Choreographed exit is a far cry from regime change in '98

ON REFLECTION it wasn't, perhaps, the correct thing to do, but Walter Smith has already been in a situation where he has given Rangers abundant notice of his departure. On that occasion, in October 1997, the six months of the season that remained passed relatively ingloriously for Smith. He racked up what is to date the only full campaign in which he has served as Rangers manger where no silverware has been secured. Indeed, it was the club's first trophy-less season since 1985-86.

Long goodbyes rarely work in football. It certainly didn't for Rangers in 1997-98. In truth, the season had already begun to unravel by the time Smith confirmed his intention to leave at the Rangers agm in October. Amid the familiar complaints about ticket prices for European games and player recruitment – a crocked Lorenzo Amoruso, in this instance – Smith stood up to announce what had been an open secret in any case. He claimed to have been made disillusioned by the club's lack of success in Europe, with the previous season having seen Rangers lose five of their six Champions League matches. He was also dismayed by the reaction to the Coca-Cola Cup final win over Hearts a year earlier, when he felt his side gained little credit for the 4-3 victory.

Little that had happened in the opening months of the following season had served to cheer him. A poor start meant Rangers had failed to cash in on the lavish investment of the previous summer. They were knocked out of the European Cup at the last qualifying stage by IFK Gothenburg, and then eliminated from the Uefa Cup at the first stage by Strasbourg. This was after an outlay of over 13 million on transfers. But it was still only October when Smith signalled his intention to go, and one major ambition remained: to claim a record-breaking tenth successive championship.

Unlike this time, there was no line of succession already in place. A clean break with the past was preferred. As Rangers prepared for two hugely significant league clashes with Celtic in November, possible successors to Smith were being banded about. With hindsight, it was not ideal. Strongly touted at the time were such as Richard Moller Nielson, then Finland manager, and even Lazio's Sven Goran Eriksson. The backbone of Smith's squad, the likes of Ian Durrant and Ally McCoist, sensed that their time at Ibrox was likely coming to an end.

Flux hung heavy in the air. These were not optimum conditions to win a league title, particularly not one so loaded. Celtic, whose new coach Wim Jansen had been instructed to end Rangers' hegemony, were determined to prevent their rivals creating a new Scottish record, and did so. Two defeats in their final four league games saw Rangers hand the momentum to Celtic, who sealed their first title of the Nineties with a 2-0 win against St Johnstone on the final day.

Rangers limped on towards their final assignment of the season – a Scottish Cup final against Hearts at Parkhead. Six of those who played that day did not appear again for the club, including Andy Goram, Stuart McCall and Richard Gough. Such strong characters as these could hardly be accused of taking their foot off the pedal, but the managerial situation clearly had some impact. Few knew where they stood as Smith counted down the days to his exit.

It paved the way for a new era to begin. Yet more money was splashed out by Dick Advocaat, Smith's successor, in an attempt to make headway in Europe. It didn't happen – at least not to the extent desired by owner David Murray, who had visions of winning the Champions League. On Smith's return a decade later, he found a club quite different to the one he had left. The method of his leaving this time around reflects the need for quiet revolution. With McCoist waiting in the wings to take over, few will feel how he did when learning of Smith's departure in 1997.

Uncertainty was allowed to breed then. On this occasion Rangers begin the next campaign with what is effectively two managers; Smith and McCoist, the sorcerer and his successor. No-one will wish to take their eye off the ball, nor will they be allowed.