Ally McCoist offers weighty Rangers argument against impassioned radio plea to SWERVE Champions League ’embarrassment’
Rangers icon Ally McCoist believes the financial benefits of reaching the promised land of the Champions League will always trump coefficient points.
The Ibrox hero answered impassioned punter Mal who believes a return to the Europa League will outweigh the enticing financial rewards of dining at European football’s top table. Michael Beale – ahead of the crunch playoff with PSV – admits the guarantee of European football makes a difference after win and you’re out scenarios when sat on the bench next to Steven Gerrard during his first spell at Ibrox. And now one fan – fresh off the worst statistical season in Champions League history – believes a return to starring in UEFA’s second tournament will benefit both club and country.
Rangers diehard Mal said: “Right now Rangers can sustain more points, more coefficient points for Scotland in the Europa League than the Champions League. And that is our best position to hold onto these qualifying positions.”. Rangers hero McCoist noted he respected Mal’s stance but was on hand to offer an alternative argument. He responded: “I’m going to say something to you, I think you make a very good point, it’s probably difficult to disagree with. But what I am going to say to you is this, what you don’t mention is the financial benefit that Rangers will get from winning the tie against PSV. That financial benefit of qualifying for the Champions League. Surely it will help the club moving forward?”
But Mal reckons the notion the cash will be splashed if success is secured in Europe was not on display last summer with former Gio Van Bronckhorst not spending big after leading Rangers to a stirring run to the Europa League Final in Seville.
The caller added: “There was no great positives, which I could see, to take that team further into Europe again. We did go into Europe, we did go the Champions League. And what happened? Come on. It was an embarrassment. All that money we go from it (run to the Europa League Final), where did it go? Why did we not invest? There is a consequences which has followed on to where we are.”
