was being "undermined" by other Rangers personnel. Those named were Ferguson and the then club doctor Ian McGuinness. Smith's return (2007–2011) Following the departure of Paul Le Guen, a number of media sources reported an "understanding" that the new management structure would consist of former Rangers duo Walter Smith and Ally McCoist, and the SFA confirmed that Rangers enquired about the availability of the pair; however, on 8 January, the SFA rebuffed Rangers' approach for Smith. On 10 January 2007, it was announced that Smith was the new manager of Rangers, with McCoist confirmed as assistant manager and Kenny McDowall as first-team coach. Smith and his team undertook some serious changes to the side. They signed experienced defenders David Weir, Ugo Ehiogu and Andy Webster to shore-up the back line. The following summer, Smith made ten signings, including defender Carlos Cuéllar and midfielder Lee McCulloch. The early-season priority, qualification for the Champions League group stage, was secured after aggregate victories over the champions of the Montenegrin and Serbian leagues FK Zeta and Red Star Belgrade, respectively. Rangers were drawn in Group E, to play Barcelona, French champions Lyon and German champions Stuttgart. The campaign started well for Rangers with two victories, 2–1 at home to Stuttgart and 3–0 against Lyon at the Stade Gerland, as well as a goalless draw against Barcelona at Ibrox. They lost matchday six against Lyon 3–0, which ended their 2007–08 UEFA Champions League run. The adventure continued as they progressed to the final of the UEFA Cup, defeating Panathinaikos, Werder Bremen, Sporting Lisbon and Fiorentina along the way. They beat Fiorentina on penalties to set up a final, in Manchester, against Zenit St. Petersburg, who were managed by former Gers manager Dick Advocaat. The team lost that match 2–0, amid serious disturbances caused by small sections of the 100,000-strong Rangers support. Video evidence was released by the Greater Manchester Police of suspected Rangers fans attacking officers in Manchester city centre following the defeat. An appeal was launched on BBC's Crimewatch programme in January 2009 in an attempt to trace 49 men in connection with the riots. On the domestic front, the race for the Scottish Premier League continued until the final matchday of the season. Both Celtic and Rangers were tied on 86 points going into their games (against Dundee United and Aberdeen, respectively) on 22 May 2008, but Celtic were top of the table