West Ham United manager David Moyes has paid tribute to his ‘true friend and mentor’ Walter Smith OBE, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 73.
A true giant of the game, Smith played for Dundee United and Dumbarton in his native Scotland before embarking on an outstanding managerial career with club and country.
It was while Smith was coaching Scotland Under-18s in 1980 that Moyes first worked under his fellow Scot, It was the start of a relationship that grew over the next four decades.
Smith assisted Scotland manager Sir Alex Ferguson at the 1986 FIFA World Cup finals. He took on the same role under Graeme Souness at Rangers before taking charge at Ibrox in 1991 and leading the Glasgow club to seven Scottish Premier Division titles and six domestic cups.
In 1998, he moved south to Everton, spending nearly four years at Goodison Park before departed in March 2002. Moyes was his replacement, but he would not take the Everton job without his fellow countryman’s blessing.
Moyes said: “I looked up to Walter with so much respect. He was such a great Scottish manager but, to me, he was an even better man. He was honourable, he showed great dignity, and always demonstrated such class. He was a true friend and mentor, and a man I feel privileged to have known. He will always be remembered fondly.
“My thoughts are with all of Walter's family.”
After a short spell assisting Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, Smith went on to manage Scotland’s senior team from 2004-07 before returning to Rangers, where he won three more Scottish Premier League titles, five domestic trophies and led the club to the 2008 UEFA Cup final.
Named SFWA Manager of the Year on seven occasions, Smith was made an MBE in 1997.
West Ham United expresses its sincere condolences to Walter Smith’s family and friends at this sad time.