Gers midfielder Ryan Jack joined Ibrox club Glasgow Rangers in the summer of 2017 after leaving Aberdeen.
Jack left Aberdeen at the end of the 2016-17 season to join Scottish Premiership rivals Rangers in the summer of 2017.
The 25-year-old defensive midfielder started his professional club football career at the Dons and established himself as one of the best players in Scotland during his time at Pittodrie Stadium.
Not many Aberdeen fans were impressed with Jack’s decision to leave for Ibrox outfit Rangers in the summer of 2017, but Smith, who was the manager of the Dandies from 1988 until 1992, has suggested that the defensive midfielder was entitled to do what he did.
Interestingly, current Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has also been linked with Rangers.
According to The Daily Record, Rangers will make a move for McInnes and will pay close to £1 million to the Dons as compensation fee for him and his assistant Tony Docherty.
“I know how tribal the rivalry is between the two sets of supporters but Derek doesn’t deserve that for what he has given to the club,” Smith told The Press and Journal.
“Ryan Jack was entitled to let his contract run down and move on to a new club but has had a hard time from the Aberdeen support for joining Rangers. It’s a shame as he was a solid player and captained the team.
“Derek doesn’t deserve that either. He may go and if he does his work for the club deserves to be appreciated. He has been nothing but professional and committed in his time at the club.”
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