Rangers appoint Smith

18 June 2011 01:00

Rangers have appointed former Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith as their new director of football.

Smith, who served the governing body from 2007 to 2010 before resigning for personal reasons, won the treble with Rangers in 1977/78.

He spent three years at the Ibrox club before leaving to join Brighton.

Smith, 56, will work alongside manager Ally McCoist in his first season as manager and will be involved in the club's transfer policy as well as overseeing scouting and the Academy.

Additionally, owner Craig Whyte has appointed former QPR commercial director and deputy managing director Ali Russell as director of operations and commercial activity.

Speaking to the club's official website about the pair's arrival, Whyte said: "I'm delighted that Gordon and Ali are with us and I think they will be key appointments for us.

"Gordon has a wealth of experience in football administration from his role with the SFA and his contacts in UEFA.

"He has a great Rangers background having been a key player in the 1970s for the club and I'm sure the fans will be delighted with his appointment.

"Gordon will be running things at Murray Park but he also has a good knowledge on the commercial side which is a great benefit.

"He will be working with the scouting set-up and also on transfers. Ali did a great job at QPR and he will be working with the management team we have at Ibrox. Due to my many business commitments I am unable to work at Rangers every day so Ali will be carrying out that aspect of things."

Source: PA