Walter Smith

Second-most-successful manager in Rangers history.

Walter Ferguson Smith (24 February 1948 – 26 October 2021) was a Scottish football player, manager and director, primarily associated with his two spells as manager of Glasgow club Rangers.

Quick Facts

Full name: Walter Ferguson Smith
Born: 24 February 1948
Birthplace: Lanark, Scotland
Died: 26 October 2021
Position: Defender
Total caps: 181

Lore & Background

Smith was born in Lanark, grew up in the Carmyle district in the East End of Glasgow, and was a boyhood fan of Rangers. He played for Dundee United, Dumbarton, and returned to Dundee United before a pelvic injury ended his playing career. He coached at Dundee United, managed Scotland under-18 and under-21 teams, and assisted Alex Ferguson at the 1986 FIFA World Cup. He became Rangers manager in 1991, winning thirteen major trophies in seven years, including seven league titles in succession.

After leaving Rangers in 1998, he managed Everton for four seasons until 2002. He then assisted Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, became Scotland manager in December 2004, and resigned in January 2007 to return to Rangers. In his second spell, he won eight trophies and guided Rangers to the 2008 UEFA Cup final, retiring in 2011. He is the second-most-successful manager in Rangers history, behind Bill Struth.

Reader's Guide

Smith spent over £50m on transfer fees in his six years in charge at Rangers. He won thirteen major trophies in seven years during his first spell, and eight trophies during his second spell.

Did You Know?

Smith scored the only goal in a Dundee derby in September 1973 and celebrated by kissing his boot.
He set a club record at Dundee United by making approximately 360 reserve-team appearances.
Smith took Rangers to the brink of the Champions League final in 1992–93, going ten games without defeat in that campaign.