IBROX legend Walter Smith has given his backing to the Rangers Supporters Trust and proxied his shares ahead of Friday's EGM.

The RST have secured control over the stock held by Craig Mather and Felix Magath in recent days, as well as thousands of supporters as they have increased their voting power for the shareholder summit to 6.3%.

Light Blues chairman David Somers quit the board yesterday as he followed James Easdale out of Ibrox and it is only a matter of time before Dave King, Paul Murray and John Gilligan sweep to power.

And RST spokesman Chris Graham reckons the backing of Smith is another step in the right direction in the battle for Rangers as he calls for chief executive Derek Llambias and finance chief Barry Leach to head for the exit door.

He said: "Obviously we are delighted that Walter has agreed to proxy his shares to us.

"He knows as well as anyone what damage has been done to the club over the past few years and we are sure he shares our hope that things are about to change for the better.

"He is a club icon, a legend as a manager, but most importantly a fan and he has been suffering along with the rest of us, watching what has happened to our club.

"Hopefully the time is coming where people like Walter and John Greig can return to Ibrox to watch their team along with the rest of us.

"When they do I think we'll know that things are moving in the right direction again.

"The RST will now be voting a very significant portion of the shares at the upcoming EGM and our work behind the scenes to secure significant proxy votes has been successful.

"We still hope the remaining board members, Barry Leach and Derek Llambias, will do the right thing and resign prior to the EGM.

"They should save the club the cost of the meeting given that they must surely know their time is up."

The news that Smith has proxied his shares to the RST is another huge boost for the Light Blue legions as they get set to herald in King, Murray and Gilligan.

The departure of Somers comes as the board stare defeat in the face and brings an end to his shocking spell in charge after he infuriated fans with an incredible AGM performance and series of controversial comments.

Graham said: "His lack of ambition or ability, rampant self interest, contempt for shareholders and fans, and disastrous dearth of understanding of the position of responsibility he held will be his legacy.

"He will be remembered as one of the most inept and embarrassing chairmen of our wonderful sporting institution."