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An emotional Steven Gerrard has paid tribute to Walter Smith, who died on Tuesday, aged 73.

Former Scotland, Rangers and Everton manager Smith led Rangers to 10 top-flight titles, five Scottish Cups and six League Cups as well as to the UEFA Cup final in 2008. He also became a mentor to Gerrard following his appointment as Rangers manager.

Rangers said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our former manager, chairman and club legend, Walter Smith.”

And an upset Gerrard told Rangers TV: “Walter was an incredible leader, a very successful manager here at Rangers and he epitomised everything this club stands for. His DNA is all over the club and it’s obviously very sad news.

“He has been right behind me since day one. We had many lunches and dinners and coffees and chats and private time with him in my office. He is obviously going to be a very big loss and a miss to a lot of people.

“He is decorated all over the club and he will be forever because he gave many, many years to this football club.

“He loved the club, he was honest, he was genuine. And he has made me a better person. I have got nothing but good words to say.”

Wayne Rooney, who was coming through the youth ranks at Everton during Smith’s time in charge at Goodison Park, said he was “devastated” by the news of his death.

The former England striker tweeted: “Great man and a legend of the game. Condolences go to all his family and friends. RIP Walter.”

Former Scotland and Celtic captain Scott Brown paid tribute to Smith.

“It’s so sad,” the Aberdeen midfielder said. “Walter was a fantastic man and he was the one who gave me my first Scotland cap many years ago.

“I worked with him very closely with Scotland and I’ve got huge respect for him, especially what he did with Tommy Burns as well, carrying his coffin.

“He tried to bridge the gap between the two clubs which was fantastic at the time.

“Every time I met Walter he had so much time for every single person.”

Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said he would miss Smith “greatly”.

Smith was Ferguson’s assistant at Old Trafford in 2004 and when Scotland went to the World Cup in 1986.

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Sir Alex ‘devastated’

“I am absolutely devastated,” said Ferguson, adding: “Walter was a special person. He fought his illness with great courage. He was a great friend of mine for years and years.

“In all that time you were dealing with a man with a great moral compass in how he lived his life and the friendship he offered so many people.

“His contribution to football with Dundee United, Rangers, Scotland, Everton and Man United was immense.”

Ferguson added: “He was only at United a short time. But he was fantastic.

“I lost Carlos Queiroz to Real Madrid and I knew I needed an assistant so I phoned Walter about it and he came for six months and helped us win the FA Cup against Millwall.

“He had a wonderful connection with people because he was a great listener, that was one of his greatest qualities.

“He listened and showed an interest in people and helped everyone he could. It’s such a loss to the game and to everyone that knew him.

“I send my sincere condolences to his wife Ethel and his two sons Neil and Steven. I’ll miss him greatly.”

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