FANS HAVE HAD SAY.. NOW IT'S OUR TURN

Time for Gers to give something back to supporters says Smith

- BY SCOTT McDERMOTT

EVEN in the background at Auchenhowie, Steven Smith has felt it - the pain of failure at Rangers.

Andas gaffers have come and gone from the managerial hotseat at Ibrox, the agony has only got worse.

As a player at Rangers Smith worked under the likes of legendary bosses Walter Smith and Alex McLeish.

He won three titles and a League Cup over a decade at the club in two separate spells.

So for Smith to watch the turmoil that has unfolded at Rangers recently, it hurts.

That alone should reassure supporters that, even if it’s only for a couple of games, the 40-year-old will give it absolutely everything to try to get this team winning games again.

Smith will be in the dugout for today’s Premiership clash with Dundee United in Govan.

The situation is far from ideal, with the club finalising a deal to make Kevin Muscat their new manager. Even then, the Aussie might not be in the country for a month. And all the while Rangers somehow need to find a way of moving up the table - and giving supporters a shred of hope for the future.

Smith feels their anguish. And in the short-term at least he wants to ease the suffering.

The clubs Under-19s coach said: “This is about longer than a few months. There's been a period of pain here. The fans have had to suffer a lot. If ever a fanbase has earned the right to vent their frustrations it’s probably this one.

“I understand it. It works both ways. They know when you need them. But there comes a point where the players and staff have to take that on board - and give them something back.