Ally McCoist – Ranger’s Hero

Ally McCoist is undoubtedly the finest Scottish goal-scorer of the last 30 years. In a career that spanned more than two decades, he won the hearts and minds of legions of fans as he established himself as one of the most popular sports personalities in the UK. Despite having ended his playing days five years ago, his appeal still endures and his regular television appearances have generated a new wave of admirers. A schoolboy prodigy, it was always clear that McCoist was destined for top flight soccer. At just 16 he signed his first professional contract with Scottish First Division side St Johnstone. It was in the 1980-1981 season that he shot to prominence, scoring 22 league goals and playing a starring role for the Scotland Youth team. His outstanding performances propelled him into the limelight and he was soon hot property, coveted by many First Division clubs.After two years of mixed fortunes at Sunderland, McCoist went back north of the border and signed for his boyhood heroes Glasgow Rangers. He enjoyed unprecedented success there for the next 15 years, establishing himself as arguably the greatest goal-scorer ever to play for the club. Indeed, by the end of the 1985-1986 season he was a top goalscorer in the Premier Division. He not only gave heart and soul for his club but was also capped 61 times for Scotland. This authoritative and affectionate portrait of this much-loved sportsman charts the highs and lows of a fascinating career–including a couple of injury-stricken years-culminating in McCoist reaching legendary status. It also looks at the events that helped to shape his life such as how he overcame his homesickness when first playing for an English club, the effect his parents’ separation had on him, and how he coped when his young son had to undergo several life-saving operations. Having hung up his boots, his vibrant personality made him a natural for the television screen and he carved a niche for himself with a role in sporting media. Now, however, McCoist has come full circle and returned home to be assistant manager at his beloved Rangers. This wonderful book is a must-read for any football fan or indeed for anyone captivated by this larger-than-life character.