Season › 2012-13 › News Leaving Ibrox was tough decision for Naismith Lyndon Lloyd , 13 December, 28comments | Jump to most recent 'I looked at all my options' Acknowledging the rancour that his departure from Rangers created, the legal wranglings over which continue to rumble on, Steven Naismith admits that he doesn't know whether he would be welcomed back at Ibrox Park after making the difficult decision to leave his boyhood club. The 26 year-old left Glasgow a free agent over the summer when the old Rangers club was declared insolvent and wound up and was snapped up by David Moyes at Everton. Naismith admits that even though he weighed up all his options and, with Rangers' future by no means certain, felt he had no choice but to take the chance being offered at Goodison, it was still the most difficult decision he has had to make. "It was hard," he says." In hindsight, everyone involved could have done things differently. I've made the decision I have: in the future who knows whether I could [play there] again? Who would have ruled out Mo Johnston going from one side of the Old Firm to the other? "I spoke to the management before I left and everything seemed to be fine. I've got a lot of good friends there. "The situation we were in, I got all the information I could, looked at all my options, weighed them all up and made the decision I made.” Many Rangers fans aren't that sympathetic to the players who chose to leave, though, and Naismith isn't sure he would be able to go back even to watch a game with feelings still so raw. "To be honest at this moment I wouldn't go back for a game,” he admits. "A lot of fans aren't happy with what's happened and what went on but you never know in the future. "I wouldn't say it hurts me, it's just part and parcel of the situation we are in at the moment. It's probably still raw. “I'm proud of the fact I played for Rangers for five years, I won trophies and won leagues with them and played in Europe. It was probably the proudest I've been in my career. “Will I be able to go back through the front door at Ibrox one day? Who knows? “You just never know. It's something I'm dealing with.” In another newspaper article, the forward admits that he misses the intensity of life playing for an Old Firm side, where the pressure is incessant and every game is vital in what was a perennial two-horse race with bitter local rivals Celtic. “I liked the intensity of being an Old Firm player. “The expectation was so high and there was no hiding place. “Any game you don't win, it's a bad result. You needed to win every game. “I liked that there was no hiding place — it made you a better player. With Everton regarded as punching above their weight, Naismith is experiencing less pressure but insists there is plenty of expectation coming from Moyes. “In a way at Everton there isn't as much intensity and scrutiny as Rangers," he says, "but the expectation is still there and that comes from the manager." “We want to finish in the top four and there is an expectation when you play. “But if we go away to play Manchester United or City and get a draw, it's a decent result. That's where it differs from Rangers.” Quotes or other material sourced from The Telegraph Reader Comments (28) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer Steve Croston 1 Posted 13/12/2012 at 19:50:30 £3M to Middlesbrough next season. Free back to Rangers in 2 seasons. The circle is complete. Terry Myers 2 Posted 13/12/2012 at 19:57:46 Sounds like he's homesick! I don't mind driving him back to Glasgow. Jimmy Sørheim 3 Posted 13/12/2012 at 21:03:45 Nice to hear it from a new player that he thinks his new club is less driven and hungry then his old club... I think it was a stupid statement; to compare Everton with Rangers is really low, there is a big difference between SPL and EPL, though the way Naismith has been playing, I now understand why he has been so poor for us.He needs to wake up to the fact that he is an average player and that he needs to do even more then he did at Rangers to make it here. If I were Naismith I would start taking his role here a bit more serious. Trevor Lynes 4 Posted 13/12/2012 at 21:17:57 Rangers and Celtic are really big fish in a small pond but Scotland as a nation are not producing great players as they did in the past.That more or less go's for the rest of the home nations, but the standard of the opposition for Rangers and Celtic has been so poor in the SFA that they have normally won their league by double figure point totals.I don't think that Naismith has come up to Premier League standard yet, I hope he does! Steven Telford 5 Posted 13/12/2012 at 21:38:01 I wound rather say that Rangers and Celtic are small fish in a puddle and that old firm rivalry is nothing but bitter sectarian bullshit. Nick Armitage 6 Posted 13/12/2012 at 23:59:44 Charles Green should be very careful before going to arbitration, it may well turn out that as a result of the free transfer, it was Everton who were ripped off. Patrick Murphy 7 Posted 14/12/2012 at 00:27:00 As Naismith says “In a way at Everton there isn't as much intensity and scrutiny as Rangers," he says, "but the expectation is still there and that comes from the manager."