Former Dundee defender Billy Smith, 82

A former footballer who played for Rangers, Dundee and Forfar has died at the age of 82.

Defender Billy Smith was born in

Arbroath in 1936.

He was educated at Parkhouse Abbey Primary School and Arbroath High School.

A bricklayer by trade, Mr Smith joined junior side Dundee Violet from school where he won junior caps for Scotland.

He left Dundee Violet and signed for Bill Struth’s Rangers in 1953.

Struth was the club’s greatest-ever manager but he was replaced by Scot Symon the following season.

He remained in the ranks under Symon at Ibrox until 1959 although his first-team opportunities were limited and he played just a handful of times.

Mr Smith did however line up alongside the likes of Rangers legends Bobby Shearer, Jimmy Millar and Davie Wilson when he did manage a first-team berth.

With his time at Ibrox drawing to a close he was wanted by Manchester City and Leeds United but he decided to stay closer to home in Arbroath.

Mr Smith eventually signed for Dundee where he spent two seasons.

He left to join Forfar Athletic just as Dundee were on the brink of capturing the league title in 1962.

After finishing his career at Station Park he went back to his day job as a bricklayer, a profession he remained in until he retired.

Away from football, Mr Smith was a very keen golfer.

He managed to get down to a single figure handicap at one stage.

He is survived by wife Gladys, sons Billy and Gary and daughter Lesley.

He was also a loving grandfather and great-grandfather.

Defender Billy Smith during his two seasons at Dundee FC.