Kevin Thomson insists no manager in the world other than Walter Smith could have guided Rangers to the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title in such emphatic style against such a backdrop of problems.
The club's financial worries have been well-documented, with the veteran boss unable to buy any new players since August 2008 and Smith and has backroom staff working without contracts since January.
"The manager is the best," said Thomson. "I think if you asked any of the boys in the team how good the manager is, they would tell you he is the tops. He deserves a huge amount of credit. It's him who has to deal with everything that's going on at the club."
He added: "I don't think there is a man anywhere else in the world who would be able to deal with the hassle that he's had this year.
"I'm pretty sure he will be proud of the boys that they have repaid him on the park while he has dealt with things off the park. Thankfully together we have managed to clinch the title.
"We are all delighted because it has felt like a long time coming over the last month or so and it was nice to come here and cross the finishing line.
"I think you could tell after the game how much it meant to everybody. I don't want to use the word drag but, having had such an advantage, it has been a bit of a drag to be honest. We felt like we were almost there without being there.
"Thankfully we have finally been crowned champions."
Source: PA