“We want to finish in the top four and there is an expectation when you play.“But if we go away to play Manchester United or City and get a draw, it's a decent result. That's where it differs from Rangers.” This mentality has to change if Everton are going to achieve what they set out to do this season, there may not be pressure on the players from the media but there is certainly pressure on Evertonians to out perform our neighbours. I understand what he means as the old firm are the 2 biggest clubs in Scotland, however Everton have to instill the winning mentality and not just settle for draws against the likes of the CL regulars especially away from home. Ciarán McGlone 8 Posted 14/12/2012 at 08:17:33 It was a hard decision? To leave a club destined for obscurity, and come to the best league in the world?Aye, ok! Steven Telford 9 Posted 14/12/2012 at 08:40:31 Also his mention of: “there was no hiding place [At Rangers]” — oesn’t exactly strike you as what we are looking for in player looking to be a part of team that is looking beak the top for in the world’s most competitive league.I’m all for giving people a chance, but I feel on the basis of abundant evidence, he should be a squad player till he gets his act in order. And if we are asked for £1.5M… thanks but no thanks.I tip my hat to him for all his charity work, and yes you can mention his 3 goals, but most have been tap-ins, and anybody in that position would have likely done the same, moreover how often has the softly given away possession and how many sitters has he missed. Seems he may have found place to hide after all. Terry Myers 10 Posted 14/12/2012 at 08:52:20 Patrick Murphy — it's all very well and good saying we need to go to places like Old Trafford and the Etihad and look for a win; on that point I agree with you... but then when you are playing at such grounds you have to factor in the referee. 9.99 times out of 10 any split decisions will go to Man City or Man Utd. It's just not a level playing field. Philip Quilliam 11 Posted 14/12/2012 at 08:44:58 Blimey you guys can be really harsh. Maybe he has been a Rangers supporter all his life and that loyalty and comittment to the club he loves will always be there for him. Regardless of the standard of football in Scotland he was winning trophies and playing in Europe on a regular basis in front of a fervent home crowd of around 50,000, something we can only dream of. I don't recall anyone at Arsenal giving Alan Ball any stick when he declared that his heart was with Everton. I hope that he begins to show that he has what it takes in this league - DM doesn't make many mistakes and I think he is more than fair to the players he brings in because he bends over backwards to give them a chance. Hopefully Naismith's attitude will give him the foundation to build a future here but to be honest he seems to have a way to go to raise his game consistently to Premier League standard. Matt Traynor 12 Posted 14/12/2012 at 09:10:11 Okay, I'm probably setting myself up to be pilloried here, but Naismith's early impact reminds me a lot of when we signed Barmby.I don't think I'm re-writing history when I say it took Barmby a good 18-24 months to actually show some real form. Form which then saw him called up to the England squad, and subsequently demanding to join boyhood team Liverpool...So what am I saying? Well Naismith might finally get up to speed in the Premier League. I think he needs to play in his preferred role, which is a stumbling block, but I have seen some snippets where he seems to be instinctively on the same wave length as Jelavic when it comes to passing (aberration against Norwich aside), so maybe he'll come good.Then we can sell him to the RS for £20m as a replacement for Sewerez. James Martin 14 Posted 14/12/2012 at 09:31:50 Steven the skill lies in getting on the end of those 'tap ins'. A lot of Jelavic's goals are 'tap ins' (if this is now the definition for any finish inside the box from a cut back) doesn't mean he's not a good striker though. Naismith has a poacher's instinct in the same way that Jelavic does in the way that Anichebe, Saha Bent Beattie McFadden all didn't. They just know where the ball is going to arrive in the box. He could/should have a lot more goals and has missed a lot of chances. If he was smack in full fitness and confidence and with abit more luck how many goals would he have now from right midfield? In my opinion he's being played out of position and people are directly comparing him to Mirallas and judging harshly. He works hard defensively, doesn't give the ball