OWEN COYLE admits he’s “Celtic through and through”. But the Bolton boss today revealed his pain at watching Rangers nosedive into administration.
Coyle, who spent the majority of his playing career north of the border and managed St Johnstone before heading south, knows the importance of a strong Old Firm to Scottish football.
For that reason, he is praying that Rangers come through their turbulent spell.
And he has backed manager Ally McCoist to help guide the club back to full strength on the park. He said of the current situation at Ibrox:
“Disappointed is an understatement. Rangers is a global, elite club.
“As everyone is well aware, I am a Celtic man through and through and that will never change, but you always want a strong Rangers. They have shown before on the European stage what they are capable of and there is no getting away from it – there has been mismanagement at the club in terms of finances.
“But I’m sure they can address that and come back as strong as ever.
“That is certainly what I want – to have a strong Celtic and Rangers, not just on the domestic front but in Europe, because it is great for Glasgow and for Scottish football, and the sooner we get that, the better. I think what you will find is that in adversity, a lot of people stick together, and you will see that with the Rangers supporters.
“They love their club, they are passionate about it and they will come out in their numbers and give that support. They will come out the other side of this. With Ally McCoist there, I’m sure they can go from strength to strength.”
Despite fears from fans that the club may fold, administrators have confirmed that Rangers are making good progress and will continue as a club.
Edinburgh-based administrators Duff and Phelps have been appointed to help solve the club’s dire financial state, but are looking at the positives for the Ibrox team.
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