Derek Ferguson hails ‘magic’ behind-the-scenes Rangers decision, it’s ‘not before time’
Derek Ferguson has hailed the “magic” decision made by Rangers to erect a statue of the late, great Walter Smith outside of Ibrox.
The club confirmed (official website, 22 May) that their legendary boss will be immortalised in bronze on Edmiston Drive at the Copland Road end of the stadium.
A ceremony will take place at midday on Saturday (25 May), with Rangers due to play the Scottish Cup final against rivals Celtic at Hampden Park later in the day.
Smith was originally assistant to Graeme Souness before taking the reigns on himself and winning nine league titles in a row, as well three Scottish Cups and three League Cups. He would later return for a second spell as boss to win another three league titles, two Scottish Cups, and three League Cups, as well as reaching a UEFA Cup final.
Ferguson remembers working with Smith and welcomed the club’s decision to celebrate an iconic Rangers figure.
Speaking to Ibrox News, he said: “It’s magic and not before time because Walter was not just a great football man he was a great man.
“He was my assistant when he worked under Graeme Souness and believe it or not I did not fear Graeme Souness one bit but I feared Walter Smith.
“He would give you a look or else, sometimes I would get away with it, he’d take you into the boot room and he would knock hell out of you if you stepped out of place, that’s the way he was.
“He knew how to deal with players, I was not an angel at times but sometimes just a wee word or two in my ear put the fear into me.
“He’s just one of these guys, special guys, Graeme had it in terms of the aura, as soon as he walked in the building you felt that but so did Walter but in a business like way, a different way, phenomenal guy, loved his football, loved Rangers, it’s a real fitting tribute.”
Rangers to make fitting Walter Smith tribute
As Ferguson rightly says, this is a fitting tribute to such a legendary figure at Ibrox and one that will be welcomed by all supporters.
To have enjoyed so much success at the club over two different spells is testament to what a truly special job he did for the football club.
Supporters will be in a buoyant mood as it is as they prepare to head to Hampden Park to face Celtic for the cup final.
Let’s hope they can do the great man proud and bring home the trophy on what is sure to be an emotional day for supporters.
In other Rangers news, Jose Cordoba has sent a cryptic post as a move to Ibrox nears.
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