away more than anyone else, and chips in with a few goals. Not bad for someone playing out of position. If he was given a run with Jelavic (will probably never happen with Fellaini in that position) or even came on as a sub for Jelavic as a different type of front man, then I think he'd look a lot better. Its still better than seeing Osman/Anichebe/ Rodwell on the right flank anyhow. Steven Astley 15 Posted 14/12/2012 at 10:03:00 James (#980) – I couldn't agree with you more. I think Naismith will prove to be another great buy.Most fans who post on here always have to have a scapegoat - whether it be Naismith, Osman, Howard, Coleman etc.I remember posts during Fellaini's first games along the lines of "£15 million? Not worth 15 pence". I'm sure the people who posted that stuff a few years ago would deny all knowledge of it now. Barry Rathbone 16 Posted 14/12/2012 at 09:46:38 Strange how depressing a new player innocently confirming what an uncompetitive club we are is.No Mr Naismith the expectation does not come from the manager - that's part of the problem.As we speak he's doubtless getting a dressing down about letting the cat out the bag, don't sweat it lad for many it ain't news. Steven Telford 17 Posted 14/12/2012 at 10:07:03 Don’t get me wrong, I am not wishing the guy to fail – not at all, far from it. I agree that a poacher’s instinct is important, but disagree that he has an “efficient one”. For a poacher he has missed some golden opportunities. As well, poachers need to be fed, and his losses of possession around the box are very frustrating – they represent dropped points. He can’t hold the ball at all, it’s seems a hot potato to him sometimes. Indeed, maybe Moyes is playing him wrong, I don’t know, I just know that so far his performances have on average been well below par, and for what we are trying to achieve this season, every point is critical.Despite what seem some ridicules comments about “less intensity and nowhere to hide”, I genuinely wish him good luck, and hope he improves, I just think that until he does he should not be in the starting 11.Agreed, better than watching Anichebe. Brian Murray 18 Posted 14/12/2012 at 07:54:18 Sounds to me he has regrets about coming to Everton who in my eyes are the best team in the world. :-D Seamus McCrudden 19 Posted 14/12/2012 at 10:48:40 Jeez I've never heard such negativity.... give the guy break, he's not even being played in his natural position. We are sitting in 4th and playing some great football. I think some of you should look at our starting eleven in seasons past compared to now. You would think we were 4th from bottom. Kevin Gillen 20 Posted 14/12/2012 at 10:48:25 James Martin is spot on. Naismith certainly knows where the goal is and he does get to the far post when the ball goes left as it does all the time at Everton. He has been unlucky so far but I like his professionalism playing out of position on the right. I also like the fact he speaks his mind, supports homeless people in Glasgow and remains loyal to Rangers. I think at some point he might hit a purple patch and score quite a few. Lee Courtliff 21 Posted 14/12/2012 at 10:55:12 Decent squad player who works hard for the team.Let him have a full season or two with us and then judge him.I'm not his biggest fan but so far he has done fine......... all things considered. Trevor Lynes 22 Posted 14/12/2012 at 11:08:19 I believe he would run back to Glasgow if he read positive comments from fans out there. I reckon he is at his peak regarding his ability and that he is an average player who would not get into any other top six team. If Mirallas was fit then he would be a bench warmer along with Anichebe, Gueye, Heitinga and co. Vellios may improve as he is still quite raw but I'm not over optimistic about him. Barkley is another who has not developed enough to be knocking at the managers door. God knows what has happened to Junior ???We really have a dearth of genuine talent pushing for places in the squad. That's why its so important that Davey is given money to spend on strengthening the squad and replacing the older ones. Competition for places is so important. Lee Preston 23 Posted 14/12/2012 at 12:16:59 I'm not really sure what people expect from a free transfer that has been out a long time with a serious knee problem.I expect someone who is prepared to give 100% and fight for the cause, in the hope that form and sharpness will come with fitness. I think he's given 100%, he hasn't set the premierleague on fire, but I don't think he's been as bad as some are making out.It seems an ingrained thing with Evertonians that we need a whipping boy, for years it was Osman & Hibbert, now, with Neville out injured, it seems like Naismith has stepped in to that role.His comments are ill-advised but not exactly derogatory, I mean, if we played Kilmarnock, St Johnstone, Motherwell, Hibs etc every week, then we would