He was a star for club and country as a player and who is now shining behind the mic as one of Scotland's most-loved public figures since moving into commentary.

Now Ally McCoist is set to tell the story of his footballing life, and in particular his love of Scotland and the national team, in a new book - Dear Scotland: On the Road with the Tartan Army – which is released on Thursday October 24 and serialised exclusively in the Herald.

Tomorrow in the Herald we build up to the serialisation with an exclusive interview with Ally, written by the award-winning features writer, Teddy Jamieson. Here Ally talks about life off the park and, in particular his love for music. Specifically his punk and post-punk favourites.

Then, from Tuesday to Friday, The Herald will feature exclusive excerpts from his new book - featuring some of the most memorable stories, told in McCoist's own inimitable style.

The stories include time spent with fans off the park and his relationship with other legendary football figures, including Jock Stein, Kenny Dalglish and, one of his closest friends and greatest influences on his career, the late Walter Smith. 

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He also reflects on his own call-up to the national team, that goal against Switzerland in Euro '96 and takes readers inside the Scotland dressing room during the 1980s and Nineties.

Ally McCoist's new book comes out next weekAlly McCoist's new book comes out next week (Image: .)

Catherine Salmond, Herald editor, said: "The Herald is delighted to be working with Ally McCoist and his team to give our readers an exclusive first-look at his new book. 

"Insightful, characteristically warm and funny, the book is a must for Scottish football followers and fans of the much-loved McCoist. 

"We are always looking at ways to surprise our readers; to offer them the best and most varied content, and this partnership demonstrates that. I am confident it will not disappoint. Enjoy."

You can read it all with a Herald subscription by subscribing here.

Dear Scotland: On the Road with the Tartan Army by Ally McCoist publishes October 24 (Hodder & Stoughton, £22)

To purchase: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/ally-mccoist/dear-scotland/9781399739580/