Walter Smith

Walter Ferguson Smith (24 February 1948 – 26 October 2021) was a prominent figure in Scottish football, renowned for his dual tenures as the manager of Glasgow Rangers. Smith, who started his career as a defender, played primarily for Dundee United, with a brief period at Dumbarton. His playing career was cut short due to a pelvic injury, leading him to transition into coaching under the guidance of Jim McLean at Dundee United. He also managed the Scotland under-18 and under-21 teams and served as an assistant to legendary manager Alex Ferguson during the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, prior to joining Rangers as Graeme Souness's assistant.

In 1991, Smith took over the managerial role at Rangers, where he achieved remarkable success, securing thirteen major trophies over seven years, including seven consecutive league titles. After departing Rangers at the conclusion of the 1997-98 season, he took the helm at Everton in the English Premier League, managing the club for four seasons before his dismissal in 2002.

Following a brief role as Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United, Smith was appointed as the manager of the Scotland national team in December 2004. Under his leadership, Scotland experienced a resurgence, climbing seventy places in the FIFA World Rankings. After resigning in January 2007 to return to Rangers, Smith collected an additional eight trophies and led the team to the 2008 UEFA Cup final before retiring from management in 2011. He remains the second-most successful manager in Rangers' history, surpassed only by Bill Struth.