Gerrard calls on his team to pay tribute to icon
STEVEN GERRARD has paid an emotional tribute to Walter Smith and urged Rangers to honour his memory at Ibrox.
Gerrard and Smith formed a close bond in recent years and the advice from the legendary manager has been a source of huge help to Gerrard in his first job as manager.
The champions host Aberdeen this evening as they attempt to consolidate their place in the Premiership title race and defend their historic 55th league flag.
That was the final silverware that Smith saw his club win last term and Gerrard will forever be grateful for the relationship he had with one of the greats of the game.
“It is still obviously very raw,” Gerrard said. “It is a very sad day for everyone at the club.
“Walter was an incredible leader, a very successful manager here at Rangers. He epitomised everything that this club stands for. His DNA is all over the club and it is very sad news.
“He has been right behind me since day one. I have had many lunches, dinners, coffees, chats and private times with him in my office.
“He is going to be a very big loss to a lot of people. He is decorated all over the club and he will be forever because he gave many, many years to the football club.
“He loved the club, he was honest and genuine. He has made me a better person.
“I have been the lucky one to know him and spend time with him.
“So have a lot of other people who will have their own special memories of a great man.
“It is going to be emotional in the coming days and weeks but the best tribute I and we as a team can do is be united.
“We need to get the fans behind us and try and win the game [tonight]. That will be the best tribute we can give to him and his family.
“When you play Aberdeen it is always going to be tough. Obviously with the news of today it is going to make it even more tough.
“We need to be united, everyone at the club, and do our best in the circumstances.
“The biggest tribute we
can do is remember him and honour him by trying to put in a performance and get three points for him and his family.”
Rangers announced the death of Smith yesterday morning and his passing sparked an outpouring of emotion from supporters as they remembered one of the finest figures in the history of the club.
Chairman Douglas Park led the tributes from the Ibrox board and expressed his sympathies to Smith’s wife, Ethel, his sons and grandchildren.
“On behalf of the Rangers board of directors, staff and players, I convey my deep condolences to the Smith family,” Park said.
“Walter leaves behind a wife, children and grandchildren, all of whom are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
“It is almost impossible to encapsulate what Walter meant to every one of us at Rangers. He embodied everything that a Ranger should be.
“His character and leadership was second to none, and will live long in the memory of everyone he worked with during his two terms as first-team manager.
“I spoke with Walter as recently as last weekend. Even when he was battling illness, he was still able to provide advice and support. For that, I am personally grateful.
“I know that he continued also to maintain dialogue with senior members of staff, including our manager, Steven Gerrard. Walter will be sorely missed by all of us at Rangers.”