
‘Couldn’t Afford Him Now’: Ally McCoist Heaps Praise on Former Celtic Star
Rangers legend and popular pundit Ally McCoist has raised eyebrows and sparked debate by revealing his deep admiration for a former Celtic striker, humorously admitting that the current financial landscape means neither of the Glasgow giants could realistically afford the player today.
Speaking on a radio show, the former Ibrox star confessed he “loved” watching the Hoops forward in action, highlighting the player’s quality and the sheer expense his talent would command on the modern transfer market. While McCoist didn’t explicitly name the player in the initial viral headline, the context of the conversation pointed toward a player whose value has skyrocketed since leaving Parkhead.
A Testament to Quality
McCoist’s comments, particularly coming from such a staunch Rangers figure, serve as a potent testament to the player’s undeniable talent. In the often-polarised world of the Old Firm rivalry, praise from the opposing camp is rare and usually only reserved for truly exceptional athletes.
“I loved him,” McCoist reportedly stated. “He was a fantastic player, an absolute handful. The thing is, when you see the money flying around now… the way he’s developed, you couldn’t afford him now. Simple as that.”
The statement underscores a broader theme in Scottish football: the challenge for clubs like Celtic and Rangers to retain their top talent once they hit their prime. The financial might of the English Premier League and top European clubs often makes it impossible for the Scottish Premiership’s best players to stay, resulting in significant transfers but also a continuous cycle of rebuilding for the Glasgow clubs.
The Modern Financial Gulf
The pundit’s assessment highlights the astronomical inflation in transfer fees and wages over the last decade. A player of the praised striker’s calibre, who likely moved for a manageable sum at the time, would now command a transfer fee easily in the tens of millions, coupled with wages that would shatter the pay structure at either Celtic Park or Ibrox.
This admission from the beloved “Super Ally” not only pays respect to the player’s ability but also offers a pragmatic view of the growing financial gulf between Scottish football and Europe’s elite leagues. For fans, it’s a nostalgic reminder of a player who lit up the league, even if the bittersweet truth is that such stars are now simply passing through on their way to greater wealth.
The identity of the striker remains a topic of fervent discussion, but regardless of who it is, McCoist’s praise is a genuine nod to quality that transcends even the fiercest of football rivalries. It’s a moment of rare cross-divide appreciation, emphasizing that genuine footballing talent is something everyone, even a Rangers icon, c
an admire.
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