Murdo Fraser MSP has lodged and circulated a Motion at the Scottish Parliament on the late Walter Smith OBE, the former Scotland manager.
The details of the Motion are as follows:
Motion Number: S6M-01793
Lodged By: Murdo Fraser
Title: Walter Smith OBE
Motion Text:
That the Parliament notes the sad passing of Walter Ferguson Smith OBE, a legend of Scottish football; recognises that Walter Smith had a 51-year career in football starting as a player with Glasgow Junior League side, Ashfield, before moving on to play senior football with both Dundee United and Dumbarton, but notes that it was as a coach and a manager of Scotland, Rangers and Everton, that Walter’s impact is seen by many to have been most keenly felt; considers that during his time as a manager and coach he contributed to some of Scotland’s finest sides, including as assistant to Jim McLean, at Dundee United, as they became champions of Scotland and European Cup semi-finalists, as coach to the Scotland Under-18 team, which won the European Youth Championship in 1982, and as an assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson during the 1986 Mexico World Cup, and who is understood to have later remarked on Smith by saying "there are few people in the game with his experience, knowledge and technical ability"; believes that it was with Rangers, his beloved boyhood club, that his greatest legacy was secured; notes that during his time as manager, across two spells with the club, he led them to 10 Scottish League Titles, including securing nine league championships in a row, six Scottish Cups, five Scottish League Cups, and taking the team to the final of the 2008 UEFA Cup; believes that Scottish football is a better place for having had Walter Smith as part of the national game, and sends its respects to his family and friends as they mourn the loss of this great man.