Walter Smith's timing perfect as he leaves Rangers ready for new era

Published on Sunday 15 May 2011 20:57

WALTER Smith's decision to stay on for one final year at Rangers was richly rewarded as his side sealed a third successive championship with an emphatic 5-1 win at Kilmarnock, but he insists he is leaving Ibrox at the right time as the club enters a new era.

Rangers gave their popular manager the perfect send-off on a day that had been dubbed 'Helicopter Sunday' with a supposed tension-filled afternoon of drama ahead, as Celtic - one point behind - faced Motherwell at Parkhead. However, the helicopter pilot knew Rugby Park was the destination he would be delivering the trophy to seven minutes after kick-off as Rangers raced into a three-nil lead, and never looked back, Kyle Lafferty claiming a hat-trick in a rout that began after 47 seconds.

Celtic eventually won 4-0, but Neil Lennon's side knew it would be in vain, and Smith was able to bow out of his second spell at the helm of Rangers as an undisputed winner, having also savoured success in the Co-operative Insurance Cup earlier in the campaign.

Smith has now won ten titles - and 21 trophies in total - over his two spells and admitted how he agonised over his decision to step down from the helm at the end of this season. He said: "I'll always have a regret. I had a regret when I was actually arguing with myself about whether to do it or not. Yes, there will be a regret but I still think it's the right thing. It's the right thing for myself and it's the right thing for Rangers now that they've got a new owner and a new manager. It's the right thing to do.

"The lads who have been working with me - Ally McCoist, Kenny McDowall and Ian Durrant - have been patiently waiting for an opportunity to take over. I think they thought they would possibly get it a bit earlier but they haven't and they have been fantastic for me. That was part of my decision and it was the right one."

Rangers knew victory at Rugby Park would secure the silverware regardless of events at Celtic Park and the match was all but over as a contest after just seven minutes. Lafferty scored either side of a Steven Naismith goal in a blistering opening spell. Nikica Jelavic claimed a goal himself soon after the restart and Lafferty completed his hat-trick, before James Dayton netted a consolation goal for Kilmarnock.

A single point was all that separated Rangers and Celtic in the end and Smith enjoyed the tussle with their rivals this term. He said: "If you look at the seasons, a lot of them have been like that in recent years. When that's the situation you are in, it's always interesting."

New Rangers owner Craig Whyte has promised to build on the success of Smith. Whyte, who completed his protracted takeover of the Scottish champions last week, said: "It is a great privilege to be part of Rangers and while we celebrate this title and our success in the League Cup our thoughts will turn quickly to building on this success."

Whyte paid tribute to Smith and assistant McCoist, who will now take over from his mentor. "Today's title win is a truly great achievement by a club whose hallmark has been success throughout its proud history," he said. "I would like to congratulate Walter Smith, Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall for their brilliant leadership. I also pay the highest possible tribute to the players who have shown great skill and determination in turning their desire for success into the club's 54th league title - the highest number attained by any club. The supporters want to see success and they deserve that success for the way in which they have stuck with the team." Earlier, Sir Alex Ferguson urged Whyte to ensure Smith remains at the club in some capacity. "The first thing the new owner should do is ask Walter to stay on in some capacity, he should make that a priority," said the Manchester United manager. "It would be beneficial for Craig Whyte to have someone like Walter inside the club giving him advice."

Lennon, meanwhile, was given a rousing ovation when he took to the pitch and addressed Celtic's supporters at the end of a turbulent SPL season. He told them: "This is not the end, this is just the beginning."

The Parkhead side also have the Scottish Cup final against Motherwell to look forward to next weekend before Lennon discusses his future with the board, and he revealed in the post-match press conference that he has yet to discuss his current six-month rolling contract with the club and he wants any new deal to be offered on merit.

"I think I was being presumptuous (out on the pitch]," joked Lennon, who congratulated Rangers and their manager Smith on winning the title. "But that's what I want to do.

"I had a good chat with Mr Dermot Desmond (majority shareholder] and the chairman (John Reid] and Peter (Lawwell, chief executive] just after the game and I am hopeful that I will be here next season. But they might not want me. But I don't want it (a contract] through sympathy or anything like that."