IT is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our former manager, chairman and club legend, Walter Smith.

Chairman, Douglas Park commented: “On behalf of the Rangers board of directors, staff and players, I convey my deep condolences to the Smith family. Walter leaves behind a wife, children and grandchildren, all of whom are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

“It is almost impossible to encapsulate what Walter meant to every one of us at Rangers. He embodied everything that a Ranger should be. His character and leadership was second to none, and will live long in the memory of everyone he worked with during his two terms as first team manager.

“I spoke with Walter as recently as last weekend. Even when he was battling illness, he was still able to provide advice and support. For that, I am personally grateful. I know that he continued also to maintain dialogue with senior members of staff, including our manager, Steven Gerrard.

“Walter will be sorely missed by all of us at Rangers.

“Winning 10 top-flight titles as manager, five Scottish Cups and six League Cups, as well as leading his club to the UEFA Cup Final in 2008, he will be remembered by the football community across the world. His spells as Scotland manager as well as managing in the English Premier League underlined his credentials as one of the great modern day football managers.

“However, for Rangers supporters, he was much more than just a football manager. Walter was a friend to many, a leader, an ambassador and most of all-a legend.”

As a club, we ask that the Smith family’s privacy is respected at this very difficult time. We will provide further updates in due course via club channels.

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STEVEN GERRARD’S Rangers squad has today been strengthened further with the addition of English Premier League midfielder John Lundstram on a three year deal.

Lundstram, 27, has made 62 appearances in England’s top flight in the last two seasons for Sheffield United, and impressed hugely in the middle of the park for the Blades against some of the best talent in football.

A Liverpudlian, he came through the youth programme at Everton and had a number of loan spells at EFL level before making the permanent move to the Steel City in the summer of 2017.

He played his part in getting Chris Wilder’s dynamic side to the Premier League in 2018/19. He has represented England at age group level, and was named in the squad for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup back in 2013.

Rangers Manager, Steven Gerrard, said: “John is a player I have known for some time and knew he would enhance our squad.

“Having played in the Premiership, he has the undoubted quality to enhance our midfield with his technical ability and physicality and I was impressed with his attitude and ambition when we spoke over recent weeks. John is a winner and knows what is required to succeed at a club of this stature.

“He will add steel and presence to our midfield along with his quality which makes our squad much stronger, and to procure a player of John’s profile and experience is very pleasing.

“Myself and the staff are looking forward to working with John. We know he is also very excited to get started at Rangers.”

Sporting Director, Ross Wilson outlined his delight at securing the signature of the England under-age internationalist by saying, “John was a major transfer target as part of our squad plan this summer so naturally I am delighted that he becomes a Rangers player today.

“We quietly worked hard at this deal in the background whilst understanding there was a lot of competition for his signature. John has long been admired by Steven and there’s no better judge of a midfield player in my book.

“His desire to make John a Rangers player will have been a massive plus in John’s decision making I am sure. We know John’s qualities and we know that in joining our team, with the quality we already have, his game will elevate further still.

“He will particularly relish playing in the style of Rangers team that we have and playing in front of our huge fan base is an exciting prospect for him. He joins at a time where we believe at 27 years old his peak years will be with us at Ibrox.”

Speaking today after joining Rangers, Lundstram commented: “I spoke with the manager and he sold the club to me, and I was just taken aback by his ambition, vision and drive.

“I know Glasgow is like Liverpool – a proper football city with proper football fans, and I know the people are very similar and I am buzzing to be a part of the atmosphere I am moving into.

“The chance to work with Steven Gerrard and Gary McAllister, as well as Michael Beale, was a huge draw.

“The manager is from the same area as me, and I want to learn from those coaches and become a better version of myself and continue to develop under them.

“As an outsider looking in, the scenes last season were unbelievable when the club won the league, and when I saw that, I knew I wanted to be a part of it and be a part of a club which wins more trophies for Rangers.

“There is something special still being built here and there is more to come. The pull of being in the Champions League was also massive for me and I want to help the team reach the group stage and make the most of that opportunity.”

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