Smith admits to feelings of ‘guilt’ and offers to help

FORMER Rangers manager Walter Smith has admitted he feels “guilty” about leaving the Ibrox club at the end of last season and is ready to help out his old club in their hour of need in an “advisory capacity”.

Smith stepped aside after leading Rangers to a third successive SPL title last May to let his No 2, Ally McCoist, take up the reins. He is now sorry he left after seeing Rangers go into administration and fall way behind Celtic in the title race after being hit with a ten-point penalty.

“At the time, I felt it was the right time to leave Ibrox,” said Smith. “But when I try to take in everything that’s happened recently I really do feel guilty.

“If I’d stayed another year at least, I would have had all my experience to fall back on. Instead, Ally McCoist, Kenny McDowall, Ian Durrant and Jim Stewart have had to handle this dreadful situation in their first year in charge.

“I really do feel badly about exposing them to all that’s gone on since I cleared my desk. So if someone was to ask me now if I’d return to Ibrox in some advisory capacity, I would.”

Smith, who was on a holiday in America with his wife when the administration move was confirmed, added: “There is no way Rangers will cease to exist. There are far too many people with pride and love of Rangers for that to happen.

“From a personal point of view, I’ll do all I can. However, it’s not me they’re needing, it’s Roman Abramovich. That doesn’t mean I can’t help, though. Same goes for all the thousands and thousands of ordinary Rangers supporters. Everyone with any feeling for this great club will contribute in every way possible.”