Club chairman Ian Bankier was joined by former Hoops star Tom Boyd and CEO Michael Nicholson in Govan as they placed flowers at the statue of John Greig this morning. 

It was the latest show of appreciation for Smith, who managed the Light Blues during two hugely successful spells, following his sad death at the age of 73. 

An emotional Bankier was warmly greeted by Rangers fans outside the stadium as he crossed the Old Firm to divide to pay his respects. 

A message on the flowers read: "Rest in peace, Walter, from everyone at Celtic Football Club." 

Former Celtic managing director Fergus McCann, in his own tribute to Smith, said yesterday: “My one regret was that I never had the opportunity to meet him face to face and commend him for stepping forward to carry Tommy Burns’ coffin – an action which showed the character of the man.”

READ MORE: Rangers and Celtic fans gather outside Ibrox to mourn loss of Walter Smith

Since his passing was confirmed by Rangers yesterday tributes have poured in from across the globe for the Carmyle boy. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Pep Guardiola were among those to share their sadness at the news. 

Described by Gers chairman Douglas Park as the "embodiment of a Ranger", Smith was also praised by Ibrox legends past and present, including Graeme Souness, Ally McCoist, and Kris Boyd. 

As well as Celtic's tribute, hundreds of flags, scarves, and flowers have been placed outside Ibrox by mourning fans, who gathered yesterday in the aftermath of the announcement. 

Walter Smith managed Rangers to 21 trophies across two spells

One supporter, John Blair, said on Tuesday: “Walter Smith was just first class in everything he did and it shows the respect everyone had for him with the Celtic fans here today. 

“There will never be another Walter Smith.

“Our father passed away seven months ago from Covid. It’s just not often a father and son have the same role model.”