Source: Team_Talk
Novo: Smith deserves a knighthood
Out-going Rangers striker Nacho Novo believes Walter Smith should be knighted for the job he has done at Ibrox.[LNB] The veteran boss, 62, played a major role in the club's famous nine championships in a row in the 1980s and 1990s and his second spell at the Glasgow giants has arguably been more impressive.[LNB]Despite working under financial restrictions - he has been unable to buy a new player since August 2008 and he and his backroom staff have been working without contracts since January - Smith has guided Rangers to back-to-back titles, as well as the UEFA Cup final.[LNB]"The gaffer should be knighted after what he has done for this club," said Novo.[LNB]"When he took over, Rangers were in a terrible state. In the past three years, he has won six trophies and taken us to a UEFA Cup final.[LNB]"He has been working without a contract yet he is still here. Anybody else would have just said 'see you later'.[LNB]"Rangers are a massive club and it's incredible the whole management have worked without a contract.[LNB]"Would the managers at Real Madrid or Barcelona say they would do that? I don't think so.[LNB]"It's crucial they stay with the club."[LNB]Smith's future is unresolved as Rangers continue their search for a new owner, but Novo looks set to be among the summer departures.[LNB]He told Rangers News: "Wherever I am, I will always look out for the club's results and come back to sit with the fans in the stands whenever I get the chance.[LNB]"Once you play for a club like this, it never leaves you and I will never forget the support the fans have given me through the good times and the tough times.[LNB]"It is a great club and leaving is not an easy thing to do, it will be very difficult for me."
