Walter Smith was one of the most respected managers in British football. This insightful biography casts a reflective and analytical eye over his life and career, examining this shrewd professional through the many highs and lows that he has experienced as a player and manager. He enjoyed an illustrious career in management at Rangers, joining the Souness revolution in 1987, winning nine successive league titles, a domestic treble in the 1992-93 season and winning both the Scottish Cup and League Cup three times. In 1998, Smith accepted a position in England with Everton, where he was the manager until 2002, before being reunited with Ferguson at Old Trafford in 2004. In December of that year, Smith was appointed as Scotland manager and his effort subsequently earned him the title of 'Scot of the Year' at the prestigious Glenfiddich 'Spirit of Scotland' awards in 2006.

Midway through the qualifying rounds for Euro 2008, however, and with the Scots leading their group, he controversially accepted an offer to return to Ibrox in January 2007. Upon returning to Glasgow, Smith led Rangers to the UEFA Cup Final and triumph in the Scottish Cup in 2008, a domestic League and Cup double in 2009 and another double - this time in the domestic League and League Cup - in 2010. He retired from management in 2011 and died in October 2021.

About the Author

Neil Drysdale has been involved in journalism since the mid-1980s and has been praised for the quality of his writing across a wide range of sports. He was an award-winning writer with the Scotland on Sunday for 15 years, but now works freelance, mostly for the Herald and the Sunday Times. He is the author of several sports books including Dad's Army, the autobiography of Alan Rough and a History of Borders rugby. He is married and lives in Aberdeen.

Reviews

'Walter had football running through his veins. What he achieved was remarkable andI have huge respect for him'

-- Sir Alex Ferguson

'A timely and sympathetic portrait of the boss'

* BBC Sportsound *



Book Information
ISBN 9781913759070
Author Neil Drysdale
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint Birlinn Ltd
Publisher Birlinn General
Weight(grams) 263g
Dimensions(mm) 195mm * 130mm * 20mm