Ally McCoist’s Dramatic U-Turn on SPFL Prediction as Rangers Appoint Russell Martin
Rangers legend Ally McCoist has made a stunning reversal on his Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) predictions following Rangers’ appointment of Russell Martin as their new head coach. Previously cautious about Rangers’ prospects of challenging Celtic’s dominance, McCoist now believes Martin’s arrival could herald a new era at Ibrox, potentially dethroning their arch-rivals. His newfound optimism stems from Martin’s tactical alignment with former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard and the promise of significant financial backing from the club’s new US investors.
McCoist, a revered figure in Scottish football, had earlier expressed concerns about Rangers’ ability to close the gap on Celtic without substantial investment. Speaking on talkSPORT, he once remarked that even world-class managers like Pep Guardiola or Jose Mourinho would struggle to topple Celtic without a hefty transfer budget. However, the appointment of Russell Martin, coupled with a reported takeover by a US consortium led by Andrew Cavenagh and backed by 49ers Enterprises, has shifted his perspective. McCoist now sees Martin as a shrewd choice, capable of steering Rangers to glory.
Martin, a former Rangers defender, brings a possession-based, progressive style of football that mirrors the approach Steven Gerrard employed during his successful tenure at Ibrox. Gerrard led Rangers to their 55th league title in 2021, ending Celtic’s hopes of a historic 10-in-a-row. McCoist believes Martin’s philosophy, honed at Swansea City and Southampton, aligns closely with Gerrard’s high-pressing, attacking system. “Russell’s teams play with control and flair, much like Stevie’s Rangers did,” McCoist said on talkSPORT. “If he gets the backing, he can replicate that success.”
The financial aspect is pivotal in McCoist’s revised outlook. Celtic’s dominance, underpinned by astute recruitment and financial stability, has been a hurdle for Rangers. Martin’s managerial career, while promising, has often been constrained by limited resources. At Southampton, he faced challenges in the Premier League, but his ability to implement an attractive, possession-heavy style earned plaudits. McCoist argues that with Rangers’ new ownership reportedly injecting significant funds, Martin can finally operate with the resources needed to compete. “Financial backing has been the missing piece in Martin’s career,” McCoist noted. “With the right signings, he can build a squad to challenge Celtic.”
The timing of Martin’s appointment is critical, with Rangers returning for pre-season in June 2025 and facing Champions League qualifiers in July. McCoist has urged the club to act swiftly to allow Martin to shape the squad. “You’ve got to get it done quickly to give the new guy a chance,” he said, emphasizing the need for a strong transfer window. Posts on X reflect similar sentiment, with fans excited about Martin’s potential to deliver a “new era” at Ibrox.
McCoist’s bold prediction marks a departure from his earlier caution, as he now envisions Martin leading Rangers to overthrow Celtic’s reign. With a shared footballing philosophy with Gerrard and the promise of financial muscle, Martin could indeed be the catalyst for a Rangers resurgence, setting the stage for a thrilling SPFL title race.
