Rangers´ Smith hails his squad´s title success

Rangers manager Walter Smith saluted his side after clinching back-to-back Scottish Premier League titles courtesy of Kyle Lafferty’s goal in a 1-0 win over Hibernian to lift some of the gloom amid well-documented financial struggles.

It was Smith’s ninth title in his two spells at the club and his 19th major trophy in 19 years of management.

Since his return to the Ibrox club three-and-a-half years ago Rangers have won six trophies and made it to the UEFA Cup final in 2008, their first appearance in a European final in 35 years.

But the Gers gaffer claims this title could take pride of place in his achievements coming against a backdrop of financial uncertainty and doubts over the future ownership of the club which have seen them unable to sign a player in nearly two years.

“You always feel grateful for the fact that you win a trophy and are in a position to do so as Rangers teams are a lot of the time,” Smith said after Sunday’s win.

“But this one is maybe a bit different from the others that we have had because of the circumstances that are surrounding the club and the difficulties we have faced.

“You always enjoy it but this one is a wee bit special for everyone involved. It is not particularly satisfying what is happening to the club at the present moment.

“We have a good group of players – we just don’t have an awful lot of them in terms of the side of group that’s needed for a club like Rangers.

“I think what maybe separates it from a lot of the other championships I have been fortunate enough to win is the fact that we have done so with a small group and maybe against the odds, especially this season.”

After a couple of missed opportunities Rangers finally clinched back-to-back titles at Easter Road when Lafferty scored a well-taken first-half goal that sparked scenes of jubilation amongst the travelling support.

The Ibrox club had held a double digit advantage at the top of the league since the end of February and following the climax of what has been a long season Smith said he was glad the championship race was finally over.

“It is always a relief, more so in comparison to last season when we were having to come from behind to win. This season we had a lead there and it seems for the past six weeks everyone has been telling them they are going to win a championship and it is always a great relief when you do.

“It is easy when you just talk but it’s harder when you have to go out and do it. Both physically and mentally it is tiring and you can see that has been the case. The performances over the last couple of weeks haven’t been as bright as we have been.

“But like a lot of things when we have been under a bit of pressure we have managed to win through. They have been a resilient bunch and a difficult side to beat.

“We struggled to impose ourselves against Hibs but as always they have shown a great resilience and a will to win and that is what sees the group through as much as anything else.”

Smith, who along with assistant Ally McCoist and first-team coach Kenny McDowall are working without contracts at the club while a new owner is being sought, gave no indication of whether he would be in charge next season or whether players would have to be sold in the summer.

“We will enjoy the moment and I don’t want to talk about what is going to happen in the future,” the Gers boss said.

“The only problem with a break-up of a team is how is going to replace them and that’s obviously a problem.”

Former Hibs player Kevin Thomson was delighted to clinch the title at his old stomping ground and says retaining the services of the management team is key to the club’s future success.

“The manager is the best. I think if you asked any of the players in the team they would tell you he is top,” the Scotland midfielder said.

“I think he deserves a huge amount of credit. It is him that has to deal with everything that is going on at the club and I don’t think there is another man anywhere else in the world that would have been able to deal with the hassle he has had this year.”