Latest news with #WalterSmith
Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
HUGH MacDONALD: Russell Martin's survival relies on just one thing ... winning. Even the great Walter Smith told me he always felt just one match away from a crisis
There are glimpses that reveal the brutal reality. Every Old Firm manager arrives with the loud message that he feeds on the pressure, welcomes the expectation, embraces the turmoil. Quieter conversations reveal the truth, desperate moments indicate the strain. A cup of coffee with the late, great Walter Smith on this subject was routinely illuminating. He humorously alluded to a change of toilet habits on Old Firm days but was more sombre when discussing the daily reality of his spells in charge of Rangers. He famously said that even in the heady days of nine-in-a-row he was two days away from a crisis. He later conceded that this period of grace had been reduced to one match. In his first week as Celtic manager, Gordon Strachan walked upstairs to a press conference. He told reporters this was going to be his fifth of the day. 'It's crazy,' he said. It is all of that and a little bit more. It is impossible to convey the pressures on a manager of Rangers or Celtic. Strachan had successfully dodged relegation with Coventry, enduring that awful strain, and had taken Southampton to an FA Cup final. He had also been a wonderful player in Scotland, attuned to the demands presented at Ibrox and Parkhead. Smith's career included spells as assistant to Jim McLean at Dundee United — one suspects a role with particular demands — four years as a manager of Everton and a brief spell as No 2 to Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. Yet he would dismiss briskly any notion that these jobs held the nerve-jangling jeopardy of the post at Ibrox. He was sacked — 'very nicely', he conceded — in the wake of the failure to win ten consecutive titles. Strachan resigned after failing to win a fourth consecutive title. The cases of Smith and Strachan illustrate both the strain and the imperatives. The simple advice to any Old Firm manager is to win. It is the execution of this at Rangers that has been the problem since the financial meltdown at the club. Since 2012, Rangers have won one domestic title. Russell Martin steps into the job with a personal strategy of how to revive the club. He will quickly be apprised by outside sources at how quickly he must achieve this. Mark Warburton and Davie Weir were assured that consolidation in the top flight and a second-placed finish was a reasonable expectation in July 2016. They subsequently walked on to Ibrox in the shadow of banners declaring the team was 'Going for 55'. They did not survive that season. This is a job that has the perennial caretaker, Graeme Murty, spinning on his head, Pedro Caixinha talking from a bush, Gio Van Bronckhorst finding that reaching a Europa League final is no job protection scheme, Michael Beale descending from sound bites to gibberish and Philippe Clement doing the can-can in the wake of a penalty controversy. It can take its toll on the other side of the city, too. Tony Mowbray was doomed from the moment he started talking about projects. Neil Lennon was consumed by circumstance. Covid and a cadre of players who wanted to move were more than enough to send him packing. Success, though, is no guarantee of longevity. Ronny Deila won the title in both of the seasons he was in charge at Celtic. A semi-final defeat to Rangers in the Scottish Cup was his death knell. This, again, emphasises the reality of life in Scotland. Winning is necessary, being better than one's rival is essential. This bluntly is what Martin faces as he strides up the marble staircase in his designer trainers. There will be rational talk of overhauling the recruitment process, putting in structures, improving sports science, etc, etc. Most observers would agree that this is the only way for Rangers to progress significantly both on and off the field. The previous policy — if it warrants such a name — has been a shambles since liquidation. There will now be an infrastructure to address this failure. Martin will play his part in this but his priority will be to put a winning team on the park. Correction: his only salvation will be to put a winning team on the park. On a Saturday. In midweek. Then on a Saturday again. There is talk about how the intelligent and articulate Englishman will know this. There is the theory that insists that previously being a player at the club will have apprised him of the true size of the job. This is unlikely. Ally McCoist only realised the scale of the demands when in situ. Mowbray at Celtic, curiously, never seemed to grasp it. Even in the wake of a 4-0 defeat in Paisley on a chilly night in 2010, he was chuntering on about taking it on the chin and moving on. He did. He cleared his locker the next day. I interviewed Martin five years ago. He was open, insightful about success and failure in his life. He spoke about how his father's gambling had led to the loss of the family home, how ulcerative colitis had blighted his career and then how his spell as a player at Rangers had unravelled. 