‘Never forget it' – Sky Sports icon opens up on ‘incredible' emotional moment with Rangers hero Ally McCoist live on air
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ALLY McCOIST rarely disappoints whether he's on the radio giving his thoughts on Scottish football or analysing the biggest games across Europe from the commentary booth.
The Rangers legend is one of Britain's most popular football pundits and it's fair to say when McCoist speaks, the whole audience sits back and listens.
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Ally McCoist is one of the busiest men in football
Credit: Alamy
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Jim White has revealed how the Rangers legend once blew him away
Credit: talkSPORT
And that's exactly what Sky Sports legend Jim White did when McCoist came back on air in the talkSPORT studio for a very special live broadcast on October 26, 2021.
That was the day his close friend, old boss and mentor Walter Smith tragically passed away at the age of 73 following a battle with cancer.
McCoist was already on the radio that day in his usual breakfast slot before the sad news was announced that afternoon when White and Simon Jordan were on air.
But although McCoist was understandably heartbroken by the tragic news, that didn't stop him from making a brave return to the studio to discuss the legendary manager and open up on their long-lasting friendship both in football and outside it.
Rangers' all-time record goal-scorer was hailed by White and Jordan and the thousands listening in for his touching words so soon after his passing.
And it's a moment the Scottish presenter will never forget.
Asked about McCoist on the Let Me Be Frank podcast, White said: "He's terrific. He's as well known down here (in England) as he is up Glasgow.
"There are so many wonderful aspects about Ally - he never changes, what you see is what you get.
"He never tries to be anything other than what he is - and that's a very hospitable, friendly and honest guy.
"He's become one of the best co-commentators around. If he commentates on a live game then he trends on twitter. He's great, he's wonderful.
Football icons such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Gordon Strachan, Ally McCoist and Frank Lampard gather for memorial service to Walter Smith
"There's one thing I will never forget. Simon Jordan and I were live on talkSPORT one day and Ally had already been on that morning and had come off air.
"The sad news came through of the sad passing of Walter Smith and Ally was extremely upset in another room.
"I knew he was still in the building so during a commercial break I went through and asked him if he could find a way to make it through, would he be willing to come into the studio to join me and Simon.
"I told him: 'I know it's tough and I understand if you can't do it but if you want to then the offer is there'.
"Around 25 minutes later the door opens and Ally came in to speak to us for about half an hour about what Walter meant to him.
"I'll never forget his words that day, he was incredible.
"He was shattered sitting there. Shattered by the news of his great friend and former boss had passed away, but he did it and I'll never forget him for it.
"I love McCoist, he's a special guy."
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