be expected to win every week. Sounds like the lad is a bit homesick and a bit gutted that he's had to leave his boyhood club.Obviously, the more people get on his case, the easier it will be for him to capture his best form. Give the lad a chance. John Ford 24 Posted 14/12/2012 at 12:29:36 Agreed - both Lees...Its entirely feasible that Naismith will become a real asset to us. Players often change and improve throughout their careers, and although he's no Pienaar or Mirallas at the moment, hes done ok. It was definitely worth a punt given his record and his links with Jelavic.On the point about him being a poacher, again I agree 100%. His runs into the box and timing indicate this. He sees a chance and knows where he wants to be in advance of the final ball. He may not score a hatful but he always seems to be amongst it when the ball is in the oppo penalty area. He just needs to get sharper generally, and improve his close control. William Miller 25 Posted 14/12/2012 at 13:02:29 As a Rangers fan, I can completely understand that Naismith`s comments could be misconstrued by the Everton support; however, any football fan can appreciate that the feelings you have for "your club" doesn`t dissapear overnight.With regard to his comments that feelings are still raw at Ibrox then what does he expect after walking out on the club that treated him exceptionally following two horrendous injuries that kept him from playing for almost 2 years?The least the Rangers support would have expected was to stay loyal to the club in the interim, thus providing them with some form of transfer fee that would have assisted the club init`s worst ever period in history, after all he was being chased by Everton prior to Administration and Liquidation so he wouldn't've had long to wait before finding another club.As for him as a player then I can only ask you give the lad a chance as he will prove to be a great signing for you. If he plays alongside Jelavic you`ll see Jely score a "barraload" as they say in Glasgow. No malice intended but similar to Lafferty, Whittaker, McGreggor and others he wont be welcome back at Ibrox.Finally, good luck this season as I`ve always had a soft spot for the Toffees (particularly when Big Dunc was marauding all over Manky United). Will Schoefmann 26 Posted 14/12/2012 at 15:11:24 Naisy, Naisy, Naisy... just have to be careful who you give interviews to lad. The Daily Record's surely impressed that they'll have stirred things up down south with this "story". All you calling for him to be shipped back in a box must have read the article and seen that no-one at the Record were willing to have their names associated with the article. The Scottish press is notorious for digging/skewing and working it's hardest to sensationalize anything Football. Read between the lines folks.Give him time he'll come good on the pitch. Colin Potter 27 Posted 14/12/2012 at 17:43:00 This is his first season at Everton. Let's give the lad a chance to settle in, eh? Steven Telford 28 Posted 14/12/2012 at 18:52:16 A league in which you know for sure who the top 2 will be, will always be largely dull.(I understand that this is, for now, a ‘former’ statement for Scotland) but Spanish football suffers terribly from this, Barca, Real, Real, Barca … zzZZZzzzzZZZzz for all but 2 or 3 games... Fine, but it was so much better when the likes of Valencia where in with a chance. And Scottish football was a two horse race for so long that it starved itself of genuine footballing intensity, and seemed instead to pile on extra lashing of sectarian bullshit. The result, ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzZZZZZ and now even more ZZZZzzzzZZZZzzz.I hate the way $$$$ determines so much in football, but one of the great things about the EPL is that the 4-7 top league places are there for taking by a healthy fight from a healthy number of teams.In that sense – in a true footballing sense – the EPL is FAR more intense than the SPL, and if Naismith fails to recognize that, well that’s more than unfortunate.Nobody said never give him a chance, the Scottish have traditionally made a GREAT contribution south of the boarder (for which I offer my full respect), and long may it continue. I hope Naismith takes his chance and makes it for (at) Everton, but the clock has been ticking for some time now, and it’s less than encouraged to discover that he seem not to have much of an idea of what constitutes real sporting intensity. Ernie Baywood 29 Posted 16/12/2012 at 01:27:24 Sounds to me like he's realised there's probably only one place where he will be good enough to play a big role in a side competing for trophies in front of massive crowds. And when Rangers get back to the SPL he'd like to return. Add Your Comments In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site. » Log in now Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site. About these ads