ALLY McCOIST is confident the Light Blue legions will back his Rangers side in the same huge numbers as they bid for Championship glory next term.

The Gers have been followed in their thousands at Ibrox and on the road as the Irn-Bru Third Division and SPFL League One titles have been won in the last two years.

Season ticket sales are down considerably ahead of the new campaign as tensions continue to escalate between the terraces and under-fire board.

Rangers will battle it out with Hearts and Hibs for the second-tier crown next season and McCoist is banking on the backing from the crowd again.

He said: "It has been amazing how they have just turned up and taken over villages and towns all over the country. It has been magical, it really has.

"A lot of the journeys will be a little bit more central for our supporters but I fully expect Dumbarton, Kirkcaldy and Dumfries to be taken over again next season.

"They will be out there at Ibrox in massive, massive numbers supporting us at home.

"It only seems like yesterday we finished up but you can feel the excitement building up; it is wonderful.

"Obviously we have been joined in the division by Hibs, who from their point of view sadly lost a play-off game with Hamilton. But I tell you what, it doesn't half make our league interesting.

"Hearts and Hibs - fantastic clubs, great clubs, great history - and ourselves, of course.

"It will all make for a very exciting season. The fact that everyone is already talking about it will indicate that it will be very well supported - both by the supporters and indeed the media.

"I am looking forward to a wee break but certainly looking forward to getting back for pre-season training and the start of the season.

"The fans have been absolutely unbelievable in the last two or three seasons. What a league (next season will be) for them."