McCoist promised Smith help

21 June 2011 16:54
Rangers director of football Gordon Smith has told Ally McCoist he will be more than happy to assist him in his first season as manager.[LNB] But Smith has assured McCoist he has no plans to interfere with his duties as first-team manager as both men prepare to work together for the first time.[LNB]Smith was confirmed in his new role at the weekend and, with a background that includes spells as a former Rangers player, an agent, media pundit and previous chief executive of the Scottish Football Association, he hopes he will have plenty to offer.[LNB]He said: "I have a lot of experiences that I can bring in from being a player, being in business inside and outside of football, and hopefully I can help Ally in many ways.[LNB]"He will be telling me what he needs. I am quite happy to offer my opinion if he wants it.[LNB]"I have been a pundit and an analyst for quite some time, watching systems of play and the strengths of players.[LNB]"I didn't offer my opinion on these matters when I was with the SFA because I felt it wasn't within my role as chief executive to do that.[LNB]"I did once and that was when George Burley chose not to pick Davie Weir for the match in Norway and I said I didn't agree with him.[LNB]"I felt we needed someone of Davie's experience for a game like that. We lost 4-0 and Davie was brought back in for the next squad.[LNB]"So I don't intend to interfere with Ally either. He has to stand or fall by his decisions but if he seeks my opinion then I will happily give him it."[LNB]Smith will be in charge of all aspects of the football side of Murray Park and is relishing the opportunity to work with McCoist.[LNB]He told Rangers' website: "I have known Ally for years although we have never worked together before.[LNB]"Funnily enough, we first came across each other when I was at Brighton and he was at Sunderland.[LNB]"We played a match down at Brighton and we both scored that day and we went on to win 2-1.[LNB]"I have always had a lot of time for him and we have had great fun before when we have met socially.[LNB]"It will great to work with him. It's a new job for him and it's also a new job for me."

Source: Team_Talk