Rangers manager Walter Smith saluted his side after clinching back-to-back Scottish Premier League (SPL) titles courtesy of Kyle Lafferty’s goal in a 1-0 win over Hibernian to lift some of the gloom amid well-documented financial struggles.
It was Smith’s ninth title in his two spells at the club and his 19th major trophy in 19 years of management.
Since his return to the Ibrox club three-and-a-half years ago Rangers have won six trophies and made it to the UEFA Cup final in 2008, their first appearance in a European final in 35 years.
But the Gers gaffer claims this title could take pride of place in his achievements coming against a backdrop of financial uncertainty and doubts over the future ownership of the club which have seen them unable to sign a player in nearly two years.
“You always feel grateful for the fact that you win a trophy and are in a position to do so as Rangers teams are a lot of the time,” Smith said after Sunday’s win.
“But this one is maybe a bit different from the others that we have had because of the circumstances that are surrounding the club and the difficulties we have faced,” he said.
“You always enjoy it but this one is a wee bit special for everyone involved. It is not particularly satisfying what is happening to the club at the present moment,” Smith said.
After a couple of missed opportunities Rangers clinched the title at Easter Road when Lafferty scored a well-taken first-half goal that sparked scenes of jubilation among the travelling support.
Smith, who along with assistant Ally McCoist and first-team coach Kenny McDowall are working without contracts at the club while a new owner is being sought, gave no indication of whether he would be in charge next season.
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