important player for Wolves, winning the fans' player of the season award in his first campaign. The following year, he helped them back into the Premier League when they won the play-offs in 2003. He had a strong year in the top flight, finishing as the club's leading scorer with eight goals – his best-ever seasonal tally – but could not prevent the club's relegation. Rae re-signed for Rangers in May 2004, and won the league title in his first season, scoring once in the process against Dunfermline. He only featured 12 times in his second season, however, and was later released by the club. Coaching and managerial career Rae was appointed player-manager of Dundee on 24 May 2006. He led the club to third place in the First Division in his first season and took them a place higher in his second. He gave up playing for the 2008–09 season but was sacked on 20 October 2008 with the team in eighth place in the league. Following this, Rae travelled to Sweden as part of his work towards a UEFA Pro Licence. In July 2009 he joined MK Dons, on a temporary basis with a view to a permanent deal, as first team coach working under his former Wolves teammate Paul Ince. In 2010, Rae made a return to competitive football to cover for injuries. On 29 October 2010, Rae joined Notts County as assistant manager until he left the club following the departure of manager Paul Ince on 3 April 2011. In February 2013, Rae joined Blackpool, once again with Paul Ince. The season finished with Blackpool in 15th place. On 21 January 2014, along with Paul Ince, Rae's Blackpool contract was terminated and he left the club. In August 2014 he became assistant manager at Belgian club KRC Genk, working with Alex McLeish. Rae was appointed manager of Scottish Championship side St Mirren in December 2015, after former manager Ian Murray resigned. After an unsuccessful start to the 2016–17 season, Rae and his assistant David Farrell were sacked by the club. Rae became assistant to Paul Ince at Reading in February 2022. Managerial statistics Honours Sunderland Football League First Division: 1998–99 Wolverhampton Wanderers Football League First Division play-offs: 2003 Rangers Scottish Premier League: 2004–05 Scottish League Cup: 2004–05 Scotland U21 UEFA under-21 Euros: Bronze 1992 Toulon Tournament: Bronze 1991 Individual PFA Team of the Year: 1995–96 First