STEVEN GERRARD has thanked his ‘unofficial’ mentor Walter Smith for helping him on the road towards Premiership glory with Rangers this season.

The Ibrox legend has been a source of support and encouragement to Gerrard throughout his tenure as manager and continues to offer advice as and when required.

Smith was the last manager to lift the top flight title with Rangers a decade ago and Gerrard will now follow in his footsteps in the coming days as his side prepare to be crowned Premiership champions.

 

Gerrard said: “Walter is someone I have the utmost respect for. He is an iconic figure at this club, a successful manager.

“It is an unofficial mentorship, if you like - I don’t even think Walter knows he is doing it.

“I’ve had the pleasure of his company around lockdown, it’s been more difficult during lockdown.

“But he is someone I have spoken to a lot on the phone. He has a real connection with the League Managers’ Association and has been a big help to me.

“I bounce a lot of stuff off him and he always has plenty of time for me and my coaches. So I don’t even think he knows he is being a mentor but he has been fantastic for me.”