Rangers fans gathered at Ibrox Stadium on Wednesday night in tribute to Walter Smith.
Smith, 73, passed away Tuesday in a hospital. Rangers’ first game after his death was dominated with tributes to one their greatest managers.
There were hundreds of Smith’s shirts left at the ground. There were also dozens and dozens of bouquets of fresh flowers. There were also condolence messages from supporters.
Before kick-off, both sets of coaches and players observed a minute’s silence.
A large banner was placed at one end of ground to pay tribute to Smith and the legacy that he left at the Glasgow club. It read: “For deeds performed and glories won. Thanks Walter.”
Steven Gerrard, his assistant Gary McAllister and Steven Davis, James Tavernier, James Tavernier and James Tavernier arrived in suits earlier in the day to lay a wreath in Smith’s memory.
The wreath’s card stated: ‘To Smith family, I am truly sorry for your loss. On behalf of my staff.
After Walter Smith’s death at the age of 73, floral tributes dominated the grounds surrounding Rangers’ Ibrox stadium. There were scarves and shirts as well as scarves to him.
Rangers fans were devastated by Smith’s passing this week, and they wanted to pay their respects
A minute of silence was observed before Wednesday’s kick-off, and a banner was raised in his honor.
Smith’s photo was also displayed on the big screen and on the ad boards.
During his two spells as Rangers manager, he won 21 major awards with Rangers
“I would like to express my condolences. He was an enormous support to us all. He will be missed. Steven Gerrard, we love you so much.
Celtic chairman, Ian Bankier and CEO Michael Nicholson laid a wreath outside Ibrox to pay tribute to Smith.
Smith is most well-known for his dominating spell as Rangers manager, winning 10 titles over two spells.
He was also in charge of Everton and took over Goodison Park from 1998 to 2002.
Rangers issued a statement on Tuesday morning saying: “It’s with profound sadness that I announce the passing of Walter Smith, our former manager and chairman.
Steven Gerrard (left), Rangers manager, and Gary McAllister, his assistant, laid a wreath
Gerrard’s wreath came with a note of condolence for the Smith family.
Douglas Park, club chairman, said: “On behalf the Rangers board members, staff and players I offer my deep condolences for the Smith family.
‘Walter has left behind a spouse, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We will remember them all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
“It is almost impossible for me to express what Walter meant to us Rangers. He was everything a Ranger should be.
“His character, leadership, and dedication will live on in the memories of all those he worked with over his two terms as first manager.
“I spoke with Walter last weekend. He was able to offer advice and support even though he was sick.
Fans made their way to Smith’s stadium throughout the day to pay respects
It was a very emotional game at Ibrox on Wednesday night, as the game against Ibrox was played.
“For that, I am grateful personally. I know that he maintained contact with our manager Steven Gerrard, and that he was open to dialogue with other senior staff members. Rangers will miss Walter.
Rangers observed a minute of silence in remembrance of Smith.
They tweeted a photo of club staff and players bowing on the training pitch with the caption: “A minute’s silence in memoriam of our former manager, chairman, and club legend Walter Smith.”