Walter Smith Rangers statue unveiling at Ibrox: Date, time and location

Rangers will unveil a statue of legendary manager Walter Smith before Saturday's Scottish Cup showdown at Hampden.

Gers icon Smith sadly passed away at the age of 73 in October 2021 and his death sparked an outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes across Scottish football. Smith - who also managed Everton and Scotland - won an incredible 21 trophies across his two stints in charge at Ibrox including 10 top-flight titles, five Scottish Cups and six League Cups.

Now, two-and-a-half-years on from his passing, Smith will be immortalised in bronze on the corner of the stadium footprint between Edmiston House and the Copland Road stand. Fans are invited to gather for the tribute in honour of one of the club's all-time greats ahead of this weekend's showpiece with Celtic. Here, Football Scotland tells you everything you need to know.

When will the Walter Smith Statue be unveiled?

Rangers have confirmed that the long-awaited Walter Smith Statue will be unveiled on Saturday May 25 at 12noon. The bronze piece has been designed and sculpted by esteemed London-based artist, Douglas Jennings, whose portfolio includes a statue of Queen Elizabeth II in London and, in the football sphere, Jack Charlton and George Cohen.

Where will the Walter Smith Statue be situated?

The permanent memorial will be displayed near where the old East Terracing at Ibrox used to be - the area where he watched games as a boyhood fan growing up. Rangers explained: "As a boy, Walter used to make the pilgrimage to the east terracing at Ibrox to watch his heroes, and it is only fitting that the great man will be forever immortalised in bronze at the location the east terracing once was."

Is the unveiling free to attend?

Yes, of course. Supporters are invited to gather as the Smith family and guests display the permanent memorial to the club's second most successful manager after Bill Struth. Given the anticipated attendance, Edmiston Drive is likely to be closed for a short time. Fans have been told not to park on Edmiston Drive between Copland Road and Broomloan Road. Instead, cars and buses can park for free at the Albion Car Park. A commemorative programme marking the event will be on sale at the unveiling, with all profits going to the Rangers Charity Foundation.