October 26, (THEWILL) – Walter Smith, a former Everton and Rangers manager, has died. He was 73.
His demise was announced by the Glasgow-based club.
Smith became a cult figure at Ibrox after leading Rangers to ten premier league titles, five Scottish Cups, and six League Cups in two spells there.
After returning for a second stint as manager in 2007, he won the final seven titles of Rangers’ remarkable nine-in-a-row run in the 1990s and led the club to the UEFA Cup final in 2008.
He also managed Everton and the Scotland national team, succeeding Berti Vogts between those stints.
In their official statement, Rangers posted: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our former manager, chairman and club legend, Walter Smith.”
Douglas Park, Rangers’ club’s chairman, added: “On behalf of the Rangers board of directors, staff and players, I convey my deep condolences to the Smith family. Walter leaves behind a wife, children and grandchildren, all of whom are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
“It is almost impossible to encapsulate what Walter meant to every one of us at Rangers. 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.
“I spoke with Walter as recently as last weekend. Even when he was battling illness, he was still able to provide advice and support. For that, I am personally grateful. I know that he continued also to maintain dialogue with senior members of staff, including our manager, Steven Gerrard.
“Walter will be sorely missed by all of us at Rangers.
“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.”
There have been other heartfelt tributes paid to the manager in memory of his life and achievements.
“RIP Legend”, Alan Shearer wrote while Shay Given added: “Sad news about the passing of Walter Smith, A great football man, thoughts and prayers with his family and friends #RIPWalterSmith”.
Dumbarton FC, who Smith played for between 1975 and 77, said: “It is with very deep sadness that we have learned of the passing of our former player Walter Smith.After playing for Dumbarton, Walter became a legendary manager with Rangers, Everton and Scotland. All of our thoughts are with Walter’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
