Rangers and Dundee United legend Walter Smith is recovering in hospital following an operation.
The Ibrox club issued a short statement on Saturday afternoon regarding the 73-year-old’s condition.
Gers said: “Rangers Football Club can confirm Walter Smith had an operation on Monday and he is currently recovering in hospital.
“His family have requested privacy at this time.”
Rangers Football Club can confirm Walter Smith had an operation on Monday and he is currently recovering in hospital.
His family have requested privacy at this time. pic.twitter.com/rqfNL0urtR
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) March 13, 2021
The SFA added: “Everyone at the Scottish FA wishes Walter a speedy recovery. Get well soon.”
Smith had two spells as a player at Tannadice before becoming the late Jim McLean’s No2.
Three years after United’s 1983 title triumph, he left to become Graeme Souness’ assistant at Rangers and a glittering period in Govan followed.
Smith guided Gers to Nine in a Row after replacing Souness as boss and lifted 21 major trophies over two periods in the Ibrox hot seat.
In 2018, the former Everton and Scotland manager was linked with a national team return in the wake of Gordon Strachan’s departure but ruled himself out of the running after talks with Hampden chiefs.
Title-winning Rangers boss Steven Gerrard recently praised Smith for being his “unofficial mentor”.
Gerrard said: “Walter is someone I have the utmost respect for. He is an iconic figure at this club, a successful manager.
“It is an unofficial mentorship, if you like – I don’t even think Walter knows he is doing it.
“I’ve had the pleasure of his company around lockdown, it’s been more difficult during lockdown.
“But he is someone I have spoken to a lot on the phone. He has a real connection with the League Managers’ Association and has been a big help to me.
“I bounce a lot of stuff off him and he always has plenty of time for me and my coaches.
“So I don’t even think he knows he is being a mentor but he has been fantastic for me.”