ALLY MCCOIST has paid an emotional tribute to Walter Smith. 

The Rangers legend has sadly died at the age of 73.

In a statement this morning, the Ibrox club announced the news of their former manager's passing.

One man who was closer to the Scottish football legend more than most was McCoist, who played and coached under Smith. 

He would later take over the reigns at Ibrox from Smith when he retired from football management in 2011.

And McCoist has paid a truly fitting tribute to his old friend. 

Speaking emotionally on talkSPORT with Jim White, McCoist said: "He was everything to a lot of folk, myself included. 

"He was my boss, my coach, my second father and he turned into my best friend. This loss is absolutely incredible.

"However, the good thing is he's not in pain. I spoke to Walter on Saturday and was going to go see him on Sunday. Clearly he was too unwell though. 

"We knew that sadly there was an inevitability about this illness and we did know it would only be a matter of time. 

"It still does not take away the pain or the grief. All I can think about it is his wife, kids and grandkids. 

"All Walter would've wanted was another few years to go and watch those grandkids play football and spend a lot of time with them all. That;s the most painful thing for me right now.

"I think I can safely say he was the best husband, the best father, the best friend, everything you'd expect in a man. It's a tragic day and I can't tell you how devastated I am.

"He wad the best by some considerable distance. I was 17 when I first played under him. I can still remember locking him out on the balcony in Monte Carlo and him giving me that look. 

"When you say old school, because times have changed and moved on, the one thing about Walter was he was 100 percent honest and fair. If he said something to you he was saying it for a reason.

"He was the most genuine man I've ever met. He had a wicked sense of humour. He was just brilliant to be around. 

"He was loved by everyone - including across the divide make no mistake about it. We love football rivalry but my phone is incredible right now with Celtic fans. 

"He along with Bill Struth will go down as the best ever Rangers managers. It's taking a while to sink in. I knew it was coming."

He added: "He was a sore loser but he respected that losing was part of the game. He did it with so much dignity and class. 

"When he got the Scotland job he appointed me and the late, great Tommy Burns as his assistants. It was a brilliant move because Tam, the biggest Celtic man you'll ever meet in your life, it captured the imagination of the country. 

"Quality. He knew what was required and when it was required. A pat on the back, a little gee up, a cuddle - he was a proper human being.

"There's been a lot of respect rightly shown towards Walter during his illness. A lot of people were aware that he was very unwell. Thankfully, deservedly and correctly he was given that privacy during this illness. 

"The history books will tell us how good he was as a manager and coach. We appreciate and love him for that.

"But what a friend, pal, boss, husband, dad, grandfather. That's the message we should all be thinking about."