'I didn't do myself justice,' he admitted. 'I am gutted about that.' He was then at MK Dons as manager. He is now at Rangers as manager. The gulf is huge. But he has led a team to promotion from the Championship and has coached Southampton in the Premier League, admittedly a side that was unsurprisingly relegated. He is an intelligent and respected coach. He is an interesting speaker. But his future now rests purely on results. Modern coaches speak about process and performance. Martin has to acknowledge that this will not wash for the majority of supporters. His survival rests on whether he 'gets it'. His teacher in this regard must be Monsieur Clement. He was, it seemed, an astute appointment, given a c.v. that boasted three Belgian titles with two different clubs. But he never 'got it'. One cannot talk of shots on target after a 3-0 defeat by Celtic. One cannot merely talk of 'frustration' after a defeat at home to Queen's Park in the Scottish Cup. And one must resist any temptation to do the can-can. Words, of course, will not save Martin. But they can add to the atmosphere of stress and siege. He needs to be advised in depth about the demands that will be placed on him in terms of interviews and how he should respond. Tony Mowbray never really seemed to grasp what it meant to be Celtic boss until a 4-0 defeat to St MIrren saw him sacked Ultimately, this will be helpful rather than completely protective. Public relations, after all, is superficial. Winning is the core. However, if Martin seeks inspiration he can glance across the Clyde. Martin O'Neill arrived at Celtic in 2000 with the accepted — if unscientifically proven — belief that the Parkhead club was five years behind Rangers. His team blew away Rangers in the first derby and went on to win a treble that season. Ange Postecoglou stepped out of a jet alone in the summer of 2021. He was lampooned by some. There was no need to recruit a gaggle of trumpeters for a fanfare down the Celtic way. He won five out of the six domestic trophies he contested. He quickly introduced a style that was attractive and successful. Martin could, though, look closer to home. The aforementioned Walter Smith came back to Rangers in 2007 after the reign of Paul Le Guen ended in the same manner as a fuel tanker falling off a cliff. Smith then won three successive titles. The immediate turnaround in these cases was down to the clear diktats of the managers and their recruitment. O'Neill, Smith and Postecoglou knew the type of player they wanted and brought them in. They then won games. It all sounds so simple. The only problem is that it must be done with purpose and relentless speed. It is akin to cycling across the Niagara Falls at 60mph on a moped with dodgy steering and shiny tyres. The propensity for failure is immense but the exhilaration of the challenge is attractive for such characters as Martin. That tightrope starts next month with Champions League qualifiers. Yes, next month. Martin spoke about being a Rangers player for a short period but even that experience won't prepare him for what lies ahead as head coach The adrenaline will carry him through initially. He will, of course, need more to triumph. In that interview in 2020, Martin talked about how failure had been his best teacher. 'I believe failure can be the best thing that happens at times. I have learned the most from failure,' he said. This was sincere and was illustrated by examples. But this belief must be refined if not recanted at Ibrox. Failure for Rangers is finishing second. This may be unfair, even unreasonable. But so is my leccy bill. The only thing Martin will learn from failure in Glasgow is how to update his c.v. for his next job interview. Harsh, but true. He will give it his all, aided by new owners and an updated infrastructure. There will be a modern presence at Ibrox and Auchenhowie but the old truths hold sway. Again, he needs to win but he would also welcome another essential. A mate and colleague of Walter Smith was once asked what was essential to success as a manager. 'Luck,' replied Sir Alex Ferguson. This applied to the genius from Govan. It is surely needed by the aspirant from England.
Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
New Rangers spot, Walters Bar, to open soon in Rutherglen
Walter's Bar will take over the premises of the former Gorman's Bar at 33 Queen Street in Rutherglen. The upcoming venue promises to be more than just a traditional pub—it aims to become a hub for Rangers supporters and a celebration of the club's history. READ MORE: Ibrox legend spotted partying at popular Glasgow Rangers bar The official social media account for the bar teased the launch with a bold message: "Something's coming to Rutherglen… "Loud. Loyal. Unapologetically blue. "This isn't just a pub – it's a movement. "Walter's Bar is on its way, and we're not here to whisper about it. We're here to make noise." Excited fans flooded the comments with enthusiasm. One wrote: "Here we go yaaaaas,' while another added: 'This is fantastic news, made my night hearing this tonight.' A third simply said: 'Buzzing.' The announcement quickly gained traction after being shared by the popular Rangers fan page Ibrox Radio, which boasts over 40,000 followers. Within hours, the post had attracted more than 70 comments filled with anticipation. While the bar's official inspiration hasn't been confirmed, it is believed that Walter's Bar is named in tribute to legendary former Rangers manager, the late Walter Smith. Smith took charge of Rangers in 1991, succeeding Graeme Souness, and led the club to unprecedented success, winning 13 major trophies in seven years, including seven consecutive league titles. After a spell managing the Scotland national team, where he notably lifted them 70 places in the FIFA World Rankings, Smith returned to Rangers in 2007 and added eight more trophies to his collection. READ MORE: Walter Smith: The boyhood Rangers fan from Carmyle who became the King of Ibrox He guided the team to the 2008 UEFA Cup Final before retiring in 2011. Walter Smith remains the second-most successful manager in Rangers' history, behind only Bill Struth, and is deeply revered by fans across generations. Walter's Bar is expected to become a gathering place that honours his legacy while offering a new home for passionate Rangers supporters in the heart of Rutherglen.
STV News
28-05-2025
- Sport
- STV News
Rangers' nine-in-a-row championship trophy up for auction in Glasgow
The silverware won by Rangers to seal their nine-in-a-row triumph in 1997 is being auctioned next month. Auctioneers McTear's is listing the Bell's Whisky trophy as part of its 'Sporting History, Important Trophies, Medals and Jerseys' auction, scheduled to take place on June 19. McTear's expect the item to sell for between £9,000 and £12,000. Rangers lifted the trophy at Tannadice on May 7, 1997, after a Brian Laudrup header sealed a 1-0 victory over Dundee United. That result ensured Walter Smith's side secured a ninth Scottish Premier League title in a row, equalling the feat achieved by Celtic from 1965 to 1974. The trophy was presented to Rangers captain Richard Gough on the pitch after the match. McTear's says the item will come with its original box and paperwork from the Scottish Football Museum, confirming the trophy's authenticity. Looking at the upcoming sporting auctions at Mctears and came across Bell's Premier Division trophy presented to Rangers when they won 9-in-a-row in the 90s Believed to have been removed from Ibrox during the Craig Whyte era. Now on an auction site 🤦♂️ — Scotland's Coefficient (@scotlandscoeff1) May 27, 2025 A spokesperson for McTear's said: 'This is a remarkable piece of Rangers and Scottish football memorabilia that marks one of the most impressive achievements in the Club's history. 'We have auctioned a number of important Old Firm items over the years, and the nine-in-a-row trophy sits alongside the very best and highest profile pieces that have gone under the hammer. 'We have already received a number of enquiries and we expect interest from collectors and fans alike to continue to build as we approach the auction on June 19.' Rangers have been contacted for comment. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Scotsman
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Best Paul Gascoigne Quotes: These are 13 of the best and funniest quotes from Rangers and England legend Gazza
One of the greatest footballers to ever grace the Ibrox turf, Rangers legend Paul 'Gazza' Gascoigne turns 58 years old today. Here are the best quotes from Paul Gascoigne on his time at Rangers. | SNS Group 0141 221 3602 Signed in July 1995 from Lazio, the club paid a fee of £4.3million for the Geordie midfielder, who went on to become a club legend glittering three season period in Glasgow. A spell that not only left a mark on Gers faithful, but also Gascoigne himself. Included in the club's Hall of Fame list in 2006, Gascoigne won two Scottish titles, one Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup during his time in Glasgow, alongside several individual honours. Gazza was named PFA Scotland Players' Player of the Year and SFWA Footballer of the Year in 1996, before departing for Middlesbrough for £3.45 million in March 1998, in a switch he later admitted he wish he'd never had to make. Arguably one of the club's greatest midfielders of all time, we look back on the best quotes about his ex-boss Walter Smith, team mate Ian Durrant and - of course - the Rangers fans he adored so much to celebrate his birthday. 