SNS GroupRangers have unveiled a statue of Walter Smith at Ibrox, marking the former manager’s place in the club’s history.
Thousands of fans, as well as players, management staff and members of Smith’s family, gathered ahead of the Scottish Cup final to see the bronze statue, which is located on the corner between Edmiston House and the Copland Road stand of Ibrox Stadium.
Smith, who died in 2021, is one of the most successful managers in the club’s history, having won 21 major trophies and taken the club to the UEFA Cup final in 2008.
He also managed Everton and the Scotland national team during a long career, as well as spell in a coaching role under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
“It is a poignant moment in the history of this great football club to unveil a statue of our legendary former manager Walter Smith,” Rangers chairman John Bennett said.
“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.
“The work consolidates the significance of the great man and the place he occupies in the storied history of Rangers Football Club.”
💙 The Great Walter Smith pic.twitter.com/AUZgWQJwJf
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) May 25, 2024
The statue was designed and sculpted by 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.
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