Numan: Fans must give Smith time

Arthur Numan has urged Rangers fans not to place too many demands on new manager Walter Smith in the months ahead, despite an emphatic start from the new regime.

The former Gers left-back has been just as impressed as the supporters by the start Smith has enjoyed to his second spell at the Ibrox helm.

A 5-0 win over Dundee United was followed by Sunday’s 1-0 victory at Dunfermline and expectations are already beginning to rise after just two games.

Numan believes Rangers have a real chance of challenging Celtic for the title next season but he is also well aware that transforming the current team into title-contenders will not be an easy task.

“Everything has started well,” said the Dutchman. The confidence is back in the dressing room and it’s important that the players start to believe in themselves.

“But it takes time. You can’t expect with a new manager that the results and performances will be fantastic all of a sudden.”