Forging team spirit is the true mark of a legendary boss

Published on Saturday 14 May 2011 16:16

THE worth of Walter Smith is reflected in his players as much as his trophy haul, according to Lee McCulloch, who was signed by the Rangers manager in 2007 during his first summer spending spree.

The player, who recovered from knee surgery ahead of schedule to join the squad for the final few matches of the current campaign, says that while some of Smith's feats are evidenced in silverware, others may be less obvious to outsiders.

"There's loads of things about him that make him special. He has changed a few players around about and moved them into different positions but he has still brought every one on, as a person as well.

"This is a great place to come and work. We have a great bunch of boys who are all together and he has instilled that mentality in the group, that you have to be a winner or you are basically out the door. It is testament to him and hopefully we can do it for him."

Winning the league would be a perfect parting gift for the manager in his final game in charge.

"I don't know figures and stats but the club was in a bad way before he came back and he steadied it, and then there's a European final thrown in as well so I don't think anybody could say it has been a bad spell."

The assignment has not been completed yet, only a victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park this afternoon can absolutely guarantee it, but McCulloch says the manager provides all the motivation they need.

"I think after the last Old Firm game there was a feeling that it might have slipped. We couldn't really see Celtic dropping that many points but it just shows you. They went up to Inverness (and lost] and that put us back in the driving seat. To have it in our own hands again is great so long as we win. That result gave us a lift, so hopefully we can follow it through on Sunday."