The footballing community from across the world has been coming together as tributes flood in honouring Rangers legend Walter Smith following his passing.
Rangers announced that the legendary former Ibrox gaffer had passed away at 73 and the news has rocked an adoring Ibrox support.
The tributes have been flooding in for Rangers legend Walter Smith. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Most famous for his two spells in charge of the Gers, where Walter won 21 trophies and guided the club to a UEFA Cup Final, Smith’s imprint in football transcends Ibrox.
Walter is a former Dundee United player and was part of Jim McLean’s legendary title-winning backroom staff who almost guided the Arabs to a European Cup Final.
Smith also managed Everton Football Club during a period of financial upheaval and helped them retain Premier League status in some of their most difficult years.
A close friend of Sir Alex Ferguson’s, Smith also spent time as Fergie’s assistant at Man Utd whilst his spell with Scotland helped unite a fractured fanbase alongside Ally McCoist and Celtic legend Tommy Burns.
The tributes have been pouring in from across football and we’ll do our best to compile some of them here.
Tributes aplenty to great man and legendary Rangers manager Walter Smith
Starting with Super Ally McCoist, Rangers’ all-time top goalscorer gave an emotional tribute on TalkSPORT this morning.
“He was my boss, my coach, my second father. He became one of my best friends.”
“It can’t take away the pain and grief.” 💔
Ally McCoist pays an emotional tribute to #RangersFC legend Walter Smith. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/kQRP6ZdXF5
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) October 26, 2021
Sir Alex Ferguson would then describe Smith a “special person” in a message sent out via the official Manchester United club channels.
Sir Alex has some emotional words for a close friend and former United colleague ❤️
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 26, 2021
Former Scotland striker James McFadden also paid tribute to Walter Smith who he claimed via Sky Sports is “above the term legend”.
James McFadden believes Walter Smith is 'above the term legend' following his death age 73. pic.twitter.com/6bi39pJqpl
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) October 26, 2021
Everton Football Club would also pay tribute to Walter Smith they praised “a man held in high regard by all his players”.
A very sad day for football. Walter Smith OBE, former Rangers, Scotland and Everton manager, has passed away. A man held in high regard by all his players.
Our thoughts are with Walter's loved ones at this tough time. 💙
— Everton (@Everton) October 26, 2021
Former Rangers manager Mark Waburton also thanked Smith for always being available for support during his tenure at Ibrox.
Devsstating news to hear of the sad passing of Walter Smith. A man who was always on hand to help with advice and support. My thoughts and condolences are with his family at this most difficult time
— Mark Warburton (@MarkWarburton9) October 26, 2021
Old Firm rivals Celtic also sent their “deepest sympathies” following the passing of the Rangers legend, with Smith a man who transcended the Old Firm rivalry.
Celtic Football Club expresses its deepest sympathies following the sad news that former Rangers and Scotland Manager, Walter Smith, has passed away.
Walter was a tremendous servant to Scottish football and everyone at #CelticFC sends their heartfelt condolences.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) October 26, 2021
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also described Smith as a “true football great” and paid tribute to the former Rangers and Scotland boss.
Very sad to hear of the death of former Rangers and Scotland manager, Walter Smith – he was a true football great. My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues across the world of football. https://t.co/syKdStcBQl
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) October 26, 2021
Former Rangers striker Derek Johnstone called on the club to build a statue of Smith in honour of the ex-Gers manager’s achievements at Ibrox.
Derek Johnstone calls for a statue to be built in Walter Smith's honour at Ibrox Stadium following his death aged 73 ❤️️ pic.twitter.com/jhsMDf5ZIZ
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) October 26, 2021
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola – who had a close relationship with Smith – described the ex-Gers gaffer as a “very special man”.
Some lovely words from Walter's friend Pep Guardiola on a truly devastating day for football.https://t.co/Skc6a2Bm6i
— Jonathon Moar (@JMScotExpress) October 26, 2021
Former Ibrox winger DaMarcus Beasley played under Smith at Rangers and the USA legend paid tribute to Walter for taking him to Ibrox.
I am deeply deeply saddened by the passing of Walter Smith. He brought me to Rangers. He was an incredible man, the best. His words of wisdom will always stick with me. Football lost a great man today. My condolences to the Smith family. RIP Gaffer 💔 pic.twitter.com/6KJI5vHEb2
— DaMarcus Beasley (@DaMarcusBeasley) October 26, 2021
Former Everton striker Kevin Campbell thanked Smith for taking him to Everton and described him as “a great man”.
R.I.P. Walter Smith you were such a great man and I can’t thank you enough for bringing me to @Everton a true football great ⭐️💙🙏🏿⭐️😔🥺😢 pic.twitter.com/qQ9DCDzgCA
— Kevin Campbell (@1kevincampbell) October 26, 2021
Nacho Novo – who scored that legendary goal in Florence to send us to the UEFA Cup Final – said Smith was “like a father” to him and said his passing is “hard to take” on Sky Sports.
Nacho Novo pays an emotional tribute to Walter Smith who has died at the age of 73 and says the Rangers legend was a "father figure" to him. pic.twitter.com/yoBsNpCz1S
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) October 26, 2021
Rangers legend Paul Gascoigne said he was “extremely upset” to hear of Walter’s passing and described the Gers boss as a “father figure”.
Just had this off Gazza: @RangersFC @Everton 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Eh9y9laPb5
— Alan Myers (@ALANMYERSMEDIA) October 26, 2021
Current Rangers star Steven Davis also paid tribute to Walter Smith and sent his condolences to the manager’s family.
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard was also visibly upset when he fronted the cameras after Smith’s passing and paid tribute to the Ibrox legend’s legacy as the club’s staff conducted a minute’s silence.
Steven Gerrard speaks on the loss of our former manager, chairman and club legend, Walter Smith. pic.twitter.com/zKY7wwTf6F
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) October 26, 2021
A minute's silence in memory of our former manager, chairman and club legend, Walter Smith. pic.twitter.com/wQvUZeV4wc
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) October 26, 2021
These are just a drop in the ocean of tributes coming out about not only a legendary Rangers manager but a legendary football man, friend, and father figure to so many.
Rangers are preparing to play Aberdeen at Ibrox this week on what promises to be an emotional night for supporters of the club as they remember an Ibrox hero.
Fans have been calling for Gers Gaffer Smith to be recognised via way of a tribute which has only ever been afforded two men in the past.