Rangers in exile: legend’s lonely 130-day vigil to end – but Ibrox steeped in uncertainty and in Celtic’s shadow

The crisp Autumn leaves lining the kerbs along Edmiston Drive are telling evidence of the time of year. Summer is in the rear-view mirror. A rare blue supermoon has been spotted in the sky above Ibrox this week illuminating a large bronze figure with arms held aloft. It’s been a long and lonely old vigil for Walter Smith.

 

The legendary Rangers manager did, however, have some company on Monday. A long-haired sculptor returned for the first time since what some have described as his meisterwerk was unveiled prior to the Scottish Cup final against Celtic on May 25.

Douglas Jennings didn’t imagine for a moment that he would be back giving the statue its first ‘service’ before Rangers had put their boots on in Govan again.

Few would have believed it could be so. It turns out it’s easier getting bronze to Ibrox than steel.

 

Not that transporting the replica of Smith from a foundry in Surrey to Glasgow was a straightforward task. One-and-a-half times actual life size, the statue – including plinth – weighs nearly five tonnes. It is 4.25 metres high to the hands, which are raised above Smith’s head in acknowledgement of the supporters after his last home game in charge of Rangers in 2011.

“It was the time when he was saying goodbye,” explains Jennings, who instantly knew this was the pose he wanted to immortalise – and the Smith family agreed.

 

“He was walking around the pitch,” continues Jennings. “It was quite an emotional goodbye for him. So it is not a celebrating, arms-in-the-air moment. It’s really goodbye and thank you. I thought that would be apt for the piece. Hopefully that comes across for the fans.”

Of course, the devil’s often in the detail – and no one should have any concerns on that front. The candy stripe Rangers FC tie, the buttons and the blazer and, most importantly of all, the facial features. It’s Smith, to the soles of his brogues.

 

The electrician from Carmyle in Glasgow’s east end would appreciate the high level of craftsmanship involved. The likeness is extraordinarily good.

 

The expression Smith wears emits gratitude. Gratitude to Rangers and the fans for giving him the best years of his career. The feeling is mutual of course.