Ross and Stevie Smith: Coaching Futures at Ibrox

You can see why readers would start linking Maurice Ross and Stevie Smith to the backroom chatter. Both names carry weight for different reasons: Ross as a former player turned coach who’s trying to re-establish himself, and Stevie Smith as the ex-youth coach who’s already been trusted at first-team level under Danny Rohl. The question is simple — could either of them develop into a head coach in time, and what does their presence say about Rohl’s set-up?

First up, Maurice Ross. There were rumours a while back about him being considered for a role with Rohl. Whether there was serious interest or it was just a talking point, it’s easy to understand why people raise his name. Coaches who’ve played at a decent level often bring credibility and a clear identity, and Ross is known in our circles as someone working his way back into coaching. I wouldn’t take the gossip as gospel, but it’s worth noting that quality coaches outside the club crop up on our radar quicker than you’d think.

Stevie Smith feels like the more immediate story. He was the youth coach who stepped up and took interim charge against Dundee United before Rohl arrived, and that game stuck with a lot of us — not because of the scoreline but for the way the team shaped up under him. You can argue about the result, but the style and tempo in that first half had plenty of fans nodding in approval. Being part of Rohl’s backroom now suggests the manager trusts him, and that vote of confidence matters.

So, can either be a head coach? I’m inclined to say Stevie has a clearer path. He’s already worked inside the club, knows the youngsters, and has had a taste of first-team responsibility. That doesn’t automatically turn him into a top boss, but the foundations are there. Ross might well be a tidy appointment too, depending on what he’s been doing and learning since his playing days. Ultimately, if Rohl’s building a compact, trusted coaching group, it makes sense to keep promising names close rather than pushing them away.

What I’d like to know from fellow bears is this: who do you think needs more time, and who is ready now? Both have positives, and both would bring different energy to Ibrox. To be fair, it’s encouraging to see the club linked with coaches who’ve got reputations for doing things the right way.

Written by Sir Walter Smith OBE: 26 May 2026