As the very sad news of Walter Smith’s passing spread through the Scottish media and news outlets, the footballing community put rivalries aside to join together to pay tribute to a man that had graced the game for decades.
Walter Smith broke Celtic fans’ hearts for years when he took over the reigns as Rangers boss after Graeme Souness had left the club and as he won trophy after trophy as Celtic languished in the doldrums, it was his equalling of Celtic’s legendary nine in a row that rose him to immortal status in the eyes of the Rangers fans.
Smith forged a great friendship with former Celtic manager, Tommy Burns, as they jousted for domestic glory on the opposite sides of the city but also as they joined forces to turn the Scottish national side into one that we could be proud of again.
There was none so poignant a picture of when Walter was a pall bearer at Tommy’s funeral alongside Ally McCoist and it was one of those unique moments that the great divide between the supporters of the two big clubs was healed.
The Celtic fans suffered immeasurably as Walter dominated Scottish football and the tributes that poured in for him on Rangers twitter announcement was first class:
So sad to hear the passing of Walter. A gentleman and a dear friend. Thoughts are with Ethel and the family.
— Murdo Macleod (@murdomacleod06) October 26, 2021
As a Celtic fan, I’m totally shocked at this news. He was a brilliant manager who could get the best out of his players. He ruined many a weekend for me following Glasgow Derby defeats. RIP
— Brian Thomas (@brian6211) October 26, 2021
Legend, rest easy Walter ❤️
— Mark graham (@marcusgrahamm) October 26, 2021
RIP Walter. A pain in the side of my club but respect where its due, What a manager.
— TC (@TCCSC93) October 26, 2021
Very sad news, may he rest in peace and my thoughts are with his family. HH
— Celtic Gossip (@CelticGossip) October 26, 2021
RIP Walter Smith.. a Dhia déan trócaire ar a anam pic.twitter.com/oe5AcTv5Ar
— Éire Go Brách CSC (@EireGoBrachCSC) October 26, 2021
Unbelievably sad, my thoughts, prayers and condolences to all walters friends, family and the support. Celtics greatest adversary in my lifetime. A true gent and legend of Scottish football he will be missed, have a ball up there with Tommy 🙏🏻 RIP WALTER
— BenidormCelt (@Benidormcelt) October 26, 2021
Gutted to hear this. Through most of the 90’s I wished he’d give us a break, he was a top manager. Such sad news, my thoughts are with his family and the club 💙💚
— Darren Grant (@djdarrengrant) October 26, 2021
Very sad news about a gentleman of all accounts. Respected by all – not just for his undoubted success in football – but for being a good guy with humour and dignity. God bless him and his loved ones
— Paul Allan (@PaulieAllan) October 26, 2021
RIP Walter. HH
— ☘️Vital Celtic News☘️ (@VitalCelticNews) October 26, 2021
This article was originally posted here