“He knew he’d let Walter down and in fairness it got the reaction Walter was hoping for. That sent a major shock through the dressing room. He was one of the best goalkeepers in Europe but the manager decided to transfer list him. It was all about Rangers and what was best for the club. These were two big names at that time but he didn’t care. “We were 3-0 down in a game to Dundee United after about 20 minutes and he took off both Richard Gough and Dave MacPherson. I remember a game at Ibrox when Walter was in charge. “He has to do what he thinks is best because at the end of the day it’s his job that’s on the line. And the manager has to be ruthless with that. He told Record Sport: “Michael Beale has his own ideas on who he wants to bring in but there’s no doubt a massive clear-out is needed. But Robbo just hopes the current Ibrox boss is as ruthless as his late, great former gaffer was. There’s unlikely to be many second chances handed out by Beale this summer as he draws up his own list of those surplus to requirements. Transfer news LIVE as Celtic and Rangers plus Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs eye signings.

Gordon Strachan’s brilliant response to Sir Alex Ferguson’s notorious post Cup Final rant.

But Smith was brave enough to issue his explosive threat in the summer of 1994 and vindicated when the Scotland keeper responded to that rocket up the bahookie in the manner he was hoping for. For example, few would have had the bottle to stick Andy Goram on the transfer list at a time when the Goalie was rated among Europe’s best shot-stoppers. Beale may be under the cosh but even so it’s unlikely he’s operating under the strain placed on the Smith as he chased down the club’s nine-in-a-row dream.īut Ibrox legend Robertson was always impressed by the way his manager seemed to make the right call even when the pressure was at its most suffocating peak. Michael Beale is facing a major summer that could make or break his Ibrox tenure.īut if Davie Robertson has one piece of advice for the Rangers gaffer as he weighs up the big decisions that will determine whether his team have a realistic shot at chasing down Celtic next year it’s this - ‘do what Walter would do’.

Just a bit ruthless