.

McCoist also defended his emotional use of language, which saw him accuse those on the panel of ‘killing’ the club. “I’ve been criticised by a lot of people about making the statement that the decision could kill the club,” he said. “It might have been a dramatic statement, but that decision could, quite simply, kill our club as we know it,” he said. “But I would have to reiterate that these people are not anything like responsible for killing our club. I have to clarify that and common sense would tell you that. But that particular decision could be the final nail in the coffin and I stand by that.”

McCoist, however, held back from criticising majority shareholder Craig Whyte, the man accused of taking Rangers to the brink. “There will be a time and a place where all the washing will come out and we will all sit down and have a chat about everything,” he said. “But I just don’t feel just now is the right time.”

McCoist also defended the Rangers supporters’ right to protest against the decision. Rangers fans’ groups have discussed boycotting SFA sponsors and will march to Hampden today in protest against the sanctions.

“The fans have supported us unbelievably well after we have gone into administration,” he said. “The least we can do is show them a bit of solidarity and support back, which we will do. Myself and Sandy [Jardine] will meet with the fans. I don’t think for a minute we will agree with everything they want to do but I would have to say, I personally would go with an open mind in any way, shape or form to support them.”