McCoist 'thrilled' by Rangers job

22 February 2011 19:00

Ally McCoist declared himself as excited as he had ever been as he was unveiled as the latest Rangers manager.

Rangers on Tuesday afternoon confirmed McCoist's anticipated succession to the Ibrox hotseat when Walter Smith steps down in the summer. McCoist, the club's record goalscorer, has been viewed as the natural successor to Smith since the early stages of his four-year stint as assistant manager.

"I'm thrilled to bits, it's as exciting a time as I can think of," McCoist said.

"I was lucky enough to play for the club for 15 years but this is an absolute dream and a privilege.

"(Rangers chief executive) Martin Bain and I had a few discussions, and Walter was heavily involved, and once I was offered the job, my automatic reaction was to say yes.

"Rangers have always been my team. I know the club inside out, I know the people, the fans, the players and I know how important this football club is to everyone and hopefully I can bring them success."

But McCoist was keen not to wallow in the moment too long as Rangers look to bounce back from their weekend Old Firm defeat when they play Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League on Thursday.

"It's a little bit of a relief in respect that we can now hopefully put it to bed," he said.

"This is a wonderful moment but I'm sure everyone is aware of the importance of between now and the end of the season. We're still heavily involved in four trophies."

Source: PA