Smith: Sir Alex gave me inspiration to carry on as manager

May 4 2008 By Mark Guidi

Sir Alex Is Driving Force Behind Our Shot At Glory The Road To Manchester Uefa Cup Final May 14,2008

WALTER SMITH has revealed Sir Alex Ferguson is the inspiration behind his drive to lead Rangers to a stunning quadruple.

The Manchester United boss convinced Smith to return to Ibrox for a second spell last season.

The former Scotland gaffer mulled over the offer to replace Paul Le Guen 16 months ago and turned to his closest confidant for a lengthy conversation.

After words of wisdom from Sir Alex, Smith decided to quit the national team and come back in Rangers' hour of need.

He has transformed the team from losers to winners in his first full season and they now stand on the verge of the Treble and UEFA Cup glory.

Thursday's battling shoot-out win over Fiorentina sealed the club's first European final in 36 years - with Dick Advocaat's Zenit St Petersburg their opponents.

Ferguson's United side are in a Champions League showdown with Chelsea so Scots could lead sides to glory in both European competitions for the first time.

But things could have been so much different had Smith decided to turn down Rangers and stay with Scotland.

In his most revealing interview of the season the Ibrox gaffer opened up about the doubts he had over returning to the club he loves.

Walter said: "I asked Sir Alex for advice when the chairman, Sir David Murray, wanted me to go back to Rangers.

"I have a lot of time for Alex the person. And I've no greater admiration for any manager. He gives me inspiration to carry on as manager.

"Without hesitation Alex told me to take the job. He told me to get back in day-to-day football and win things again.

"If he had told me not to take it? Well, I don't know what I would have done because I did ask for his advice.

"He said I would enjoy being back involved and he has been right. I enjoy winning more now than I did when I was in my mid-40s."

But defeats are also hitting Smith harder. He used to get over them pretty quickly but now he can end up on a downer for days.

Walter said: "I've noticed defeats are harder to take as you get older.

"In my first spell as Rangers manager there were loads of disappointments.

"You tend to remember the defeats far clearer than the victories.

"Nowadays it takes me a few days to get over losing. That wasn't the case a few years ago because you always thought you had many years ahead.

"That's another area where Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall are good - they help me get over disappointments because they are younger. They have the outlook I had when I was their age."

Smith has assembled a strong backroom team with McCoist and McDowall helping to build the team spirit that has seen Rangers through in so many tough games.

He has also worked well in the transfer market with Davie Weir and Jean-Claude Darcheville arriving for nothing and Carlos Cuellar proving a bargain at s2.2million.

Steven Davis, Neil Alexander and Christian Dailly also came in during the January window and have played a part in helping the club chase four trophies.

And Smith has been taken aback by how well his players have coped with the demands put on them.

He said: "I'm surprised how well we've done. It has been a little hectic with all the games but just as enjoyable as my first spell as manager.

"I enjoy being involved and I'm on the training ground every day. That's the best place to be - the most enjoyable part.We have a good spirit and determination.

"Getting a good reaction from the new signings has also been a positive. A few have had injury problems but all in all they have made a good contribution."

The Rangers fans are now dreaming of European glory after seeing off Fiorentina - but that won't be at the forefront of Smith's mind today.

He will be focused on the SPL clash with Hibs at Easter Road and knows Gers can't afford to slip up after losing back-to-back Old Firm games.

The Hibees showdown is the first of six league matches in a hectic 18-day schedule but Smith is relishing the task of leading his side to the title.

He said: "There is no margin for error now. I always knew the results against Celtic would be big ones for us and we would have preferred not to lose to them.

"But we lost both games at Parkhead and have to be ready to get up and go again in the league.

"We just have to keep winning as many games as we can and I think we can do that. We went about six months earlier in the season without losing in the league and showed great desire.

"It's a case of reproducing that again in the six league games we have left and hoping results go our way.

"When you start out in August for the league campaign you want to win the title.

We're now at the stage when the finishing line is close and we will do all we can to get there in first place.

"We have a lot on in the coming weeks and the players will go for all the prizes.

"I know it's a big ask but we are ready.

It has been a remarkable season so far and we want to keep that going."