Rangers legend Ally McCoist was in no mood to discuss Barry Ferguson’s appointment as interim manager when quizzed by Alan Brazil on talkSPORT’s breakfast show.
The Ibrox icon, clearly taken aback by recent developments at the club, admitted that even Celtic fans have stopped mocking Rangers and now feel sympathy for their rivals who are now trailing by 16 points in the Scottish Premiership table.
His tenure begins at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock on Wednesday night, but his biggest test will come next week in the Europa League against Fenerbahce - Rangers’ best chance at silverware this season.
Ferguson has been handed the reins on a short-term basis following Philippe Clement’s departure last Sunday, with 15 games to make his mark.
He’s joined by a backroom staff comprising several ex-players, with Brazil questioning what coaching credentials former goalkeeper Allan McGregor has to be in such role.
Ferguson’s CV appears underwhelming to many too, yet the new man in the Ibrox helm has urged supporters to judge him on how his fares during his latest position rather than past managerial stints at Blackpool, Clyde, Kelty Hearts, and Alloa Athletic.
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However, when pressed about the change in the Rangers dugout by Celtic fan Brazil, McCoist was reluctant to engage.
“I don’t want to talk about it,” he responded when Brazil asked: “What the hell is happening at Ibrox?”
Brazil wasn’t deterred and continued his grilling, questioning McGregor’s coaching qualifications.
“You've got to!,” he shouted. “The goalkeeper [Allan McGregor] - what badges has he got to coach?”
McCoist defended the newly assembled Rangers management team and said: "I don't know, I don't want to talk about it. I'm fully behind the boys and I hope they do well, that's all I'm saying on it."
Many onlookers had to look twice when the notifications came through confirming Ferguson as Clement's temporary successor, and it appeared to almost catch the radio duo out as well.
"When I saw the news on my phone I was like 'what?' Has it gone down a sinkhole, Ibrox, or something?," Brazil chimed back in.
McCoist confessed: "I was the same, but I am more perplexed by why you extend the manager's contract then get rid of him. You give a centre-back [Connor Goldson], who has been excellent for us, an extra couple of years and then you have got to pay him up..."
The conversation then shifted to the club’s ownership situation, with speculation surrounding a potential takeover by a US consortium linked to the San Francisco 49ers continuing to create headlines.
Brazil expressed confusion over why Clement was dismissed before any deal was finalised, suggesting a more cautious approach should have been taken given the Light Blues’ domestic season has already unravelled significantly.
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McCoist echoed the sentiment, questioning the decision-making process from Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart and the club’s hierarchy.
He commented: “100 per cent you would, unless they have told them to do it before they get in. You would hope that; get some of the dirty work done before they come in, maybe, you would hope that is the case.
"But in answer to your question, I don't know. I am devastated. You lot [Celtic supporters] aren't even laughing at us anymore. My mates are Celtic boys and they are messaging me asking 'what is going on there?' - there is nothing worse than getting sympathy from your biggest rivals."
