ALLY McCOIST last night admitted he is "dreadfully weary" of the ongoing debate on Rangers' alleged improper use of employee benefit trusts, but hopes that the Scottish Football Association and Scottish Premier League will be called to explain reports that they wanted the Ibrox club stripped of nine trophies before any hearings into the matter had taken place.

The Rangers manager, speaking after his side's 4-1 win over Montrose, felt that it was "strange" for potential sanctions to have been discussed, supposedly as part of a proposed deal that would have allowed the Ibrox newco to start life in the Irn-Bru First Division. An outcome from HMRC's investigation into the club's use of EBTs is due imminently, while the independent commission, appointed by the SPL, into an alleged non-disclosure of payments to players is to begin on November 13.

"Should the SFA and SPL explain themselves? That would be ideal," said McCoist. "I would think it is strange to mention the punishment for the crime before anyone has been proven guilty or not guilty. So I do think it's strange that people are wanting to strip us of titles, or at least are threatening to strip us of titles, before we've been found guilty of any alleged offence.

"I am dreadfully weary of the whole situation. I continue to fight and will continue to fight – but the most important thing is the future of our club. We've got a bit of stability after uncertainty bordering on the catastrophic.

"The disappointing thing is that we're not being able to move forward. Unfortunately I keep having to look back and talk about stuff that obviously interests people, but we shouldn't be involved with."

While the SFA are thought to have advocated stripping Rangers of four Scottish Cups and the SPL five league titles, the Scottish Football League have been unwilling to discuss the issue of the five League Cups won in the period under investigation.

"I'm delighted with the response from the SFL," said McCoist. "They've welcomed us into the league with open arms. The vast, vast majority of the clubs who welcomed us in are reaping the benefits – as we are ourselves. It doesn't surprise me too much that the SFL have come out in support of one of their clubs. Long may it continue."

Charles Green, the Rangers owner, has refused to co- operate with the commission to be chaired by Lord Nimmo Smith, claiming there to be a lack of impartiality.

"It is fundamental to the constitution of a body with investigatory and disciplinary powers that it must act independently of the person or body appointing it," said Nimmo Smith, who is joined on the independent panel by QCs Nicholas Stewart and Charles Flint. "In reaching our final determination, and in making any incidental decisions, we shall exercise our own judgment, on the basis of the evidence which is adduced, in accordance with the principles of natural justice, and unfettered by the influence of the board or of anyone else. None of us would have accepted his appointment on any other basis."