Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies has expressed his surprise that Walter Smith’s contract at Ibrox has not yet been renewed and has spoken of his admiration for the Rangers boss. Jefferies will face Smith on Saturday when Killie travel to Glasgow to face Rangers in the SPL and admitted he was shocked by those who have knocked Smith as the Gers have struggled this season.
“Some of the criticism he’s had astounds me,” Jefferies told the Scottish Sun.
“He’s gone back at a very difficult time and made them champions again, while winning three domestic trophies and taking them to the UEFA Cup Final.
Smith’s contract expires in January and he has not yet been offered and extension to his current deal as the Ibrox club struggle to deal with a £31million debt. Several first-team players, including Kris Boyd will be out of contract at the end of the season but Jefferies said the manager’s situation has to be sorted out before the playing staff is considered.
“Walter is the first person the people running the club should sit down with and sign up,” he said.
“Who else is going to do as well as he has?”
The Kilmarnock boss said Smith had the respect of everyone in the game and should be allowed to dictate the length of his own contract.
“Walter keeps delivering. That’s why he should be tied up on a new deal and it should be for as long as he wants it to be.
“He’s a top boss and that’s not merely my opinion – all the facts back it up. He is hugely respected by everyone.”
