Walter Smith – A Noble and Worthy Opponent

Today the football universe weeps as it loses yet another son. Walter Smith passed away at the age of 73 after a sustained period of illness. The former Rangers, Scotland and Everton manager will be remembered as a true football man, a gentlemen and one of the last of a dying breed. Mr Smith was in charge of Rangers at a time when Celtic were in turmoil, with our dearly departed Tommy Burns running him the closest during his battles with our club.

It is a saddening day not only because we lost a genuine football man, albeit an unequivocal rival of ours, but because behind the football was a principled character. A man which carried himself with a sort of quiet dignity that made you pause and listen, regardless of tribal taboos. Walter Smith is a throwback to a different world; one in which reverence, respectability and standards were at the forefront of public life. This was never more evident in the way the ex-Rangers boss would refer to Celtic’s own greatest manager, Jock Stein as “Mr Stein”. A symbol of the utmost respect and dignity applied to a man that was deserving of such veneration.

Walter Smith (R) and Ally McCoist of Rangers, carry a wreath as they pay tribute at Celtic Park, to Celtic and Scotland legend, Tommy Burns who died aged 51 after losing his battle with cancer May 16, 2008 i(Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Mr Smith is no different.

I always thought it odd when looking at Walter Smith in his training gear, as he was the sort of man that I found synonymous with a neck tie and blazer. A chap that set standards and would expect his players to do the same – in football, if not moreso in life. In all the tributes that have been paid to him, Ally McCoist’s eulogy on talkSPORT with Jim White was quite beautiful. It also serves as a pertinent reminder that some things transcend football and tribalism; a metaphor that was emphasised when Walter Smith carried his friend Tommy Burns to his final resting place. These are the true colours of any man worth his salt, and Walter Smith typified all these aforementioned qualities that quite frankly, I find most admirable in a human being.

The talkSPORT host, Jim White touched upon his experiences of the man also, mentioning that whenever he was interviewing him Smith would call him “James”. A stern reminder of his birth name and something which should never be forgotten regardless of how high his career had taken him. Whilst I’m sure also letting Mr White know any funny business would not be tolerated during questions. Perhaps a trait picked up during his time as Jim McLean’s assistant at Dundee United?

Maybe.

The facts are that Walter Smith was a noble and worthy opponent of our footballing institution. Something that should never be forgotten in all the vociferous warfare that goes on between us all. On this, the day of his passing, it should be especially important for us all to take a moment and remember that this man has a family which will mourn his loss terribly. The only small modicum of comfort can be in the knowledge that he is no longer in suffering. I would like to send my deepest and sincerest condolences to the wider Smith family, and thank their noble man for all the great battles down the years.

Thanks for the memories, Mr Smith.

From a very solemn Celtic fan.

Paul Gillespie

About Author

I'm a Garngad Bhoy through and through. My first ever Celtic game was a friendly against Italian side Parma at Celtic Park, in 2002. Currently a student of English Literature and Education at the University of Strathclyde for my sins. Favourite game would be a toss up between beating Manchester United with that Naka freekick, or the game against the Oldco when Hesselink scored in the dying seconds. I'm still convinced Cal Mac is wasted playing that far back.

2 Comments

  1. That was quite a beautiful, heartfelt and sincere tribute which I felt emotional reading. When deaths or illnesses happen to Celtic or ranger players/managers I always get teary reading the other sides heartfelt condolences as I’m that used to seeing the rivalry at its worst. Renews my faith in human nature. End of the day, football is just a game. We’re all human.

    Really beautifully put, thank you paul