Ally McCoist: Nonsense to suggest a director of football is the way forward for Rangers

Former Rangers boss Ally McCoist insists it is "absolute garbage'' for anyone to believe that a director of football will solve the problems at Ibrox.

A new management structure is being put in place at the club following the departure of ex-manager Mark Warburton and his staff.

It has been reported that director of scouting and recruitment at Southampton, Ross Wilson, has turned down the chance to become director of football with the Light Blues.

While under-20s boss Graeme Murty is currently in charge of the first team, Rangers are trying to finalise a deal to bring Portuguese coach Pedro Caixinha in as manager as the Gers trail rivals Celtic by 33 points ahead of their Ladbrokes Premiership meeting at Parkhead on Sunday.

McCoist, the former striker and assistant manager who was also Rangers boss between 2011 and 2014, believes "massive investment'' is the key.

"I am not against a director of football but it is absolute garbage if anyone thinks that a director of football is going to solve Rangers' problems right now."

He said: "I am not against a director of football but it is absolute garbage if anyone thinks that a director of football is going to solve Rangers' problems right now.

"It is nonsense. I have never heard so much nonsense in all my life.

"Did Jock Stein have a director of football? Alex Ferguson, Walter Smith, Martin O'Neill? No.

"What they needed was a club run very well and financial backing and that is what is required at Rangers.

"The boy at Southampton, Ross Wilson. What is his budget at Southampton? I don't know but I would bet it is millions. Is he going to come to Rangers and solve the problem with no budget?

"The answer is no.

"Ross Wilson is clearly very good at what he does but my point is he is backed financially to do what he wants to do.

"Rangers need investment, that is exactly what is needed.

"Clearly you don't want to put the club in any financial trouble again. That goes without saying.

"But for Rangers to improve on the park, massive investment is needed.

"I couldn't tell you where it is going to come from, I can only tell you what I think is going to solve the problem.

"I know there has been a bit of money spent but I think we need serious investment.''

Speaking at Hampden Park where he was helping to publicise Ladbrokes Live Football show, McCoist admitted knowing little about Caixinha, currently in charge of Qatar Stars League side Al Gharafa.

However, he revealed that, were it down to him, he would look to persuade two former Rangers managers, Smith and Graeme Souness, to return.

He said: "I don't know the gentleman (Caixinha), the same as 98 per cent of Rangers supporters.

"I would clearly wish him all the very best, but I would be very surprised if he turns up with a magic wand.

"He is going to need help, investment.

"We have maybe slightly improved, but we needed investment two or three years ago and we need investment now.

"In my last year we were miles away from challenging Celtic and that's where we are at the moment.

"What I would have done is get Graeme Souness and Walter Smith in a room and locked them in and not let them out until they agreed to come back to help us.

"I don't think they would have done it unless they were promised investment, but Rangers need leadership.

"They need direction and those two men I have mentioned would have given them that, but I don't think it is going to happen.''

• superscoreboard
• rangers