Smith backs Man Utd revival

Exclusive by Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Smith is a huge Ferguson admirer

Walter Smith has left Manchester United with a warning that Sir Alex Ferguson will launch another serious assault on the Premiership next season.

Smith's short term as Ferguson's assistant ended after the FA Cup final win against Millwall in Cardiff.

And he told BBC Sport that he expects a reaction to losing out on the title.

He said: "People are being premature writing them off. They have an excellent squad and a manager who still has a great desire to be successful."

Smith spent three months at United working alongside his old friend Ferguson in a temporary post which has whetted his appetite for a return to the game.

And he awaits his next job in football convinced United will bounce back from seeing arch-rivals Arsenal claim the title.

He said: "If you look at Manchester United's record over the last 12 or 13 years it is fantastic.

"And the one thing that is clear is that if they have ever lost a championship, they always bounce back and win it the next season.

"Their past record would indicate that they are at their most dangerous the season after having, for them, the disappointment of losing out on the championship this season."

Man Utd have an excellent squad and a manager who still has a great desire to be successful Walter Smith

Smith added: "Disappointments are hard to take, but it is how you react that is important, but their reaction has always been a positive one and one the other teams in the Premiership can look forward to."

The former Everton manager has been re-invigorated by his spell at Old Trafford, and admits he would return to full-time management if the right challenge came along.

He said: "It was a nice taster and I enjoyed my time there. Everybody was terrific and it was nice to end with an FA Cup success against Millwall.

"I always said I would go back if something came along that I fancied and that's still the case.

"And going to Manchester United was a great opportunity, albeit for a short while.

"It whetted my appetite a bit because after a while you start to miss the camaraderie that comes with working at a football club. It brings a freshness back.

"I've been around one or two clubs, but it was good to go back into it and be on the training ground again and I was fortunate to work at club with the high standards of Manchester United."

Smith has watched the precarious nature of management exposed with the departure of Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier and the expected dismissal of Chelsea's Claudio Ranieri, despite finishing in the top four.

He said: "It used to be managers at the bottom of the league that had all the problems, but I'm afraid it now seems the managers at the top are finding themselves under as much pressure as those at the bottom.

"I wouldn't be afraid to take on a job where the expectation level is high.

"But from my experience at Everton, the one thing I would like the club to have is a level of stability that is required for any club to be successful - that would be the only criteria for me."