Gerrard feels lucky to have known Rangers legend Smith

Walter Smith

, who contributed to 21 trophies as the

manager, has been

Steven Gerrard

’s source of support since he joined Ibrox for his first managerial role. The Rangers manager talked to the club’s TV channel and expressed how much he would miss the Rangers legend.

He said:

“It’s still obviously very raw but it is a very sad day for everyone connected to the club.

“Walter was an incredible leader and a very successful manager here at Rangers. I think he epitomised everything that this club stands for.

“His DNA is all over the club. It’s obviously very sad news.”

Gerrard revealed that he and Smith spent a lot of time together and he drew from the legend’s experience.

“

He’s been right behind me since day one,”

the former Liverpool captain said. “

I’ve had many lunches and dinners and coffees and chats, private time with me in my office.

“He’s going to be a very big loss and a miss to a lot of people.

“He’s decorated all over the club and he will be forever because he gave many, many years to the club and he loved the club.

“He was honest, he was genuine and he’s made me a better person so I’ve got nothing but good words to say about him today.

“I’ve been the lucky one to know him and to spend time with him, as have a lot of other people who will have their own special memories of a great man.”

Gerrard is going to have his squad prepared for their Premiership battle against Aberdeen on Wednesday and he revealed that it will be an emotional occasion, but his side can mark Smith’s passing with winning the game.

He said:

“It’s going to be emotional in the coming days and weeks but the best tribute I and we as a team can do is be united, get the fans behind us, and try and win the game tomorrow. That’ll be the best tribute we can give him and his family.”

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