GLASGOW: Walter Smith, who managed Scotland, Rangers and Everton, has died at the age of 73.

In two spells as Rangers manager Smith led the club to 10 top-flight titles, five Scottish Cups and six League Cups as well as to the UEFA Cup final in 2008. He remains the club’s second most successful manager after Bill Struth.

Smith had four years in charge of Everton and two with Scotland before being enticed back to the Glasgow club.

His death comes in the same year Rangers won their first Scottish Premiership title since Smith’s final season in charge in 2011.

A club statement said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our former manager, chairman and club legend, Walter Smith.”

The Scottish FA said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the former Scotland national coach, and one of the most successful managers in Scottish football history. The thoughts of everyone at the Scottish FA are with his friends and family at this time.”

The Lanark-born defender’s playing career saw him play for Dundee United in two spells either side of two seasons at Dumbarton, and it was during his second spell at Tannadice that a pelvic injury meant Smith made his first forays into coaching under Jim McLean.

Smith became coach of the Scotland under-18s in 1978 and the under-21s in 1982. He was also Alex Ferguson’s assistant at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico before becoming assistant to Graeme Souness at Rangers later that summer.

#######