Walter: This is my other great team

May 11 2008 By Mark Guidi

WALTER SMITH believes his backroom team have played just as important a role as the players in Rangers' quadruple quest.

The Ibrox boss had to assemble a new coaching and medical staff to help turn the club's fortunes around when he took over 17 months ago.

His first appointments were Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall followed by goalkeeping coach Jim Stewart. Respected Scotland national team physio Pip Yeates moved from Dunfermline and Paul Jackson was brought in as club doctor.

Smith has been delighted with all of them but gave a special mention to sports scientist Adam Owen for maintaining the players' fitness during a gruelling 67-game season.

Walter said: "When you have an idea of the people you want you try to put the staff together like a team.

"But you wonder if they will all gel, what kind of atmosphere will be created. Obviously I've known Ally for years and brought him to assist me with the Scotland team.

"I knew there was a serious side to him, more than people realise.

"Kenny had an excellent reputation through his work with the Celtic reserve and youth sides so I asked him to join and he was dead keen.

"Jim is an experienced coach and has been great at working with our keepers at all levels.

"There was a need for a sports scientist and Kenny recommended Adam who he'd worked with at Celtic. Adam has been fantastic in handling the players' fitness during such a testing season.

"When I was here the first time and then at Everton I sorted that aspect and had never worked with a sports scientist but it's now a much bigger part of the game.

"It's also about getting recovery time between games and diet right.

Doctor Jackson is involved in that side and they've introduced different drinks and foods.

"I've learned from it and it has worked well. Several things may be levelled against us this season but nothing can be said of our fitness."

Smith has surrounded himself with good operators which allows him to delegate more responsibility.

However, he said: "I'm out on the training pitch every day.

"In terms of shape for a match I do all the team stuff. Being out with the players is the best part of the job.

"But I have a good staff and they have all gelled so there is a great atmosphere. Now we'd love to see the hard work rewarded.

"We can win three more trophies but everyone must pull together."