In an Instagram post, the Old Firm club wrote: “Today we remember the great Walter Smith.

“Quite simply, nobody understood Rangers better, and nobody won more.”

The tribute comes two weeks after Smith’s statue outside Ibrox was set on fire in what a fan group called a ‘shameful, shocking and senseless attack’.

Smith led Rangers from 1991 to 1998 and 2007 to 2011; securing ten league titles, five Scottish Cups, six League Cups, and a berth in the 2008 UEFA Cup finals.

Born in Lanark in 1948, the defender played for Dundee United and Dumbarton for much of the 1960s and 70s. 

After retiring as a player, he joined Graeme Souness’s squad as an assistant manager in 1986; before being appointed as manager five years later. 

After two stints at the head of Rangers, Smith retired in 2011.

He died from cancer at age 73 a decade later. 

Then-chairman Douglas Park said: “I convey my deep condolences to the Smith family. Walter leaves behind a wife, children and grandchildren, all of whom are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time....