Durrant: I won't follow Walter into Ibrox hotseat

Apr 27 2008 By Gavin Berry

IAN DURRANT has spent the season learning what it takes to manage Rangers as Walter Smith's shadow in the stand.

But the Ibrox coach can't see himself ever taking over the hotseat of his boyhood heroes where he earned legendary status as a player.

Durrant has played a role in Gers' revival by spying on European opponents and helping with first-team training. Sitting next to gaffer and mentor Smith for home games has given him the greatest insight into top-level management - although he's seen enough to know it's not for him.

Durrant quipped: "Me managing Rangers? I'd end up in a box! I enjoy coaching but don't see myself ever becoming Rangers boss. I don't think a coach has ever stepped up to be gaffer here, they tend to look further afield.

"But I enjoy working with the boys. I've been lucky to sit beside Walter at games to try to getmy point across but I've been punched a few times!

"People say he has calmed-down-aye right! I'll bite his lug, trying to learn as much as I can. Sometimes he'll agree but others he'll tell me to shut up."

Durrant managed Rangers for one game after Paul Le Guen's exit when they were 3-0 down to Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup before crashing 3-2.

He said: "I thought it was the perfect world as I had my big chance. But it's hard when a team has been rolling over to raise them for one game."

Durrant is confident Smith's men can make up for their recent defeat at Parkhead today and said: "Sometimes you have to wait three or four months to rectify things but we can do it right away."