Walter Smith taught me vital lesson on what it takes to be Rangers manager 30 years before I got it, says Derek McInnes

DEREK McINNES listened intently on the phone as Walter Smith told him Scottish bosses needed to show more belief in themselves. He had no idea it would be the last time he’d hear from him. Today marks the fifth anniversary…

By Gareth Law · The Scottish Sun

Published: Monday, 26 October 2026 at 7:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Derek McInnes revealed Walter Smith taught him the importance of self-belief and honesty in management.
Smith advised McInnes that Scottish managers needed to carry themselves with greater confidence.
McInnes recalled being dropped by Smith for the 1996-97 League Cup final against Hearts.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Rangers manager Derek McInnes has reflected on the key managerial lessons passed on by the late Walter Smith, speaking on the fifth anniversary of the former Ibrox manager's death. McInnes recalled advice from their final phone call, where Smith urged Scottish managers to show greater confidence and carry themselves with self-belief.

McInnes also shared a memory from the 1996–97 League Cup final against Hearts, where Smith left him out of the squad but met him the following day to explain the decision honestly. McInnes stated that Smith's commitment to upfront communication with players shaped his own managerial philosophy at Rangers.

Read the full article on The Scottish Sun