Former Rangers manager and chairman Walter Smith has died at the age of 73 after illness. 

In a statement released by Rangers FC on Tuesday morning, chairman Douglas Park sent his condolences to Smith's family and described him as "a friend to many, a leader, an ambassador and most of all-a legend."

Meanwhile, former colleague Ally McCoist gave a heartfelt tribute in which he described Smith as his "best friend".

Fans have been sharing emotional footage of Smith's final Rangers match in 2011 following the news of his death. 

As the football world comes to terms with the sad news, we've taken a look back at Walter Smith's Rangers career...

A look at Walter Smith's Rangers career...

Following a stint at Dundee United, Walter Smith launched his Rangers career as Graeme Souness' assistant in 1986. 

Success came quickly for Smith as he helped guide Rangers to various titles: Premier Division and League Cup glory in 1986–87, another League Cup in 1987–88, the Premier Division and League Cup again in 1988–89, a second successive league title in 1989–90 and another League Cup in 1990–91.

This run did not go unnoticed and he quickly rose through the ranks, accepting the position of interim manager at Rangers in 1991. 

What followed was another six league wins, which included a historic domestic treble in 1992-93. 

Under his initial tenure between 1991-98, he won the league cup and Scottish cup three times each. 

He also oversaw the team go ten matches unbeaten to the final of the Champions League in 1992/93 and in 1996/7, equalled Celtic's record of nine successive championships. 

Unsurprisingly, the titles came with a hefty price tag of £50 million in transfer fees, with Smith paying more than any other club in Great Britain during the same period. 

Amid growing pressure on Smith to perform at the top level following poor European results, it was announced he would step down at the end of the 1997/98 season. 

When was Walter Smith's second stint at Rangers?

Walter Smith returned to Rangers in 2007, with Ally McCoist by his side as assistant manager. 

His second stint saw a UEFA cup final and the Scottish cup title in 2008, while 2009 saw yet another Scottish Cup, resulting in a League and Cup double. 

Rangers won the League Cup in March 2010 with only 9 men and then their 53rd league title one month later, again under the leadership of Smith. 

In his final season, before assistant McCoist took the reigns, Smith led Rangers to another domestic double, winning the League Cup and their 54th league championship.

And in true Smith fashion, his success at Rangers continued right until his final day as manager when they won the league title against Kilmarnock.