Rangers have announced that they have commissioned a statue of their late legendary manager Walter Smith on the first anniversary of his passing.
Smith, who won 21 trophies across two spells in charge at Ibrox, as well as managing Everton and Scotland, died on 26 October 2021 at the age of 73.
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The successes he achieved with the Glasgow giants included 10 league titles, five Scottish Cups and six League Cups. He also guided Rangers to the final of the Uefa Cup in 2008, but they were defeated by Zenit Saint Petersburg 2-0 in Manchester. Smith is the club’s second most successful manager in its history, only behind fellow great Bill Struth.
Following his passing, thousands of supporters gathered outside Ibrox to pay their respects to Smith as his coffin was driven past before the funeral.
To mark the first anniversary of his death, Rangers announced a statue has been commissioned to commemorate his extraordinary contributions at Ibrox and it will be positioned outside the Copland Road end.
A club statement read: "On the first anniversary of his passing, Rangers Football Club are today pleased to announce a statue of legendary manager Walter Smith has been commissioned to commemorate his incredible achievements at the club.
"In the modern era, nobody contributed more to Rangers than Walter. He served as assistant manager, manager, and chairman.
"A boyhood supporter who more than lived the dream, future generations will be met with this new sculpture at the famed Copland Road end of Ibrox Stadium."
Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd, who played under Smith during his second reign, welcomed the club's gesture.
"It’s a lovely tribute,” he told Sky Sports. "Nobody has contributed more to Rangers in the modern era. If there is anybody that has epitomised Rangers Football Club then it is Walter Smith.
"I think this is really important for generations going forward so they can see the greatest manager of Rangers Football Club. The way he conducted himself and the way he went about everything was a credit to Walter, his family and the club. It is a fantastic thing to do because he was Rangers Football Club.”
