Scotland boss Walter Smith has been appointed by Rangers as their new boss after the exit of Paul Le Guen.
This is Smith’s second term at the club which he supported as a boy while growing up in Eastern Glasgow. He managed Rangers for 7 years between 1991 and 1998 and took them to seven consecutive Scottish Premiership titles before moving south to England to manage Everton.
After 4 years at Everton and a short period at Old Trafford as assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson, Smith succeeded Berti Vogts as Scottish manager. Although Scotland missed out on a trip to Germany, Smith took them from some 80 odd in the world to the mid 20’s. His most famous win would be the 1-0 upset win over France in Euro 2008 qualification. Scotland currently lead the group on goal difference from the French.
Naturally the Scottish Football Association are livid at his departure, because he was contracted till 2008. They are reportedly contemplating taking legal action against Smith for ” breach of contract” and Rangers for ‘inducing him to break his contract” . But one option which they could have considered and reportedly rejected, was Smith holding a dual role as manager of both Rangers and Scotland.
Ally McCoist, the legendary Rangers striker, who was coach at Scotland under Smith, has also joined him at Ibrox as assistant manager. Ardent Rangers fans will hope that the duo can once again relive the glory days for the club that dominated Scottish football in the 90’s.
The new Scottish boss is now either tipped to be former Rangers boss Alex Mcleish or current assistant manager Tommy Burns.