SilverSmith: The Biography of Walter Smith Book

Walter Smith is one of the most talked about and respected managers in British football. This insightful biography casts a reflective and analytical eye over his life and career, examining this shrewd professional through the many highs and lows that he has experienced as a player and manager. After 250 appearances for Dundee United, Walter Smith was appointed assistant to Jim McLean in 1982, the same year in which he helped the Scotland under-18 side win the European Youth Championship. He later served as Alex Ferguson's assistant during the 1986 World Cup. He enjoyed an illustrious career in management at Rangers, joining the Souness revolution in 1987, winning nine successive league titles, a domestic treble in the 1992-93 season and winning both the Scottish Cup and League Cup three times. In 1998, Smith accepted a position in England with Everton, where he was the manager until 2002, before being reunited with Ferguson at Old Trafford in 2004. In December of that year, Smith was appointed as Scotland manager and his effort subsequently earned him the title of 'Scot of the Year' at the prestigious Glenfiddich 'Spirit of Scotland' awards in 2006. Midway through the qualifying rounds for Euro 2008, however, and with the Scots leading their group, he controversially accepted an offer to return to Ibrox in January 2007. Since returning to Glasgow, Smith has led Rangers to the UEFA Cup Final and triumph in the Scottish Cup in 2008, a domestic League and Cup double in 2009 and another double—this time in the domestic League and League Cup—in 2010. Neil Drysdale brings Smith's story right up to date as he challenges for titles on all fronts in his last season at Rangers before calling time on his distinguished career in management.