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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Liam Bryce

Steven Gerrard and Rangers stars lead Walter Smith memorial at Ibrox as boss writes poignant note

Steven Gerrard and senior Rangers players led a poignant memorial for Walter Smith at Ibrox.

Gerrard and assistant Gary McAllister laid a wreath in tribute to the club's iconic manager on Wednesday following the announcement of his death aged 73.

Captain James Tavernier stood side-by-side with Steven Davis and Allan McGregor - who played under Smith during his second spell as manager - in a moving scene outside the stadium.

Also in attendance was chairman Douglas Park and he too placed a floral tribute as a crowd watched on.

Wreath laying at Ibrox in memory of former manager Walter Smith who died this week. Steven Gerrard, Steven Davis, James Tavernier, Allan McGregor, Gary McAllister. (Daily Record)

The wreath carried by Gerrard and McAllister included a personal message, signed by the manager.

He wrote: "To the Smith family, I am really sorry for your loss on behalf of me and my staff.

"I want to send our condolences. He was a huge support to us all. He will be sorely missed.

"Lots of love, Steven Gerrard".

Smith's passing has triggered an outpouring of grief across Scottish football and, indeed, from the worldwide game.

A delegation from Celtic were earlier pictured offering a tribute of their own.

Chairman Ian Bankier, interim chief-executive Michael Nicholson and club legend Tom Boyd - who captained Celtic in battles with Smith's Rangers - were in attendance.

They walked alongside Rangers' managing director Stewart Robertson and laid a wreath, which read: "Rest in peace Walter... From everyone at Celtic Football Club"

On Tuesday, emotional Rangers boss Gerrard gave a moving interview to the club's TV channel in which he said Smith had made him "a better person".

The pair had met regularly since Gerrard took the job in 2018 and a close bond formed between the men who delivered the club's 54th and 55th titles.

Steven Davis, James Tavernier and Allan McGregor lay a wreath at Ibrox (Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

Gerrard said: “It is still obviously very raw. It is a very sad day for everyone at the club.

“Walter was an incredible leader, a very successful manager here at Rangers. He epitomised everything that this club stands for.

“His DNA is all over the club and it is very sad news.

“He has been right behind me since day one. I have had many lunches, dinners, coffees, chats and private times with him in my office.

“He is going to be a very big loss to a lot of people. He is decorated all over the club and he will be forever because he gave many, many years to the football club.

“He loved the club, he was honest and genuine. He has made me a better person.”

Gerrard had earlier shared an Instagram post which reached out to Smith's family.

He wrote: "Thank you for all your wisdom, support and friendship. You meant the world to everyone at Rangers . You will be sorely missed. Thoughts with Ethel and all of the Smith family at this time. Rest in peace Walter."

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