WALTER RALLY
Murty: Smith’s help has turned season around
GRAEME MURTY has revealed Walter Smith is the guiding hand helping him bring stability to Rangers.
The interim Ibrox boss hasn’t ruled out adding another coach if
he’s asked to take the job beyond the end of the year.
However, Smith has already been on call behind the scenes.
Murty has led Rangers to four wins in a row but has dismissed suggestions they are ready to mount a title challenge to Celtic.
He also clarified earlier comments and insisted he or a new manager alone will be responsible for giving the go ahead for January signings – not director of football Mark Allen.
Murty revealed Smith was an influence on Wednesday night’s 2-1 win at Hibs as he faced up to striker Kenny Miller missing the Old Firm clash on December 30 with a hamstring injury.
Murty said: “I got some brilliant advice in the week from Walter Smith, who is always on tap and was holding court in the office because his grandsons were playing at one of our community football sessions.
“I spent an hour just listening to the maestro talk about football and Rangers and that was an absolute lesson in itself.
“That is as good as having someone else to take the workload away.
“However, another coach is possibly something to consider moving forward.
“Whenever you work in close proximity to a high-level operator, it’s necessary you go there with a grateful nature to absorb as much as you can.
“I can’t be Walter Smith and I am not trying to be but if there is one thing you can take from him to enhance your own practice then you have to do it.”
Rangers fans drew parallels with the backs-tothe-wall performance of their side at Hibs and some of Smith’s most famous victories in two, trophy-laden spells as boss.
Murty said: “That is heady praise for the players. When you look at what the man achieved in his times here, they can only dream of living up to those standards.
“It is premature, slightly too much praise than I am happy to give them.
“But if there are certain attributes then the players can take them on board.”
Rangers are five points behind Celtic, who still have a game in hand, but as they prepare to entertain St Johnstone, Murty isn’t laying claims to a title challenge yet.
He said: “It’s far too premature to be talking like that. We’ve won four games, a small step. It’s nothing to crow about. We’ve achieved absolutely nothing so far.
“Let’s just get our business taken care of.”
Rangers are already being linked with January swoops for players such as Brighton midfielder Jamie Murphy but, contrary to his claims last week, Murty is adamant director of football Allen will not be responsible for signing targets.
He added: “I mis-sold this. It’s Mark’s job, along with the recruitment staff, to identify players. Come the opening of the transfer window the manager, whoever he is, will make the decision on who joins.”
Miller was stretchered off in the first half at Easter Road and will now miss the derby at Parkhead.