David Moyes
Former Rangers, Everton and Scotland manager Walter Smith has died at the age of 73 and West Ham boss David Moyes has paid tribute to his fellow Scot. Moyes regarded Smith as his closest advisor in the world of coaching, with the Hammers boss describing Smith to The Coaches’ Voice in 2019.
David Moyes said: “The biggest mentor to me was Walter Smith. Walter had been my Scottish youth team manager. I always felt that I could phone Walter.”
Moyes replaced his mentor as Everton boss in 2002 after Smith had been in charge of the Toffees for three and a half years. Moyes went on to have an 11-year reign at the club but still turned to Smith for help and advice along the way. Smith had great success in management, particularly north of the border with Rangers where he won 21 trophies across two spells in charge. This included 10 league titles over two spells, with seven of them coming in succession as part of the club’s historic run of nine league championships in a row. In a statement released after hearing of his mentor’s passing,
David Moyes said: “I looked up to Walter with so much respect. He was such a great Scottish manager but, to me, he was an even better man. He was honourable, he showed great dignity, and always demonstrated such class. He was a true friend and mentor, and a man I feel privileged to have known. He will always be remembered fondly. My thoughts are with all of Walter’s family.”
