Ally McCoist has revealed the "stunned" reaction from Rangers' former players in a WhatsApp group after the club crashed out of Europe with a penalty shoot-out playoff defeat to Jablonec in Czechia.
'Worst ever' European result
Speaking to talkSPORT, McCoist described the loss as the club's worst ever European result. "I could not believe my eyes. There was nothing. Nothing defensively, nothing at all in attack," he said. "The opposition, with the greatest respect, were bang average."
The defeat adds to the pressure on manager Derek McInnes, who has endured a lacklustre start to his time in the Ibrox hot seat. However, McCoist refused to place all the blame on the under-fire boss, insisting the players must take "responsibility" on the pitch.
Players told to take responsibility
"The players need to get their fingers out. I am not saying they are not playing for Derek, they are not playing for themselves or the team, never mind Derek," McCoist said. "The manager is where the buck stops, but the players have got to take responsibility. Rangers last night - in terms of players taking responsibility - there was nothing."
He added: "We have a WhatsApp group, all the ex-players, and we were all stunned."
McCoist dismisses return talk
With speculation over McInnes' long-term future already mounting, co-host Jamie O'Hara pushed McCoist on a potential return to the dugout. McCoist previously managed the club from 2011 to 2014, guiding them through the lower leagues.
O'Hara asked: "Coisty, I have got to ask you - Martin O'Neill is manager of Celtic, he done brilliant last season and I know they got knocked out of the Champions League - when are you going to become Rangers manager again? Seriously, it's got to happen."
McCoist dismissed the suggestion, citing his age and current role. "Jamie, you know what age I am pal? I am 63 years of age and I quite enjoy my life," he said. "I work with you guys, it's brilliant, and I go to some of the best games on the planet and that is the way it's staying."
He added: "I am Rangers man, I always will be - you never turn your back on your club and if they needed you, then you would be there, but come on mate - that would be a step back the way."
McInnes needs time
McCoist insisted McInnes should be given time to turn things around, criticising the club's recruitment. "They need to look forward and Derek has to be given time. He has to be given time. The recruitment - it's not as if we are buying boys for £200k-£300k, we are spending £5million-£6million on players. The recruitment has been appalling."
