Scottish football is in mourning following the death of Rangers and Scotland legend Walter Smith at the age of 73.
Rangers announced the passing of Smith, who was born in Lanark, in a statement this morning.
The former Ibrox boss and ex-Scotland manager, who is regarded as one of the greatest our game has ever produced, had been battling illness for many months and underwent surgery in March.
Chairman, Douglas Park, commented: “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.”
Born in Lanark, Smith made his playing career as a defender at Dundee United during two spells at Tannadice, in between a stint at Dumbarton.
But it was in management where he would go on to become an iconic figure, first as assistant to Jim McLean at United, then as No.2 to Graeme Souness at Rangers before taking the reins at Ibrox himself in 1991 when Souness left for Liverpool.
Smith led a star-studded Gers side, including the likes of Ally McCoist, Paul Gascoigne and Brian Laudrup, to their famous nine-in-a-row triumph in 1997.
He took charge of Everton in the English Premier League for four years before a short stint as Sir Alex Ferguson's No.2 in 2004.
The national team came calling shortly into his stint at Old Trafford and he enjoyed a successful spell as Scotland national team boss, securing a famous 1-0 win over France at Hampden in Euro 2008 qualifying, although he never took the team to a major final.
His love of Rangers had him running back to Ibrox in 2007 to take charge of the club for a second spell, bringing in Ally McCoist as his assistant.
Smith stood down in 2011 and handed the reins to McCoist in what would prove to be his final managerial job.
He was awarded an OBE in 1997 for his services to football.
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