BlueSuedeSambas 54,488 Posted April 11, 2008 Share Posted April 11, 2008 The secrets of Rangers' success By Julian Taylor When Rangers limped off after a Champions League capitulation at home to Lyon in December, few thought that just four months later the same players would be eyeing a European final. The dejected Glasgow club were parachuted into the Uefa Cup and now only Fiorentina stand in the way of an appearance at the City of Manchester stadium on 14 May. It would be a remarkable achievement and long overdue for a club who have not tasted continental success since a European Cup Winners' Cup victory in 1972. BBC Sport assesses Rangers' run under Walter Smith. HOW HAS SMITH SUCCEEDED? One of the main criticisms of Smith's first spell in charge was that, for all Rangers' domestic domination, he could not adjust his teams to the European arena. Ironically, this time around, the Light Blues have fewer resources, and their Uefa Cup run has been the result of Smith's greater experience and pragmatism. His approach has been to play with just one striker up front, with Jean-Claude Darcheville carrying the responsibility, with the prolific Kris Boyd featuring just once, against Panathinaikos. This hasn't always been popular with the fans, but the former Scotland manager's persistence has paid dividends, as Rangers have conceded only two goals in six games ahead of the semi-final clash against the Italians. Rangers looked comfortable for long periods in Lisbon, with a maturity to their possession play in midfield. Darcheville simply delivered when opportunity arose. Smith admitted earlier that the prospect of Uefa Cup football was firmly down his list of priorities, with the SPL title the main item on his agenda. But now, with each passing success, confidence and excitement has grown, with Rangers supporters eager for their club to emulate Celtic's run to the 2003 final. THE SCOTTISH FACTOR Smith's experience with the national team has helped - his emphasis on Scottish-style industry has transformed Rangers. The 60-year-old's success with Scotland - particularly when plotting the famous Hampden win over France - will no doubt have imbued him with the belief that, as a manager, he can outfox the biggest names at the highest level. Central to the Uefa Cup campaign has been the form of key Scots such as goalkeeper Allan McGregor, veteran defender David Weir plus Barry Ferguson and Kevin Thomson. McGregor's performance away to Werder Bremen was quite outstanding, while captain Ferguson has always looked comfortable in any European company. Weir's partnership with outstanding Spaniard Carlos Cuellar - who has a rugged, traditional Scots style - has been one of the major reasons why Smith can rely on a solid backbone in pressurised situations in Europe against quality sides. RANGERS' NEW EUROPEAN RESILIENCE On several occasions the Ibrox side have answered a stern test of their character. The second leg of their tie in Bremen saw the German side dominate. Yet Rangers prevailed, thanks to McGregor, Smith's organisation and a fair slice of good luck. Crucial goals have also helped their cause. A tricky tie in Athens was negotiated when Nacho Novo netted a priceless late away goal against Panathinaikos, and Steven Whittaker's sublime finish against Sporting crowned a deserved win. Ironically, it could be argued that the Uefa Cup adventure has been a relatively relaxing diversion from the SPL title battle with holders Celtic, with the season set to reach another edgy conclusion. The fact is that the prospect of actually winning the Uefa Cup is only now beginning to dawn on Rangers, taking even Smith by surprise. The manager will continue to claim that winning a 52nd Scottish championship will be the main priority. However, a serious tilt at the Uefa Cup now gives Rangers a profile in Europe they certainly would not have dreamt of earlier in the season. Nice little read. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigAmo 13 Posted April 11, 2008 Share Posted April 11, 2008 Wot? positive exposure from the BBC? Why thank you Julian :bouncy: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nvager 498 Posted April 11, 2008 Share Posted April 11, 2008 Agreed - nice article. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
J_RFC87 761 Posted April 11, 2008 Share Posted April 11, 2008 The answer - Walter Smith Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadaready 9,437 Posted April 11, 2008 Share Posted April 11, 2008 The answer - Walter Smith I would quite agree here. He has done things that I don't think are humanly possible. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muff 245 Posted April 11, 2008 Share Posted April 11, 2008 A nice little read there Dado, cheers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooper1989 0 Posted April 11, 2008 Share Posted April 11, 2008 I'll say this. For all that slagged WS -- including me -- take it back. I do. The facts are what they are. And cannot be disputed. All is forgiven Walter.. and please forgive the fans -- such as myself that voiced displeasure. Last night was better than anyone could ask for. If any manager, anywhere, has better tactical awareness than what Wattie had last night, let him stand up. I doubt anyone could have engineered such a sublime performance. SAF, The Chosen One included. Now.. let's win the quadrangle....!!!!! WATP! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueballss 2,975 Posted April 11, 2008 Share Posted April 11, 2008 got a great chance for a fantastic season!!! lets go for it wattie!! :bouncy: :bouncy: :bouncy: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Bear 7 Posted April 11, 2008 Share Posted April 11, 2008 Wot? positive exposure from the BBC? Why thank you Julian :bouncy: He'll not last long, he'll be punted when the high heid yins meet ..... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ara 154 Posted April 11, 2008 Share Posted April 11, 2008 good article apart from the "edgy conclusion in the SPL" ?!! we're set to wrap this up fast! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
