Source: Team_Talk
Naismith lauds Rangers' spirit
Steven Naismith insists team spirit - rather than individual performances - was the biggest factor behind Rangers' SPL title win.[LNB] The Scottish champions were awarded the SPL trophy after being held to a 3-3 draw by Motherwell in their final game of the season at Ibrox on Sunday.[LNB]However, the celebrations were tempered slightly by the ongoing financial uncertainty at the club, which means no-one knows yet whether Walter Smith and several key players will still be at Rangers next season.[LNB]Smith's inability to buy any new players since August 2008 has been well documented but Naismith believes the lack of new faces has been a help rather than a hindrance.[LNB]He said: "I think the camaraderie has been the biggest thing.[LNB]"We've not signed any players for the last couple of years and I think that has been our biggest asset.[LNB]"I wouldn't put it down to individual players, just the spirit in the team."[LNB]Smith has admitted he is all but resigned to losing talented teenager Danny Wilson in the summer, with the 18-year-old linked with a move to Liverpool.[LNB]Kris Boyd, Nacho Novo, Kirk Broadfoot, DaMarcus Beasley, Steven Smith and skipper David Weir are all out of contract and may have played their last games for the club.[LNB]Naismith added: "I think we have realised there are going to be changes and that's part and parcel of football.[LNB]"We just want to savour what we've had this season.[LNB]"We will all just go away and have a good holiday and, when we get back, there won't be any hiding from what's happening at the club.[LNB]"It will probably be on the front page and back page of the newspapers."[LNB]One major departure could be that of the manager, with Smith yet to confirm if he will be back at Ibrox next term to defend his crown.[LNB]The veteran boss has masterminded a huge change in fortunes at the club since returning to the helm back in January 2007.[LNB]"He would be the biggest loss out of everybody at the club," admitted Naismith.[LNB]"Over the last three years, with all the financial problems, the way he has dealt with it has been first class.[LNB]"Everything that can be said about him has been and everybody at the club definitely has their fingers crossed and wants him to stay."[LNB]And the forward insists Smith has not even given his players any indication as to whether he has taken charge of his last game for Rangers.[LNB]Naismith added: "He has never mentioned it, he has never brought it up in any conversations.[LNB]"I think he just wanted us solely focused on getting this season over and done with and getting the trophies in the bag."