1 . On how much he loved playing at Rangers... "I there was anything I could turn the clock back to, it would be just getting off the aeroplane at Glasgow Airport and joining Glasgow Rangers Football Club. I would do those two years over and over again for the rest of my life" | SNS Group 0141 221 3602 Photo: SNS Group Photo Sales 2 . On proving people wrong... "I remember the press saying I wasn't going to do well up there. I just won everything. Players' player - the lot. I just really enjoyed my football" | Getty Images Photo Sales 3 . On his first meeting with Walter Smith... 'When I spoke to Walter he asked me what I was missing in football and I told him it was playing with a smile on my face. I wasn't getting that in Italy and he told me I would get that here and he was spot on" | SNS Group 0141 221 3602 Photo Sales 4 . On playing for Rangers... "Glasgow Rangers. God. I loved playing for them" | SNS Group 0141 221 3602 Photo: SNS Group Photo Sales
BBC News
03-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Little at stake yet loaded with meaning for Old Firm managers
Scottish Premiership: Rangers v CelticVenue: Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow Date: Sunday, 4 May Time: 12:00 BSTCoverage: Listen on BBC Radio Scotland & Sounds, live text commentary on the BBC Sport website & app, highlights on BBC Scotland from 19:15 With his final Old Firm game looming into view, legendary Rangers manager Walter Smith admitted he was "delighted" to be leaving the Glasgow derby was 2011, coming at a time when retirement was on the horizon and when off-field matters were dominating the headlines. The latter emphasising his desire to call it a is unlikely Smith's former captain Barry Ferguson will want Sunday to be his last taste of a fixture that means everything in Glasgow but counts for little on this latest title success, their 13th in 14 seasons, has left a bitter taste in Ferguson's mouth as the interim head coach prepares for what may be his final game against the champions, with the Ibrox club's incoming paymasters expected to make sweeping a former Rangers skipper, Ferguson knows the fixture inside out, having made his derby debut in the midfield boiler room alongside Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Jorg Albertz in 1998. He knows what wins over their neighbours can do when it comes to longevity in the despite ending an almost five-year wait for a victory at Celtic Park the last time they locked horns, Ferguson's short stint in the hotseat looks to be coming to an end with inauspicious results elsewhere and an inability to win at it up to Celtic has not been Rangers' problem in recent have won the past two derbies and were a penalty shootout away from winning the League Cup against Brendan Rodgers' side in have scored three goals in three successive games against their old rivals for the first time since 2002 and are chasing a third straight win over them in the same season for the first time since yet it feels like Rangers are as far behind Celtic as they've ever have rained in on them and points have been shed against the other Premiership sides with staggering have only scored once in their previous six games at Ibrox and equally staggering is the fact they have conceded at least twice in 11 of their past 13 overall. For Rodgers and his team, there will be a determination, if not a desperation, to come out on the title has been wrapped up with ease yet again. But those two defeats to Rangers will irk the Celtic boss. There was a time when the outcome of these games indicated where the title was going, that has not been the case this Old Firm record still stands above all others and that is something he will want to likes to have records in mind as he goes along and one still to achieve is beating the 106 goals his invincible side scored in 2016-17 during his maiden season at Parkhead. Celtic are five away from achieving that having scored five in each of their past three secured honour number 11 as Celtic boss, Rodgers has moved himself into sixth place in Scottish Football's managerial roll of honour. He now stands behind only Willie Maley, Bill Struth, Jock Stein, Smith and Scot Symon. The latter two are catchable if Rodgers plans on sticking around for the next few Ferguson, he has three more chances to register a victory at Ibrox with the club setting an unwanted benchmark of six home games without 47-year-old will have spent many a night since replacing Phillipe Clement wondering why this group of players can beat Celtic twice yet lose to Queen's Park, St Mirren, Motherwell and Hibernian on their own all of those have come on his watch but Ferguson knows it is a level of ignominy that won't wash at Rangers and if it is to be the end of his spell in charge, he will personally want a 100% record from his games against the outcome of this one, it won't register on the Richter scale but the phrase "dead rubber" doesn't really apply when it comes to these best of enemies.
