Smith down after Gers exit
06 Aug 2008 - 07:41:23
Rangers boss Walter Smith was downcast after seeing his side crash out of the Champions League at the hands of Lithuanian champions FBK Kaunas.
The Gers, who reached the UEFA Cup final last season, lost 2-1 on the night and on aggregate in their second qualifying round tie, ending their European hopes at the first hurdle.
Smith admitted afterwards: "It's a blow in every aspect, including the financial side and everything that comes with it.
"We just have to face it and get on with it. We have a job on our hands to pick everyone up.
"There was always a hope that we could pick ourselves up for this game and there was also a matter of pride of playing in Europe again.
"We enjoyed the run we had last season, but we are not going to get one this season and that's a disappointment for us.
"You can use all the excuses you want but there should have been enough left in the team to handle this.
"No disrespect to Kaunas, they set their stall out well in both games, but there are things we just have to take on board. It's a huge disappointment for everyone."