As Rangers prepare to take on Borussia Dortmund tonight in the second leg of the Europa League playoff clash between the two sides, the Light Blues have taken time to pay tribute to recently-passed Ibrox icon Walter Smith on what would have been his 74th birthday.
‘Sir Walter’ died in October at the age of 73 and today is the first time since his death that his birthday has come around, with Gers fans around the world no doubt taking a moment to remember the club’s most successful manager of the post-war era.
The Gers’ tribute includes a near three-minute video showing some of the former Rangers, Everton and Scotland manager’s best moments at Ibrox from his long association with the club.
Among some of the clips included from Smith’s first spell as manager at Rangers are Ally McCoist’s overhead kick against Hibs in the Skol Cup final, Gazza’s wondergoal against Aberdeen as the Light Blues wrapped up 8 in a row and Brian Laudrup’s header to seal the holy grail of 9 in a row.
There are also tributes throughout the video from the likes of McCoist and Graeme Souness – with both saying he deserves to be held in the same regard as the likes of John Greig and Bill Struth for their impact on the club.
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Clips from Walter’s second rein as Rangers boss include the 2008 UEFA Cup final, Nikica Jelavic doing his best Tam Forsyth impression and the title celebrations as Smith brought the curtain down on an incredible career with a stunning league win at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock in 2011.
Ten Scottish titles, six League Cups and five Scottish Cups are a simply incredible trophy haul for any manager to amass, as Smith saw off a string of rival Celtic bosses to dominate the Scottish game while Rangers manager.
His death last year was a big loss for the Rangers family but as his family, friends and fans remember Smith on his 74th birthday, there are few who have such an important part in the club’s modern history as ‘Sir Walter’.
Meanwhile, an exciting Rangers teenager was snapped in training on Wednesday as he eyes a first Europa League squad inclusion.