Abacab
Well-Known Member
Sir Alex Ferguson leads tributes to Walter Smith
Sir Alex is deeply saddened by the loss of former assistant Walter Smith.
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Sir Alex Pays His Respects
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Abacab
Well-Known Member
Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed his sorrow at the sad death of his former assistant Walter Smith, who has passed away at the age of 73.
"I am absolutely devastated," said Sir Alex. "Walter was a special person. He fought his illness with great courage. He was a great friend of mine for years and years, I had him as my assistant at United in 2004 and he was also my assistant when Scotland went to the World Cup in 1986.
"In all that time you were dealing with a man with 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.
Walter Smith helped United win the FA Cup in 2004.
"He was only at United a short time," added our legendary former manager. "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."
Smith had the short spell as assistant manager to Sir Alex during the 2003/04 season, which featured that 3-0 triumph over Millwall in the FA Cup final at the Millennium Stadium.
Later that year, Walter took charge of the Scotland national team, before returning to Rangers in 2007 for a second stint at the Ibrox helm. He also managed Everton between 1998 and 2002, while much of his professional playing career came with Dundee United.
Only recently, Sir Alex told us how Walter had been instrumental in convincing United to sign Wayne Rooney from Everton, describing the man who would go on to become the club's record goalscorer as the best young footballer in the game.
Our legendary boss also once revealed how possibly the best contribution on the field during his time with the Reds was in helping prepare the team tactically to overcome a formidable Arsenal side in the FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park.
The Scots had been reunited at Old Trafford after working together, proudly representing their country at the 1986 World Cup finals. Smith became Ferguson's number two for the tournament in Mexico, following the death of Jock Stein.
"I am absolutely devastated," said Sir Alex. "Walter was a special person. He fought his illness with great courage. He was a great friend of mine for years and years, I had him as my assistant at United in 2004 and he was also my assistant when Scotland went to the World Cup in 1986.
"In all that time you were dealing with a man with 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.
Walter Smith helped United win the FA Cup in 2004.
"He was only at United a short time," added our legendary former manager. "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."
Smith had the short spell as assistant manager to Sir Alex during the 2003/04 season, which featured that 3-0 triumph over Millwall in the FA Cup final at the Millennium Stadium.
Later that year, Walter took charge of the Scotland national team, before returning to Rangers in 2007 for a second stint at the Ibrox helm. He also managed Everton between 1998 and 2002, while much of his professional playing career came with Dundee United.
Only recently, Sir Alex told us how Walter had been instrumental in convincing United to sign Wayne Rooney from Everton, describing the man who would go on to become the club's record goalscorer as the best young footballer in the game.
Our legendary boss also once revealed how possibly the best contribution on the field during his time with the Reds was in helping prepare the team tactically to overcome a formidable Arsenal side in the FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park.
The Scots had been reunited at Old Trafford after working together, proudly representing their country at the 1986 World Cup finals. Smith became Ferguson's number two for the tournament in Mexico, following the death of Jock Stein.
WinkieWATP
Well-Known Member
That was a great photo of the two of them laughing in the golf cart a while back. Genuine friends and I’m sure SAF will be devastated at the news
Sir Know it All
Well-Known Member
He had a hell of a career.
"Eventually, Walter Smith came in and decided not to give fouls in training. I think the sole purpose was for Ronaldo.
"So when Ronaldo was doing his skills, not passing the ball and taking the mick, the lads were fouling him.
"For two weeks, Ronaldo was tearing his hair out - and he was going bananas!
"What happened after a few weeks? Ronaldo starts moving the ball because he's sick of being kicked.
"Now he starts playing one or two-touch and running, now he starts getting more goals and it's clicking in his head, he's having more of an impact on games. That was the beginning of Ronaldo's transition."
"Eventually, Walter Smith came in and decided not to give fouls in training. I think the sole purpose was for Ronaldo.
"So when Ronaldo was doing his skills, not passing the ball and taking the mick, the lads were fouling him.
"For two weeks, Ronaldo was tearing his hair out - and he was going bananas!
"What happened after a few weeks? Ronaldo starts moving the ball because he's sick of being kicked.
"Now he starts playing one or two-touch and running, now he starts getting more goals and it's clicking in his head, he's having more of an impact on games. That was the beginning of Ronaldo's transition."
insanicdrunk
Well-Known Member
Its good that they got that last time together as well.
FriendsDontLie
Well-Known Member
I forget he was at UTD and played his part in getting them their top scorer, remarkable
TwoUpFront
Well-Known Member
that is a fascinating insight to his skill
Darren Fletcher’s words i believe
Yeah deffo DF who told the Ronaldo story.
Seems he was really highly thought of at Man United as well, not that it should come as a surprise.
kingstonbear
Well-Known Member
It is worth remembering that Archie Know was SAF.s right hand man at Man Utd and Walter brought him to Ibrox as his assistant.
Think I'm going to well up.
Again.
Lovely words.
Again.
Lovely words.
1BrianLaudrup
Well-Known Member
That is a story that says it all.
Scaramanga
Well-Known Member
Brilliant words from Sir Alex. It’s still crazy to me that Walter was with him on a matter of weeks ago golfing and looking in great spirits.
I think Sir Alex would spew if he saw the majority of the replies on the tributes posted on United’s officious account. Sadly it’s a tourist club now so its dominated by “don’t care, Ole out” pish from their plastic fans in Asia and Africa who’ve no doubt never set foot in Manchester before.
I think Sir Alex would spew if he saw the majority of the replies on the tributes posted on United’s officious account. Sadly it’s a tourist club now so its dominated by “don’t care, Ole out” pish from their plastic fans in Asia and Africa who’ve no doubt never set foot in Manchester before.
