Rangers legend Walter Smith has died at the age of 73, the club have confirmed.
Smith won 21 trophies in total across two spells at Ibrox, making him the club’s second-most successful manager of all-time behind Bill Struth. He also took charge of Everton and the Scotland national team during his managerial career and had a short spell as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant manager at Manchester United during the 2003-04 season.
During his first stint in charge at Rangers, between 1991-98, Smith won seven consecutive league titles, taking the club to nine domestic titles in a row, and also lifted three Scottish Cups and three Scottish League Cups to cement the club as Scotland’s dominant force over rivals Celtic.
Smith briefly announced his retirement from management at the end of the 1997-98 campaign, only to accept an offer to manage Everton shortly after. The Toffees frequently battled against relegation during Smith’s tenure, finishing 14th, 13th and 16th during his three full seasons in charge. He was sacked in March 2002 and replaced by his compatriot David Moyes.
His next task was to pick Scotland up from Berti Vogts’ tumultuous spell at the helm and despite falling short in his quest to steer the Scots to the 2006 World Cup, Smith restored the nation’s credibility during his relatively brief spell in charge. He famously led his country to a 1-0 win against World Cup runners-up France in Paris in 2007.
A second spell at Rangers followed with Smith winning three further league titles, two Scottish Cups and three Scottish League Cups between 2007-2011. Upon retirement in 2011, Smith took on board roles at Rangers as non-executive director and non-executive chairman during a turbulent period in the club’s history following their administration and demotion to the fourth-tier.
A defender during his playing days, Smith’s first career was bookended by spells with Dundee United, either side of short periods with Dallas Tornado and Dumbarton.
Rangers chairman Douglas Park said in a club statement: “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.”
Tributes have been paid to Smith following his passing, with clubs and former players paying their respects.
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
— Kevin Campbell (@1kevincampbell) October 26, 2021????????????
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3Cgzqd5
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