Former Rangers left back and title winner Stevie Smith takes interim charge of the side today as Dundee United visit Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership following the sacking of Russell Martin during the international break after a draw away to Falkirk which left the Gers trailing Celtic by nine points and league leaders Hearts by 11.
He spoke pre-match to Rangers TV, where he spoke about his message to the players ahead of the match: “Go and enjoy it again. We’ve given them some tactical information that might be slightly different, but not too much where it becomes confusing, just to remind them they’re good players and to go and execute the game plan.”
He also touched on how the week has been in charge of training and what the sessions have entailed and his goals from them: “The week has been different, but in terms of how I work, really normal. The international players were coming back at different times, so it’s been a mixed week, but we’ve just tried to keep things as normal as possible.
“It’s been about balance, giving tactical information, getting the work out of them that we needed, and bringing some enjoyment back.”
On being in the dugout at Ibrox he remarked: “It’s not about me. Of course, it’s a proud moment. I’ve got a wee bit of nerves, if I’m being honest, but it’s a good feeling, it means there’s something at the end of it, and it’s a big three points for us.”
On what he wants from his team he said: “I want Bravery - that’s a big thing when you play here. Trust the information we’ve given them. It’s nothing new; they’ve all done it before, and we know they’re capable.”
And on Jim Goodwin’s visiting side he gave the following observations: “They’re well organised and structured, both in and out of possession. They’ve got a real physical presence at set plays, so that’ll be a big thing for us. But I fully expect the players to go and execute the plan.”
Kevin Muscat looks set to be announced as Martin’s replacement but will not take charge until after his current club Shanghai Port, of the Chinese Super League, finish their quest for the league title, which they currently lead, with the final fixture taking place on November 22. Neil McCann, linked to be former teammate Muscat’s assistant is set to take over control of the first team until his arrival, with Smith returning to his B/Under 19’s team duties.