Bottles, coins, and missiles are just a few things Russell Martin can expect to be thrown towards him on his first European assignment with Rangers, according to Steven Naismith.
Greek giants Panathinaikos lie in wait for the Ibrox club in the second qualifying round of the Champions League.
A trip to face the Athens-based side was one of Naismith's most memorable as a Rangers player for all the right and wrong reasons.
"That was one of the most hostile places ever," he said.
"It was on the run to the UEFA Cup Final. I remember, even from the warm-up, Gate 13, where the tunnel is. That’s where the Ultras are. Naively, I was laughing and joking, coming out for the warm-up. But the next minute, there were glass bottles, coins, all sorts getting launched at us. Every time you went near the tunnel, you had to sprint in and sprint out. It was really hostile, that’s my biggest memory of it. The night turned out to be really good for us, with Nacho [Novo] coming on and scoring to make it 1-1. It was a brilliant environment to play in, but very hostile.
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"You can talk about an atmosphere but until you’re in it and experience it, it’s just words. When you do experience it, it’s a case of what way are you going? Are you intimidated or do you think this is good? That’s the real root of whether you’re going to be a success at Rangers or Celtic. It’s about mentality. Do you go into that environment and think I’m up for that, I like a bit of this - or do you say, don’t give me the ball because I’m scared? If it’s the latter, you won’t be a success."
In drawing Panathinaikos, Rangers missed out on facing Servette of Switzerland and Norwegian champions Brann.
"When you look at the teams they could have got, it’s definitely the toughest opposition," added Naismith.
"On top of that, you’ve had a takeover, a new manager and a squad rebuild that needs to happen. But as important as Champions League and European success is, if they missed out on this one but made the next 10, that’s proper success. You have to understand where Rangers are at.
"It’s tough for any team competing in Europe. That’s the toughest part, how early it is. The Old Firm have both been put out in early rounds in the past. You can train as much as you want and have friendlies - but you can’t replicate that intensity of competitive football. It’s going to be really difficult."
New head coach Russell Martin has yet to dip his hand in European management.
His possession-based, attack-minded approach could well set the heather alight in Scotland, although in the Premier League with Southampton, it failed to bear fruit.
Ange Postecoglou was criticised for his refusal to switch it up on the European scene while at Celtic and Martin might face similar reproval should he remain stubborn on the continent.
Regardless, his systematic style will be beneficial for his squad, according to Naismith.
"It definitely makes things easier as a player when the manager has a clear, definite way of playing.
"Players want simplicity in terms of their role. The style can be complex but as long as the player can understand it simply, it makes it easier. Russ’ style is one that players will enjoy. The players who will find it most challenging are defenders. Because he’ll ask them to do certain things and be in certain positions that can be uncomfortable. There will be a higher risk because if you’re not in the right position it can be really costly. But every other player will be rubbing their hands because it’s so enjoyable.
"It’s the way you wanted to play football growing up. He’s worked on it for five years and has been successful. At every club, he’s made them a better team and improved players. The proof of that is the sale of players he’s worked with. They’ve moved on for a profit compared to when he brought them in."
As well as playing alongside Martin at Norwich City, Naismith lined up with Max Aarons, who is set to become the new gaffer's first signing, all going well.
"Max has got really good attributes. He's a modern-day full-back. He's not the tallest but very comfortable on the ball, quick and dynamic both going forward and defensively.
"Probably the biggest thing I remember about Max is his attitude with sport. As a young player he was so deceptive to learn and get better and be better. That's why he got into a good Norwich team in the Championship and into the Premier League and eventually Barca come and ask him for you. That tells you a lot about him.
"His career has maybe stumbled recently but he's definitely somebody with a high potential. He's got good experience and he's played at a really good level against some top players. I think he'd be a good signing. I think he's somebody who would raise the quality of the squad. If we go back to the previous remit, he's probably been signing young players and developing them. I think he's somebody who comes in and challenges right away."
While getting his squad in a sufficient enough state to contest crucial European qualifiers is first up on Martin's Rangers agenda, Naismith thinks getting the club back to the top of the pile in Scotland must be his overarching target.
In years gone by, the Govan side's ability to stumble against Scottish Premiership cannon-fodder yet pull off shock results against European teams of a considerable pedigree has been impressive.
"I think success domestically has to be the first aim," admits Naismith. "It’s not as clear cut as saying it’s one over the other - because Rangers can have both.
"But what won’t be accepted is what’s happened in previous years where it’s been: ‘Oh we’ve done well in Europe but we’re 10 or 15 points behind in the league’. That just won’t wash. That’s what has to change. Rangers have to beat the other teams in the league. If you look at the points they dropped against teams from the mid-to-low end of the table, it was unacceptable. That’s how the gap goes from being four points - where there is still pressure on the team at the top - to that big a gap where it becomes easy and the team at the top can cruise."
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