Rangers legend Walter Smith has died aged 73, the club have announced.
The former Gers and Scotland boss delivered ten Scottish Premiership titles at Ibrox, making him the second-most successful manager in the club’s history.
Smith also took charge of Everton and worked as an assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United during a glittering coaching career.
Announcing the news on Twitter, Rangers said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our former manager, chairman and club legend, Walter Smith.”
Gers chairman Douglas Park added: “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.”
The former defender made more than 180 appearances for Dundee United, but it’s his managerial achievements which will be remembered by both Scottish and English football.
After taking over from Graeme Souness at Rangers in 1991, Smith won seven league titles in succession as Gers matched Celtic’s record of nine consecutive league crowns.
The Scotsman also left his mark on England, managing Everton in the Premier League between 1998 and 2002, before assisting Sir Alex at Old Trafford in 2004, where he worked with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo.
He was appointed Scotland manager in 2004, improving the country’s world ranking by 70 places over three years, and inspiring a famous victory over France.
Smith would then return to Rangers in 2007, with Ally McCoist as his assistant, to improve his legacy.
By the end of his second spell, Smith would boast ten top-flight titles, five Scottish Cups and six League Cups as well as UEFA Cup runner-up in 2008.
“He means everything to a lot of folk,” McCoist told talkSPORT. “He was my boss, my coach, my second father and then turned into one of my best friends,” he added in an emotional tribute.
“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.”
