"A Fantastic Feeling"

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WALTER SMITH paid tribute to his Rangers players after their convincing 3-0 victory over Dundee United won them the SPL title.

 

The Light Blues found themselves seven points behind Old Firm rivals Celtic at the turn of the year and at that point it seemed the championship was gone.

 

Nacho Novo and Sasa Papac celebrate in styleBut eight wins in their last nine games meant Gers took the trophy by four points and it was a thoroughly deserved triumph.

 

Smith said: "It's a fantastic feeling. We gave a fantastic performance to win the league - the boys were tremendous throughout.

 

"We set about our game in the right fashion and we were thrilled to get the result in the end.

 

"I don't think our goals could have come at better times for us. We took an early lead then got our second right before half time and that was a crucial point.

 

"We got the third when Dundee United were trying to push us back and that allowed us to kill the game off.

 

"We didn't need to say too much to motivate the players - I'm a great believer that they do that themselves and so it proved.

 

"We've had an awkward season in terms of the decisions that had to be made but we're delighted to have come out on top.

 

"The players have shown real character at times when injuries and suspensions took their toll and this is great for everyone we've called upon. Pedro Mendes scores Rangers second goal against Dundee United

 

"Everyone has done a fantastic job for the team and when you consider everything we've achieved, it has been a great season.

 

"We've got to the League Cup final, won the championship and we've got the Scottish Cup final next week. The boys deserve a lot of credit for that."

 

Gers' title win means they have avoided the treacherous qualifying rounds of the Champions League and secured the best part of �£15million for direct entry instead.

 

Smith added: "Automatic qualification for the Champions League is a massive thing.

 

"It's important, not only financially, but for the management, players, fans and everyone at the Club to be involved at this level.

 

"We are absolutely thrilled about that but we have the Scottish Cup final to look ahead to next so after a wee bit of celebrating tonight we will start to focus on that one! "