After the passing of Walter Smith, a legend in Scotland and Rangers football, Scottish football is mourning.
Rangers released a statement today confirming the death of Smith, who was born and raised in Lanark.
Former Ibrox boss, and ex-Scotland manager was battling illness for several months. He underwent surgery in March.
Douglas Park, Chairman, said: “On behalf the Rangers board, staff, and players, I send my deepest condolences the Smith family. Walter is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. All of them are in our thoughts, prayers, and we will be thinking of them all during this difficult time.
It is nearly impossible to capture what Walter meant for Rangers. He was everything a Ranger should have been. His leadership and character were unmatched. They will be cherished by all who knew him during his two terms as the first team manager.
Walter was the last time I spoke to him. He was able to offer advice and support even when he was sick. I am grateful for that. I know he maintained a dialogue with our manager Steven Gerrard and other senior staff members.
Rangers will miss Walter greatly.
He will be remembered worldwide for his 10 top-flight titles, five Scottish Cups and six League Cups as well as his role in leading the club to the UEFA Cup Final 2008. His stints as Scotland manager and as English Premier League manager underline his status as one of the greatest modern-day football managers.
“But, Rangers fans knew that Walter was more than a football manager. Walter was a friend, a leader and an ambassador, but most importantly, he was a legend.”
Smith was born in Lanark and played his first professional football career at Dundee United as a defender during two spells at Tannadice. He also spent time at Dumbarton.
He would become an icon in management, first as Jim McLean’s assistant at United, then as No.2 at Rangers to Graeme Souness, before taking over the reins at Ibrox in 1991, when Souness moved to Liverpool.
Smith was the leader of a star-studded Gers side that included Ally McCoist and Paul Gascoigne to their 1997 nine-in-a row triumph.
After four years as Everton’s manager in the English Premier League, he was appointed Sir Alex Ferguson’s No.2 for 2004.
He was appointed to the national team shortly after his time at Old Trafford. This spell saw him enjoy a successful stint as Scotland’s team boss. The team won a famous 1-0 victory over France at Hampden in Euro 2008 qualifying. However, he never led the team to a major final.
