Source: Team_Talk
Rangers claim SPL awards double
Rangers have scooped a double at the Scottish Premier League awards as Walter Smith and David Weir bagged the main prizes.[LNB] Smith collected the Manager of the Season award a day after his side moved to within one point of retaining the SPL title with a 2-0 victory over Hearts.[LNB]And 39-year-old Weir was voted top player by a panel of football experts after playing every minute of each SPL match this season so far.[LNB]Dundee United striker David Goodwillie, 21, was voted Young Player of the Season.[LNB]Hibernian striker Anthony Stokes claimed the Goal of the Season for his volley against Rangers at Ibrox on November 24.[LNB]Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc won Save of the Season for his stop from [LNB]Hibernian midfielder David Wotherspoon's long-range strike at Easter Road on August 30.[LNB]In other awards, 17-year-old Dundee United striker Dale Hilson was voted the best player in the under-19 league, while Hibs won the community initiative prize, Motherwell were rewarded for their media relations and St Mirren won the first SPL Family Champions Award.[LNB]Smith said: "It has been a real team effort, I don't think there is any doubt about that.[LNB]"We have a situation where we have a great number of players in our team who have played exceptionally well.[LNB]"We have a small group of players so we have had to rely on a lot of them to do well over the season. They have managed to do that for us and we are delighted that has been the case.[LNB]"I wouldn't say I'm surprised. When you have the same group year in, year out as we have had, a lot of the boys have been with us for about three years, and we know they can achieve a level of success.[LNB]"The only thing about this season was the fact that we worried about injuries and suspensions and other things affecting us.[LNB]"We have managed, so far, to get over that aspect of it and it leads us within inches of another championship.[LNB]"That's been a terrific thing for us, it's been a terrific performance by all the players at the club this season. Maybe one of the major benefits we have had is that we have been together for so long."[LNB]Smith believes another successful season has again justified his decision to quit as Scotland manager and return for a second spell at the Ibrox helm three years ago.[LNB]Reflecting on a campaign, which has been challenging amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the club, he said: "It's one of the reasons I came to Rangers, you have an opportunity to gain a level of success.[LNB]"In the job I was in as Scotland manager, success would be qualifying for a major tournament. You get more opportunities if you are at a club like Rangers - and Celtic - to win things.[LNB]"I made that decision to come back and so far it has turned out okay. Obviously it would be far better if we could clinch the championship again this season."