WeeJacksonRFC 647 Posted April 11, 2008 Share Posted April 11, 2008 When Rangers limped off after a Champions League capitulation at home to Lyon in December, few thought that just four months later the same players would be eyeing a European final. The dejected Glasgow club were parachuted into the Uefa Cup and now only Fiorentina stand in the way of an appearance at the City of Manchester stadium on 14 May. It would be a remarkable achievement and long overdue for a club who have not tasted continental success since a European Cup Winners' Cup victory in 1972. BBC Sport assesses Rangers' run under Walter Smith. HOW HAS SMITH SUCCEEDED? One of the main criticisms of Smith's first spell in charge was that, for all Rangers' domestic domination, he could not adjust his teams to the European arena. Ironically, this time around, the Light Blues have fewer resources, and their Uefa Cup run has been the result of Smith's greater experience and pragmatism. Walter Smith & Barry Ferguson Walter Smith congratulates Barry Ferguson after victory over Sporting His approach has been to play with just one striker up front, with Jean-Claude Darcheville carrying the responsibility, with the prolific Kris Boyd featuring just once, against Panathinaikos. This hasn't always been popular with the fans, but the former Scotland manager's persistence has paid dividends, as Rangers have conceded only two goals in six games ahead of the semi-final clash against the Italians. Rangers looked comfortable for long periods in Lisbon, with a maturity to their possession play in midfield. Darcheville simply delivered when opportunity arose. Smith admitted earlier that the prospect of Uefa Cup football was firmly down his list of priorities, with the SPL title the main item on his agenda. But now, with each passing success, confidence and excitement has grown, with Rangers supporters eager for their club to emulate Celtic's run to the 2003 final. THE SCOTTISH FACTOR Smith's experience with the national team has helped - his emphasis on Scottish-style industry has transformed Rangers. The 60-year-old's success with Scotland - particularly when plotting the famous Hampden win over France - will no doubt have imbued him with the belief that, as a manager, he can outfox the biggest names at the highest level. RANGERS IN THE UEFA CUP 13 February, Round of 32: v Panathinaikos (H) 0-0 21 February, Round of 32: v Panathinaikos (A) 1-1 6 March, Round of 16: v Werder Bremen (H) 2-0 13 March, Round of 16: v Werder Bremen (A) 0-1 3 April, Quarter-final: v Sporting (H) 0-0 10 April, Quarter-final: v Sporting (A) 2-0 24 April, Semi-final: v Fiorentina (H) 1 May, Semi-final: v Fiorentina (A) Central to the Uefa Cup campaign has been the form of key Scots such as goalkeeper Allan McGregor, veteran defender David Weir plus Barry Ferguson and Kevin Thomson. McGregor's performance away to Werder Bremen was quite outstanding, while captain Ferguson has always looked comfortable in any European company. Weir's partnership with the exceptional Spaniard Carlos Cuellar - who has a rugged, traditional Scots style - has been one of the major reasons why Smith can rely on a solid backbone in pressurised situations in Europe against quality sides. RANGERS' NEW EUROPEAN RESILIENCE On several occasions the Ibrox side have answered a stern test of their character. The second leg of their tie in Bremen saw the German side dominate. Yet Rangers prevailed, thanks to McGregor, Smith's organisation and a fair slice of good luck. Jean-Claude Darcheville Jean-Claude Darcheville will be crucial to Rangers' Uefa Cup hopes Crucial goals have also helped their cause. A tricky tie in Athens was negotiated when Nacho Novo netted a priceless late away goal against Panathinaikos, and Steven Whittaker's sublime finish against Sporting crowned a deserved win. Curiously, it could be argued that the Uefa Cup adventure has been a relatively relaxing diversion from the SPL title battle with holders Celtic, with the season set to reach another edgy conclusion. The fact is that the prospect of actually winning the Uefa Cup is only now beginning to dawn on Rangers, taking even Smith by surprise. The manager will continue to claim that winning a 52nd Scottish championship will be the main priority. However, a serious tilt at the Uefa Cup now gives Rangers a profile in Europe they certainly would not have dreamt of earlier in the season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueSuedeSambas 54,488 Posted April 11, 2008 Author Share Posted April 11, 2008 :repost: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
WeeJacksonRFC 647 Posted April 11, 2008 Share Posted April 11, 2008 :repost: Sorry mate my apologiese....skimmed thrue didny see it... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueSuedeSambas 54,488 Posted April 11, 2008 Author Share Posted April 11, 2008 :repost: Sorry mate my apologiese....skimmed thrue didny see it... It's alright mate, I'm just pulling your leg I'm merge them just now Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danny 9 Posted April 11, 2008 Share Posted April 11, 2008 Another pro Rangers article, with high praise. Getting used to this Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainSpalding 0 Posted April 11, 2008 Share Posted April 11, 2008 This run is very important for Rangers as it gets our name more well known which will help attract more quality players. It would be nice for the fans to win the cup too!!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbm26896 995 Posted April 12, 2008 Share Posted April 12, 2008 excellent article Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam 0 Posted April 12, 2008 Share Posted April 12, 2008 Proud to be a bear!! Great article, Walter Smith =genius!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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