Stevie Smith was back on the training pitch with the Rangers first team today as they went through the usual post-match recovery session after yesterday’s match, with the interim boss increasingly likely to remain in charge for Thursday night’s UEFA Europa League clash away to Norwegian side SK Brann.
Smith, who stepped up from his role with the U19s following the dismissal of Russell Martin two weeks ago after a draw with Falkirk, has been handling preparations on a “day-to-day” basis following the club’s 2–2 draw with Dundee United at Ibrox. In his post-match press duties, he made it clear that he had not planned beyond this weekend, saying: “I’ve gone day by day. I haven’t thought any further ahead than Dundee United because that would have been disrespectful.
“My attention was always on preparing properly for this game.”
However, with Kevin Muscat’s arrival still pending the conclusion of Shanghai Port’s Chinese Super League campaign, the club appear prepared to allow Smith to continue leading first-team duties into Europe this week.
There has been some discussion around whether Smith would be eligible to lead the team in UEFA competition due to not currently holding a UEFA Pro Licence. However, under UEFA Coaching Convention regulations, a coach can operate in an interim or caretaker capacity for up to 12 weeks without holding the Pro Licence, provided the club has begun the process of meeting the necessary criteria, which Rangers have.
This means Smith is fully eligible to remain on the touchline in Norway should the club choose to keep him in charge until Muscat officially takes over.
Yesterday’s draw showed clear signs of tactical and emotional lift in the first half under Smith, who restored a more aggressive pressing structure and greater positional freedom before the team ultimately faded after half-time.
While Smith described himself as “comfortable” working at first-team level and believes he is ready for that environment, he reiterated he is not thinking beyond the current moment.
With Muscat expected to arrive after Shanghai’s title-deciding fixtures later this month, current indications suggest:
 - Stevie Smith will continue leading training this week
- He is expected to take charge of team selection and tactics vs Brann
- He is permitted under UEFA rules to coach up to 12 weeks without a Pro Licence
- Neil McCann is still anticipated to link up with the squad on Muscat’s announcement until the Australian’s arrival upon which time McCann will revert to role as assistant coach.
Rangers travel to Norway knowing the clock is ticking on their next full-time manager, and their European involvement after defeats to both Genk and Sturm Graz, but for now, the team remains under Stevie Smith’s guidance, with the spectre of Muscat looming on the horizon.