Walter Smith

Verified Timeline

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.

In Their Own Story

When Graeme Souness left for Liverpool in April 1991, Smith was appointed interim manager, a role made permanent in May after the club clinched its fourth title in five seasons. His tenure was defined by relentless success: six more league titles followed in succession, including a domestic treble in 1992–93. He won the Scottish Cup and League Cup three times each during this period. In the 1992–93 Champions League campaign, Smith took Rangers to the brink of the final, going ten games without defeat and completing 44 matches unbeaten across all competitions. This era came at a financial cost; Smith spent over £50m on transfer fees in six years, more than any other club in Great Britain, though net spend was balanced by sales like Trevor Steven for £5.5 million in 1991 and Duncan Ferguson for £4.3 million in 1994. The pursuit of a record-breaking tenth successive title in 1997–98 ended in heartbreak; Rangers lost the league on the final day to Celtic and suffered a 4–2 defeat to Strasbourg in the UEFA Cup first round, having previously been beaten 4–1 by IFK Gothenburg in the preliminary round. Growing pressure over European results led to his departure at the end of that season.

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.