Exclusive - Walter Stays!

[nokiss 0]

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It could actually mean the opposite!

 

It could. I wish the feck something would happen one way or the other, all this speculation is killing me.

[Gazza_8 233]

Didn't Walter do the same thing the last time he was in charge state he was leaving?

 

Yeah. I'm sure he broke the news in January 1998 that he would be leaving Rangers to try pastures new. It probably cost us 10IAR.

Edited May 25, 2010 by Gazza_8

[Gazza_8 233]

From the Beeb.

 

Manager Walter Smith has signed a one-year deal to remain at Rangers in what will be his last season in football.

 

The 62-year-old then intends to hand the reins over to his assistants Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall.

 

Smith, McCoist and McDowall had all been working without contracts since January as the club seek a new owner.

 

Smith has delivered nine championships in his two spells in charge at Ibrox as well as five triumphs apiece in the Scottish Cup and League Cup.

 

"I am wholly committed to managing the club next season and when it comes to the end of next season I firmly believe that Ally and Kenny would do a great job and I am glad everybody at the club shares that view," Smith told the club website.

 

"I have given this decision a great deal of thought.

 

We will invest some Champions League revenue and general profit from this year in the playing squad

 

"The next season holds many challenges for everyone at the club and I would hope that with the backing of everyone - supporters, management and staff - we can pull together as a club and continue to achieve at least the levels of success we have enjoyed over the last few seasons.

 

"We have big challenges ahead, on and off the field, but we are all Rangers men at heart and are looking forward to going for our third league title in a row and playing in the Champions League."

 

Smith returned to the Ibrox dugout in January 2007, having spent a little over two years in charge of Scotland.

 

He first arrived at the Glasgow club as assistant manager to Graeme Souness in 1986 and assumed control of the first team five years later.

 

Seven successive league titles followed under Smith's tenure, including a domestic treble in 1992-93, but he was denied what would have been a record-breaking 10th championship in a row for Rangers in his final season before his departure for Everton.

 

In his fourth season at Goodison Park he was sacked and had a brief period as assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United before taking the Scotland job.

 

Despite continued success, his two spells at Ibrox have been markedly different, with the club currently hamstrung by debt.

 

Smith has not been able to sign a player since August 2008, which is in stark contrast to the big-spending days of his first rein, which saw the recruitment of Paul Gascoigne and Brian Laudrup among many other highly-paid stars.

 

Smith had hinted at walking away, frustrated by financial restrictions at the club and the lack of progress being made to find a new owner.

 

However, talks have resumed with potential investor Andrew Ellis and that, along with the promise of funds for players, may have helped persuade Smith to stay and lead the team into the Champions League.

 

Chairman Alastair Johnston added: "Walter's continued presence within Rangers was something I was determined to make happen and (chief executive) Martin Bain was instrumental in creating the environment that encouraged Walter, Ally and Kenny to remain on board."

 

On the subject of the club's debt, Bain explained: "We have been engaged in direct and constructive discussions with the bank about how the club can operate in the foreseeable future, given the improved financial position since last season.

 

"We will, of course, continue to look for new investment in Rangers but, in the interim, there is a plan in place for the club to operate on a stable basis.

 

"The club recognises that Lloyds Banking Group is looking for structured debt reduction at the club. Equally, the bank recognises that the club needs to be managed at a level where it is in a position to deliver success on the field and meet supporters' expectations.

 

"In broad terms, we will invest some Champions League revenue and general profit from this year in the playing squad.

 

"We will be able to maintain our wage levels as they are and, if any players decide to leave, we will be re-investing proceeds back in the squad."

[Guest Flying Hippo]

Yeah. I'm sure he broke the news in January 1998 that he would be leaving Rangers to try pastures new. It probably cost us 9IAR.

 

Think you mean 10

[Gazza_8 233]

Think you mean 10

 

What, in January 2010? No I meant January 1998.

[Guest Northampton_loyalist]

lots can happen between now and the season after this so the McCoist news is partly irrelivant in the context of today. The news of Smith staying another year is welcome indeed

[Guest Flying Hippo]

I sincerely hope the 'if players decide to leave, the funds will be re-invested back into the squad' line is true, though i highly doubt it

[Whosthedado 1,522]

I agree NL. Fantastic news that WS is staying. I guess we can write off Europe this season though!! As for McCoist lets not right him off long before he even starts the bloody job:box:

[andy steel 0]

It's not as if Walter can actually decide who takes over after him, though; as much as may push for a McCoist/McDowall team, those who make the decision may decide otherwise.

[ian1964 10,457]

It is good news that WS is staying on for another season, as for SA taking over I'm more concerned with this season tbh, I find myself saying that every season recently mind you:),true all the same. I'll think about SA taking over after this season