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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Liam Bryce

Walter Smith memorial draws Rangers legends and a galaxy of stars including Sir Alex Ferguson

A galaxy of football stars turned out in Glasgow on Friday to say a final goodbye to Rangers legend Walter Smith.

The iconic Ibrox boss passed away aged 73 on October 26 following a period of illness and was laid to rest in a private family ceremony on November 3.

Rangers announced that a public service would be held at the Glasgow Cathedral to celebrate the life of the legendary manager.

An invite-only service, the memorial was attended by some of the biggest names from Scottish football and beyond.

Those included his close friend and former assistant Ally McCoist, Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson as well as a host of his former players – including Duncan Ferguson, Andy Goram, Marvin Andrews, Richard Gough, Charlie Miller, Mark Hateley, Nigel Spackman, Derek McInnes, David Weir, Lee McCulloch, Kenny Miller, Sasa Papac and Kris Boyd.

Jim Stewart and Kenny McDowall, who served on Smith's coaching staff, arrived together.

The entire Rangers first-team, too, were in attendance, led by captain James Tavernier.

Famous names from English football such as Frank Lampard and Mark Hughes were pictured entering the cathedral in the city's Castle Street.

(Tony Nicoletti Daily Record)

A delegation from rivals Celtic, including current interim CEO Michael Nicholson and his predecessor Peter Lawwell also arrived to pay their respects, just ahead of ex-boss Neil Lennon.

From Scottish football's governing bodies, both SPFL chairman Murdoch MacLennan and chief executive Neil Doncaster were among the attendees, as was SFA CEO Ian Maxwell.

(Tony Nicoletti Daily Record)

Rangers announced earlier this month that the service would be screened for free on the club's official TV channel following its conclusion.

Smith was one of the most successful managers in Rangers' and Scottish football's history.

He led the club to a historic Nine In A Row after taking over from Graeme Souness in 1991, having served as his assistant since 1986.

After departing in 1998, Smith was appointed Everton manager before also enjoying a short stint assisting Sir Alex at Manchester United.

He became Scotland manager in 2004, with a famous win over France the highlight of his three years in charge.

Smith answered a call to return to Ibrox in 2007 and won a further three league titles, plus a Scottish Cup and League Cup, as well as guiding Rangers to the 2008 UEFA Cup Final.

He retired in 2011 with 21 major trophies to his name.

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