Former Rangers and Scotland manager Walter Smith has died at the age of 73, the Glasgow giants confirmed on Tuesday.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our former manager, chairman and club legend, Walter Smith,” Rangers said in a statement.
Smith is Rangers second-most successful ever manager, winning 21 trophies across two spells in charge.
Already at the club as assistant to Graeme Souness, Smith was appointed full-time manager at Ibrox in 1991 and won seven league titles in eight years to lead the club to a record-equalling nine consecutive Scottish league titles.
After a four-year stint at Everton and a brief spell as Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United, he was appointed manager of Scotland in 2004.
In 2007, he returned to Ibrox, winning three more league titles and guiding Rangers to the UEFA Cup final in 2008 before retiring in 2011.
“It is almost impossible to encapsulate what Walter meant to every one of us at Rangers,” said Rangers chairman Douglas Park.
“He embodied everything that a Ranger should be. His character and leadership was second to none, and will live long in the memory of everyone he worked with during his two terms as first team manager.
“Winning 10 top-flight titles as manager, five Scottish Cups and six League Cups, as well as leading his club to the UEFA Cup Final in 2008, he will be remembered by the football community across the world.
“His spells as Scotland manager as well as managing in the English Premier League underlined his credentials as one of the great modern day football managers.
“However, for Rangers supporters, he was much more than just a football manager. Walter was a friend to many, a leader, an ambassador and most of all-a legend.”
Smith’s playing career as a defender at Dundee United and Dumbarton never hit the heights he would go onto enjoy in management.
His coaching journey began as assistant to legendary former Dundee United boss Jim McLean before spells as Scotland’s under-18 and under-21 manager.
Smith also assisted Ferguson as Scotland boss at the 1986 World Cup.
ipvanish is among the best VPN services on the globe. It offers a big network…
In a significant development for Kenya’s economic landscape, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u presented the…
Amina, the wife of renowned Tanzanian musician Ali Kiba, has taken a bold step by…
A fresh wave of controversy has emerged as yet another woman steps forward, leveling accusations…
The details of the highly anticipated prenuptial agreement between renowned footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and his…
In a truly awe-inspiring turn of events, renowned Kenyan boxer Congestina Achieng has emerged from…