Walter Smith, former Rangers and Scotland coach, dies at 73 football

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The Rangers announced the death of their famous former manager Walter Smith at the age of 73. Smith, who has also taken charge of Everton and Scotland, won 21 titles during two stints at Ibrox. This makes him the second most successful Rangers coach after Bill Struth.

Smith was hired by Rangers in April 1991 after Graeme Souness, who was his assistant, left for Liverpool. Smith proceeded to hand out seven of the Rangers’ titles equaling nine in a row. At that time, Rangers were among the most prominent clubs in Europe. Smith started Paul Gascoigne’s career after a midfielder stint at Lazio.

Smith left Ibrox in 1998, spending four years at Everton. He rejuvenated the Scottish national team from 2004 before being persuaded to return to Ibrox three years later. Smith led Rangers to the 2008 UEFA Cup Final amid a claim to eight domestic titles before retiring from management in 2011.

Douglas Park, President of Rangers, said: “It is almost impossible to sum up what Walter meant to each of us at Rangers. He embodied everything a ranger should be. His character and leadership were second to none, and they will live long in the memory of everyone who worked with him during his two stints as manager. for the first team.

“I spoke with Walter recently this past weekend. Even when he was ill, he was still able to offer advice and support. So personally I am grateful. I know he has also continued to maintain dialogue with senior staff, including our manager Steven Gerrard. Walter will be greatly missed by all of us at Rangers.”

Smith, a close friend of Alex Ferguson, served briefly as an assistant to his Scottish teammate at Manchester United. He was also an assistant to Jim McClain during an impressive period of success at Dundee United. Smith spent the vast majority of his football career at Tanades. Despite this, it was in the Rangers who left his most significant mark.

Park said: “He won 10 Premier League titles as a coach, five Scottish Cups and six League Cups, as well as leading his team to the 2008 UEFA Cup Final, and will be remembered by the football community around the world. His tenures as coach in Scotland as well as his management confirmed him. The Premier League has his credentials as one of the greatest football managers of the modern era.

“However, to Rangers supporters, he was much more than just a football manager. Walter was a friend to many, a captain, an ambassador, and most of all, a legend.”

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, hailed “real great football”.

Ally McCoist, who played under and served as Smith’s assistant, told TalkSport, “He was my boss, my coach, my second dad and then turned into one of my best friends. The loss is absolutely incredible. The good thing is he’s not in pain. I went to see Walter recently, I talked to him.” It was the weekend and we knew it would be a matter of time. But it still didn’t remove the pain and sadness.”

“This is extremely devastating news, and our thoughts and prayers are with Walter’s wife, children and wider family at this very sad time,” Celtic said in a statement.

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