Scottish Championship: Rangers manager Ally McCoist has been assured his job is safe

Ally McCoist has revealed his job as Rangers manager is safe following early morning talks with the club's chairman.

McCoist has been a strong supporter of Graham Wallace, who quit his role as chief executive following the club's acceptance of a £2m emergency loan from Newcastle owner Mike Ashley.

Ashley already owns around nine per cent of the Scottish Championship side and the new investment further strengthens the Sports Direct owner's influence on the club.

Having spoken to both gentlemen, they have confirmed to me that they want me to continue my job as Rangers manager.

But speaking ahead of Tuesday's Scottish League Cup tie against St Johnstone, McCoist revealed he had been given reassurances over his future by PLC chairman David Somers and Sandy Easdale, the chairman of the club's football board. 

"Having spoken to both gentlemen, they have confirmed to me that they want me to continue my job as Rangers manager and, as you would expect, to concentrate my thoughts on the game tomorrow night.

Saddened

"Obviously I am saddened by Graham's departure but what this (press conference) gives me is an opportunity on behalf of the staff and players to thank him very, very much for his input at the football club.  

"Graham was great to work with, absolutely terrific to worth with, and was 100 per cent committed to taking the football club forward."

Asked for his views on Ashley's investment, McCoist added: "It's good news. Of course it's good news. I've said all along that the football club need investment, that's the first thing. So we've got investment.

If the board are happy with the situation then, as the manager of the club, I have to be happy with it.

"I have to tell you I spoke to the chairman this morning. I had a good 15 to 20 minutes on the phone with the chairman and indeed I spoke to Sandy Easdale (who owns 26 per cent of the club's shares) as well on the phone this morning.

"First and foremost I think it was very decent of the two gentlemen to phone me and to give me an update which they have done.

"A lot of it will remain private but the one thing I would say is that both board members - Sandy and the chairman - are very, very pleased and comfortable with the situation at the moment.

Investment

"The chairman gave me an indication of why they have decided to take the investment from Mike and as I say the board are happy with that and I have to totally accept that.

"If the board are happy with it then as the manager of the club I have to be happy with it.

"My position and my objectives for the club have not changed at all since I took over the job and that is to attempt to get us back to the top flight as soon as possible.

"That hasn't changed and it won't change. Obviously factors outside it in terms of the board and shareholders and investment, I don't and can't have control over. I have to react to that but as I say my own position hasn't altered at all."