Walter Smith reveals the ‘genius’ advice Billy Connolly gave him about signing England legend Paul Gascoigne
WALTER SMITH has told how Billy Connolly advised him on how to cope with controversial star Paul Gascoigne.
Gazza enjoyed an unforgettable spell with Rangers under Smith, arriving from Lazio in 1995 and leaving for Middlesbrough nearly three years later after winning four trophies, including two titles.
Gazza won two titles during his time at RangersPA:Press AssociationLifelong Celtic fan Connolly advised Smith on how to handle GazzaAFP - Getty
But controversy was never far away from the England superstar during his time in Glasgow.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Smith said: “I was in Glasgow one day, about 20 years ago, the first time I was at Rangers.
“I met Billy and he asked me, ‘How are you getting on with Gascoigne?’
“I said, ‘Fine but there’s always a wee problem here and there’.
“Billy smiled and said, ‘Always remember this, Walter. You will always have to live with the genius – the genius will not live with you.’”
Smith – who had two trophy-laden stints at Ibrox – admits he gave Gazza special treatment.
Paul Gascoigne joined Rangers from Lazio in 1995News Group Newspapers LtdHe enjoyed a memorable three year spell at IbroxPA:Press Association
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And he explained the reasons behind his approach to the other Gers stars.
He added: “I keep hearing people in football talking about everybody being treated the same.
Gazza helped Rangers to win the league twiceNews Group Newspapers LtdGascoigne also helped Rangers to win the Scottish Cup in 1996Getty Images - GettyPaul Gascoigne left Rangers for Middlesbrough in 1998AP:Associated Press
“They are lying. The majority of guys in a football dressing room know that the ones who are the exceptional players will be allowed a bit of laxity.
“With Gascoigne, I had to sit down with the whole dressing-room and tell them, ‘This is what we have here. We have a boy who will win us games. So we all have to handle him.’”
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