Walter Smith tributes pour in as the Rangers legend is remembered by Scottish football

Rangers chairman Douglas Park led the tributes after legendary manager Walter Smith died at the age of 73.

The Ibrox club announced the nine-in-a-row boss passed away on Tuesday.

'Everything a Ranger should be'

In a statement the chairman said: "On behalf of the Rangers board of directors, staff and players, I convey my deep condolences to the Smith family.

"Walter leaves behind a wife, children and grandchildren, all of whom are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

"It is almost impossible to encapsulate what Walter meant to every one of us at Rangers.

"He embodied everything that a Ranger should be. His character and leadership was second to none, and will live long in the memory of everyone he worked with during his two terms as first-team manager.

"I spoke with Walter as recently as last weekend. Even when he was battling illness, he was still able to provide advice and support. For that, I am personally grateful.

"I know that he continued also to maintain dialogue with senior members of staff, including our manager, Steven Gerrard.

"Walter will be sorely missed by all of us at Rangers.

"Winning 10 top-flight titles as manager, five Scottish Cups and six League Cups, as well as leading his club to the UEFA Cup final in 2008, he will be remembered by the football community across the world.

"His spells as Scotland manager as well as managing in the English Premier League underlined his credentials as one of the great modern-day football managers.

"However, for Rangers supporters, he was much more than just a football manager. Walter was a friend to many, a leader, an ambassador, and most of all, a legend.''

On Instagram, manager Steven Gerrard thanked his predecessor for the "wisdom, support and friendship".

He said: "You meant the world to everyone at Rangers. You will be sorely missed. Thoughts with Ethel and all of the Smith family at this time. Rest in peace Walter."

Smith managed his boyhood heroes during the 1990s after succeeding Graeme Souness who he assisted at the Light Blues and led the club to an historic nine consecutive titles.

The Scottish FA paid tribute to the former national team boss on social media.

'Devastated'

Ally McCoist said he was "devastated'' at the loss of Smith and hailed the former manager as a second father''.

"He means everything to a lot of folk. He was my boss, my coach, my second father and then turned into one of my best friends,'' McCoist said.

"The loss is absolutely incredible.

"The good thing is he's not in pain. I went to see Walter recently, I spoke to him at the weekend and we knew that it would be a matter of time. But it still does not take away the pain and the grief.

"I could sit here and tell you about Walter Smith until the cows come home, but what I will say he was the best husband, father, friend, everything you want from a man.

"I can't tell you how devastated I am.''

Rangers held a minute's silence on Monday morning in tribute to Smith.

They tweeted a photograph of club players and staff bowing their heads on the training pitch, with the caption: "A minute's silence in memory of our former manager, chairman and club legend, Walter Smith.''

Fans could be seen gathering outside Ibrox on Tuesday morning, laying flowers and scarves at the gates.

Celtic added their condolences, paying tribute to "a tremendous servant to Scottish football".

Sir Kenny Dalglish also tweeted: "Marina and my heartfelt sympathies are with Walter's wife Ethel & his boys.

"Though we were on opposing sides on the pitch, he was a real footballing friend off of it.

"He was respected by all and one of the few able to transcend rivalries.

"Today we have lost a truly great man. RIP.''

Motherwell manager Graham Alexander said he owes Smith the "resurgence'' of his Scotland career.

"He sent me a great message when I came to work at Motherwell. Fantastic man to think of me at that time.

"I owe the resurgence of my Scotland career to him.''

• superscoreboard