Ally McCoist makes 'horrendous' Man City 115 charges comparison as Rangers legend recalls staff losing jobs

Ally McCoist has explained the stark difference between Manchester City's financial charges and the events which led to Rangers entering administration and subsequently ending up in Scottish football’s fourth tier in 2012.

The Rangers legend was discussing City's ongoing case on TalkSPORT when the conversation turned to the potential punishments the Premier League champions could face now they have been found guilty of the 115 charges brought against them.

McCoist's take on Rangers in 2012

McCoist, who was Rangers manager during the club's financial crisis, stressed that the consequences of what happened at Ibrox went far beyond the footballers on the pitch.

“Absolutely horrendous because effectively in the bigger picture people were losing their jobs,” McCoist said.

“You're not talking about your centre-forward, your centre-back because invariably footballers will survive, right? Because they do.

“There's a big difference. There's no real comparison other than City might get put down the leagues, which obviously is a potential as one of the punishments and then that brings its own problems.

“But when we did obviously the administration, liquidation, they come in and just clear the boards.”

McCoist then recalled one particularly difficult moment from his time in charge at Rangers, involving a member of staff rather than a player.

“I had one of the older lads, I mean, in tears come into the office,” he continued.

“Not a player, just somebody that had a wee job at the club. I wouldn't want to name names.

“An older fella came in in tears. Not a player, he just worked for the club. Because he was losing his job.

“Can you imagine? It was heartbreaking.”

McCoist revealed that the employee ultimately managed to keep his job, but said the situation highlighted the impact the crisis had on people who worked behind the scenes.

“I was saying to the guys, look, just you need to get rid of a player. Because the player will survive, you know what I mean? The player will go somewhere else - and a lot of them did.”

Rangers were forced to rebuild from the bottom of the Scottish football pyramid following liquidation, with the club entering the Third Division for the 2012/13 campaign.

The Brechin hedge

McCoist admitted the experience was difficult for everyone involved, recalling an early away fixture against Brechin City.

“The Rangers fans are unbelievable,” he said.

“I never forget one of the opening games. We played Brechin.

“You think I'm winding up here? We played Brechin and the game got delayed for a couple of minutes because the ball got stuck on top of a hedge.

“The guy had to go and get a pair of ladders and go get the ball.

“It was very, very difficult, of course it was, because we effectively had to start from scratch.”

Manchester City face potential demotion

Asked what would happen to Manchester City if they received a similarly severe punishment, McCoist replied: “Oh, you're starting again. You are officially starting again, from scratch.”

Despite the uncertainty surrounding City's case, McCoist believes supporters would remain behind their club if the worst-case scenario materialised.

“Fans will support their team no matter what,” he said “And particularly in the hour of need.”