McCoist confusion following reports of Rangers resignation

The club have refused to comment on the story

Ally McCoist took charge of the Rangers team which lost 2-0 at Queen of the South last night (GETTY)

Ally McCoist last night refused to comment on whether he offered to resign as Rangers manager but did say he was “100 per cent committed” to the club before taking charge of the team for the 2-0 Championship defeat at Queen of the South.

Reports of his resignation took many people at Ibrox by surprise. However, the team have been guilty of some recent poor performances which was compounded by last night’s defeat that leaves Rangers nine points behind leaders Hearts.

The club have refused to comment on the story but sources claimed his resignation offer – which could cost cash-strapped Rangers up to £1.4m – had been rejected by the board.

Speaking to BT Sport before the game in Dumfries, McCoist was more interested in talking about the match. “I am completely focused on the game and I can’t comment on anything else,” he said.

“You’d need to ask the club about all that. I’ve no idea if this will be my last game. I certainly hope not. I can assure [the fans)] I am 100 per cent committed on getting them back to the top.”

Rangers’ problems increased after a surprise 3-2 defeat by part-timers Alloa Athletic in the Petrofac Training Cup semi-final last week after they had led 2-0. However, McCoist is understood to have grown increasingly disenchanted with rounds of cost-cutting at the club and redundancies to long-serving staff. Another ingredient has been the role of Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, who has helped fund the club this season.

McCoist was a Rangers player for 15 years during his career and was assistant manager under Walter Smith. He succeeded him in summer 2011 while Rangers were still in the Scottish Premier League.