Dumbarton legend Murdo MacLeod has paid tribute to his “dear friend” Walter Smith who has passed away.
Rangers confirmed the sad news this morning that the former Blues boss and Scotland gaffer died at the age of 73.
Murdo Macleod was one of the first to lead local tributes to Smith who also played with Dumbarton FC in the 1970s.
Posting on Twitter, he said: “So sad to hear the passing of Walter Smith. A Gentleman and a dear friend. Thoughts are with Ethel and all the family. RIP Walter.”
Smith led Rangers to nine-in-a-row in the 1990s, winning a total of 10 top-flight titles as manager at Ibrox, five Scottish Cups and six League Cups, as well as leading the club, founded by Helensburgh’s Moses McNeil, to the UEFA Cup Final in 2008.
Smith, who stayed in Helensburgh, also played with Dumbarton, donning a Sons shirt for 64 games.
He was part of the squad who reached the 1976 Scottish Cup semi-final.
The Castle Road club issued this statement today: “It is with very deep sadness that we have learned that our former player Walter Smith, who went on to become manager of Rangers and Scotland, has passed away.
“The thoughts of everybody at Dumbarton FC are with Walter’s family and friends at this extremely sad time.”
One of Smith’s last public appearances was at a charity golf day last month at Loch Lomond where he joined Sir Alex Ferguson, Alan Shearer, Kenny Dalglish as well as former Celtic boss and player Neil Lennon among others in aid of the Emmie Smillie Charity Foundation.
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie added: “Walter was a giant in Scottish and international football and his legacy will live on, inspiring generations of football fans for years to come.”
The Ardencaple Football Club president had been battling ill health since earlier this year and passed away this morning.
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