McCoist applauds Whyte support

22 July 2011 16:32
Rangers manager Ally McCoist claims he has been "100 per cent" happy with the backing he has received from new owner Craig Whyte.[LNB] The Scottish champions have signed Lee Wallace for £1.5million from Hearts and secured United States international Alejandro Bedoya on a pre-contract agreement.[LNB]Juan Manuel Ortiz was also recruited earlier this month but business has been slow in the transfer market, with McCoist missing out on a number of targets over the summer.[LNB]He is still pursuing several players who remain on his radar and the new boss says he is more than content with the part the Rangers hierarchy has had to play so far.[LNB]"100 per cent - absolutely," said McCoist. "I've been in constant dialogue with the new owner and the new management team and I know they are as keen as we are to bring fresh faces in and freshen up the squad."[LNB]McCoist has confirmed his interest in defensive trio Rabiu Afolabi, Roland Juhasz and Dorin Goian, while continuing his pursuit of Carlos Cuellar after a fee was agreed with Aston Villa.[LNB]The manager said: "Andrew Dickson (head of football administration) spoke to Carlos' agent either last night or this morning.[LNB]"That's ticking along. That's not of immediate importance due to the fact that he can't play for a number of weeks with his injury anyway.[LNB]"So, although it is important to us, it's not of immediate importance.[LNB]"It's much the same. I am optimistic generally speaking and I just have to wait and see."[LNB]Rangers failed with a bid for St Johnstone midfielder Murray Davidson on Thursday and McCoist has yet to determine whether the club will go back with an improved offer.[LNB]He said: "I don't know to be honest. I haven't had a chance to sit down and speak to the owner at any great length so it would be wrong to give a comment on that at the moment."[LNB]Looking ahead to his first competitive game in charge when Hearts come calling in the SPL on Saturday, McCoist said: "I'm looking forward to it and, more importantly, I know our players are looking forward to it and we will be ready for it.[LNB]"I will be extremely proud but that's got nothing to do with it. I've been here long enough as a player and as assistant manager to know that all that matters is the result."[LNB]He will be following the lead of predecessor Walter Smith by spending at least some of the game in the directors' box, rather than his usual spot in the technical area.[LNB]McCoist added: "I would think I will be watching the game from the stand tomorrow or parts of the game anyway.[LNB]"My opinion is that it's the best place to watch the game, it gives you a far better position to watch the game.[LNB]"In the dug-out, you are at pitch-level and you can't really see things over on the other side of the pitch. The higher up you are, in my opinion, the better the place is to watch the game."

Source: Team_Talk