Rangers Interim Manager Discusses Kevin Muscat's Potential Appointment
Steven Smith, the interim manager of Rangers, has suggested that Kevin Muscat might be the type of character the club needs at this juncture.
The Australian coach is reportedly close to finalizing a deal to succeed the recently dismissed Russell Martin at Ibrox.
While the club awaits the arrival of the 52-year-old, who is currently managing Shanghai Port, Smith, the under-19s coach, will take charge of the first team.
Muscat had a notable playing career at Rangers during the 2002-2003 season, where he helped the team secure a treble under manager Alex McLeish, coinciding with Smith's early days as a professional player.
When asked if Muscat is the right choice to lead Rangers forward, Smith responded, "Probably. It's an interesting question. Over the past four to five years, we've seen various types of managers, and there's no guarantee of success in this sport. It's particularly challenging to ensure success at a club where the expectation is to win consistently. That's an unrealistic expectation. We’ve tried different managerial styles, ranging from former players to those with a more tactical approach, but winning remains the top priority."
Reflecting on his past experiences, Smith noted, "As a young player during Muscat's time at Ibrox, I had limited interactions with him. My role was primarily to clean the boots of McLeish and his coaching staff, so I would occasionally pass Muscat in the corridor, and he was always very pleasant."
Smith, 40, had not anticipated being in the dugout for the upcoming match against Dundee United when he was asked to lead first-team training earlier last week. He shared, "I believe the sessions we've conducted have helped lift the team's spirits. We’ve simplified our approach and reminded the players of their capabilities as a talented group."
Despite his aspirations for the future, Smith emphasized that he is taking his new role one day at a time. "I would be lying if I said I didn't want to be involved with the first team at any point," he admitted. "However, I am in no rush. I love my job, but the club understands that I also have ambitions, which is essential for anyone working here."
Smith expressed his pride in leading the team at Ibrox on Saturday and remains optimistic about the potential for a turnaround, given that Rangers have managed to secure only eight points from their last seven Premiership games. "It doesn’t take much to change the momentum," he said. "Sometimes it’s just one result or a standout performance that can shift the dynamics. Even a last-minute win following a lackluster performance can spark a change, especially with a new manager potentially coming in."