McCoist excited by mad Edinburgh matches

30 June 2014 02:47

Rangers manager Ally McCoist said Monday he was looking forward to facing Edinburgh sides Hearts and Hibernian in the Scottish Championship even though the fact three of the country's biggest clubs were in the second tier was a sign of the "madness of Scottish football".

Glasgow giants Rangers, the 54-times champions of Scotland were kicked into the country's fourth and bottom tier of professional football in 2012 after entering administration.

But they have since been working their way back towards the summit and last season were crowned champions of third-tier League One.

Now in next season's Championship they will face both Hearts and Hibs after the Edinburgh duo were relegated from the Scottish Premiership last season, with Hearts all but assured of the drop after being docked 15 points for entering administration.

However, both Edinburgh clubs are now under new management.

New Hearts owner Ann Budge has sacked Gary Locke and replaced him as Tynecastle manager with Robbie Neilson.

Meanwhile Hibs, beaten by Hamilton in the play-off, have sacked former England centre-half Terry Butcher as their manager and brought in Alan Stubbs to Easter Road.

"The big talking point over the summer has been the addition to the Championship of ourselves, Hearts and Hibs," McCoist told Rangers' website.

"I've had a chat with the boys and we've had a good blether (talk) about what's expected of us this season and how we see the competition and the games.

"There's going to be a lot of focus on this season and there's a real anticipation. I can feel it, not just from the players but from the fans and the staff as well.

"All being well, we can have a good pre-season and we can look forward to a very competitive and healthy start to the league."

Former Rangers and Scotland striker McCoist added: "Hearts and -- to an even greater degree -- Hibs will have changed squads from last year and the change of management at both clubs will have a massive influence on their playing pools.

"The one thing the two Edinburgh teams both are though are really big clubs. There's no doubt about that and we've enjoyed going there on numerous occasions.

"We've had some great tussles at Ibrox too and I don't see next season being any different. It's bizarre we are all in the second tier but that's where we are at the moment.

"That's the madness of Scottish football but it gives us an opportunity to pit our wits against two of the country's great clubs and we are looking forward to that."

Source: AFP