Source: Team_Talk
Smith demands Gers improvement
The financial plight of the Scottish champions has been well publicised in recent weeks, with the loss of key personnel predicted in the next transfer window in a bid to help balance the books.[LNB]But Smith believes the players' only concern right now should be producing results on the pitch again after crashing out of Europe and falling off top spot in the SPL within a matter of days last week.[LNB]The Ibrox left-back said: "The financial situation at the club has been highlighted but, as players, we can't think about that.[LNB]"When you're playing as poorly as we are, I don't think any of us will be good enough to move on if we don't start playing better football than what we're doing.[LNB]"The players don't speak about what's happening. The fans speak about it, they are worried about the club's future and stuff like that.[LNB]"But, as players, we've got to concentrate on playing football, that's what we are getting paid for.[LNB]"We need to turn up on a Saturday and do more than we're doing at the moment."[LNB]Smith's own contract is set to expire at the end of this season and, like several others - including the management team - he has no idea whether he has a long-term future at the club.[LNB]But he said: "For me, it's not a concern and hopefully the other players don't find it a concern.[LNB]"When you go out on a Saturday, the biggest concern is the match you are playing in not your contract situation or where you are going to be in January.[LNB]"We've got to stick together and start winning football matches again."[LNB]Smith has struggled to force his way into the manager's plans this season and he added: "Of course my first choice would be to stay here. I've grown up here and I've never been anywhere else so it's natural for me to be here.[LNB]"The biggest thing is playing football and I would rather be in this situation where I've got a chance of doing it rather than where I was two years ago with the injuries when I had no chance.[LNB]"I've worked hard to get to this point and I need to work a little bit harder to get in the team."[LNB]Defeat to Aberdeen at the weekend saw Rangers surrender pole position in the SPL and slip to second spot behind bitter rivals Celtic.[LNB]And Smith has revealed how boss Walter Smith provided his players with a timely reminder of exactly what they are capable of as they attempt to retain their crown.[LNB]"We all got our league winners' medals this morning from last season and I think that's an indication of why people want to play for this club," he said.[LNB]"They want to win trophies and I'm no different from any of them.[LNB]"The manager handed out the medals this morning and I don't know if it was a reminder that we did win the league last year and that we worked hard to win it and all that good work goes to waste if we don't win it again.[LNB]"I don't know if the medals did just come this morning or if it was mind games by the manager.[LNB]"But it was a nice reminder to everyone that we did win the league last year even though we were seven points behind, there are a lot of winners in that dressing room and that's why we are at the club."[LNB][LNB]
