WALTER Smith will add another accolade to his collection when he is presented with his manager of the year award from the Scottish Football Writers' Association.
But the veteran Rangers boss, 60, has refused to take all the credit for what has been an impressive campaign so far.
Smith remains on course to claim four trophies in his first full season since his return to Ibrox in January 2007, despite freely admitting the squad he has assembled over the past 18 months is far from being the finished article.
However, he believes other key figures have played a pivotal role in his second term in office, namely assistant Ally McCoist and first-team coach Kenny McDowall.
"Not only did we have a lot of new players coming in we also had an entire new backroom staff," Smith said.
"Both Ally and Kenny have worked extremely hard to create a good atmosphere on the training ground and make it an enjoyable atmosphere.
"That helps a great deal in terms of handling the situation we are in.
"There is a good feeling in our camp overall and it is due to them and the work they do.
"More than myself they have created an environment where people want to come in and want to work.
"That is reflected in the way the team has performed over the season and it's remarkable what they have done in a short space of time."
Smith will collect his award at a ceremony in Glasgow tomorrow night, along with Carlos Cuellar, who has been voted player of the year.
Smith added: "It's always nice to get an award and while I have been lucky enough to win it before this means more after coming back to Rangers.
"Regardless of what happens between now and the end of the season it has been a notable one and it is nice to get recognition."
Once the awards bash is over, Smith and his players will turn their focus to Wednesday's UEFA Cup final against Zenit St Petersburg.
But, with a crucial Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash against Dundee United at Ibrox today, the Rangers boss is refusing to think about the Russians until three more points are on the board in the title race.
"We have to compartmentalise," he said. "There is a bit of homework to do for next week's game but it gets left until after the Dundee United match.
"I do that intentionally because our concentration has to be fully on the next game against a team that have done very well against us every time we've met them this season.
"Craig Levein has got them organised and they are more than capable. We know the problems that we face in trying to overcome them.
"But it's at the stage of the season where we have to do so. This is our fourth game in nine days.
"It's not difficult from a managerial point of view but for the players it just keeps coming thick and fast."
Smith remains on course to claim four trophies in his first full season since his return to Ibrox in January 2007, despite freely admitting the squad he has assembled over the past 18 months is far from being the finished article.
However, he believes other key figures have played a pivotal role in his second term in office, namely assistant Ally McCoist and first-team coach Kenny McDowall.
"Not only did we have a lot of new players coming in we also had an entire new backroom staff," Smith said.
"Both Ally and Kenny have worked extremely hard to create a good atmosphere on the training ground and make it an enjoyable atmosphere.
"That helps a great deal in terms of handling the situation we are in.
"There is a good feeling in our camp overall and it is due to them and the work they do.
"More than myself they have created an environment where people want to come in and want to work.
"That is reflected in the way the team has performed over the season and it's remarkable what they have done in a short space of time."
Smith will collect his award at a ceremony in Glasgow tomorrow night, along with Carlos Cuellar, who has been voted player of the year.
Smith added: "It's always nice to get an award and while I have been lucky enough to win it before this means more after coming back to Rangers.
"Regardless of what happens between now and the end of the season it has been a notable one and it is nice to get recognition."
Once the awards bash is over, Smith and his players will turn their focus to Wednesday's UEFA Cup final against Zenit St Petersburg.
But, with a crucial Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash against Dundee United at Ibrox today, the Rangers boss is refusing to think about the Russians until three more points are on the board in the title race.
"We have to compartmentalise," he said. "There is a bit of homework to do for next week's game but it gets left until after the Dundee United match.
"I do that intentionally because our concentration has to be fully on the next game against a team that have done very well against us every time we've met them this season.
"Craig Levein has got them organised and they are more than capable. We know the problems that we face in trying to overcome them.
"But it's at the stage of the season where we have to do so. This is our fourth game in nine days.
"It's not difficult from a managerial point of view but for the players it just keeps coming thick and fast."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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