McCoist set to succeed Smith

22 February 2011 16:30
Rangers have confirmed for the first time that Ally McCoist will take over as manager when Walter Smith steps down at the end of the season. Assistant manager McCoist has been groomed as Smith's successor since the pair returned to Ibrox in January 2007. The club revealed McCoist, who scored 355 goals in 581 appearances for the club, had agreed a one-year rolling contract with Kenny McDowall stepping up from the coaching team to become his assistant. Chief executive Martin Bain told the club's official website: "We are delighted to confirm Ally as our next manager when Walter Smith steps down at the end of the season. "First and foremost Ally is a passionate Rangers supporter who has been a loyal servant to the club both as a player and more recently assistant manager. He has contributed greatly to our success over the past four years and that is why we feel he is the right man to replace Walter. "When Ally joined Walter as his assistant in January 2007 he was always being groomed as the next manager. He is the unanimous choice of the Rangers board to take the club forward next season."

Source: PA