Jamie Vardy’s Rangers transfer miss as Ally McCoist reveals financial reality that saw duo snub Ibrox

Former Rangers boss Ally McCoist has revealed the Ibrox board wouldn't stump up the cash for Jamie Vardy and Mile Jedinak before their Premier League success.

McCoist stepped up into the Rangers hot eat from his role as Walter Smith's assistant back in 2011 and was quickly facing the financial problems at Ibrox before the club was forced to start again in the bottom tier of Scottish football. McCoist's first title tilt was effectively ended when the club fell into administration and were hit with a 10-point deduction, leading to Celtic cruising to a title victory.

Before the implosion and attempting to lead the club back to the top flight of Scottish football, McCoist had attempted to add Australian international Jedinak and striker Vardy while he was still on the books at Fleetwood Town to boost their push for silverware. At the time, Jedinak was weighing up his options as he looked to leave Turkish side Genclerbirligi, and McCoist revealed on talkSPORT he held talks with the player who eventually opted for Crystal Palace.

When quizzed about the talks, McCoist admitted Rangers were struggling to pull together the finances for a deal. He told the Breakfast Show: “I remember it well. If I was going to be brutally honest, it worked out really well for the player.

"We were really struggling at that point, things were going from bad to worse. He would have improved us by some considerable distance, and I was only trying to do my job and get better quality in.

"It wasn't to be, but I always remember him being an impressive lad and I knew his footballing qualities. But when I spoke and had a chat with him you couldn't help but be impressed by him."

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 13: Mile Jedinak of Crystal Palace battle for possession with Claudio Yacob of West Bromwich Albion during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion at Selhurst Park on August 13, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images) (Getty)

McCoist was then quizzed on any other transfer near misses, citing John Brown's recommendation to snap up Vardy. Brown recommended the future England cap before his big move to Leicester City.

The Rangers icon continued: "I tried to get Vardy when he was at Fleetwood, but I couldn't get the money. My coach John Brown watched Jamie Vardy, and to be fair Bomber had a great eye for a player.

"Bomber watched about 45 minutes and sent me a message saying 'we need to get this lad.' But it's another one that wasn't to be unfortunately."

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