Mick: The legend of Walter still with Gers
Michael Beale says the spirit of Rangers legend Walter Smith is still present at the club.
On the eve of today’s Viaplay Cup Final against Celtic at Hampden, the current Ibrox gaffer paid tribute to former manager Smith who died in October 2021.
Smith won the League Cup trophy six times across two spells in charge, while Beale is now searching for his first piece of silverware as boss.
The pair got to know each other when Beale was f irst- team coach during Steven Gerrard’s reign.
And the Londoner has revealed that Smith would often give him words of wisdom before he passed away.
He said: “I saw how close Walter was to Steven and he’d give him advice.
“He gave me advice too but that should remain private. He was just such a calming influence. “He was always there and couldn’t do enough for you.
“Most people, at ease with themselves in life, are like that.
“People that back themselves have confidence and experience – they give you the best advice possible.
“I had that back at Liverpool with people like Kenny Dalglish. I’ve been fortunate to have good mentors around me.
“When I got here, Walter would come in quite a lot.
“It was lovely to sit and have a cup of tea in his presence and just listen to his stories.
“I loved his stories about what made the club what it is today. That was a real privilege.
“His son, Neil, does my programme notes now so we speak once a week which is lovely.
“I see Walter’s grandchildren when his family is at the games.
“This club keeps the people who have been good to it close. That’s what makes a big club.
“There are a lot of clubs like that around the world but this is ours, here in Glasgow.
“It’s a special family to be part of and when you leave, you respect it even more. I say that from experience.”