Walter Smith statue unveiled as Rangers fans flock to see managerial legend immortalised in bronze at Ibrox

Rangers have unveiled a statue of Walter Smith with hundreds of fans turning out at Ibrox to see the late legendary boss immortalised for his success spanning almost two decades in two spells at the club.

Smith passed away, aged 73, in October 2021 and on the first anniversary of his death the club announced a statue had been commissioned to commemorate his incredible achievements at the club. Smith served as assistant manager, manager, and Chairman, with his spells as manager yielding an incredible 10 top-flight titles, five Scottish Cups and six League Cups.

The statute is located on Edmiston Drive at the Copland Road end, where Smith stood on the terrace as a boy to watch his Light Blues heroes, and first team boss Philippe Clement and supporters joined family and guests ahead of Rangers contesting the Scottish Cup final against fierce rivals Celtic to see the permanent memorial to the man who led the club to their historic nine-in-a-row achievement. The bronze piece has been designed and sculpted by esteemed London-based artist, Douglas Jennings, whose portfolio includes a statue of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in London and, in the football sphere, Jack Charlton and George Cohen.

Rangers chairman John Bennett said earlier this week: "It is a poignant moment in the history of this great football club to unveil a statue of our legendary former manager, Walter Smith. The outpouring of tributes which arrived from near and far following his passing two-and-a-half-years ago speaks to Walter’s stature as both a human being and custodian of our historic football club, and there is no Ranger more deserving in the modern era of being honoured in bronze.

“I would like to place on record our thanks as a club to the artist