McCoist: Give it the big sell

Jul 6 2008 Gavin Berry

ALLY McCOIST is adamant Rangers must follow the Dutch blueprint to raise the cash that will allow them to compete with Europe's elite.

The Ibrox No.2 believes copying the likes of Ajax and PSV Eindhoven can make up the shortfall in funds compared to the continent's big guns.

Despite a record s125million SPL TV deal it's still nowhere near the amount clubs in England, Spain, Italy and Germany rake in and the Light Blues can't compete in the transfer market.

But McCoist believes the answer is to buy young players and turn them into stars while bringing through their own talent then selling it on for a tidy profit.

PSV took on raw youngsters such as Romario and Ronaldo and nurtured their potential before flogging them for big bucks.

And over the years their rivals Ajax have produced a conveyor belt of young stars who have moved on for huge transfer fees.

McCoist wants to see Gers emulate that business plan having already sold youth product Alan Hutton for s9m and bought blossoming hitkid Kyle Lafferty.

But he doesn't want to see them only become a selling club and believes handing Allan McGregor a new deal is proof of that.

McCoist said: "There has to be a realisation among the fans that times have changed with the Old Firm and Scottish football.

"But I don't see why we can't be a team like Ajax or PSV Eindhoven.

"And by that I mean competing at the top level in Europe most years but effectively having to sell your best talent to survive.

"These kind of clubs have managed it perfectly.

"The financial situation down south dictates everything for us really. We can't afford to compete with these guys, even the likes of Fulham, for players sowe have to see howwe can find ways round it.

"I think the fans have a better realisation but it's a real boost to see we won't sell players right away, we'll try to nurture them and keep them coming along.

"Ajax and PSV went to Brazil to sign Ronaldo and Romario as kids.

"Our hands are tied by work permit regulations regarding South American players but there are plenty of other places to look for potential stars.

"There is a fear factor yet the positives far outweigh the negatives and it's a gamble we have to take.

"We can't go out and get the finished product at s12m - it's impossible.

"We can't afford it and can't compete with the top clubs.

"You have to find another way of doing it and going for young talent is one solution.

"It's a gamble you might see the two Old Firm clubs taking more.

"We cover games all over the place throughout the season - our chief scout Ewan Chester has a team of about seven or eight working away.

"You just have to stay alert and get players. Listen to what the vibe is then go and watch them.

"There's no other way of doing it. You can watch videos but it's important to see a player myself."

One player Gers hope to help fulfil his potential is Lafferty, albeit they had to shell out s3.25m to get the striker from Burnley.

McCoist admits it is a huge risk paying out so much for a 20-year-old - but is confident it will pay off.

He said: "I never saw Kyle play for Burnley although obviously we had him scouted there. But I watched him a couple of times with Northern Ireland and he really impressed.

"It's important to get out and have a look because effectively it's your judgment that determines whether players are going to come and how successful they'll be.

"Kyle scored against Bulgaria at Windsor Park then against Sweden and looked good through the middle although at Burnley he played on the left. There's more to Kyle than being a target man, he's quick but can handle the physical side of it no problem which is important in Scotland.

"The fact he played wide left for Burnley shows there's more things he can do. It's an exciting year for him.

"Some SPL defences are quite physical but that won't scare him.

"Kyle also has a great touch for a big lad and I'm really looking forward to working with him because there's a lot of potential there.

"He's desperate to do well and you love working with guys like that.

"He has extra aspects to his game and I wouldn't have him down as an out-and-out target man.

"I know Lawrie Sanchez said Kyle is like Peter Crouch but I'd be loath to compare them. They're different although Crouch is a good footballer despite the criticism he gets.

"You look at someone of that height and think they'll be good in the air but Crouch has a good touch and can bring people into play.

"I know where Sanchez is coming from when he says Kyle can take the ball and is comfortable on it.

"He can go in behind as well which is so important for a team like ours because you can't be one dimensional and just come short.

"We have plenty of options now which is really important. We were criticised in some quarters for being a little defensive last season.

"But as the manager rightly pointed out we scored as many goals as anyone in the country, in fact we lost one or two more than we should have.

"People go on about tactics and how many strikers you field but it's how you play your formation that's the important thing.

"We have great options up front and different types of players. Lafferty, Kenny Miller, Kris Boyd, Jean-Claude Darcheville, Daniel Cousin, Andrius Velicka - there's not really two the same.

"And with the three strikers we've signed the impression I get is they're really keen to play for the club which might not sound important but it's massive to me.

"Because of the financial situation you get players who go from club to club and effectively it's a job for them.

"But these guys want to play for Rangers. That might sound stupid to some people but I believe it's crucial."

As Gers prepare to head to their pre-season training base on the Dutch-German border on Saturday, McCoist would still like to see more additions to the squad.

He said: "Finances will determine what we're in the market for but personally I'd love another defender and midfielder.

"I'd like to see someone with a bit of dig. However, if that's what we've got between now and the start of the season then we'll just get on with it.

"We're really looking forward to the campaign but if you look at your team there are always places you'd like to strengthen.

"It would be brilliant if Steven Davis signed permanently and I hope he does.

"The midfield epitomised our team who were fantastic all last season.

"However, given the amount of games it was only natural they dipped towards the end with the rest of the guys - and that's not a criticism.

"The midfield had a solidity to it with the personnel and the way we were playing but it wouldn't do any harm to freshen up that area.

"Davis is a player we'd love to get.

A deal hasn't been struck yet but he'd be keen to come and we'd be delighted to have him.

"There is regret over the way we lost the league last season. The best team wins so Celtic must have deserved it and we move on.

"But everyone knows one or two factors went against us, that's not an excuse just fact.

"And that will definitely drive us on this season.

"The boys had a fantastic campaign, it was a rollercoaster ride I won't ever forget. You hope it happens again but it might never.

"There was enough success to enjoy and enough disappointment to get back and say we don't want to suffer that again."