Source: Team_Talk
Smith will put split concerns in writing
Walter Smith says he will write to the SPL to demand answers regarding the treatment of Rangers in the post-split fixtures.[LNB] Smith spoke out in a Sunday newspaper earlier in the day, where he highlighted a number of imbalances which he claims show Rangers have suffered since the controversial split was introduced 10 years ago.[LNB]The Scottish champions were furious when they learned they faced three consecutive away games in the final five fixtures of the season - including a third trip to Tannadice this term.[LNB]In the article, he highlighted that rivals Celtic had never faced the same opposition three times away from home in the same campaign, while Rangers have endured such a scenario on several occasions.[LNB]Smith confirmed after Sunday's 2-0 home win over Hearts in the Scottish Premier League that his concerns will now be put in writing to SPL bosses, having had no response as yet to his complaints.[LNB]He said: "We've not had an answer yet, no. I would hope we would get one.[LNB]"There's a hell of an imbalance when you see it. The fact that we have to go to Tannadice three times and we are having to do that nearly every time.[LNB]"You've got to ask why Celtic have never had to do that at all and we've had to do it. Especially last year when they were kicking up a fuss about being treated unfairly when it's patently obvious that it's Rangers who are being treated unfairly and not Celtic."[LNB]He added: "The whole thing about the split is impossible to do. When the human element comes in, there has to be a question as to why Rangers have to do it so many times and Celtic haven't.[LNB]"Other clubs are having to do it so many times and Celtic haven't and they are the ones who were doing the complaining. That's all I was bringing up.[LNB]"The thing that annoyed me about the three games away from home this year is, the season we had the UEFA Cup final, we were told that nobody would be asked to play three games at home or away. Now they have given us three when it suits them.[LNB]"I can't understand that point of view. Somebody, somewhere, is actually making the conscious decision to do that, forgetting that they had told us the opposite.[LNB]"It's quite a complicated thing to understand and, being a football manager, it took me a wee while to actually notice it myself."[LNB]Celtic's win over Hibernian on Saturday meant there would be no title celebrations at Ibrox on Sunday but goals from Kyle Lafferty and Kenny Miller mean the champions can retain their crown against Hibs next weekend - or even without kicking a ball if the Hoops lose to Dundee United earlier in the day.[LNB]Smith said: "From about 10 games to go, people have been telling us we are going to win the league championship and that's a long spell.[LNB]"Last season we were trying to catch Celtic and had to win to keep ourselves up there.[LNB]"This season it's turned around and everyone thinks it's automatic that we are going to win the league - except the manager who keeps telling you it's not quite as easy as that.[LNB]"When you have this situation for so long, it's a difficult thing to handle. You just wish you could get it over with.[LNB]"People were asking me if the players were nervous but my biggest fear was that there is lack of nerves.[LNB]"Our team have always reacted well to being under pressure to win and that pressure has come off them a little bit and it's taken a little bit of an edge off our game."[LNB]Miller's 20th goal of the season came courtesy of a penalty after Eggert Jonsson was shown a straight red card for a shove on Steven Naismith.[LNB]Jambos boss Jim Jefferies said: "I've not seen the second one but the players thought it was a bit soft.[LNB]"I thought we were very comfortable in the first half and passed the ball about well. The first goal was always going to settle Rangers down but, if we had got it, they might have got a little nervous."[LNB]Jefferies still believes European football is a realistic aim for next season, adding: "We've still got a lot to play for."[LNB]
