Longtime Manager Walter Smith Returns To Rangers As Non-Executive Director

Former Scottish Third Division Rangers Manager Walter Smith has returned to the club for the third time in his career after "accepting an invitation" to become a non-exec director, according to Richard Wilson of the HERALD SCOTLAND. Smith will be joined by businessman Ian Hart, who has "agreed to a similar offer." Both men will "take up their positions with immediate effect." Smith has been considering the offer for several weeks and was adamant that "he will not play any role in the football operation, since he does not want to overshadow his friend and protege," Manager Ally McCoist. The board appointments are "also significant since they represent a show of support and commitment to the current owners ahead of the launch of a share issue." Roadshows with potential institutional investors will begin this week, before fans are "invited to buy stakes in the club" (HERALD SCOTLAND, 11/12).

CELEBRATED RETURN: The SCOTSMAN reported that the move was "a huge coup" for CEO Charles Green, who has been "trying to bring Smith on board" since he launched a takeover bid hours after Green's Sevco Scotland company initially took control at Ibrox in July. Smith described his appointment as "a great privilege" (SCOTSMAN, 11/11). Smith: "I must make it clear, however, that I will not be playing any role in the day-to-day running of the club or the team. It’s the manager’s job to run the team and the chief executive’s job to run the club’s affairs." McCoist: “I am delighted to see Walter involved in the club again. He has done it all and is a Rangers man through and through. His presence will be a huge benefit” (Scotland DAILY RECORD, 11/12).

SCOTTISH NATIONAL TEAM COACH: The SCOTSMAN reported that former Scotland captain Graeme Souness has "ruled himself out of the running" for the Scotland national team coaching job and has "thrown his backing behind" former player, coach and Manager Joe Jordan instead. Asked if he would be open to an approach from the Scottish Football Association, Souness said: “No, it’s not for me. I think your man is Joe Jordan. He would be my choice if I was making the decision" (SCOTSMAN, 11/12).