Tributes for Walter Smith and his family continue to pour in after Rangers announced the sad news of his passing this morning.
The footballing world is mourning a true great, a man responsible for so much happiness and so much joy in a career spent at some of the biggest clubs in the country.
Iconic figures of the game have joined fans in paying homage to Smith, a man who amassed 21 trophies as Rangers manager but did it with a class that meant he was impossible not to respect.
He united Scotland with a coaching staff that included Tommy Burns and Ally McCoist before returning to Rangers to deliver an incredible period of success and memories that will last a lifetime.
Social media was awash with comments from near and far as the footballing world came together to pay their respects to a giant in his field:
RIP Legend 🙏🏻🙏🏻 https://t.co/BCoSRGMkg1
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) October 26, 2021
Terribly sad news about Walter Smith . 🙏❤️
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) October 26, 2021
Devsstating news to hear of the sad passing of Walter Smith. A man who was always on hand to help with advice and support. My thoughts and condolences are with his family at this most difficult time
— Mark Warburton (@MarkWarburton9) October 26, 2021
Everyone at Manchester United is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Walter Smith.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Walter’s friends and family at this extremely difficult time. pic.twitter.com/A2gNf7rytY
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 26, 2021
A very sad day for football. Walter Smith OBE, former Rangers, Scotland and Everton manager, has passed away. A man held in high regard by all his players.
Our thoughts are with Walter’s loved ones at this tough time. 💙
— Everton (@Everton) October 26, 2021
Celtic Football Club expresses its deepest sympathies following the sad news that former Rangers and Scotland Manager, Walter Smith, has passed away.
Walter was a tremendous servant to Scottish football and everyone at #CelticFC sends their heartfelt condolences.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) October 26, 2021
Thoughts, prayers and condolences with Walter Smith’s family and loved ones today. Heartbreaking to lose another great of Scottish football. A man of wisdom, dignity and integrity whose legacy will live on. May he rest in peace 💙 pic.twitter.com/41alZ1TYsw
— Andy Robertson (@andrewrobertso5) October 26, 2021
The manager pays tribute to Walter Smith. pic.twitter.com/k9r3d3E7xu
— Motherwell FC (@MotherwellFC) October 26, 2021
And an anecdote from former Scotland international Darren Fletcher, who played under Smith when he was assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson, tells you everything you need to know about the man and how he knew how to get the best out of players, even one considered to be the greatest of all time:
Walter Smith helped make Cristiano Ronaldo the player he is today ❤️ pic.twitter.com/F2cjVnOm8N
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) October 26, 2021