Rangers legend Andy Goram believes manager Walter Smith will be unable to recreate the magical team spirit he enjoyed at Ibrox during the time he won nine Scottish top-flight titles in a row.

However, the former Scotland goalkeeper insists if there is one boss who can get close then it is Smith.

Goram was delighted when chairman David Murray opted for Smith as the man to take over the managerial reins following the disastrous tenure of Paul Le Guen.

Goram admits Smith was pivotal in creating a unique atmosphere at Ibrox during his first spell as manager.

"What we had in the 1990s was something special, I don't think you can recreate that," Goram said.

"Everyone knows about the drinking and the carry-ons we used to have but everyone also knows we would still go out onto the pitch and shed blood for one another.

"That was because we loved each other, we were really close that way.

"If we went out there would be 12 or 13 of us, there were never little cliques.

"We all respected each other and loved each other, including the manager and his assistant Archie Knox.

"When you're playing for guys you respect you'll do that wee bit extra.

"If you don't respect your boss, no matter what you do in life, you'll not give 100%.

"Walter is just the kind of guy you want to play for.

"He showed that with Scotland by turning it around there. Now he's doing it with Rangers and it's no coincidence.

"He'll try and recreate the spirit we had and he'll certainly have it better than when Le Guen was at Ibrox.

"But you just can't manufacture team spirit. It just happens and we were lucky it happened with a fantastic group of players."

Goram knows Smith will not be slow in telling the players if they are falling below his standards.

He said: "If things weren't going well by half-time you knew about it.

"People look at Walter on the television and say he's a nice guy, which he is.

"But Walter Smith in a temper is not the greatest sight on earth I can tell you. Trust me when I say that.

"You don't get the big shouting thing from him, if he's got a gripe with you it's a nod and before you know it you're up the marble stairs. It's not great, I can tell you now.

"But he was always fair and his man-management is second to none.

"I played under Walter, Sir Alex Ferguson and Joe Royle and they're so similar.

"Walter knows who to kick and who to cuddle, I got kicked a couple of times and deservedly so I might add."

Smith will be in charge for his first Old Firm match since returning to Rangers on Sunday but Goram will not be heading to Celtic Park to see his old club in action.

Goram added: "Psychologically we need to win this game for next season.

"If we have lost to Celtic a couple of times it's going to be difficult but winning would set us up for next season.

"I'm not going. When I left Rangers I went to the first Old Firm game at Parkhead and we lost 5-1.

"I vowed there and then never to go back. I'm just a jinx."