Smith hoping for McCoist news boost

23 February 2011 17:00

Walter Smith hopes the news that Ally McCoist will be replacing him at the helm in the summer will provide Rangers with a timely boost ahead of their Europa League tie against Sporting Lisbon.

Until the hastily-convened press conference to announce Smith's successor, there may have been an element of gloom around the Govan club following back-to-back disappointments on the field.

Smith believes that McCoist's planned promotion could be the perfect tonic at just the right time, saying: "I was pleased that it was finally announced that Alistair would be taking over. If it does give us a bit of a boost between now and the end of the season, we will be happy about that."

McCoist will take charge of team affairs at a time when the club's financial concerns have been well-documented and, of course, there will also be the huge weight of expectation that comes with being Rangers manager.

But, having served the Glasgow giants for so many years as a player before taking on the role of Smith's assistant, the veteran boss is confident in McCoist's ability to cope with the demands.

Smith added: "It will be a big challenge for him and I think he expects that.

"The one benefit that he has is that he knows the entire circumstances that surround the club at the moment.

"Another benefit he has is that he knows what it's like, with the problems and pressures at the club.

"Although it may be his first job at the club as a manager, it was mine as well. I was well aware of what I had to do and so is Alistair and he will obviously look forward to it."

Source: PA