All at the League Managers Association are so deeply saddened by the death of our very close friend, LMA member Walter Smith OBE, who has passed away at the age of 73.

Manchester City Manager and LMA member Pep Guardiola said: “I am so very sad to hear the news of Walter Smith’s passing.

“I was of course very aware of Walter’s impressive management career before I came to the Premier League. Through his role as Technical Consultant for the LMA, I have had the opportunity over the past five years to get to know him and see what a humble, insightful and very genuine man he was.

“I always enjoyed spending time with Walter and we had been planning to have dinner together again.

“I feel very fortunate to have had the chance to get to know him and I send my deepest condolences to Walter’s wife Ethel, his sons Neil and Steven, his grandchildren and all of his family who have lost a very special man.”