Ally McCoist practising small talk for Royal Family ahead of OBE ceremony tomorrow

Ally McCoist has been preparing for his OBE ceremony on Wednesday
-Credit: (Image: tu Forster/Getty Images)


Ally McCoist has revealed he has been practising his "small talk" for members of the Royal Family ahead of receiving his OBE tomorrow. The Rangers legend doesn't want to be stuck for words during the brief conversation recipients of honours have with royals during their investiture ceremonies.

In June, it was announced that the former striker turned pundit was to receive an OBE for his services to football and broadcasting. He doesn't know which royal will be on duty at Windsor Castle on Wednesday to hand him his gong, so has prepared subjects of conversation for King Charles, Prince William, and Princess Anne.

The former Ibrox player and manager said he will discuss football if it is Prince William, as the heir to the throne is a big fan of Aston Villa and their Scotland international midfielder John McGinn. The 62-year-old plans to talk to Princess Anne about her love of the Scotland rugby team, and will chat to the King about his passion for gardening.

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Ally says he will chat to Prince William about his love for Aston Villa
Ally says he will chat to Prince William about his love for Aston Villa -Credit:Rui Vieira/PA Wire

Speaking on Talksport, Ally said: "I think I'm okay at small talk. I have met Prince William before on a plane going to Aberdeen and we ended up having a wee chat about the Villa. John McGinn had just signed and he was thrilled about it.

"I'm covered with Princess Anne. If it is her I will just ask her about Scottish rugby because she loves the Scottish rugby team. That's one of her favourite teams. With the King I will have to go horticultural. I will have to ask what his favourite flowers are and stuff like that."

McCoist said he considered wearing a kilt for the occasion but decided to opt for a "lounge suit". He has also prepared for the big day by getting a close shave at a barber shop in Paisley.

He added: "It's a controversial one. I did think about national dress as I am in possession of a kilt. The attire asked for was either national dress or lounge suit and I've decided I'm going in a lounge suit.

"It's a morning event and if it was an evening thing I would have worn a kilt. If the wind blew my kilt up they would be flocking from everywhere to Windsor Castle.

"I went to my wee pal in Paisley and he gave me a right seeing-to with the open razor. I love the open shave."

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