Source: Team_Talk
Smith: Fan unrest won't unsettle us
Supporters' groups planned to protest against the influence of Lloyds Banking Group ahead of Saturday's game against Hearts.[LNB]Despite claiming plans for the demonstration were scuppered, some banners were visible inside the stadium.[LNB]But Smith said: "That has surrounded us now for a long time and I don't think it's going to have any great effect on the team in any way, shape or form.[LNB]"If people want to do that, it's a democratic society and there is nothing we can do to stop it. But it doesn't affect the team a great deal anyway."[LNB]His views were echoed by midfielder Kevin Thomson, who added: "It's just one of those situations we are in as players.[LNB]"We all read the newspapers and we all watch the news. It's been well-documented how tough a time it is for everyone, not just for Rangers.[LNB]"As players, we need to just keep on playing, keep working hard and hopefully, if we can bring success as a team on the park, it will help ease things off the park.[LNB]"For a player, when the atmosphere is fantastic at Ibrox and the punters are behind the team, it's great.[LNB]"Whatever the punters do off the park with regards to the club's finances doesn't affect the players. All the players want is for the punters to support the boys and get behind the team."[LNB]While Rangers' financial plight has been well-documented, Smith was keen to praise the efforts of other SPL managers who also find themselves working within tight budget restraints.[LNB]The Scottish champions face St Mirren in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League tonight and Smith believes Buddies boss Gus MacPherson is a prime example of a manager producing results in difficult circumstances.[LNB]"St Mirren are a settled team, they set out their stall and make it difficult for everyone to play against them," said Smith, who yesterday saw striker Nacho Novo fined £500 and severely censured by a Scottish Football Association disciplinary committee for his one-fingered gesture during November's defeat at Aberdeen.[LNB]"That's been the secret of the success they have achieved since getting into the Premier League.[LNB]"They've got the new stadium, the training ground in place and they've avoided any great financial hardship.[LNB]"Usually that means the manager hasn't have a lot of money to spend on the team and, in my eyes, that's an indication of the good job Gus MacPherson has done since he's been there."[LNB]While Rangers are keen to return to winning ways after their draw with Hearts, MacPherson is also seeking a positive reaction in the wake of Saints' defeat to Motherwell at the weekend.[LNB]"I'm sure the players are all disappointed but they can't change what happened in that game so the mindset now will be trying to win against a very good Rangers team," he said.[LNB]"We had been enjoying a good spell and were picking up points and we know we let the standards drop.[LNB]"No disrespect to Motherwell but we now have to get back to those standards against stronger opposition.[LNB]"There is pride to be restored and that's what we will be looking to do."[LNB][LNB]
