Speaking of embarrassment, Celtic 0 Ross County 2 . Full stop.
Even now I find it hard not to wet my pants laughing, oh yes indeed, it is punch the air stuff. It is indeed a moment to saviour, make no mistakes I absolutely revel in their complete embarrassment. This is very much the biggest shock result I have had the pleasure of seeing our rivals suffer, sometimes you get shocks at away grounds but not even in my wildest dreams did I see this one coming. As we had just finished our very own Saturday morning kick off I had barely given the County mission a second thought but then the news began to filter through. By the time the second had went in and Radio Clyde had officially gone into national mourning, we were on our way home and the car bouncy was well underway.
'What makes Walter Smith command so much respect?' I asked Gordon Durie almost inquisitively, 'He just does' responded Durie. Saturday evening was the chance to speak to some 9 in a row hero's and I took the time to quiz them on the situation at Ibrox. Walter Smith was very much the topic of conversation, that and a quick mention to Fraser Wishart about how if That shot had just been an inch or two lower he would be dining out on nights like this for the rest of his life, he agreed and we laughed as he relived that moment. So back to Smith and you instantly get the impression that these guys really do respect and almost worship the ground Walter walks on. 'The gaffer' as he is called is 'Mr Rangers' and everything he does is with the good of the club at heart.
Everyone of them talks about Smith like he is their best friend, a hard man you just would not want to cross but someone who will do everything for you, if you return that compliment. 'Is Walter Smith the best man to lead Rangers' - 'Walter Smith is the only man to lead Rangers', each of them agree.
Walter Smith has single handily held Rangers together through a time of somewhat turmoil never seen before in my lifetime, or perhaps even our history. Not only has he held us together but he has made us successful, years from now people will talk about the team of nine that won the cup and the team that successfully defended the league championship, history books will record all the facts but in years as Rangers grow and prosper the current turmoil we endure will be lost throughout the generations. What should not be lost is the absolute genius that Walter Smith is.
Yes there has been big mistakes and I'm sure even he would admit that. But Walter has came back stronger than ever and I firmly believe that no one could have done the job that he has done to keep the club together and build a team spirit as good as the one we enjoy now. Who else would work without a contract? Knowing any day could be your last with Rangers? Who else would have held the club together? Just who else would have conducted their self in such a dignified manor whilst everyone around them has a pop at our club? Just who else could have survived a plot to have him removed for the cheaper option and still come back and be successful? Just who else would have put up with everything that has gone on at our club this season alone?
The answer ladies and gentleman is no one. Walter Smith is Mr Rangers.
I firmly believe that statement. I firmly believe that Walter Smith has single handily guided us through one of the toughest periods of our history. I still believe there may be some guiding left to do as quite frankly none of us know just what the future of the club holds. But what I do know is that Walter Smith is a man we can trust and believe in. Walter will not allow our club to be steamrollered into submission by anyone, he is like you and me - A Rangers fan first and foremost.
So as we enjoy the current football stronghold we have in Scotland, take a moment to savour the fact that they are not. They are in the pits, avoid of skill fight and passion. Something that will never be allowed to pass in our Rangers squad while Smith is in charge. We must get Smith signed up and ready to lead us for the foreseeable future, he is absolutely everything we need in charge of our club at the moment. I believe that he is the heart beat of our club which at times in recent years has had a very faint pulse. Yes I've had my moments with Smith, I think we all have, how I look back and laugh at even my own overreaction to our first domestic defeat this season. But I thank the football Gods that he is here today leading our club.
So as the season draws to a close and we get ready to seal our 53rd title, hopefully this week, whether its Miller or Boyd who is the goal hero, I will be taking time to salute our very own hero.
Walter Smith - a man worth believing in, I salute you.