TRIBUTES have flooded in for Rangers legend Walter Smith following his sad passing.

Smith led Rangers to 10 top-flight titles, five Scottish Cups and six League Cups as well as to the UEFA Cup final in 2008.

Rangers said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our former manager, chairman and club legend, Walter Smith.”

A former Dundee United and Dumbarton defender, Smith was appointed manager at Ibrox in 1991, succeeding Graeme Souness.

He won 13 major trophies in seven years, including seven league titles in succession, before leaving at the end of the 1997/98 season and subsequently joining Everton.

He stayed at Goodison Park for four seasons before a brief stint as assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

Smith was appointed Scotland manager in December 2004 and was in charge for three years before returning to Rangers, where he won a further eight trophies before retiring in 2011 after completing another domestic double.

Dumbarton tweeted: “It is with very deep sadness that we have learned of the passing of our former player Walter Smith.

“After playing for Dumbarton, Walter became a legendary manager with Rangers, Everton and Scotland.

“All of our thoughts are with Walter’s family and friends at this sad time.”

The Scottish Football Association tweeted: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the former Scotland national coach, and one of the most successful managers in Scottish football history, Walter Smith.

“The thoughts of everyone at the Scottish FA are with his friends and family at this time.”

Scotland first minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “Very sad to hear of the death of former Rangers and Scotland manager, Walter Smith – he was a true football great.

“My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues across the world of football.”

Manchester United tweeted: “Everyone at Manchester United is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Walter Smith.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Walter’s friends and family at this extremely difficult time.”

Former Everton defender Alan Stubbs tweeted: “So sad to hear of the passing of Walter Smith.

“Will always be so grateful to him for giving me a chance to fulfil my dream!! RIP Gaffer.”

Former Everton striker Kevin Campbell tweeted: “R.I.P. Walter Smith you were such a great man and I can’t thank you enough for bringing me to Everton.

“A true football great.”

Everton added their voice to the condolences for Smith, calling it a “sad day for football”.

The Merseyside club tweeted: “A very sad day for football.

“Walter Smith OBE, former Rangers, Scotland and Everton manager, has passed away.

“A man held in high regard by all his players.

“Our thoughts are with Walter’s loved ones at this tough time.”

Scotland captain and Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson sent his condolences.

Robertson tweeted: “Thoughts, prayers and condolences with Walter Smith’s family and loved ones today.

“Heartbreaking to lose another great of Scottish football.

“A man of wisdom, dignity and integrity who’s legacy will live on. May he rest in peace.”

UEFA and FIFA also sent their thoughts and prayers to Smith’s loved ones.

Along with a crying face and a broken heart emoji, UEFA tweeted: “We are very sad to hear of the passing of Walter Smith.

“Our thoughts are with all his friends and family.”

While FIFA posted: “Very sad news from Scotland. Our thoughts and prayers are with Walter Smith’s loved ones.”

Ally McCoist said he was “devastated” at the loss of Smith and hailed the former manager as a “second father”.

“He means everything to a lot of folk. He was my boss, my coach, my second father and then turned into one of my best friends,” McCoist told TalkSport.

“The loss is absolutely incredible.

“The good thing is he’s not in pain. I went to see Walter recently, I spoke to him at the weekend and we knew that it would be a matter of time. But it still does not take away the pain and the grief.

“I could sit here and tell you about Walter Smith until the cows come home, but what I will say he was the best husband, father, friend, everything you want from a man.

“I can’t tell you how devastated I am.”

Motherwell manager Graham Alexander paid tribute to his former Scotland manager.

“It’s terrible news,” Alexander said. “I just have fantastic memories of the man. He sent me a great message when I came up here to work at Motherwell, a fantastic man to think of me at that time.

“I owe the resurgence of my Scotland career to him and I had without doubt my best spell of my Scotland career playing under Walter.

“A brilliant man first and foremost from my experience of how he was on the human side, how he treated everybody, and I mean everybody, not just the players but absolutely everyone who had the pleasure of being in his company.

“To play under him was an absolute privilege. Actually just getting picked by Walter, I thought I had won already because it was an achievement just to get picked by him.”

Hearts tweeted: “Everyone at Heart of Midlothian Football Club sends their condolences to the family and friends of Walter Smith, and to Rangers Football Club, at this extremely sad time.”

While St Johnstone added their own tribute on Twitter, which read: “Everyone at St Johnstone’s thoughts are with the friends and family of Walter Smith during this sad time.

“Walter was a great manager for both club and country and will be a great loss to the game.”

Former club Dundee United tweeted: “Dundee United is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player, coach, assistant manager, and board member Walter Smith.”

Sir Kenny Dalglish also tweeted: “Marina and my heartfelt sympathies are with Walter’s wife Ethel & his boys.

“Though we were on opposing sides on the pitch, he was a real footballing friend off of it.

“He was respected by all and one of the few able to transcend rivalries.

“Today we have lost a truly great man. RIP.”