Danny doesn't mince his words

Kilsyth Rangers' new assistant manager Danny Smith doesn't mince his words when asked about his ambitions for the Duncansfield outfit. And fans have every right to be optimistic.

The 33-year-old recently hung up the captain's armband at Linlithgow Rose after almost 13 years at the club, collecting 25 honours along the way, including three Scottish Junior Cups.

However, he's excited by the fresh challenge he faces in his new capacity.

He explains: "Eric (Sinclair] offered me the opportunity to come to Kilsyth towards the end of last season. I wanted to get involved in the other side of the game so the timing was right for me – it was a chance I couldn't turn down.

"It's a completely new avenue for me, I'm getting plenty of responsibility, taking training myself while Eric's away. I'm just trying to do things as professionally as I can."

Although his role is officially player/coach, Smith is planning to take a step back from playing.

"Hopefully we get a team on the park that doesn't need me," he says. "But I'm there if I'm needed. Now, I'm trying to focus myself on the coaching side of things. I want to be able to put everything into it."

Rangers have suffered the disappointment of relegation in two of the last three seasons, a slide which has seen them fall from the Super League Premier to the Central District First Division.

Smith says the team must use those setbacks as motivation.

"You can't go on like that," he adds. "Promotion is the only thing in my mind this season. We're not here for a kick about on a Saturday, we're looking for success."

So, what about the Scottish Junior Cup – does Smith think he can collect his fourth winners' medal?

He coyly replies: "Well, you never know with cup football."