St Mirren Football Club wishes to pay its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Walter Smith, and to Rangers Football Club, following the sad news of his passing at the age of 73.
After turning out for Dundee United and Dumbarton during his playing days, Walter embarked upon a coaching career that saw him manage Rangers, Everton and Scotland as well as assistant manager spells at Dundee United and Manchester United. During his time in charge of the Scotland National Team, Scotland's world ranking improved by seventy places.
Walter was a deeply respected icon within Scottish football and is truly a sad loss to our game.
St Mirren Chief Executive Tony Fitzpatrick paid tribute to Walter, saying: "I'm so sad to hear of the passing of Walter Smith today.
Walter is a great loss, not only to his family and friends, and the Rangers family, but to everyone in Scottish football.
"Walter was a fantastic person, and one of the most humble human beings I ever had the pleasure of meeting."
St Mirren manager Jim Goodwin said: "His wife, kids and grandkids will all be hurting right now, no doubt, but I’m sure they’ll be very proud to have had Mr Smith in their family.
He’s been one of the most successful Scottish managers of all time. I had the pleasure of being in his company on a couple of occasions and I knew that I was in the presence of real greatness.
"He was a great ambassador for the Scottish game and no doubt he’ll be sadly missed by everybody."
