In late October, following Rangers’ capitulation against Unirea, I called for Walter Smith to quit.

http://www.vanguardbears.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=216&Itemid=26

Given where Rangers sit today, I now apologise and admit I got it wrong, on two counts;
one on my judgement of Smith, McCoist and McDowall, and one on my own assertion that the article was not a snap judgement.

It was indeed a snap judgement, and I have learned a valuable lesson in patience. Quite clearly, Unirea was a wake up call to every one at Ibrox, Smith included. The team that night, and my analysis is worth revisiting

McGregor – Cruelly chosen as Number 1 ahead of Neil Alexander, and lucky at slight deflections giving him a get out for two of the goals last night, that he should have saved.

 Despite the lurid headlines, and problems off the park, McGregor has been at the top of his game since, and has more than justified Smith’s choice in him as number 1, despite Alexander being an excellent stand in.

Whittaker – Exposed at this level for both Scotland and Rangers. Not strong enough defensively.

 Rested by Smith, and the rest worked wonders, with Whittaker rejuvenated on his return, now performing defensively, and has scored 10 goals this season. Whatever Smith did with him has worked, and his man management has to be commended

Papac – The sole remaining PLG signing was perhaps our only defender last night to emerge with some credit.

Papac has remained an integral consistent performer

Weir – Time to retire. Please.

It seems like such a long time ago that Weir had his wobble, but he’s hardly put a foot wrong since, as the defence have put sucha  strong run together

McCulloch – Not a Defender. I’ll leave it at that.

Smith has noted that, even if the club is injury hit, McCulloch is better employed elsewhere in the team, and McCulloch has excelled in midfield alongside Davis, while Edu and Thomson have been rehabilitating from injury

Mendes – Injured, but largely absent this season. Over rated.

I may be alone in this opinion, but my belief is Rangers did the right thing in selling him, and this is only in football terms.

Davis – Missed penalty, but Rangers only player of any quality last night.

Davis has excelled in Central Midfield as the season has progressed, and is now a candidate for POTY

Thomson – Looked out of his depth for long periods, until Unirea sat back.

It has taken Thomson longer than anyone expected to return from his injury, but Smith appears to have accepted that he was rushed back too quickly, and Thomson was rested for a few weeks to come back stronger, with his performance in Sunday’s Old Firm game restoring faith that he can be a success at Ibrox

Rothen – Charlie Adam’s better. And Fitter. And Faster. ‘Nuff Said.

Smith realised pretty quickly that Rothen wasn’t going to cut it, and took appropriate measures.

Miller – Simply not good enough.

Miller is another one of this team whose performances improved dramatically after this, and he has proven himself to be a quality support striker

Naismith – Looked lost, and without any direction. Time will tell if it’s down to the player, or the management.

This statement is sadly still applicable to the player, but Smith appears to have reached the same conclusion and Naismith has been a bit part player since.

Subs
Novo – A willing tryer, who at least doesn’t hide, and offered a threat.

 This is still a valid assessment of Novo’s worth to the squad. His form in December, when we put our best run of results, would suggest he is worth a starting spot.

Lafferty – Like Naismith, he looks lost as a man without portfolio at present. The jury’s out.

Time is running out for Lafferty I’m afraid, and I suspect Smith is of the same opinion given his sparing use of him.

It seems like such a long time ago now, but this team has grown together, and, with the consistent selection of Boyd, there have been goals in the team too, with Miller’s form improving. The level of performance that the team has achieved in the last few months is far better than anything last season’s Championship winning side did, so Smith, McCoist and McDowall should be given credit for getting this kind of improvement out of a decreasing squad.

In his first tenure as Rangers manager, Smith was accused by Celtic supporters (and, if rumours are to be believed, a prominent former Celtic manager in the headlines this week) of being a “chequebook manager” incapable of competing on a level playing field with his peers.

I think Smith is now proving his doubters wrong.

When we wrap up the SPL title, you should already have been named Manager of the Year, but I now believe, that the circumstances you’ve worked under, and what you’ve achieved is outstanding. I apologise Walter, and hope you will continue to serve our club with the commitment you have shown in your time here.

OpportunityKnox