STEVEN Smith says he is embracing the opportunity to work at the club’s first-team level having been confirmed as a member of Danny Röhl’s backroom staff.
The former Ger has been on a coaching journey of his own, having returned to the Light Blues several years ago, working at various youth levels and most recently leading the Under-19’s side earlier this season.
Speaking to RangersTV in a first exclusive interview having been in the role for the past few months, Smith commented on his time so far and how things have been improving on the pitch for the team: “It is a role that I am enjoying and one that I probably knew I was ready for, for a period of time so I am really enjoying it so far.
“I think I have done it the right way. I went back to the start, when I first came back to the academy, I was coaching the Under-9's and 10's, and I have kind of worked my way through.
“I think I have also earned the right to be in the role that I am in just now, but I go back to the point that I am really enjoying it so far.
“The results have been really good in the main, but we also know as a staff that there is a lot of work to do as well.
“One of the benefits of working in the academy, especially the younger age groups, there is not that much attention, so you get to make mistakes and get to fail out of the limelight if you like, but I feel like I am now more than ready to step into the first-team environment, and I have been for a while now.”
The 40-year-old gave an insight into what life is like working alongside the German as well as the other coaching staff members, and what qualities he feels he can add to the group.
He continued: “It has been good, I think initially when he first came in for me personally, you don't know the staff, you don't have that relationship.
“I think through time the relationship has built not just with the manager but with the staff in general, and it has been a really positive start.
“Learning off other coaches? I think you have to, as a coach, you never stop learning when you meet new people, and you work in a different way, you learn new things all the time.
“There is always talk of being part of the first-team staff and somebody with the Rangers mind, who knows the club and the league and all that sort of stuff, but I'd like to think that I bring more than that.
“Whether that is taking training sessions, unit sessions, video and analysis sessions. I'd like to think I bring a mixture of a lot of things.”
A former Ranger, and having that unique insight into coaching at various age groups over recent years. Smith shared the benefits of having that outlook on the talent emerging through the ranks and what he looks for when players look to make the step up into the first-team environment.
He added: “Having that pathway? I think it is vitally important. I have said it since I came back to the club: there are good players here within the academy.
“It is just about finding the right time to give them that opportunity, and we saw Zeb [Lawson] come on against Annan, but there is loads more in the academy that hopefully will get the opportunity soon.
“
“How are you pushing yourself? Do you have the character, the mentality to go and push yourself into the first-team.
“Whether that be in a training basis and then finding your way to push somebody out of the first-team and cement down a position, so I don't just want players to come round to the first-team and train or play one or two games.
“I want players to come round and push and play 100/200 games, and then that's what it means, you have been a successful Rangers player.
“That gives me an advantage if the manager is looking for a player to come and train or is thinking about a player to put on the bench.
“I do have the advantage of knowing most players and most of the staff in the academy.
“What’s to come for the team? It is exciting, I think we have put ourselves in a position where we have earned the right to go and challenge and push, but we know we have to take it game by game because every game is difficult.
“The results have been great, but we know that as a staff and as a group of players, there is room for development, and we need to make the performances better.
“The be-all and end-all is you just need to keep winning and put pressure on the teams above you.”
VIP HOSPITALITY: Combining all the passion, excitement and joy of football with an unrivalled choice of suites and packages, a matchday at Ibrox can be exactly what you want it to be!
MYGERS MEMBERSHIP: MyGers brings you closer to the club, providing access to exclusive events and experiences along with discounts across Edmiston House, Rangers Museum and stadium tours
RANGERS MUSEUM AND STADIUM TOURS: Experience the magic of Ibrox Stadium, with your very own ‘access all areas’ pass