To tweet this release:  http://bit.ly/cLbf77

Legendary Scottish Premier League striker Ally McCoist will join ESPN as a match analyst for the 2010 FIFA World Cup (June 11 – July 11).  McCoist, who played for the Scottish national team in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, will join any one of the seasoned match commentators on ESPN’s roster, such as Martin Tyler, Ian Darke, Derek Rae and Adrian Healey, to call matches on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC from South Africa.   

With the addition of McCoist (1990), ESPN’s English-language coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in the U.S. will feature analysts with combined experience of 12 FIFA World Cup tournaments.  Others:  Shaun Bartlett (South Africa: 1998), Efan Ekoku (Nigeria: 1994), Ruud Gullit (Netherlands: 1990), John Harkes (USA: 1990, ’94), Jürgen Klinsmann (Germany: 1990, ’94, ’98), Alexi Lalas (USA: 1994, ’98) and Steve McManaman (England: 1998).

“Ally McCoist’s vast knowledge of international football as a player, television pundit, and as an assistant manager for one of the world’s historic football clubs, will enhance our presentation of this event to fans in the United States,” said Jed Drake, ESPN executive producer, 2010 FIFA World Cup.  “Aside from his football insight, Ally has a wonderfully engaging personality.  You could chat with him all day about football or anything else.”

McCoist is regarded as one of the best strikers to ever play in the Scottish Premier League, having scored a club record 355 goals in all competitions for Rangers FC. He currently serves as the assistant manager at his former club after returning to the sidelines in January 2007 to assist Rangers’ manager Walter Smith in running the club’s soccer affairs.  Together, McCoist and Smith have led Rangers to two Scottish Premier League titles in their three full seasons at the helm.

McCoist began his professional soccer career in 1979 at St. Johnstone in Perth Scotland.  In 1981, he joined Sunderland A.F.C., where he appeared in 56 matches over two seasons.  McCoist joined Rangers in 1983 and spent 15 years with the club.  His career earned him induction into both the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame and the Scotland Football Hall of Fame.

Following his successful playing career, McCoist became a widely respected television commentator, offering his insight on ITV’s football coverage in the United Kingdom.  He was also a team captain on BBC’s popular, unscripted show, A Question of Sport, from 1996 – 2007.

-30-