Coisty realistic about future takeover prospects

The Ibrox number two was expected to move into the hotseat when Walter Smith eventually quits but he knows a new owner could change everything.

Rangers confirmed earlier this week that shareholder Murray International Holdings has begun discussions with London-based property developer Andrew Ellis about a takeover of the club.

And, when asked if such a scenario would determine whether he stays beyond the end of what could be a treble-winning season, McCoist said: "I would think it must. Definitely.

"I'm sure if I was buying a football club, I would take a great interest in who I was having run it and I would expect whoever takes over Rangers to do the exact same.

"They might want their own people in or they might want the people who are in to stay in. We won't know until that time arises.

"I would certainly say, from our own point of view, a big indicator would be who takes over and when they take over."

Smith and his backroom staff have been working without contracts since January, while some players who are out of contract in the summer have yet to commit to new deals amid uncertainty surrounding the club.

McCoist added: "One or two of the players have contracts up at the end of the season and it's very, very difficult for them in the current climate.

"They are in the same boat as the coaching and managerial staff. It's not ideal but that's life and we just have to get on with it."

But the Rangers assistant manager believes lack of information about events behind the scenes has allowed the players and coaching staff to focus fully on what is happening on the pitch, as they prepare to host Dundee United in the Scottish Cup quarter-final this weekend.