Former Rangers, Everton and Scotland boss Walter Smith has died at the age of 73, according to a statement published by Rangers.
In two separate spells as Rangers manager, Mr Smith led the club to 10 top-flight titles, six League Cups and 5 Scottish Cups.
He remains the club’s second most successful manager, only behind Bill Struth.
He won the final seven of the club’s nine league titles in a row in the 1990s before leaving for the Premier League with Everton in 1998.
After four years with the Toffees and then two as manager of the Scotland national team, Mr Smith returned to Ibrox in 2007.
In his second spell, Rangers also reached the final of the 2008 UEFA Cup.
His death comes in the same year that the Glasgow club have won their first league title since Mr Smith’s final year in charge of the team in 2011.
Rangers chairman Douglas Park said: “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.”
Image source: Shropshire Star
